In my journey as a freelancer, I’ve faced one of the most challenging dynamics: navigating competing beliefs. On one hand, there’s my deep desire to align my work with my values, passions, and long-term goals. On the other, there’s the very real need for financial stability. Both are valid, and both matter, but finding a way to balance them has been an eye-opener for me—and one that I hope inspires others facing similar conflicts.
When Beliefs Compete: The Internal Tug-of-War
For months now, I’ve been living this inner dialogue. On one side is the voice that says, “I want to create space for my mentoring practice and focus on life-work balance.” On the other side is the reality of the job market, where most opportunities demand 40-hour roles. It’s easy to feel stuck in this tug-of-war, unsure of which belief to follow.
But the truth is, these beliefs don’t have to compete—they can coexist. I’ve realized that short-term compromises are not failures; they are stepping stones. This perspective has been a game-changer for me.
The Present Reality: Staying Open and Grounded
Right now, I’m actively looking for a project that spans 40 hours a week, even though I’ve always envisioned working 32 hours to leave more time for personal growth and my clients. And that’s okay. I’ve come to love my role as a project manager—it’s work that energizes me, challenges me, and keeps me connected to amazing teams and projects.
Instead of feeling blocked by the difference between what I want long-term and what the market demands today, I’m embracing the opportunities that come my way. These projects not only keep me financially stable but also allow me to do work that aligns with my skills and passion for collaboration.
The Bigger Picture: Keeping My Vision Alive
Even as I navigate these compromises, I hold my long-term goals close. I’m working towards completing two more trainings that will deepen my expertise and exploring offers to share a practice with someone else. These steps are part of the vision I have for my life and career—a vision that keeps me motivated, even when the path takes unexpected turns.
The key for me has been to trust the process, stay flexible, and see the bigger picture. Every decision I make today is informed by the belief that my short-term actions are paving the way for long-term fulfillment.
Sharing This Journey: Why It Matters
I share this with you not because I have all the answers but because I know how isolating it can feel to navigate these tensions. It’s easy to think you have to choose one belief over the other—that financial stability and personal fulfillment are somehow at odds. But they don’t have to be.
By staying open, clear on your goals, and willing to make compromises that serve your current needs without abandoning your vision, you can create a life that honors both. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible.
An Invitation to Reflect
What competing beliefs are you navigating right now? Is there a way to reframe the tension so both beliefs can coexist? Maybe you, too, can find a way to balance short-term compromises with long-term goals, trusting that every step forward—even the ones that feel like detours—is part of your journey.
Let’s inspire each other. I’d love to hear your thoughts, your experiences, and how you’re making it work. Together, we can learn to embrace these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.
How does this feel for you? Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust or emphasize further!