The Silent Weight Holding You Back (And How to Drop It)

I recently had a great conversation with a powerhouse woman I really admire. She’s a luxury brand Customer Experience executive who is exploring her "next" career path and the kind of impact she wants to make.

During our talk, we landed on the subject of other people’s expectations and the sheer hesitation we feel when we know we’re choosing to meet our own expectations instead of trying to live up to others.

It's amazing how often we fall prey to the fear of what other people think. Yet, it happens constantly.

One of the biggest roadblocks to chasing our purpose is our concern about external expectations. We don't want to invite criticism, we fear losing support, or maybe we just don't have the energy for the argument and choose to hide. So, we play small and "wait for a better time" to pursue our bigger goals.

I have a silly example of this struggle, and honestly, I felt the need to ask you not to judge me before I even started writing.

My family and I are completely Christmas crazy. 🎄 We love all things about the holiday. Every year, our festivities and decorating begin earlier and earlier. It’s normal for me to call my sisters in early November (or late October, sometimes) to tell them I’m decorating my house for Christmas. (The inside only—we don’t want the neighbors to see our “crazy,” after all!) 🫣

Well, one year, we doubled-down.

My sister and her family visited, and we decided to have an early Thanksgiving dinner and refresh all my decorations. I’ve always wanted a Christmas display like hers, and since she was here, we cooked up a plan that brought us ridiculous joy while wandering the Hobby Lobby aisles with lattes. ☕️ My husband agreed, and just like that, we started Christmas in October, before the pumpkins were carved 🎃 or the Halloween candy bought.

Here’s the honest truth: I hesitated to tell this story.

I didn't want to invite criticism. I wanted to protect myself and my joy about something silly that has my entire family giddy with anticipation.

We couldn't wait to dive into new decorations, untangle lights, sip hot chocolate, and play Christmas music loudly. 🎶

So what's the big deal? Who cares what others think? I can’t miss out on making this memory with my sister, knowing that every time I look at my decorations, I'll think of her and the reasons we wanted three months to celebrate instead of one.

This brings me back to that conversation with my powerhouse friend and the point I'm trying to make: We have to let go of other people’s expectations and embrace purpose, joy, and fulfilling work.

Consider this:
What are you holding back because of the weight of other people’s expectations?

Be honest with yourself about whether their views or your own fears are the real anchors.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. When have you chosen your own expectations over others, and what was the result?

Ready to Chase Your Joy?
If you need help navigating external expectations, want one-on-one support to develop your career strategy, or are dealing with a sticky work situation and need a personal CHRO, I’m here for it.

I offer one-time SOS calls and multiple-session packages. Just reach out to set up a time to visit.