Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comLet’s be honest—most of us don’t plan our careers. We react to opportunities, chase what looks good on paper, and hope it all somehow adds up.But if you want to stop winging it and start steering it, you need a strategic career plan—think of it as your personal GPS—connecting where you are today to where you want to go, so every step actually moves you closer to your goals.Take my client Jerry. He wanted a seat in the C-suite and his mentor told him an MBA was key. So, Jerry applied to several Ivy League programs—his heart set on Stanford. When he got the rejection email (ouch), his mentor called in a favor to get feedback. Turns out, Jerry’s résumé lacked a “big win.” He needed something to help him stand out from the crowd.So, they got to work. Over the next year, Jerry led a project that showed real leadership and delivered major results. He reapplied—and this time, he got in.That’s the power of a strategic plan. It keeps you focused on the long game, helps you adapt when things go sideways, and reminds you that progress isn’t about overnight wins. It’s about intentional, sustained effort that pays off over time.So stick with me — we’re going to unpack what made Jerry’s plan work—and how you can use the same approach to shape your next chapter. I’ll walk you through what to include, what to avoid, and how to shift from letting your career happen to actually running the show.Key Elements of a Career Strategic PlanThere are four key elements to building a strategic career plan:* Clarify Your Vision and Purpose: What does success actually look like for you? Think of vision as your destination and purpose as the engine that drives you there. Are you motivated by creativity, leadership, or making an impact? Getting clear on this gives your decisions direction and keeps your goals aligned with your values.* Create Goals and Objectives: Big dreams need small, specific steps. Goals are the big-picture outcomes (like “Become a VP within five years”), while objectives are the measurable action steps that get you get there (“Lead three cross-departmental projects in the next 18 months”). Think of goals as the headline, and objectives as the fine print that makes it real.* Conduct a SWOT Analysis: Before you map any move, know your landscape. What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). This snapshot gives you the lay of the land – where you shine, where you can grow, and what’s happening around you that might help or hinder your progress. This step grounds your plan in reality.* Identify Milestones and Metrics Milestones mark your key moments like completing a certification, landing a leadership role, publishing an article. Metrics measure your impact like boosting team performance by 20% or expanding your network by 50 new contacts. Tracking both keeps you honest, motivated and clear on your wins.What’s important to remember is that a strategic plan isn’t chiseled in stone. It’s meant to evolve as you do. New data, experiences, and insights will keep shaping it—and that’s a good thing. I like to revisit these headline elements at least once a year to see what needs a tweak or a course correction.Case Study: Jerry’s Strategic Plan in ActionLet’s revisit Jerry—the C-suite hopeful we met earlier. When we last left him, he’d just turned a Stanford rejection into a powerful lesson about clarity and perseverance. Now let’s look at how he built his strategic career plan step by step, using the same four elements we just covered.Jerry wasn’t chasing a title for ego’s sake. He wanted to lead in FinTech because he cared deeply about access. His moonshot was to make wealth-building tools available to everyday people—even those who could only invest fifty dollars at a time. That was his vision and purpose: to use leadership as a way to open financial doors that had long been closed.To move that vision into motion, he needed clear goals and objectives. The first was straightforward—earn an MBA from a top-tier program. But the how mattered just as much as the what. With his mentor, Jerry broke the big goal into smaller, actionable steps: identify a visible project that could showcase leadership, deliver measurable results, and strengthen his MBA application.Next came his SWOT analysis. Jerry’s strengths included sharp analytical thinking and the ability to navigate complex systems. His weaknesses? He hadn’t yet proven his leadership impact on a major stage. Opportunities included his mentor’s network and a company ready for fresh ideas. The threats were real too—fierce competition for top MBA programs and limited recognition at work. Seeing it all laid out helped him target where to take bold, meaningful action.Jerry launched a cross-departmental initiative to improve client onboarding—a persistent problem in his organization. It wasn’t easy. He had to rally skeptical teammates, make tough calls, and stay centered when the project hit turbulence. But he tracked milestones and metrics religiously: monthly progress reviews, measurable efficiency gains, and client retention rates. By year’s end, his team improved onboarding efficiency by 30% and cut costs across departments.When Jerry reapplied to Stanford, he had a story worth telling—one that blended purpose, proof, and progress. His essays weren’t about ambition; they reflected alignment. He didn’t just get in. He stepped into his next chapter with a renewed sense of confidence and a clear direction for the impact he wanted to make.Jerry’s plan wasn’t perfect—it evolved as he did. But that’s the beauty of having a strategy rooted in purpose. It gives you something solid to lean on when things change, and a clear way to measure progress when doubt creeps in. His story is proof that when you approach your career with curiosity and intention, even a setback can become a step forward.Bottom LineA strategic career plan isn’t about predicting every turn—it’s about creating a framework that keeps you aligned with your purpose while staying open to change. When you take time to clarify what matters most, set meaningful goals, and check in with yourself regularly, you stop drifting and start leading. Progress may not always be linear, but with intention behind it, it’s always forward.If someone came to mind while you were reading this—please send it their way. You never know the impact a well-timed message can have.Related Content* What’s a Moonshot and How Do I Find One?* How to Move Ahead in Your Career* What are the Seven Big Mistakes of Goal Setting?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are 4 journal prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. These questions will help you clarify your career vision, strengthen your strategy, and stay connected to what truly matters as you move forward.

