Letting Go of Self-Importance: Realizing the World Revolves Without Me

As a professor who has achieved everything I ever wanted, I reached a turning point.

(I realize how self-important that sounds)

I have accomplished most of what I set out to do—publishing papers, mentoring students, and making my mark in academia.

But, I realized that the weight of self-importance was heavier than any accolade.

I bought into the system. I thought I was someone important.

But, ultimately to continue to walk forward, I have to acknowledge that I’m really NOT that important.

I have to step back from the notion that everything depends on me.

I learned to say, "It's not my…

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