Self-Love and Identity: The Key to Your Career
By Karina Eisner, Career Coach and Executive Leadership Consultant
Not What, but Who
From the top executive down, we all reach a point where we need to make a change in our career path. And the pressure begins: resume, LinkedIn profile, contacts, calls, meetings. But before you jump into that race, don’t forget the most important thing: yourself.
My clients often confirm that they only manage to regain confidence and overcome the stress of this stage when they stop to make a deep self-assessment of their mission and objectives.
Let’s explore why knowing and embracing yourself is the secret to success.
What Is Identity and Why Does it Matter?
Identity is not what we do, but who we are; it is what defines and motivates us as people. Reflecting on ourselves and accepting who we have become are key in making good decisions about our next career move, and achieving our highest goals.
The alternative is accepting the first thing that comes our way, and ending up dissatisfied and burnt out.
Knowing yourself is power!
Identity, purpose and work
While identity is the “who,” purpose is the “why,” the compass that decides our general direction in life.
Those with clear purpose are more productive and happier overall, and more likely to retain jobs longterm, according to statistics.
It is clear, then, that finding purpose is a good strategy, and increases self-esteem. Knowing ourselves well is key towards the future job, since it guarantees:
- Clear vision: Knowing who we are and what we want helps us to focus on what is important, without fears or doubt.
- Effective resume and interviews: Knowing our value, skills, and goals makes us more attractive to employers.
- Strong confidence: Self-esteem helps us pursue higher goals, demand what we deserve, and set clear boundaries.
As we see, knowing and accepting ourselves, and establishing clear objectives, increase self-esteem —and our chances of success.
The clarity, authenticity and self-confidence gained in the process ensure the best professional step, one that allows us to make an impact aligned to our purpose.
Looking for Professional Success? It starts with you!
Bottom line: in professional development and job seeking, a personal inventory is a smart decision. Furthermore, it is an essential act of self-love that will open up new opportunities to grow and make a difference. In doing so, you’ll not only find a job—you’ll love the job you find.
If this resonates with you, whether as an employee, leader or entrepreneur, count on me to guide you in this discovery process. Your best career move is waiting, and it starts with you.