Today is a departure from the usual career strategy talk, but still applicable to anyone who’s going after a moonshot and is in need of inspiration. I’m joining a community experiment launched by producer Ted Hope to bring together NonDē filmmakers on Substack. You’ve heard of independent filmmaking? This is non-dependent filmmaking and honestly I find that inspiring in itself – to boldly state we are no longer depending on the systems that have kept people on the outside, repressed, and denied.The idea behind the experiment is simple: each day, a member of the non-de filmmaking community or an ally or advocate shares the works, artists, or moments that are currently inspiring them. I’ve loved reading the previous posts and many of them have inspired me to action - cuz that’s what inspiration is: getting out of our spiraling monkey minds and going after our moonshots.Before I share my three inspirations as part of part of the #FilmStack Inspiration Challenge, a quick acknowledgement because these kinds of experiments don’t happen without a lot of volunteer work behind the scenes.Huge thanks to Donny Broussard, Film Le Fou, and Avi Setton for keeping the chain alive and beautifully eclectic.INSPIRATION #1: Anyone Who Spits in the Face of UncertaintyThere’s a particular kind of biting on tin-foil vibe in filmmaking — that grit and stoicism to make something with no promise it’ll ever see the light of day. You don’t know if your film will get financed, find an audience, or even make it out of post. And yet, you keep going. That’s what I love most: the folks who have the audacity to create with no guarantees.My friend and client, Utttera Singh, embodies this better than anyone I know. Her feature debut Pinch premiered in narrative competition at Tribeca this year — a dark comedy about sexual assault, shot and set in India, in Hindi with English subtitles. That alone would make most filmmakers flinch. But Utts leaned straight into it. She nails the very tricky tone with ease and full command. Please see this movie when it comes out.But you don’t have to only work in film to know that feeling. Anyone who’s ever started something from scratch — a business, a book, a new chapter — has faced that same blank space. Where courage gets tested and creativity is born. So yeah, I’m inspired to leap into the unknown by anyone who spits in the face of uncertainty.INSPIRATION #2: The Mensches Who Share the Damn PlaybookNow, we all know the hard truth that talent, grit, and stoicism alone don’t get a film made. You also need a few good humans who share their playbook instead of guarding it.Ted Hope is one of those people. I’m not saying that to blow smoke up his ass — I’m saying it because he said yes to a cold email from someone he didn’t know: me. (If you don’t know Ted, he’s a prolific film producer, former head of Amazon movies, and has produced Academy award winning and nominated films like Manchester by the Sea. In other words, he’s fancy pants.)I’d reached out to see if he’d speak to a group of filmmakers and producers I lead through The Moonshot Collective. He didn’t ask who was attending, what their credits were, or if there was a check attached (there wasn’t — though I made a donation to a charity in his name). He just showed up. Told stories. Made us laugh. Ignited new ideas.In The Moonshot Collective we’ve had a lot of folks willing to share their playbook which honestly restores my faith in humanity. Everyone from studio folx like Charlotte Koh / Lionsgate, Sarah Shepard / Disney, Elizabeth Grave / Sony and legends like attorney Peter Dekom. Their generosity to the Moonshot Collective is powerful role modeling: access isn’t something you guard, it’s something you extend.One quick piece of advice to anyone whether you’re in the film industry or not, always always always ask. People do say “yes.”So yeah, I’m inspired by the best practices, knowledge and experience these mensches are openly and generously sharing.INSPIRATION #3: Hugging the BearThis is me as a baby producer. Our lead actor decided to play basketball during lunch and came back completely unfazed that his sweaty, beet-red face would put us behind schedule.I was livid and wanted everyone to be as mad at the actor as I was. My mentor took one look at me and said, “What’s done is done. You can’t go back. How do you want to solve it?” It was a bitter pill to swallow because I really wanted to let everyone know that the actor was wrong and I was “right”, but I had to make peace with the chaos and keep us moving forward.Over time, I actually learned to love the hard truths and I’ve even adopted a phrase for it: hugging the bear. It’s the act of wrapping your arms around what scares the hell out of you so it stops running the show. The bear might be a blown deadline, a deal falling apart, a hard conversation, or the reality that the plan’s gone off the rails. Hugging the bear means you stop pretending you’re in control and start adapting in real time.Every industry has its own version of the bear. The boss who changes direction midstream. The client who ghosts. The project that’s tanking despite your best effort. We all meet that moment when the story we wanted to tell collides with the one we’re actually living.Hugging the bear inspires me to seek out the truth. And when I know the truth, I can get super creative in solving any problems that the truth reveals .Bottom LineInspiration is a way to refill your resiliency and will-power cup. Inspiration gives you a fresh perspective. Inspiration can be anything that moves you. My wish for you is that you continue to find inspiration in your work, in your life. And please share it - let us know what’s inspiring you in the comments. It could make a real difference to someone who’s feeling stuck.P.S. For bonus inspiration, be sure to check out FilmStack Daily Digest. If someone came to mind while you were reading this—please send it their way. You never know the impact a well-timed message can have.Related Content* Are You Missing The Magic In Your Career?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are three prompts to help you uncover what’s inspiring you right now and where courage might be calling you next.* When was the last time you spit in the face of uncertainty? Think about a moment when you acted before you had all the answers. What made you move anyway, and what did that risk reveal about your courage?* Who’s shared their playbook with you—and who might need a peek at yours? Reflect on the people who’ve offered you wisdom, mentorship, or access. How did their generosity change things for you, and how can you pass it on?* What’s your version of the bear right now? Name one hard truth you’ve been avoiding. What might open up if, instead of resisting it, you decided to face it and get creative about what comes next? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com“I can’t find a job.”If that’s what you’ve been saying to yourself, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common things I hear from people in transition. What’s really underneath is that mix of dread and “oh no, what if I’ve peaked?”Here’s the truth: often, the problem is that we’re looking for opportunities too narrowly — using what’s called foveal vision.What Foveal Vision Gets WrongFoveal vision is the kind of eyesight you’re using right now to read these words. It’s sharp, detailed, and essential when you need precision. But it’s also extremely limited. The fovea covers just a tiny fraction of your visual field.That’s exactly how many people approach a job search. They lock onto one title, one industry, one single path they believe is the “right” use of their skills. When that role isn’t available, their vision narrows even more. The harder they strain, the less they see.The Wider Lens of Peripheral VisionPeripheral vision is everything that sits just outside the little bullseye your eyes usually lock onto. It’s what lets you sense someone walk into the room without turning your head. It’s softer, more spacious, and it connects you to a bigger kind of awareness.In your career, peripheral vision is what helps you soften your gaze and notice possibilities in the margins. It’s how you see your skills in new contexts. Think of it like flour. If you believe flour is only for bread, you’ll miss that it also makes