Understanding the Dynamics of Professional Identity and Change

Psychology studies indicate that the more you fixate on an identity, in this case a professional identity, the harder it becomes to detach from it.  

Change gets difficult when we believe that we are what we do.    

I read a story about the U.S. gold-medalist and figure skater, Sara Hughes.  Win after win, injury after injury, she decided to hang up her competitive skates.  But, being a world-renowned figure skater was all she knew.  So, instead of making a full pivot, she joined Disney on Ice and kept skating.  The experience was life-draining, and she loathed doing it.  Painful as it was, the thought of not calling herself a skater was scarier than trying a new line of work.  Before she moved on, she willingly endured mundane, uninspiring pain for two whole years just to hold onto the identity of “figure skater”.  

This doesn’t seem very far off from many professionals I encounter:  

• The account manager who was lucky enough to use their business degree and start a lucrative career right out of school, but now feels guilty for wanting to do something totally different because of the time, effort, and money they’ve already invested in their education and career
• The nurse contemplating a pivot into a higher education career who wonders whether their credentials will be valued
• The corporate vice president with a long-standing reputation as a leader who is hesitant to share their dreams of moving into an individual contributor role

Financial responsibilities aside, they all worry about whether such a change will be accepted by others around them.  They wonder whether they’re worthy of having a different path, of being a different version of themselves.  They harbor doubt about a new kind of success. 

Inspecting The Parts of Your Professional Identity

How much hesitation rises inside when you think of changing?  Probably a lot.  And as much as you say you don’t care what everyone else thinks, the reality is that you do.  Because as humans we are conditioned to other’s reactions and opinions.  

One question you’re already asking your self is: Should I shove change aside and just double down on my work?

Alternatively, here are some questions to ponder for objectivity:

• How important is it for you to uphold the brand people know you for? 
• How much do you really like what you are known for? 
• Are there other parts of your identity that you want to be better known for?  

As you reflect on the examples and questions posed, remember that redefining success is a deliberate process.  You’ll need to be ready to understand your authentic self.  From there, we can we start digging around your professional identity and organize the parts that are genuine to you and the ones you keep up for appearances.

Thinking of navigating a potential change, maybe even a slight shift?  Let’s have a chat.