Are You Copying Someone Else’s Model Of Success?
I’ve done it, more times than I care to admit! But the most prominent example was how I looked up to the academic mentors I admired so much that I modelled success based on their paths. AKA I nearly did a PhD.
It honestly wasn’t until during a meeting with a prospective supervisor, that they asked:
‘How do you hope your life will look once you’ve finished?’
They took the ‘glory’ out of the achievement and brought me back to the reality of my day-to-day life. It made me consider if this was genuinely something I was interested in!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the status of an achievement without considering its real-life implications!
Upon asking that question, I realized that in addition to being immersed in learning opportunities that fueled me, I would also have to work exceptionally long hours in precarious roles, moving to wherever there was work for the foreseeable future.
I also realized that I had had such a positive experience of feeling a true sense of belonging and connection in my Undergrad and Masters, that I was clinging to something that had passed.
Here’s the thing, you are sold the idea that ‘success’ can be neatly packaged, achieved and validated by society. But the reality is that we are all unique, and what works for one person won’t necessarily for us!
It’s easier to follow someone else’s path than to tread into your own unknown territory!
Reminder, you do not have to go it alone, but finding time to check in with what YOU really want is so important!
When you're feeling unsure, I invite you to consider: “What do I want my day-to-day to look like?
And will doing ____ support that to become a reality?”
Also, you are always allowed to change your mind xx
If this post has felt supportive for you, it would mean the world to me if you shared it with a friend or let me know your thoughts!
Want to trust yourself more? Check out my 1 on 1 coaching opportunities or pop me an email, happy to answer any questions you might have and see if coaching is the right fit for you ♡