cakes, sauces, playdough, glue, even shampoo. The same ingredient, countless applications.Try This Quick ExercisePick one object in your space right now — maybe that plant you’re pretty sure is faking being alive.Focus on it. Notice its color, shape, and the way the light hits it.Now, without moving your eyes, soften your gaze. Notice what’s just outside of that object. Expand your awareness. Let yourself sense what’s above, to the side, maybe even slightly behind you.That’s the difference between foveal and peripheral vision. It’s not about losing detail. It’s about widening the field so more possibilities can come into view.How Job Seekers Get StuckMost job seekers default to foveal vision. They build their search around a single job title. They plug that title into LinkedIn or Indeed and hope something perfect appears.If the market for that role is shrinking, panic sets in. They start telling themselves: I’ll never work again. I’m obsolete. But the truth is simpler — they’re staring too hard at the wrong thing.Chris’s StoryTake Chris. He was a creative executive with some impressive wins under his belt. Then he got laid off. For eighteen months, he scoured job boards and reached out to contacts — but only for creative executive roles. The industry was quiet. With each silence or “no,” his confidence took another hit.That’s the trap of foveal vision. Chris was staring so tightly at a single job title that he couldn’t see how versatile his skills really were.Together, we broke his skills down: project management from idea to delivery, sales acumen in pitching properties, creative analysis of what works in a market, talent management and development, deep research abilities, and translating business objectives into creative outcomes.When I asked what energized him most, Chris lit up at the mention of business development. He loved finding new buyers, building relationships, and positioning ideas for success. It wasn’t the “creative executive” title he craved — it was opening doors and making deals.That realization changed everything. Chris shifted from foveal to peripheral vision. Instead of hunting only for creative executive jobs, he started looking at business development roles in other sectors. Once he softened his gaze, opportunities began to appear.The Bottom LineThis is the power of peripheral vision. It doesn’t erase your expertise — it expands how and where it can be used.Your talents are like flour. If you only see one recipe for them, you’ll stay stuck. But if you widen your gaze, you’ll realize you have far more options than you thought.Sometimes your next chapter isn’t sitting in the center of your vision. It’s waiting at the edges — ready to be noticed the moment you soften your focus.If someone came to mind while you were reading this—please send it their way. You never know the impact a well-timed message can have.P.S. As the holidays come speeding toward us, many people are feeling grief sneak in, energy dipping, and nerves starting to fray.Join me Thursday, November 20 at 12:30 PM PST live on Substack for an “Ask Me Anything” on career grief and the holidays.You can submit your questions ahead of time or come live and bring what’s on your mind. I’m here for you.Related Content* Is It Time For A New Career?* Why Does My Resume Get Ignored?* What Really Happens After You Apply?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are three prompts for Moonshot Mentor paid subscribers to help you practice widening your own career lens. Think of them as a way to stop focusing on “one right answer” and start noticing what’s sitting at the edges of your vision.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comHave you ever hit a big milestone—one you thought would feel amazing—and instead, you’re like, “Wait, that’s it?”You got the job. You crossed the finish line. You checked the box. And five minutes later, you’re already on to the next thing. Or worse—you feel a little empty, maybe even disappointed.I don’t think that’s because you’re ungrateful. I think it’s because you’ve been living by someone else’s definition of success. And if you’re wondering where those definitions come from, look no further than the culture we’re raised in. It feeds us a script about what “making it” should look like.The Success Playbook We Rarely QuestionIn the U.S., we live in a capitalist-first culture. And whether we realize it or not, we’re spoon-fed a script about what “success” should look like. It usually sounds like this:* Make a lot of money.* Get the big job title.* Work long hours—because hustle equals ambition.* Collect degrees and credentials.* Show it all off with travel, brands, and lifestyle.Now, none of this is bad. Honestly, some of it can be great. But here’s the catch: if you’re chasing these things because you think you should—or because that’s what everyone around you is doing—you’re going to feel sorta hollow and empty when you get there.The Comparison GameAnd then there’s comparison. We look around and think, “Well, they did it, so maybe I should too.”That’s exactly what happened when I went for my MBA. Most of the business leaders I admired had one. So I thought, okay, I need that too. And while that degree never once got me hired, I’ll admit it gave me confidence in a boardroom.But let’s be real—that’s not the degree speaking. That’s me outsourcing my self-worth to a piece of paper. What I really wanted was authority and belonging.That’s what comparison does: it makes you believe if you just had the thing—the degree, the Fendi handbag, the fancy beach or ski vacation—you’d finally feel successful. Spoiler: you will, but only if that’s how you define success.Redefining SuccessHere’s the shift: success isn’t a moving target. It’s a way of life. And the only way to feel it—really feel it—is to define it for yourself.Here’s a little exercise I use with my clients (and myself):* Write down your definition of success. Don’t overthink it—just get it on paper.* Ask yourself: Why is this my definition? Write down the answer.* Ask again: Why is that the answer?* And one more time: Why is this the answer?Each “why” pulls you deeper—past surface-level goals into the values and purpose underneath.Let me show you how this played out for me.Back in 2017, here was my definition of success:* Land a fabulous, high-profile job.* Finish a vomit draft of my book by the end of the year.* Lose 10 pounds.Here’s what happened when I put that list through the “why” filter:High-profile job* Why? Because I wanted to feel important and respected.* Why? Because I thought if people admired me, I’d finally feel secure.* Why? Because underneath all the ambition was a fear that without status, I wasn’t enough.Finish a book draft* Why? Because I wanted to be able to say I was an author.* Why? Because I thought having “author” next to my MBA would make me more legitimate.* Why? Because I believed credibility came from labels, not from having something meaningful to say.Lose 10 pounds* Why? Because I wanted to look like I belonged in Los Angeles.* Why? Because the beauty standards here are unforgiving.