Remember Who You Are

A couple of months ago, I was pretty critical of myself that I wasn’t farther along in my career. I felt like I should be more advanced based on my sheer years out of law school. After several conversations with my personal Board of Directors and much reflection, I remembered that I’m in my third major practice area (Marketing Review and Consumer Protection, Community Association Law, and now Global Supply Chain Commercial Transactions) after almost six years. While still early in my career, I’ve had a wealth of experiences that make me better. Sure, if I started out where I am now right after law school, I would be farther along in this particular practice area, but that wasn’t my path. It’s not my story.

My work story is one of going after my dreams and directing my own career. It is defined by hard work, overcoming challenges, learning and growing. A reflection of saying yes to interesting opportunities, pivoting and exploring the unknown. It is special; 100% unique to me, and I should not allow my own desires and expectations (or those of others) to undermine the amazing, enriching experiences that comprise my career journey or discount where I am right now because it took work and prayer to get here. I also should not allow one small metric like how many years out of law school I am to dictate how I view my career or myself. (I say this now, but believe me, I’ve had some really stressful moments over the last couple of months reflecting on my career, resulting in me putting unrealistic pressure on myself.) Sometimes when I reflect and plan professionally, I can get so wrapped up in making things happen at work. The next promotion, skillset, or assignment. I have a tendency to go all in and when I don’t make progress fast enough by my or someone else’s standards, it’s easy to become discouraged.

To counter that tendency, I’ve been more intentional about reminding myself that my story does not start or stop with my career. Yes, I spend a lot of time working, most of us do, but I am not my work and my work is not me. While I may be partially shaped by my career experiences, I am not solely defined by them. I’m defined by God. My identity and value come from God, not what I do.

My life story is also full of excitement, adventure, boldness, generosity, creativity, thoughtfulness, fun and so much more because I am a daughter, niece, cousin, linesister, friend, godmother, mentor, and encourager, in addition to being a lawyer. There are so many things other than work that fill my cup, for example spending time with family and friends, traveling, enjoying fine culinary experiences, and encouraging others. These things are a big part of who I am. I needed to be reminded of this.

This blog post is dedicated to people like me who sometimes get discouraged and need a reminder of who you are and what makes you special. Hint: It’s probably not what you think it is. It’s not what you do, how much money you make, your status at work or in life, it’s not whatever power or authority you may have and be able to exert. God made you special, in His image. You’re his child. That’s it. It’s simple.

So the next time you get tempted to be tough or down on yourself, remember who and whose you are.