Have you ever felt like your job title doesn't quite capture the essence of who you are? If you’ve ever struggled to define your identity beyond your professional role, this episode is for you. We'll explore how titles can both validate and limit us, and discuss the richness of embracing multiple facets of our identities – like being a friend, artist, mentor, or adventurer.
Join me as we dive into redefining our relationships and self-worth beyond our job descriptions. We’ll offer practical steps for discovering and celebrating your unique qualities, fostering authentic connections, and cultivating a balanced, fulfilling life. Imagine starting conversations with your passions instead of your job title, and how that could transform connections and bring out the best in you. Together, we’ll explore the beauty of identity fluidity and reflect on the legacies we want to create.
Key Takeaways:
About Our Host:
Having endured bullying throughout her teenage years and young adulthood, Sheryll is dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Leveraging over 15 years of experience in Corporate America as a Financial Services and Human Resources professional, she helps clients understand how their mindset and emotions affect their relationship with money. As a Speaker, Author, and Coach, she uses a blend of inspiration and practical wisdom to enable clients to achieve their unique wealth and health goals. Sheryll's vision is to foster a supportive community where individuals break free from limiting beliefs, embrace their worthiness, and align their lives with their deepest desires and aspirations.
Fit For Biz Consulting, Inc. - https://www.fitforbizconsulting.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryll-mizell-a2291b7
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/createyourroaar
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Email: mizellcan@gmail.com
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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone asks, what do you do? And you feel like you're being handed a pop quiz on your entire identity? You know, like I'm a marketing manager or I'm a software engineer, it's like trying to summarize a five season TV show in a single sentence, nearly impossible, but here's the kicker, does your job title really capture the essence of who you are? Spoiler alert, it often doesn't.
Sheryll Mizell:Welcome back to another empowering episode of wake up to your Wow, where we explore everything you need to create a life of wellness, wealth and worth. I'm your trusted wellness God, your girl, Maisel, here to help you unlock your true potential. Today, we're diving into a topic that resonates with all of us, a topic that's both intriguing and relatable. You're more than your title. So let's unpack this together as we dive deeper into this topic, let's consider how these titles shape our perceptions and experiences. Titles can feel important, can't they? They're like shiny badges, beware, signaling to the world what we do. But here's the kicker, they can also be limiting, confining us to a single aspect of our identity instead of being defined by a singular role, we recognize that we wear many hats, friend, artist, mentor, adventurer and so much more, this broader perspective fosters a deeper appreciation for our unique qualities and passions, empowering us to pursue activities that truly resonate with us. When we engage in what we love, we naturally invite more joy and excitement into our lives, which contributes to that wild feeling. So what if we started to explore who we are beyond those labels? What if we took a moment to peel back the layers of our identities and ask ourselves, what makes me, me think about it, how often do we tie our self worth to our jobs or titles? We've all been there, right? You get a promotion, and suddenly you feel like you're walking a little taller, like you've unlocked a new level in the game of life. But what happens when you face a setback? Do you shrink back to a lesser version of yourself because your title changed? It's a heavy burden we place on ourselves, well, let's dive into this concept together and explore how we can redefine our identities in a way that's more expansive and fulfilling this shift can enhance our relationships where we share our passions and interests, rather than just our job descriptions. We create opportunities for authentic connections with others. Imagine engaging in conversations that dive into shared hobbies or dreams instead of merely discussing work related achievements. These genuine interactions foster community and support enriching our lives and helping us feel more connected.
Sheryll Mizell:But let's consider the story of someone we cannot relate to, a character I like to call corporate Claire. Claire is a diligent employee who has worked her way from intern to manager. When people ask her what she does, she proudly states her title as she's been recognized for her hard work. But when Claire goes home at night, she feels a tugging emptiness, as if something essential is missing. Is it fulfillment, creativity or perhaps a connection to her true self. It's easy to see how titles can overshadow our passions, hobbies and the things that make our hearts sing. So let's ask ourselves, How can we ensure our titles don't define our worth? Now let's take a step back and think about the multitude of roles we each play beyond your job title. Who are you? Are you a mother, a friend, a musician, a foodie or an inspiring traveler? Each of these roles at Les. To our identity. What if we celebrated those aspects of ourselves just as much as we do our professional achievements? Imagine how freeing it would be to embrace a more holistic view of ourselves. This brings us to the idea of identity fluidity, just like a river that changes course over time. Our identities can evolve too. Have you ever had a moment where you realized you've grown in a way you didn't expect? Maybe you took up painting during the pandemic, or started hiking on weekends, or, like me, started a podcast, those experiences can redefine who you are in meaningful ways.
