Unlocking ‘The Woman Code:’ 4 tips to know your value

There’s been plenty of talk of latewelcome discussion in my humble opinionabout equal pay for equal work.

Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette sparked an online conversation and debate following her call for pay equality after accepting the award for best supporting actress at this year’s Oscars.

And, earlier this month, the embattled and now ex co-chair of Sony Pictures, Amy Pascal, whipped up another firestorm by putting the onus on women. If women want to eliminate pay disparities in Hollywood, they need to demand more money.

“What women have to do is not work for less money,” she said, according to CNN Money. “They have to walk away.”

That is certainly easier said than done for most women in America, who can’t afford to turn their backs on their jobs when they are helping to support families or doing it all on their own. But there is something all women can do no matter their income level or background — and it’s something that could dramatically alter the course of their lives, according to bestselling new book “The Woman Code.”

Author Sophia Nelson — a motivational speaker, lawyer and former White House reporter who has more energy pulsing from her petite frame than most of us could ever imagine — says before any woman can push for a raise or a promotion, she’s got to put her attention on one and only one person: herself.

“Everything you need to win is inside you. You just got to push it out.”

I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions but I did start 2015 with a motto: Let’s do this thing. It means seize the moment, go for what you want, take chances, take risks.

I was reminded of that as I read “The Woman Code.”

Let’s do this thing, women. Let’s do it now.

Do you feel the issue of “knowing your value” has ever held you back in your personal or professional lives? Share your thoughts with Kelly Wallace on Twitter or CNN Living on Facebook.

CNN