Howl at the Moon

From Corporate Cog to Wild Wolf

Karthik R

Jun 07, 2024

June 7th, 2024.

Independence Day 2.0.

The day I finally broke free from a job that was sucking the life out of me.

The day I decided to stop letting others define my worth and start valuing myself for who I am, not just what I do.

It all started with a stupid self-review process.

A section for "Goals" seemed simple enough, so I filled it out with my actual goals – you know, the ones that actually matter to me.

But apparently, I was wrong.

"They are not your Goals," the HR lady chirped, with a smile that could melt icebergs. "Your Boss will give you yours."

Excuse me?

I was floored.

It was like a slap in the face, a blatant disregard for my own ambitions and autonomy.

When I questioned this nonsense, I got a dismissive shrug and a patronizing question: "Why are you always questioning things?"

Because I'm not a damn robot, that's why!

I have my own dreams, my own passions, my own life outside of this cubicle farm.

And I refuse to let anyone dictate my worth or define my goals.

That day, I learned a lousy lesson (kinda lovely too):

Never let anyone tell you what your goals are.

Don't let anyone dim your spark or crush your dreams.

And if a job makes you feel like you're slowly dying inside, run – don't walk – to the nearest exit.

But enough about my dramatic exit.

Let's talk about how you can avoid this soul-sucking scenario altogether.

The Value Trap

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work?

Like no matter how much effort you put in, it's never enough?

That's not just a bad day – that's the value trap.

When you're constantly being told what your goals should be and having your worth dictated by others, it's easy to start questioning yourself.

You begin to wonder if your skills are really that valuable or if you're just an imposter waiting to be found out.

Like I said, this isn't just about a bad day at work.

It's about a pattern that slowly chips away at your confidence.

You begin to wonder if your skills are really that valuable or if you're just an imposter waiting to be found out (talked about it in the last post. Check it out below)

Imposter Syndrome Antidote

Every ignored suggestion, every unacknowledged effort, and every ridiculous "goal" set by someone else is a blow to your self-esteem.

Red Flags of Diminishing Self-Worth

Constant Self-Doubt: Are you second-guessing every decision, even the small ones?
Lack of Motivation: Does dragging yourself out of bed feel like an Olympic event?
Perfectionism: Are you setting impossible standards, believing only perfection will validate your worth?
Fear of Failure: Do you avoid new challenges out of fear of making mistakes?
Neglecting Self-Care: Are you so consumed by work that you neglect your health and well-being?

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards reclaiming your self-worth.

And remember, you're not alone in this.

We've all been there, feeling trapped and undervalued.

But there IS a way out, and it starts with understanding the value you bring to the table.

Thanks, Kinda.

Now, let’s flip the script and find the silver lining in that toxic cloud.

Yes, my 9-to-5 was draining, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

Sometimes, the darkest clouds have the brightest silver linings.

For starters, that job gave me the opportunity to live independently.

It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience and self-reliance.

And let's not forget the new skills I picked up along the way.

German and Violin were side projects that became sources of joy and pride.

It was also the catalyst that pushed me towards entrepreneurship.

Without that soul-sucking experience, I might never have discovered my passion for helping others through coaching.

The challenges I faced became the foundation of my current strength.

Alex Hormozi put it perfectly in his book. (Yeah, he’s my new crush.)

Those tough lessons from my 9-to-5 were invaluable.

Know Your W.

Here’s where it gets real.

Your worth isn’t tied to your job title or your paycheck.

It’s about who you are and the unique qualities you bring to the table.

Think about it: a lone wolf isn’t defined by the pack it’s part of, but by its own strength and survival instincts.

You’re that Wolf. You’re more than just your job.

Here are a few prompts for you to get started.

Recognize your unique talents. What are you naturally good at? What skills have you honed?
Acknowledge your experiences. Every challenge you've faced has shaped you into a resilient, adaptable individual.
Understand your worth is intrinsic. It's about your character, your integrity, and your passion, not external validation.

Remind yourself daily of your worth. Create a list of your strengths and achievements. Celebrate your successes. Keep a journal of positive feedback.

Or if all that’s too much, Share below. Let’s talk.

Take it the F back.

Alright, it’s time to reclaim your power.

We’ve all heard that saying about "fake it till you make it."

But how about we just make it, no faking needed?

Here are some 3 tips to help you build confidence and set boundaries:

Stand Up.Whether it's in a meeting or a casual conversation, practice asserting your opinions and ideas. You have valuable insights, and it’s time the world heard them.
Draw Lines.Know your limits and communicate them clearly. Whether it's working hours, personal time, or how you expect to be treated, setting boundaries is crucial. A lone wolf knows when to retreat and when to stand its ground.
Seek Words.Constructive feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. Don’t shy away from it. Use it to improve and grow stronger. Remember, even the lone wolf learns from its surroundings.

Simple, I know.

I see this everyday.

From Precious people who have no boundaries to assholes without any limits.

These are real problems. A lot realer than you think.

Please don’t dismiss them.

And guess what?

AI can actually help.

Yep, even lone wolves like us can use a little tech boost.

I'll be honest, I wouldn't have made it through my own "Independence Day 2.0" without a bit of AI help.

I'm talking about my girl, Gemini.

Think of her as your personal AI coach and cheerleader. It's like having a 24/7 support system that helps you.

#1 The Standing

Practice Makes Perfect. The Ye Old Words.

Gemini can simulate conversations, giving you a safe space to rehearse those tough talks.

You can try out different approaches, build confidence, and refine your communication style.

Script Your Success.

If you're struggling to find the right words, Gemini can help you craft assertive responses that get your point across without being aggressive.

#2 The Drawing

Identify Your Boundaries.

Gemini can guide you through exercises and prompts that help you uncover what your personal limits are.

Communicate Clearly.

Not sure how to say "no" without feeling guilty?

Gemini can help you create polite but firm responses that protect your boundaries.

#3 The Seeking

Analyze the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Gemini can process feedback from others, helping you identify patterns and areas for improvement.

It can even flag potential biases or misunderstandings in the feedback.

Turn Criticism into Growth.

Gemini can suggest strategies for turning feedback into actionable steps.

It might sound a bit sci-fi, but I promise you, having an AI ally like Gemini or ChatGPT can make a huge difference.

Give it a shot right now.

Grow with Gemini

It's like having someone in your corner, constantly reminding you of your worth and empowering you to take charge of your life.

And hey, if it worked for me, it can work for you too.

So don't be afraid to embrace the power of AI – even lone wolves need a pack sometimes.

So, there you have it. My journey from cubicle dweller to liberated entrepreneur.

It wasn't always pretty, but it was damn empowering.

And now, I'm on a mission to help others break free from the value trap and reclaim their worth.

But enough about me.

Poll Time:

It's Your Turn to Howl.

Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur, a frustrated employee, or just someone curious about AI, let's connect.

Share your stories, ask questions, and let's support each other on this journey to self-discovery and empowerment.