* Why? Because I thought if I fit the mold, I’d be more lovable.Unpacking each of these so called definitions of success showed me that none of them connected to my actual values. They were all seeking external validation - and they were goals, not ways of being. No wonder I felt an odd sense of emptiness and like “what, that’s it?”Here’s how I define success today: Listen with curiosity, courage, and compassion while creating content and experiences that help people love, learn, and laugh.See the difference? Instead of goals shaped by comparison and culture, this definition is rooted in what matters to me. It’s not something I can check off a list. It’s something I can live into every single day.The Bottom LineCulture and comparison will always offer you a version of success. But if you don’t stop and ask whether it’s really yours, you’re going to keep hitting milestones that don’t mean anything to you.So grab a pen. Write your definition. Ask why, and then ask why again. And don’t stop until you land on something that feels like you or gives you clarity on what needs to be course corrected. Because success isn’t out there waiting for you at the next finish line. It’s in how you’re living your life today.If someone came to mind while you were reading this—please send it their way. You never know the impact a well-timed message can have.Related Content* Why Can’t I Stick With It? 🔄* Is Uncertainty Blocking Your Career Growth?* Unlocking Your Life PurposePerks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Career Strategy with Laverne McKinnon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Journal PromptsHere are 4 journal prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. These will help you dig deeper into your own definition of success and notice where culture and comparison may have shaped it.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comHere’s the thing about growth: quick wins will get you moving, but mastery? Mastery changes you.Don’t get me wrong. Quick wins are great. They give you that hit of momentum, a shot of confidence, the little push that says, “Hey, I can do this.” But they only take you so far.Mastery though is a game changer. It’s when a skill or a practice stops being something you check off a list and becomes part of who you are. It’s what fuels your career for the long haul — the kind of thing that opens doors, keeps you relevant, and makes the work feel meaningful.Quick wins are sparks. Mastery is the bonfire.So here’s the real question: are you building sparks…or are you building a fire that’s going to keep you lit for years to come? Both are important, but at some point if you want longevity, develop your mastery.What’s the Value of Mastery?So what makes mastery worth chasing? Because it’s not just about getting better at a skill. Mastery expands who you are. It deepens your presence, strengthens your sense of purpose, and transforms the way you move through the world. Here are a few of the gifts mastery brings:Depth of skill: Mastery takes you beyond competence into artistry. It’s the difference between playing the notes and making music.Identity and confidence: Over time, your practice stops being something you do and becomes part of who you are. Confidence flows not from performance, but from presence.Strategic advantage: In a crowded, competitive world, mastery gives you vision. It sets you apart because you can see patterns, anticipate challenges, and deliver results with precision and reliability.Resilience: The long arc of mastery builds patience and persistence. You don’t crumble when you hit setbacks — you’ve trained yourself to see them as part of the process, not the end of the story.Fulfillment: At its heart, mastery is about joy. The joy of immersion, of purpose, of knowing your work holds meaning beyond the moment.My StoryFor me, the pursuit of mastery has been a long road. Back in 2015, when I earned my very first coaching certification, I set my sights on the highest credential offered by the International Coaching Federation: Master Certified Coach (MCC). Think of it like a doctor finishing residency and passing their boards — it signals the highest level of trust and expertise in the field.I knew from the start this wasn’t going to be a quick win. Here’s what the MCC requires:* 2,500 hours of coaching experience* 200 hours of coach-specific education* 10 hours of mentored coaching* A three-hour written exam* Demonstrated mastery of ICF Core Competencies* Demonstrated mastery of the ICF Code of Ethics* A performance evaluation* And yes, a significant financial investmentIt took me almost a decade to check all those boxes. And along the way, I learned what mastery actually demands.Depth of skill: I had to stop hiding behind my intellect — the planning, the strategizing, the note-taking. Mastery required me to be fully present. To listen not just with my ears, but with my gut and my heart. The day I stopped taking notes and just trusted myself, was a huge a breakthrough. And I thought: This is what depth feels like.Identity and confidence: I’ve always been that straight-A student who wanted to nail it the first time. But with getting my MCC, I spent eight months under supervision with a mentor coach who told me, over and over, “Not yet.” I wasn’t hitting the competencies. It was so frustrating. It was really difficult to let go of the gold-star mentality and learn to trust the process instead of proving myself through timelines or perfect scores. It was humbling to keep failing — and freeing.Strategic advantage: Yes, MCC gives me credibility on paper — more opportunities in corporate training and executive coaching. But the real advantage is what’s been happening inside. I feel more grounded, proud, and certain. That confidence fuels my vision and gives me the guts to make bigger moves.Resilience: The final stretch just about knocked me down. Months of supervision, performance reviews, and the exam were harder than getting my MBA. I burned out more than once. But it was never about the coaching — that part has always been clear to me. What got foggy was why I wanted the MCC. With the support of my mentor, I realized it was bigger than me just wanting the validation of excellence. It was about impact. About showing up in the deepest way possible for my clients. To keep going, I had to reconnect with my purpose — helping people cross their own finish lines — and anchor myself in three of my values: love, laughter, and learning. That’s what pulled me through.Fulfillment: At the end of the day, it’s sorta weird to recognize the real fulfillment isn’t the credential itself. It’s the proof (as Glennon Doyle says) that I can do hard things. Knowing that changes everything. It gives me courage to dream bigger, to be less afraid of not being perfect, and to learn faster when I stumble. And honestly? It just brings me joy. A lightness. The wisdom that as long as I stay connected to my values and purpose, I can take on hard things and succeed.Bottom LineHere’s the truth: quick wins will always have their place. But if you want longevity, advancement, and real fulfillment, you’ve got to invest in mastery. And the good news? You don’t need a decade-long certification to start.Here are three simple ways to begin building your own bonfire:* Pick one skill and go deeper. Instead of spreading yourself thin, choose a skill that matters in your career and commit to developing it over the long term. Depth creates distinction.* Reconnect with your values. Mastery isn’t just about hours logged — it’s fueled by purpose. Ask yourself: Why does this matter to me? That answer will keep you going when the road gets tough.* Model growth for others. Whether you’re a senior leader or mid-career professional, show your team, peers, or even your family what it looks like to keep learning. Growth inspires growth.Quick wins light the spark. Mastery keeps the fire burning. The question is: what fire do you want to tend?If someone came to mind while you were reading this—please send it their way. You never know the impact a well-timed message can have.Related Content* Is It Time For A New Career?* Let Go Of Career Missteps* Are You Missing The Magic In Your Career?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are three prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. They’re designed to help you explore where quick wins have served you well, and where mastery might bring deeper fulfillment.

