Feedback at work can often feel personal and hurtful, especially when it targets qualities like curiosity and analytical thinking. While it’s important to process feedback and consider its validity, it’s equally crucial to detach one’s self-worth from the workplace.

Companies are designed to prioritize roles over individuals, and success often depends on navigating the “game” rather than solely on merit. Workplaces are not designed for your to bring your “authentic self” to work. They are stages where roles are performed, where we focus on one's actions rather than on their identity, and where emotion regulation and self-determination help navigate workplace dynamics effectively.