I’ve always been an idealist, holding the belief that the world can be made better and that individuals can create change. I remember my father calling me an idealist when I was in middle school, I didn’t truly realizing what it meant at the time. As I got older, I wore my idealism as a badge of honor, using it to fuel my sense of justice, compassion for others, and ambition. One of the greatest challenges of being a lifelong idealist is navigating the inevitable disillusionments that come with age and experience. 30 years later I am still wearing the badge, albeit somewhat tarnished and slightly worse for the wear. In this fast-paced world, I found myself getting caught up in the pursuit of success defined by others, empty recognition, and politicized advancement in my career. It was my unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of humanity that fueled my decision to join the TrailBlaze team two years ago.
Maintaining a sense of authenticity, compassion, and purpose in your career is not only essential for your well-being but also for creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others. In this blog post, we’ll look at four ways I stay heart-centered in my career and professional life.
I surround myself with people who fill my creative cup or at least never let it run empty – people who believe deeply in creating change, moving the needle, and the concept of Creative Advocacy. This method goes beyond traditional advocacy approaches by incorporating creativity, storytelling, and community-centered strategies to effect meaningful change. It’s the convergence of community activism and creative expression – a place where idealism thrives.
Living life as an idealist requires seeing the world through a lens of possibility and hope, or as my cynical, baby boomer father might say “rose-colored glasses.” I’ve clung to my belief that humanity can rise above its flaws, and that society can progress towards greater justice, equality, and compassion. The last four years haven’t been easy on those of us striving for a heart-centered purpose. Idealists envision a world where every individual is valued, where kindness and empathy prevail over hatred and indifference.
My sense of self-awareness has grown throughout my career, I’ve learned to embrace my values, passions, and motivations and connect them to my professional life which has required a level of vulnerability that has only recently become a fashionable leadership skill. I’ve made time to reflect on what truly matters to me and how I want to show up in the world and how I can teach my children how to show up for others. This also means setting and maintaining boundaries to preserve my well-being and prevent burnout. As a mom, taking care of yourself can be difficult to prioritize, however, I’ve learned it is essential for sustaining being heart-centered and effective in your professional life.
Idealists are usually empaths, who consistently practice sensitivity and compassion in interactions with colleagues, clients, and collaborators. Recognizing the humanity in others and striving to cultivate genuine connections based on empathy, respect, and understanding requires actively listening to others’ perspectives, validate their experiences, and seeking common ground even in moments of disagreement. Take time to express gratitude for the meaningful contributions that are made in your professional life and the lives of others.
Staying heart-centered in my career and professional life requires intention, self-awareness, and practice – and some days are easier than others. By cultivating authenticity, compassion, and purpose in my work, I’ve not only enhanced my well-being but also contributed to a more compassionate, connected, and meaningful world. In the famous words of Tom Petty, “Let your heart be your guide” as you navigate your career journey, and may it lead you to fulfillment, impact, and joy.
