“Before you can enjoy success in life, you have to know who you are. If you don’t know who you are and what you want, there will be many people who will want you to become something you’re not” -Kim Garst
My business coach posted the above quote yesterday. It really caught my attention! Combined with some of the chatter in the coaching group having to do with honing in on your passion and turning it into a business, it seemed so spot on.
I had been taking with a girlfriend not too long ago who is at a bit of a crossroads. She’s at a great place professionally, having been recently selected for a training type position in her company that generally is a good predictor of future promotions. She’s bright, articulate, and will likely go far in her profession.
But she confided her growing dissatisfaction with the demands of the job, particularly where it takes her away from her sweet young children on a far too regular and unpredictable basis. It hadn’t been an issue when she started, and the common wisdom was that with flexible childcare and the like, she’d find a way to make it work.
It works, but the rising-star career path being carved out for her doesn’t match who she is becoming.
It’s common, I know, especially among women juggling roles
as mom and career professional.
Just because it’s common doesn’t make the tension any less painful, though.
When was the last time you took the chance to review who you are and where you’re going professionally? Does who you are match the path you’re on?
Anything less is a sure recipe for dissatisfaction.
On Thursday I’ll be sharing some questions you might ask yourself to help figure out if your purpose and passion are aligned with your actions.
Cheers!
Pauline
Pauline, great article and question as well. I have just recently reviewed who I was and where I wanted to go professionally. Some times it takes something to wake us up and rethink things! Looking forward to reading your next article regarding the questions to ask to help figure out if our purpose and passions are aligned with our actions! Thank you!
What a wise coach!! Couldn’t agree more…we must have solid ground to who we are and who we want to be in order to live an authentic life!Without that true happiness will be impossible~ Thanks for sharing!
ah now several wise women! you, her and a bunch more on our little group – great article, excellent message and great job today!
Thank you so much, Patricia! I noticed it was thematically connected to your own blog post! Must be something in the air, right? Be blessed!
Great message. Sometimes I simply have my head in the sand. It’s easier to avoid what I don’t want to see. I am brushing off the dirt now, I will re evaluate.
Nice to see you here at my blog, Suzanne! I have a feeling you are truer to your course than you might imagine; your background in tapping into your subconscious is an amazing tool for staying on track with that! Hope you have a fantastic day!
Very lovely piece on aligning one’s self with their true intentions. Simple and direct, with an example we can all relate to. Can’t wait to see today’s questions.
Thanks, Lorrie! I always enjoy seeing you over here at my blog. Your writing also explores that theme in various ways, so your comment is especially treasured. Blessings to you today (and new post will be up in a few!)
Great post! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Lorii! Best wishes for your success today!
The last time I reevaluated was a year ago. I had a social media consultancy and although I love social media…I truly wasn’t inline with my intentions to keep pursuing. I have revamped my business and I am now working with women to improve their leadership skills, get empowered and honor their greatness! It feels wonderful to be congruent! Great post and I will share
Thanks for your comments, Anita! It’s so easy to get caught up in what we do every day and miss that chance to step back. For whatever reason, it doesn’t come as naturally as other habits do.
I love hearing about your own journey toward aligning your professional goals with who you are as a woman. How exciting! And those social media skills are certainly an asset in that, I’m sure!
Be blessed!
Great food for thought here… Thanks!
Thanks for coming over, Norma!
Great article Pauline! I made my realizations when I switched businesses. I did legal support and medical support for many years, but it wasn’t me. Social media isn’t me. It took awhile to find it, but I finally did, and I am happy.
Thanks for reminder: know thyself. I can’t be anyone but me and also what I value and want to do. It brings peace of mind to my soul and keeps my head from spinning. Thanks Pauline.
Great reminder to find a balance and setting the priorities and hiring some help if need be to support my values.
It seems like I have to do weekly evaluations of my work–the strategy and plans–what works what doesn’t etc… By weekly evaluations I have become more focused and driven. My issue is time constraints. I wish I could do more per hour.
Fabulous advice Pauline, I totally agree. I know I floundered around forever doing what people told me would make money. Even when it did make money, I never felt satisfied with it. And, I knew I would never find long term success until I figured out exactly who I was and how I could best serve people. Sometimes it can become quite a journey, but the rewards are awesome!