For many professionals, identity is defined through work. Job performance, achievements, and recognition become the primary way of self-evaluation. However, when we base our identity solely on what we do, we risk feeling that our worth is tied to our professional success.
This type of identity can be based on the fear of failure, creating constant pressure to avoid losing relevance. Even successful people in their careers face existential questions like: “What should I do now?” or “How can I avoid failing?”. If you’ve felt this way, it’s normal. But there are ways to confront this fear.
Manage your life as a constantly evolving project
The biggest challenge is understanding that professional identity is not fixed. Life is a constantly evolving project. Just as interests and skills change, it’s essential to adapt to new circumstances. If we only focus on what we’ve done so far, we may miss the opportunity to discover new passions and paths.
The key is to plan for your future without fearing change. It’s important not only to focus on the present moment but to visualize what’s coming, knowing that every stage is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create new moments of success. Good moments don’t last forever, but you can always find ways to create new, good moments in different circumstances.
The importance of letting go and embracing the new
Accepting that our identity is not tied to work frees us from a great emotional burden. By freeing ourselves from the idea that we are only what we do, we get the chance to focus on what truly makes us happy and who we want to be in the future. Letting go of what no longer defines us is a way to embrace the new, and in the long run, this can be more enriching than clinging to a single definition of success.
Conclusion
Professional success should not be something unchanging. By understanding that stages in our careers have a beginning and an end, we can stop fearing them and start embracing them. The key is to let go, accept change, and move forward with new goals and challenges. Remember that your identity is constantly evolving, and this is what allows you to grow and move forward, without fear of the future.
