This week, I did something unusual for me:
I slowed down—intentionally and on a Friday !!!!.
Not to catch up on tasks.
Not because I was tired (although rest is always needed).
But to create space for clarity.
As healthcare leaders and professionals, we often find ourselves immersed in the hustle—juggling roles, meeting demands, and pushing ourselves to be more. But what happens when the hustle no longer feels fulfilling? When success starts to feel empty, despite all the achievements?
This week, I had to pause and reflect. It wasn’t something I planned, but it was necessary. A conversation with a friend reminded me of my fellowship journey at WomenLift Health. He said, “I’m sure you now have so much more to share after your fellowship.” His words hit home, and I realized that I hadn’t fully embraced my evolving purpose. It was time to stop and re-align.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
As we move through our careers, there comes a point when what worked in the past—our hustle, our ability to push through, our relentless drive—stops being enough. You may be pushing yourself hard, but something inside of you knows: it’s time for something deeper. It’s time for evolution.
What got you to this point won’t get you to the next level. To grow beyond where you are right now, you have to evolve. That’s exactly where I am on my journey. I’ve realized that while hard work got me here, it’s not the key to going further. The key lies in aligning with my true purpose—my north star—and being intentional about the direction I’m heading.
The Call to Realign
In mid-career, many of us start to feel that restlessness or emptiness—that nagging feeling that something is missing. That feeling is often a calling to realign with something that truly makes us come alive.
Purpose doesn’t come easily, and in the beginning, it may not offer immediate financial rewards. But the journey toward it requires us to be intentional, to stop, reflect, and ask ourselves: What truly fuels me?
Growth Through Alignment, Not Hustle
This week, I realized that growth doesn’t come just from working harder; it comes from aligning with what truly matters. And alignment isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a continuous journey. Our purpose might remain the same, but we keep evolving as we move closer to it.
I feel liberated by the clarity of my purpose, even as I acknowledge that the journey of alignment is ongoing. Purpose requires patience, intention, and a willingness to evolve as we go.
Your Journey of Alignment Begins Now
If you’re feeling that restless pull, it’s time to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: What is calling me to realign? Your next step on the journey of alignment begins there. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
I’m walking this path too, and I invite you to join me in exploring what truly lights you up. Let’s make the time to reflect and reconnect with our purpose.
Currently experiencing the restlessness and emptiness ,there is strong push in my mind tobre align myself but also the confusion becomes more.
Hope to see the light of the day and heed to the call of realignment.
Great article Irene
Its a journey and it helps to have as many conversations as possible. I am here to walk the journey with you. Reach me at 0728817589
Wonderful reflections we so need for our personal journey. So profound – what got you here is not here is not what will get you there. Realignment is a necessary prerequisite to move to the next level of our journeys. I am acutely discovering that personally. Thanks for highlighting this Irene. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you!
Yes, I feel it even now. I have always been passionate about providing excellent nursing services, but there have been challenges every place I have worked such as poor management, lack of motivation, and in adequate supplies. So, I am currently thinking of doing it on my own in the best way possible. I have been thinking seriously about getting into Homebased care. I know it will not be easy, but I am sure that it will work eventually. I am also aware, that I have a lot to change in my attitude and learn more skills, or improve the ones I have.
I feel scared of the changes I have to make for this to work.
I totally hear you and I know this space you are in because I have been there.
If you need someone to talk to I am hear. I have a complimentary session you can utilize. Reach me on 0728817589
Wow. This is the inspiring. Hustling without alignment can feel like a rut. Good to know also that there may be need for a change in strategy, to keep evolving, since what got one where they are now was meant to get them here. Going forward may require new alignment. Reflection and integration of knowledge, skills and lessons learned can be part of the realignment process.
Indeed!
This week has been the toughest my team had experiences of high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion. The demands of the job,and the social media attacks on them many have exacerbated mental health issues. Ive been up and about to work them through debrief sessions with support of professional therapists but until now when in my space is when im feeling Im tired of being tired.
Oh my! That must have been really tough. Thank you for taking care of them.
How are you doing? I am here if you need someone to talk with. I know sometimes as leaders we care for everyone but we don’t have someone to do the same for us.