In a world that often equates love with external validation and romantic partnerships, we sometimes overlook the most fundamental relationship in our lives—the one with ourselves. While Valentine's Day traditionally celebrates romantic connections, it's worth considering how aligning with our purpose through our work intersects with self-love. Living your purpose isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving financial success; it's about honoring who we are at our core and creating a life that reflects our true potential.
As a strategist and founder of Career Steward, I've discovered that helping more people love what they do and do what they're purposed to do is my own calling. And it’s interesting that the journey to finding and living your purpose often parallels the journey to self-love. Both require self-reflection, courage to embrace change, and the willingness to bet on yourself even when the path forward seems uncertain.
The Intersection of Self-Love and Purpose
"Once you love yourself to the point of full authenticity, what you do in life, who you're connected to in life, what you experience—all of that really starts from the love of you,” says host Tammy Nicole in my recent appearance on her show, the Loving Me Before I Love You podcast. This is the essence of why living your purpose is perhaps the ultimate act of self-love.
Because when you align your body of work with your purpose, you create harmony between who you are and what you're meant to do, rather than conforming to external expectations or settling for less than what you deserve.
Recognizing When It's Time for Change
Sometimes, the greatest act of self-love is acknowledging when something no longer serves you. “Just because you've outgrown something doesn't mean it's bad,” I shared in our convo. “Sometimes you have done all that you had to do in this phase, and it's time for you to move on to the next one."
This realization often comes with subtle signals: diminished joy in once-fulfilling tasks, persistent frustration, or a nagging feeling that you're capable of more. These aren't signs of failure; they're invitations to grow.
The Courage to Choose Yourself
Making a career change requires tremendous courage. It means betting on yourself even when the outcome isn't guaranteed. As I emphasized in our conversation, "Don't be afraid to bet on yourself, learn how to trust yourself, even when you're scared, even when it's uncomfortable, even when you don't know how it's going to pan out."
This act of choosing yourself—of prioritizing your growth and fulfillment—is likely the most profound expression of self-love in your professional life. It's about recognizing that you deserve to love what you do, not just tolerate it.
It's also worth noting that the idea of purpose shouldn't feel like a pressure cooker. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the notion of finding your one true calling, you're not alone. Just know that purpose doesn’t have to be about having a grand, world-changing mission—it can be as simple as using your unique gifts to make a positive impact in your own way. Sometimes, it’s found gradually through the small choices we make each day to honor our authentic selves. What matters most is giving yourself permission to explore and evolve.
Taking Intentional Steps Toward Your Purpose
The path to discovering and living your purpose begins with self-reflection and assessment. Understanding your strengths, values, and vision for your life creates the foundation for meaningful change. This process involves asking yourself important questions about what brings you joy, what challenges you want to tackle, and what kind of impact you're meant to make in the world.
“It’s crucial to start with some sort of assessment,” I recommended. Try to get to a point where you’re clear on your greatest skills, values, and more.
Embracing the Journey
The path to career fulfillment, like any journey of self-love, isn't always linear. It requires patience, persistence, and compassion for yourself along the way. Remember, feeling some version of anxiety or fear is normal. Just don't let the feelings keep you stuck where you are, especially when there’s much greater on the other side of that leap of faith.
Your Next Step
As a post-Valentine's Day act of self-love, consider giving yourself the gift of purpose-driven work. Whether that means starting the journey of self-discovery, taking steps toward aligning your work with your purpose, or simply acknowledging that you deserve to do work that matters deeply to you.
Want to continue exploring how to unlock your purpose and potential? Subscribe to The Purpose Post, where we regularly share insights, strategies, and inspiration for those seeking to make their unique impact on the world. Together, let's create a life where your work becomes a natural expression of who you are—because that's what real self-love looks like in action.
