Speaking with Dr Nuthana PB in this week’s episode 420 Climate Change and Health, she shared the chapter change she was transitioning into from her role as a paediatrician to becoming a public health doctor, ‘Just because it's hard doesn't mean that it's the wrong thing. Sometimes the right thing is also the hardest thing.’
She explained how it hadn’t been an easy decision to make especially as it meant not only uprooting herself from an established community and network to move cities but also returning to the beginning again in terms of her career having almost reached consultant level in the field of paediatrics. However, if she were to honour what really mattered to her and remain true to her core values then this shift was required for her to make the desired and necessary impact in the key areas of climate change and health. The impact of her work would be felt not just by a handful of patients but across an entire population.
Life transitions, such as changing careers, moving to a new city or experiencing a major life event, all involve varying degrees of identity shifts and also a sense of loss. Nuthana described this feeling of grief and the disruption she was experiencing in making these transitions, sharing how it had challenged her sense of self and forced her to reassess who she is and what she values.
During these periods of transition, your core values become crucial in guiding your decisions as they serve as your compass, helping you navigate through uncertainty ensuring that your choices align with your true self, even when the path forward may prove difficult and challenging. Earlier this week, I helped my daughter to identify her core values as she had been applying for a job and one of the questions in her application had required her to share how her values aligned with those of the company.
Making decisions based on your values rather than convenience or societal expectations is rarely easy. The right choice may require sacrifice, discomfort, going against the grain, or even losing the approval of others, particularly loved ones. Nuthana chose to leave a stable job to pursue her passions and interests and she was clear to point out that it had been an opportunity she was privileged to facilitate from a financial perspective. However, her decision was rooted in deeply held values, bringing her a sense of authenticity and fulfilment that far outweighed the temporary hardships she was facing.
Ultimately, life transitions and the accompanying identity shifts are opportunities for growth. By staying true to your values, you make decisions that reflect your genuine aspirations and integrity, leading to a life that is not only successful but also meaningful and aligned with your core beliefs. There is no one set route in life and it is up to you to create a purposeful way of life. To do this, Focus on Transitions and Focus on WHY!
ACTION POINT: How clear are you on your personal vision as you approach your next life transition?
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