Sheryll Mizell:The question is, how can we invite more of that versatility into our lives? One way to do this is by intentionally setting aside time to explore our interests outside of work. What are you curious about? What hobbies have you always wanted to try think of it as a self discovery buffet. Take a little bit of everything, try painting, join a book club, or even volunteer for a cause that speaks to your heart. When we allow ourselves the freedom to explore, we begin to uncover parts of ourselves that have been waiting in the wings. And let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy a good laugh along the way, we often take ourselves too seriously, especially in professional settings.
Sheryll Mizell:Here's living humor for you. Ever had a team build an exercise where you had to describe yourself using only three words? You look around and you see your colleagues struggling, sweating under the pressure like it's the final question on a game show, the words hard working and dedicated fly around the room like confetti. But what about fantastic dancer or snack connoisseur? Those could be just as valid. Now let's pivot for a moment and consider how we can actively redefine our narratives instead of leading with our titles. How about we start conversations with our passions? Next time someone asks, what do you do? Consider following my lead and responding with something like, I am a storyteller who loves to explore the world, or I'm someone who loves turning strangers into friends. Imagine how that would spark a conversation about shared experiences and connection. Or you might say, I love skipping down the street and jumping into puddles, bringing joy to others. These responses not only pique interest, but also open up avenues for deeper connection. After all, isn't that what we're really seeking, connection and understanding another aspect to consider is the influence of societal expectations on our self image. We live in a world that often defines success by job titles and income. It's as if we're living in a reality show called who can climb the corporate ladder the fastest. But let's ask ourselves, What if success were redefined by happiness, creativity and the ability to make an impact on others? Imagine how that shift could liberate us from the shackles of comparison and competition. Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media, seeing everyone's highlight reels and thinking, wow, they've got it all figured out. It's easy to get sucked into that spiral, but remember, you're only seeing a snapshot of their lives. What if we shared our struggles and journeys just as openly, it could create a ripple effect, reminding others that they too are more than just their titles.
Sheryll Mizell:Let's take a moment to reflect on the power of community. When we connect with others, we often discover shared interests that transcend job titles. Think about your friendships. How many of them are rooted in mutual hobbies, values or experiences, rather than professional affiliations? We need to cultivate those connections that make us feel. Whole, join a local group, attend workshops, or simply engage in conversations that spark joy. The beauty of embracing a multifaceted identity is that it can lead to unexpected opportunities. Have you ever met someone who became a great collaborator simply because you shared a mutual interest in cooking or hiking, those connections can be game changers. So let's open our eyes to the possibilities that come when we allow ourselves to be more than just our job titles. Now let's address the elephant in the room, fear. Fear can be a significant barrier to embracing our true selves. What if people don't take us seriously, if we don't define ourselves by our titles? What if we face judgment for pursuing interests that don't align with societal expectations. Here's the reality, those fears often exist in our heads. The moment we begin to express our true selves, we invite others to do the same. Imagine the sense of relief and authenticity we could create together.
Sheryll Mizell:Now, as we wrap up this exploration of identity beyond titles, let's take a moment to reflect on the concept of legacy. When you look back on your life, what do you want to be remembered for? Is it merely your job title, or is it the impact you had on others, the laughter You shared and the love you spread? Each of us has the power to craft a legacy that transcends any single role we play. So here's the challenge, start embracing the idea that you are more than your title. Dive deep into your passions, connect with others on a genuine level, and redefine what success means to you. Allow yourself to explore, grow and evolve without the constraints of a label. Now let's dig even deeper. Let's take this idea of identity and explore how it interacts with our everyday lives. Consider how your title shapes your interactions, both personally and professionally. Have you ever noticed how people tend to pigeonhole you based on your job? Oh, you a lawyer, so you must love arguing, or you're an artist. You must be so free spirited. While there's truth in stereotypes, they can also box us in preventing others from seeing the full spectrum of who we are. Imagine walking into a social gathering where everyone is mingling and you overhear someone say, oh, that's the accountant. Very serious. What if the accountant is anything like me? There's a good chance they left karaoke and are actually the life of the party. Yet that title alone could lead others to miss out on the vibrant personality behind the number crunching. Titles can create those invisible barriers that keep us from experiencing the richness of human interaction.