Laverne shares her eye-opening experience of losing her job and the complex grief that followed. She delves into the emotional turmoil of being fired, emphasizing how society often dismisses career losses as unimportant. Grief isn't a sign of weakness; it's a natural response to losing something significant. Introducing the RISE framework, she offers actionable steps to navigate through grief, including recognizing hidden losses and creating meaningful rituals. Ultimately, Laverne empowers listeners to validate their feelings and reclaim their agency in the face of career grief.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comIt’s been two months since my little dog Roo died. Not exactly a strong hook for a post about career strategy. But I feel compelled to share this personal information because life keeps on life-ing despite the plans we make for our professional lives. And I think it’s important to make that okay and carve out space.I think most of us are pretty good at holding boundaries when a personal commitment pops up — a friend comes into town, your kids soccer game, a graduation ceremony. We step away, take a day or two, and then we return.But what happens when it’s not a “one and done” thing? What happens in the weeks and months that follow, when you’re still grieving, but the world assumes you’re back to normal?In our society, you’re often given a weekend, maybe a few days, to attend a memorial service or sit shiva. Then there’s an unspoken expectation that the mourning period is over and you can get back to work.Well, grief doesn’t work on a capitalist timetable. It works uniquely on yours. And in those early days and weeks — sometimes the first year — you may look fine on the outside but feel completely dismantled on the inside.Roo’s StoryIt was a Tuesday when Roo started to cough-hack every few hours. I thought it was allergies, or maybe he wasn’t drinking enough water. By Friday, he was only eating once per day, lethargic, and his breathing had become “panty.” I googled his symptoms and got the range of a respiratory infection all the way to cancer. But I held out hope that he would get better with my TLC.On Sunday morning, I called the emergency hospital and asked if his symptoms warranted going in. They said to bring him in immediately. When we arrived, a crew of three technicians ran out the back and took him from my arms. A half hour later the vet told us it was congestive heart failure and all we could do was make him comfortable. They gave him diuretics and oxygen and we brought him home.He rebounded for about a day, but his breath rate started to climb and I knew it was time. I can’t say the words let alone write them. Maybe enough time hasn’t gone by.Roo died on Wednesday, August 20 at 3:15 pm PST. He was surrounded by his family, wrapped in his favorite blanket.Grief and WorkIt’s been surreal mourning while being a grief coach. I know so much, and it changes nothing. Maybe it changes the naming — I can watch myself from a distance and say, “Oh, I’m in the raw and tender stage.” The stage where everything is a first: the first dinner without him, the first night without him, the first morning, the first time watching TV. He really loved our couch time. I would say, “Roo it’s time!” He would run across the foyer, leap into our sunken living room, and hop on the coach. His little head poking over the pillows watching me make my way.There is no “hardest.” It’s all hard.And then work comes knocking at the door. What to do?I gave myself some space. The day after he died, I didn’t — I worked, because I needed a break from my crying so hard my entire face was swollen. Then I took a few days off. Then eased back in. Ten days later, I was fully back in my desk chair. My head and heart were not.Did I make the wrong decision? I don’t know. I do know that staying connected to something I love — client work — has been very helpful. The giant hole in my soul is soothed by helping others. But not all the time. I cancelled three times on one client because I couldn’t be present. She’s also an animal lover who has lost many pets so I knew she would truly understand, and she did.This is the reality of grief at work. It doesn’t disappear after a weekend. And while jobs and bills demand that we show up, we also have to be vigilant and compassionate with ourselves. If we don’t find ways to care for ourselves, burnout will bite us. Hard.Practical Guidance: How to Work While GrievingIn the early days after Roo died, I found myself swinging between extremes. One day I would bury myself in work because I needed relief from my sadness. The next, I couldn’t face my laptop at all. Both choices were valid. Grief isn’t linear — and neither is our ability to work through it.If you’re facing a similar season, here are a few ways to navigate work in those first weeks and months:* Adjust your expectations. Productivity won’t look the same. Instead of aiming for your usual capacity, ask: What’s essential today? What can wait? Shrinking the list gives you a greater chance of following through without burning out.* Communicate with care. Whether it’s your boss, your team, or a client, a simple message like, “I may need extra flexibility this week,” can make all the difference. But also remember: colleagues and clients are not your therapist or coach. Expecting them to fully understand your experience after a few weeks may set you both up for disappointment. Find support outside of work — friends, family, a counselor, or a support group — where your grief can be fully witnessed.* Build in recovery time. Grief is exhausting. Even short breaks to step outside, stretch, or sit in silence can help your nervous system reset. Think of it as scheduling grief alongside your meetings.* Anchor in what feels nourishing. Whether it’s a hot cup of cocoa, getting your nails done, treating yourself to lunch out, or listening to music on your commute — give yourself extra time and care for those small pleasures. They’re not frivolous. They’re ways of replenishing yourself when so much feels depleted.* Carry a keepsake. Sometimes pretending you’re not grieving while you’re on the job is more dysregulating than quietly acknowledging it. Having a small memento — a piece of jewelry, a photo, a favorite pen, or any object tied to your loved one — can provide comfort. Holding onto something tangible is a healthy way to feel a continued bond, a reminder you’re not carrying your loss alone.The truth is, there’s no single formula. Working while grieving is about tending to both sides of the equation: the professional obligations you must meet and the human need for gentleness. Hold them together with vigilance and compassion, and you’ll find your way through.Related Content* Is Grief Holding Me Back?* How Can Grief Boulders Turn To Butterflies?* Are There Grief Rules?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Here are three journal prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. These are designed to help you reflect on how to navigate the tension between grief and productivity in your own life.