AUTHENTICITY · PERSPECTIVE · IMPACT
Today
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My Dear Friend,
I know you are frustrated, feeling uncertain, and have lost confidence. You are wondering what went wrong, compared to other colleagues in the lab.
If I pick one thing to share with you as advice, I will say please do not compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own path to their career, and that does not have to be linear or upward to be called success. You just need to take time to think and reflect on your value and your worth, what you can do to help others — all of which will help you grow.
Trust me, attending seminars and networking events is not a waste of your time. You will learn so much from others and gain new perspectives every time you meet new people and talk about your life, career, and interests.
I wish I had known what sponsors are, what mentoring means, and what you can do as a mentee when I was younger. Learning from others is not to compare yourself to others, but rather to find your own position among these different perspectives — knowing some may resonate and some may not.
Figuring out who you are and what you value is a journey that continues. I learned that sometimes squeaky wheels get oil, which is fine if that is your way. However, if you are someone who does not raise your voice to get attention, let that be too. People will recognize you if you show up as your authentic self and show your worth.
Your work may not be a shiny project in the company — if it is important for you to be that center of attention, seek that path to get the spotlight. But, if it is more important for you to make an impact, big or small, regardless of the attention you receive, be confident and keep making the impact that you value.
Start learning from the leaders and peers around you, whom you look up, whom you work with. Learn what they value, how they show up. When you pay attention to those around you, you learn so much.
I repeat my message here: Don’t compare yourself to others — be yourself and focus on what you can contribute, because everyone has a superpower. Trust in you and use your superpower to make impact. YOU know your value and the impact you create, even when no one else can!
Warmly,
Your friend