Sheryll Mizell:So how can we break through those barriers? One way is to actively seek to get to know others beyond their titles. When you meet someone new, instead of asking, what do you do? Try asking, What are you passionate about? Or what's something interesting you've learned recently. This shifts the focus from titles to the unique qualities and experiences that make people who they are. You might discover a hidden talent for cooking, a shared love for hiking, or even a mutual obsession with a quirky TV show or cartoon. I mean, can someone say Scooby Doo imagine the fun conversation that could spark this shift in perspective highlights that it's not just about changing our questions. It's about changing our mindset. When we begin to view ourselves and others as a collection of experiences, interests and values, rather than a set of job titles, we open the door to deeper connection. Things, we become more than our roles. We become collaborators in the beautiful, messy tapestry of life.
Sheryll Mizell:Let's also touch on how this idea impacts our mental health. The pressure to conform to our titles can lead to stress and burnout when your worth is tied to your job, it's easy to feel like you're constantly racing against the clock. You may find yourself prioritizing work over self care or hobbies, and that can lead to a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction by allowing ourselves to explore identities beyond our titles, we can cultivate a more balanced life, engaging in hobbies, nurturing friendships and finding joy outside of work can act as powerful antidotes to stress. Remember that river of identity we talked about, it flows best when it has plenty of streams feeding into it, your interests, relationships and passions. Consider this, when was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? Maybe you went for a spontaneous road trip, tried a new recipe or danced around your living room like no one was watching. Those moments are crucial for our well being. They remind us that we are multifaceted beings, capable of so much more than just performing our job duties. So what can we do to integrate this mindset shift into our lives? One practical step is to create a personal mission statement that doesn't have to be a grandiose declaration. Think of it as a guiding compass for your life. What values are most important to you. What legacy Do you want to leave behind? Write it down and revisit it often. This statement will serve as a reminder that you are a whole person, not just a job title. Another approach is to cultivate curiosity. Curiosity is a fantastic way to reconnect with our valued identities. Try asking yourself, what if? What if I tried that hobby I've been curious about, what if I reached out to an old friend, what if I took a class just for fun? Embracing curiosity can lead to surprising discoveries about ourselves and open up new avenues for growth.
Sheryll Mizell:And let's not forget about the role of mentorship and sharing our experiences by sharing our stories of personal growth and exploration beyond titles, we can inspire others to do the same. Have you ever had a mentor who encouraged you to see yourself as more than just your job? This support can be transformative. So why not pay it forward? Be that mentor who helps others recognize their worth beyond titles, share your own journey. Perhaps you were once tied to a title that didn't define you. By creating a culture of exploration and acceptance, we can help others realize their full potential. I remember when I was working as a financial services professional and wanted to transition into human resources. I was told I needed a degree to make that shift. But instead of accepting that limitation, I took action. I made a list of the key duties required of a human resource professional, and I crafted a letter that highlighted how my how my skills from financial services, could seamlessly transfer to that role. In the end, yes, I secured that job without needing an additional degree or incurring any extra expenses. Can someone say yes? Give me a high five.
Sheryll Mizell:As we navigate the world, let's remind ourselves of the power of language. The words we use to describe ourselves and others can shape our perceptions. Instead of labeling someone solely by their job, let's use descriptors that capture their essence. This is my friend who loves to travel and cook is far more engaged. Each and then this is my friend who's an engineer. So my fabulous friends, as we conclude today's episode, let's return to that thought provoking question. If you had to describe yourself without mentioning your job title, what three words would you choose? I encourage you to reflect on this regularly. As you evolve and grow, so too will these words. They'll serve as a beacon, guiding you back to your authentic self when the pressures of society try to pull you into a box. So when you take this step today to embrace your Wow, watch the magic unfold.
Sheryll Mizell:Thank you for being part of this conversation about embracing our identities beyond titles, here's to living a life filled with purpose, joy and connection, recognizing that we are indeed more than our titles. Let's celebrate our complexity and richness as individuals, supporting one another in our journeys of self discovery together. Let's go out and own our stories. May you find inspiration and courage to create a life that aligns with your deepest aspirations and brings you true happiness and fulfillment. Stay tuned for more empowering insights, practical wisdom and inspiration all wake up to your Wow as we continue to explore topics that empower you to live your best life, remember it's time to awaken to your wow and shine brightly In every area of your life. Let's embrace freedom together and make every moment count. If you enjoyed this week's episode, subscribe and please leave a fantastic review. Share it with friends who you think would benefit from exploring identities beyond their titles and cultivating a more balanced life by doing so they can illuminate the world and spread their magic, allowing them to achieve their Wow until next time, keep exploring, keep growing and continue embracing The Adventure of discovering the WoW in your life, keep moving boldly toward the life that's calling you. There's magic in the unexpected. This is myself, your trusted wellness guide, signing off wishing you a day filled with love, joy and endless possibilities. Keep listening, keep waking up to your Wow.