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comGoals and outcomes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Popcorn and butter. Mustard and mayonnaise.One without the other just doesn’t quite work. And might leave you feeling out of sorts like you’re spinning your wheels—not clear if you’re making any actual progress in your career.A goal on its own is isolated and can lose direction easily. But pair it with an outcome, and suddenly you have motivation, inspiration, and drive.An outcome on its own putters along, every once in awhile sputtering along in fits and starts. But give it a goal, and now it has gas in the tank.Understanding the difference between the two—and learning how to link them—is the key to building a career that has momentum and resonance.The Key DistinctionA goal is concrete and measurable. It’s the equivalent of plugging an address into Google Maps—step by step, turn by turn, until you arrive.An outcome in the Moonshot universe, on the other hand, is about how you want to feel once you arrive. It’s not the GPS directions to Venice Beach—it’s the desire to spend the day in the sun, relaxed and carefree.Here’s the difference in practice:* Goal = get promoted → Outcome = feel valued.* Goal = find a new job → Outcome = feel financially secure.* Goal = pivot careers → Outcome = feel happy.* Goal = expand your network → Outcome = feel connected and supported.* Goal = complete a certification → Outcome = feel capable and prepared for a career pivot or advancement.Now here’s a rub: You can get promoted and never feel valued. You can land the job and still feel insecure. You can pivot careers and be unhappy.That’s why it’s important to make sure your outcome and your goals are aligned with each other. After all, when peanut butter gets with jelly, it’s not just lunch—it’s a love story.Goals and Outcomes That Work Together, Stay TogetherI once spent invested a lot of money on a shaman when I was at a crossroads. After waiting patiently in line at a Viceroy Hotel conference room in Santa Monica, I had my chance for wisdom. The shaman told me, “Don’t go to New York expecting it to be San Francisco.”At the time, I was outraged by what I considered his flippant advice. And that it cost me a few thousand dollars. But eventually I got what he meant, and it’s helped me find peace and harmony in so many aspects of my life.If you seek a promotion to feel valued, you’re in the wrong city. A promotion can earn you more money, gain you more visibility, increase your responsibilities. But your value cannot be outsourced. It has to come from within.If you’re looking to pivot careers to feel happy, you’re in the wrong city. Pivoting careers can bring you fulfillment as an expression of your life purpose, but outsourcing your happiness is a recipe for disappointment.On the other hand, if you’re completing a certification to feel capable and prepared, you’re in the right city. Yay! Finally! Why? Because you’re not asking the certification to do something it can’t. Certifications are designed to teach and then show you that you do have the knowledge. That knowledge is what gives you confidence.The key here is to craft outcomes that are within your control. Any outcome that relies on other people will eventually frustrate you. You can’t make your boss respect you. You can’t make your company promote you. But you can set an outcome like: “I want to stay calm and assertive in difficult conversations.” That’s yours to own.Crafting Outcomes That Actually WorkHere are a few more tips to help you craft outcomes that will set you up for success.Positive framing. Focus on what you do want, not what you don’t. Saying “I don’t want to feel invisible at work” keeps you stuck in invisibility. Reframe it: “I want to feel recognized for my contributions.” That small shift gives you a direction to move toward.Specific and sensory. How will you know when you’ve arrived at your outcome? Anchor it in what you’ll see, hear, and feel. For example, if your outcome is “I want to feel confident in my role,” the markers might be making eye contact in meetings, speaking clearly without rushing, and feeling grounded instead of anxious.Values-driven. The best outcomes are rooted in what truly matters to you. If connection is a core value, then “expanding your network” isn’t just about LinkedIn requests—it’s about feeling supported and part of a community. When outcomes are tied to values, they carry staying power even when goals take longer than expected.When outcomes are positive, values-driven, and specific, they stop being lofty wishes and start becoming motivating guides.Giving Your Outcomes Gas in the TankOnce your outcome is well-formed, it’s time to put it into motion by turning it into goals—the step-by-step actions that bring it to life.Take this example: Outcome = “I want to feel confident at work.”* Goal 1: Speak up once in every meeting.* Goal 2: Take a presentation skills workshop.* Goal 3: Track weekly wins to build momentum.Here’s another example: Outcome = “I want to feel financially secure.”* Goal 1: Build a six-month emergency savings fund.* Goal 2: Track monthly income and expenses.* Goal 3: Apply for three higher-paying roles by year’s end.The outcome is the flavor. The goals are the bread that holds it together. On their own, they don’t satisfy. But when you stack them together, you don’t just get progress—you get a career that actually tastes like fulfillment.Bottom LineGoals without outcomes can feel empty. Outcomes without goals remain wishes.When you align the two, you don’t just achieve milestones—you create a career that feels purposeful, secure, connected, and satisfying.Related Content* Why Do We Make Desperate Choices? * How People Pleasing Screws Up Achieving Your Goals* What Are The Seven Big Mistakes Of Goal Setting?Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are 4 journal prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. Use these to clarify the outcomes that matter most to you and ensure your goals actually align.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comMany of us hold beliefs like: education opens doors, avoiding conflict keeps the peace, or opportunity is everywhere if we just look hard enough. These sound noble, but they can be more mistaken than true.In challenging times, we lean on our beliefs to carry us through. But some of them hurt us more than they help.This week, I’m reposting one of my most popular blogs for anyone feeling frustrated, stuck, or angry. One reason you may feel this way is that your belief system doesn’t match reality—and that realization can be painful.The way forward? Test your beliefs against the evidence. Ask: is this belief helping me, or is it holding me back?Mistaken beliefs and super glue are like two peas in a pod: fast, versatile, strong, easy to use, and inexpensive. They also work pretty well until you get some stuck on your fingers and lose the ability to use your phalanges.Take this mistaken belief: If I work hard, I will be successful.This belief developed as a result of comparing myself to others. I frequently came up short because of doubts about my talent, the depth of my experience, and whether I knew the right people. So, to counter these uncomfortable thoughts, I chose to take one thing I do—work hard—and make that into a way of being and a belief.This leads to another mistaken belief. If I’m successful, then I’m worthy of promotion, financial validation, and respect.Which then leads to: If I’m worthy of promotion, financial validation, and respect then I am lovable.Now I know the truth: everyone, including