So what?

Several clients in the past have shared deep pain about their past job experiences. I have heard a sense of failure, loss of self-esteem and confidence, and a lack of hope moving forward.

These experiences are very real for those who shared them. The burn-out and damaged self-image do need to be addressed. You can't simply talk yourself out of them.

However, it is helpful to realize that these feelings aren't the entire truth. Author Paula D'Arcy tells the story of sharing her trials and heartbreaks with a wise mentor. After hearing her outpouring, he asked her: "So what?"

Rather than being offended by those two words, she sensed in his eyes and his attitude the deep love and caring. D'Arcy realized that what he really was saying to her was, "Don't get lost there. It's not who you are. Those are experiences you've had. That's all. You're the self who lived through them. Know her."

Good advice. Wise words. A string of what you consider failures or hurtful job experiences is not who you are. Those are experiences you've had. Now, what's the rest of the story? Who are you and what are your gifts? Go with that—and at the same time, do what you need to do to handle the burn-out and self-image issues.

Let's get you moving forward—if you resonate with this post. I invite you to contact me today to schedule a no-obligation, complimentary consultation.