As a mom to two growing girls, one of my recurring challenges is ensuring they have clothes and shoes that fit. Kids grow so fast, and my youngest, in particular, seems to sprout overnight. Recently, I noticed a big hole in her gym shoes. As I prepared to buy new ones, I thought to check if her current shoes even fit.
“Do your shoes fit?” I asked her.“Of course, Mommy! They fit!” she replied confidently.
Still, I decided to double-check. I had her put on her gym shoes and stand up. Wouldn’t you know it—her toes were crammed right to the front. “Honey, your feet barely fit in these shoes,” I told her.
“Oh,” she said, shrugging. “They feel normal to me.”
When we got her new shoes, half a size bigger, she was amazed. “Mom, these feel so roomy!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t realize how tight the old ones were!”
Her comment stuck with me. Unfortunately - this is a situation that has played out a few times in our house. This simple experience with shoes, though, is a metaphor for how we often navigate our lives and careers. Sometimes, we don’t notice how uncomfortable things have become because we’ve grown accustomed to the discomfort.
The Slow Creep of Misfit Situations
In our careers, we can find ourselves in a situation that no longer fits—whether it’s a toxic work environment, unrealistic expectations, or a role that no longer aligns with our values. But because these challenges often build up gradually, we may not notice how tight and constricting things have become.
Like my daughter’s shoes, we adapt to the discomfort. Maybe we tell ourselves, This is just how it’s supposed to be, or Everyone else seems to manage—why can’t I? Instead of questioning whether the situation serves us, we endure it.
But when we finally take the leap to make a change, it can feel like slipping into that roomier shoe—suddenly realizing just how stifled we were. We don’t necessarily realize how uncomfortable we actually were, until we take that leap.
Why Reflection is Key
This realization doesn’t happen on its own. It requires intentional reflection. As the year draws to a close, it’s an ideal time to pause and ask yourself:
Does my current situation still fit me, or have I just gotten used to the discomfort?
Am I making myself smaller or more uncomfortable to accommodate a role, environment, or expectation that no longer aligns with my values?
What would “roomier shoes” look like in my career or life?
Reflection allows us to uncover truths we might otherwise ignore. It helps us identify what no longer fits and imagine what a better fit could look like.
The Cost of Staying Stuck
Choosing to stay in a situation that doesn’t fit has its costs. Over time, the strain can lead to physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion. It’s like walking in shoes that are too small—you may not notice the pain at first, but eventually, it can cause real damage.
For healthcare workers, this often manifests as burnout. We tell ourselves that the long hours, endless charting, and emotional toll are just “part of the job.” But this mindset keeps us stuck, and we lose sight of why we chose this career in the first place.
How to Find a Better Fit
If you’re ready to explore whether your current situation fits, here are some steps to help you take that first step:
Take InventoryAssess your current work and personal life. What’s working? What’s causing strain? Where do you feel most aligned, and where do you feel stuck?
Listen to Your DiscomfortPay attention to the areas that feel tight or limiting. What are the signs that things might not fit? Are you constantly exhausted, disengaged, or overwhelmed?
Imagine the AlternativeWhat would a better fit look like? Define what purpose, balance, and joy mean to you.
Take Small Steps Toward ChangeJust like slipping on a new pair of shoes, the adjustment doesn’t have to be drastic. Small, intentional changes can have a significant impact over time.
Seek SupportYou don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Lean on trusted colleagues, friends, or a coach who can help guide you through the process.
Start the New Year with Purpose
As we approach the end of the year, consider this your opportunity to reset. Instead of jumping into resolutions, take the time to reflect on your past year. Evaluate what fits, what doesn’t, and how you can set yourself up for success in the coming year.
Taking a jump to a new situation may not be the right answer, but identifying the areas that you would like to spend more time doing and ones you would like to spend less time doing are key.
Ready to Rediscover Your Joy?
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join my free Reclaim Your Joy Masterclass. Together, we’ll explore how to identify what’s no longer serving you, make intentional changes, and create a path to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
The Reclaim Your Joy Masterclass is designed specifically for healthcare workers who want to reclaim their purpose and joy while avoiding burnout. Don’t wait for the pain of discomfort to push you into action—take the first step today.
Click here to register for free. Let’s find your perfect fit together.
You have the power to create a life and career that feels like it was made for you. Let’s take that step toward a better fit—starting now.
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