myself, is worthy of love without having to jump through hoops. However, belief frequently outweighs the truth.What Is A Mistaken Belief?A mistaken belief, according to Psychology Today, is “when someone has objective evidence that doesn’t support their belief, but these beliefs still govern their lives and motivate their actions.”It’s a concept that has been studied numerous times without clear results of why we believe what we believe – even when there is counterfactual evidence.For those who are looking to move ahead in their career, a close examination of whether your beliefs are helpful, hurtful, or mistaken can help clear the path to achieving your goals.The Purpose Of A Mistaken BeliefWhat I’ve come to realize is that the purpose of a mistaken belief is to be the super glue that holds our dreams and our actions together. If I dream X, then it will happen if I do Y. Let me give you a few examples to bring this alive.Let’s go back to: If I work hard enough, I will be successful. One of my dreams was to work in prime-time drama development at a network. This dream evolved when I was working in prime-time current, which is the role at a network or studio that creatively supervises TV series that are currently on the air.My challenge was that I was new to working in prime-time, having come out of children’s programming and animation for almost six years. I doubted my credibility, was concerned that I didn’t know who the players were, and didn’t know the “rules of engagement.” The underlying belief with these doubts is that “I need to know and not have a learning curve.”So I chose to work harder to try to hide my shortcomings: I was the first to read scripts, the first to have my thoughts organized, the first in the office (and the last to leave), and said yes to meeting with any writer or director who was interested.While there was evidence that people were getting promoted who didn’t do what I did, I refused to look at what made them successful. I was convinced I wasn’t as talented as them, so I needed to focus on what was within my grasp: working harder.So, this dream of being successful (getting promoted) was glued to the mistaken belief that it would happen if I worked harder.A few more mistaken beliefs related to being successful from my time clawing my way up the corporate ladder:* Morning people are successful: if I wake up early enough then I will be more prepared and energized, and yet there were dozens of executives higher up the ladder who didn’t get into the office until 10:00 am.* I need years of experience to be successful: if I can just stay in the “game” long enough, success will come my way, and yet there were a few executives who held more senior positions and were much younger.* Knowing the right people will help me be successful: if I can just network more and better, then I will have the necessary advocates (and maybe a mentor!) to be successful, and yet I had a good friend who didn’t come from an agency background and had no high-visibility friends and was still named head of a department at a major studio.Mistaken Beliefs Have ConsequencesUnfortunately, we can’t escape the downside of holding mistaken beliefs. Here’s the thing about them: mistaken beliefs like super glue rapidly bond to skin, can burn the eyes, repeated inhalation can cause dizziness, and when they set, they’re brittle. Let’s break the metaphor down:* Mistaken beliefs will stick to you like super glue. Once they touch the vulnerable parts of your heart or intellect, they will not let go, and they will feel like the truth, which makes them difficult to unstick.* Mistaken beliefs cloud your vision and stop you from seeing all the data. They burn the part of you that is the truth seeker and keep you small. Only the truth can move you forward.* Repeated use of mistaken beliefs will cause dizziness and drowsiness because they suck the oxygen out of your ability to thoroughly analyze a situation and choose the best option to move forward. So, you are not operating at full capacity.* Mistaken beliefs are brittle. They hold on and hold on until you have to break it off in order to be set free.More Examples Of Mistaken BeliefsIt can be challenging to identify your mistaken beliefs because (as I said) they can feel like the truth.One of the best ways to learn and see your mistaken beliefs is through hearing other people’s mistaken beliefs. Sometimes, we don’t even know that we have mistaken beliefs until we see how they operate in other people. I saw this phenomenon when leading a discussion about mistaken beliefs with a group of indie producers I led through my coaching practice.Here’s a smattering of some of those beliefs (I have permission to share them publicly). You may recognize some or all!* Everyone has to be happy* I must be fast to go far* It’s a young person’s game* Other people’s opinions hold more value* Work has to come first* You have to be in LA to be successful* Have to choose a lane* The younger you are, the more opportunities* I don’t have the right face shape to be successful* I need to have all the skills* If I say no, I won’t be asked again* I have to put myself out there more* I got in too late* Money sources are only good for money and should be kept at a distance* You are retired when you have kids* Projects need to be packaged in order to sell* It’s important to time the marketplace* Need to have a big budget to have production value* Latino film has to have a certain look / feel / aestheticThese beliefs hurt my heart — I can think of at least one instance in which each one of these statements is factually inaccurate. And yet, they are treated as universal truths and become the guardrails in which we conduct ourselves professionally.Do you see how limiting these beliefs are? The consequences of living these beliefs include:* Not meeting one’s potential* Living other people’s values* Missing opportunities* Not meeting your definition of successIf you’re wondering why you are stuck, there’s a chance you are operating under mistaken beliefs.Now What?Identifying and unpacking mistaken beliefs requires great, great, great courage. It also involves self-compassion, empathy, and grace. It demands curiosity, patience and a microscope.Course correcting from mistaken beliefs is not a light switch that you can easily switch on or off. The beliefs become ingrained in our thinking and way of being. Vigilance and tenacity are the handrails as you cross the bridge from mistaken belief to truth.So, how to go about confronting mistaken beliefs, if you’re so inclined:* Examine your beliefs by writing them down. Consider the beliefs that were taught to you by your primary caregivers. Talk to a trusted friend about what they see. Work with a therapist or coach.* Look for the evidence, facts, and the truth to support your belief. If there is none, look for a value to honor instead of the mistaken belief. For example, when I have the compulsion to work harder to get ahead, I choose to value compassion. The compassion allows me to check in with myself about arbitrary deadlines I may have set in order to feel successful.* If there’s data to support your belief, then assess whether the belief you hold is helpful or hurtful. This is a tricky step because you may think a belief is helpful when the data shows you that it’s not. With the work harder belief, I had excellent results for years until I reached a point of diminishing returns. I was exhausted by developing multiple projects as a producer but not selling at the same rate as in previous years.