You are more than what you do
This isn’t a typical post for me, or what you may usually see here, but I heard something today that feels worth sharing.
“You are more than what you do.”
As founders, builders, and doers, it’s easy to let our work become our identity. It’s easy to believe our personal value is tied to what we do, what we produce, or what we earn.
Over time, this belief can quietly turn into a weight we carry. Conflating our work outcomes with how we see ourselves and the world around us. This causes undue stress, anxiety, and a loss of perspective.
But here’s the truth: the work you do is not who you are. You are more than what you do. You are a human being, not a human doing. Your value existed before the work was here and will remain even when the work is gone.
To truly understand this, your identity, character, and purpose have to be rooted in something deeper than your business or job. Whatever grounds you has to be strong enough to carry your calling.
For me, that grounding comes from prayer and a relationship with God. In the middle of starting a business and navigating life’s constant demands, I’ve found a surprising sense of peace and steadiness. That doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been challenging.. because it is. It just means that the hard moments (and even the good ones), don’t define who I am.
I know that grounding looks different for everyone. For some, it’s meditation or reflection. For others, it’s being in nature, journaling, or something else.
Whatever it is for you, take a moment today to step away from the noise. Reconnect with something that is grounding and life-giving. Give yourself some grace and remember that you are more than what you do.
Replies
This really resonated with me. I catch myself tying my worth to results more than I'd like to admit. Reading this was a needed reminder to slow down, breathe and remember. I'm a person first, not just the work I produce.
Simplora
@vhim_jana Exactly. Thank you for sharing Vhim.
Appreciate how honest this is. I'm learning that identity rooted only in work is fragile. Grounding myself spiritually and mentally has helped me navigate challenges with more peace and perspective.
Simplora
@ayesha_mughal1 Love that - thanks for sharing
This really spoke to me. I've noticed how easily my mood shifts with wins and losses at work. Posts like this remind me to step back and remember that my value stays constant through it all.
Simplora
@peter_victor Well said. Thanks for sharing Peter
Thank you for sharing this. I've been feeling stretched thin lately and this reminded me that it's okay to pause. My worth doesn't increase with hustle or decrease with rest.
Simplora
@nafsiyya_ubalawan Glad this was helpful 🙏
"You are a human being, not a human doing." 11/10 no notes.
going out to touch some frosty grass rn
Simplora
@tinnix_he Haha that’s perfect
Really needed this reminder today. It's way too easy to let work quietly become your whole identity. Thanks for sharing.
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@david0795 Glad it was helpful 🙏
This is a great reminder. Especially in our hustle culture, I feel like it is very easy to feel almost a sense of guilt if you're not giving everything to work or doing something productive. Even hobbies, which are meant to be relaxing and a break from your work life, can take a turn into monetization and even more stress when you can't break out of that mindset. It's important to have something you do that is just for you.
Simplora
@grace_fi Great point