Issue #7: Create and Claim Value Outside of Your Professional Role

Your Current Situation

It's common to define our entire identity by our professional work, but it's important to break away and create value outside of it. You may feel like you're confined to others' perceptions about who you are or like your current role has plateaued. However, if you're seeking more fulfillment and alignment in your life, it's crucial to create and claim your value outside of your professional role.

A Different Take

According to Simon Sinek's book "The Infinite Game," when we define ourselves by our work, titles, or job descriptions, we give away our power and allow others to control our lives.

The Shift

There are many personal benefits to creating value beyond your present role. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the satisfaction that comes from knowing you are making a difference in the lives of others. When you create value for others, you also create value for yourself. This can be in the form of new skills and knowledge, new relationships, or simply a sense of accomplishment.

Creating value can also help you stand out from your peers and build a positive reputation. When you are known as someone who is always looking for ways to add value, people will be more likely to seek you out and want to work with you. This can lead to opportunities for advancement and greater responsibility at work, or even new job opportunities.

Finally, creating value can improve your mental and physical health. Research has shown that attaining a “sense of meaning” through personally fulfilling work raises self-esteem, lowers depression and leads to better overall health.

Creating and claiming more value is a worthwhile goal. Ironically, creating value outside of your professional role can actually help to reinvigorate your passion for your current career and lead to greater fulfillment and growth opportunities.