what I wish I had learned earlier.

I used to believe that working endless hours was the only way to show my worth.

I would over-think, over-prepare, and apologize before sharing my thoughts.

I was so afraid of making mistakes and felt so guilty saying no.

I was convinced that whenever I felt uncomfortable, I had to adapt to fit in.

I spent so much time trying to figure things out on my own, never wanting to bother anyone.

Then, I learned that productivity isn't about burning yourself out. It’s about being intentional about our work, appreciating the process, and scheduling time to recharge.

I learned that fitting in isn’t the same as belonging and that our impact increases when we can bring our whole selves to work.

I learned that asking for help doesn’t make others think less of us—it's about recognizing our strengths and knowing when to lean on others.

I also learned that most people are too busy with their own worries to spend any time judging someone else’s struggles.

I wish I had known all of this earlier in my career. It might have happened if I had found a safe place to reflect and grow back then.

Coaching can be such a safe place. If you’d like to find out if that’s something for you, send me a message. Just check in, and we’ll take it from there.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.