* If you determine that a belief is hurtful, then choose a value to honor instead. With the realization that my sales quota had fallen, I course corrected to value curation over volume.For many of my clients, their mistaken beliefs take a tremendous toll on their relationships, family, and overall well-being. I had one client whose belief that he needed to write every single day in order to launch his career in the entertainment industry caused him so much stress that he withdrew from his wife and kids. They were contemplating separation when we started to work together. After several sessions, we discovered that my client works best when writing in sprints. He thought he was doing writing wrong because he struggled with a daily writing schedule. When he learned that successful writers have a wide variety of processes, he recognized that he was holding a mistaken belief. My client was able to negotiate time to write in 2-3 day clusters, and it relieved his stress and addressed his family’s need for his presence.Bottom LineIn the end, mistaken beliefs seem useful and reliable until you realize they don’t actually serve you. They might feel like the truth, but they cloud your vision, sap your energy, and hold you back. The key is recognizing them and gently peeling them away.Examining our beliefs, especially the mistaken ones, takes courage and self-compassion. It’s about being curious and patient with ourselves. Write down your beliefs, discuss them with trusted friends or professionals, and look for evidence that supports or refutes them. Replace hurtful beliefs with values that truly serve you.When we let go of mistaken beliefs, we create space for healthier, more empowering truths. This shift isn’t instantaneous—it’s a journey of continuous learning and self-awareness. But in doing so, we open ourselves to more authentic success and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. So, take a deep breath, grab your metaphorical acetone, and start ungluing those mistaken beliefs. Your future self will thank you.Related Content* How Your Identity Is Stopping You From Achieving Your Goals* How To Tame Your Inner Critic* My Kid Isn’t Going To College …Perks for Paid SubscribersMoonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Journal PromptsHere are five journal prompts to help you explore and understand the themes of mistaken beliefs and their impact on your life:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comOn paper, Deborah has it all. She’s the CFO of a well-known accounting firm in Boston. Married for 23 years, three healthy kids, a vacation home on the Cape. Her LinkedIn profile is stacked with awards and promotions. If you asked anyone around her, they’d tell you she’s “made it.”So why, in her own words, is she “not doing well.”It’s because Deborah’s been chasing achievements instead of building accomplishments.Achievements vs. AccomplishmentsHere’s how I think about it.Achievements are the things that get noticed. A new title, a big award, a parking space with your name on it. A lot of times they translate into bullet points on your resume.Accomplishments feel different. They don’t always show up on LinkedIn, but you know when you’ve had one. It’s the pride you feel after mentoring a colleague and seeing them get that promotion. Or the satisfaction of preparing hard for a meeting and knocking it out of the ball park. Or the moment at the coffee pot when you slow down long enough to lend a compassionate ear to a work buddy.Achievement is about recognition. Accomplishment is about fulfillment.Both matter. But when achievements become the sole measure of success, they start to feel like cotton candy. Delicious going down, but not enough sustenance to get you through the day. That’s where Deborah finds herself.Why Achievements Hook UsThere’s a reason it’s so easy to get caught up in the achievement chase. Each time someone applauds us—or clicks “like” on something we post—our brain gives us a little chemical pat on the back. A dopamine hit. It feels good, but it doesn’t last. So we keep chasing after the next one.Add in the cultural stories we’ve all been told—success equals climbing ladders, stacking trophies, hitting milestones—and it’s no wonder most of us go after achievements like they’re a Chestnut Cocoa Labubu.And when we don’t get it? Anxiety spikes. Stress hormones like cortisol rise. We find ourselves working harder, cancelling social get-togethers, and pushing through exhaustion—all in pursuit of validation that evaporates as soon as it arrives.This is what I call “success fatigue.” It’s not that Deborah hasn’t achieved incredible things. It’s that those achievements no longer sustain her. Without that deeper anchor of living her values, the ladder she’s been climbing feels like it’s leaning against the wrong wall.The Cost of Chasing Achievements AloneWhen we measure our worth solely through achievements, three things happen:* We burn out. The constant striving for external validation keeps our nervous systems on high alert. We push past our limits, telling ourselves we can rest after the next big milestone.* Our self-esteem gets fragile. If our value depends on others’ approval, it only takes one missed promotion or disappointing performance review to send us spiraling.* We feel empty. Even after the big wins, there’s still that voice asking, Is this it? Is there more?That’s what keeps Deborah up at 3 a.m.The Case for AccomplishmentAccomplishments tell a different story. They’re not about recognition. They’re about resonance.When we do work that aligns with our values, it builds confidence that doesn’t crumble when someone else gets promoted. Think about the difference between receiving an industry award (an achievement) and creating a system that makes your team’s work easier for years to come (an accomplishment). One gets you applause. The other leaves a ripple of impact long after you’ve moved on.Accomplishments are sustainable fuel. They don’t depend on whether your boss notices or your industry hands you a plaque. They depend on whether your work connects to your values.How to ShiftIf you’re reading this and thinking, Yep, that’s me. I’ve been chasing achievements, you’re not alone.Here are a few small places to start:* Ask “why” before saying yes. Is the thing you’re looking to achieve tied to your values, or is it just about keeping up?* Notice the wins no one else sees. Keep a journal of the things that made you proud, even if nobody clapped.* Celebrate the process. Your growth counts, even if the outcome isn’t flashy.* Write your own definition of success. Not your boss’s version. Not your industry’s. Yours.These practices don’t mean abandoning achievements altogether. They mean putting them in their place—they’re external proof, not the whole story.Coming Back to DeborahDeborah’s starting to realize her accomplishments have been there all along. They just weren’t the ones she was measuring.The pro bono work she championed that helped a nonprofit keep its doors open. The financial lessons she taught her teenage son. The colleague she coached through her first big role.Those are the things that light her up.Achievements decorate a resume. Accomplishments nourish a life.And when we start measuring success from the inside out, fulfillment stops feeling like something just out of reach—and starts feeling like something we can actually touch.Bottom LineOn paper, Deborah has it all—title, family, recognition, even the Cape house. But in her own words, she’s “not doing well.”That’s the trap of chasing achievements. They look impressive, but they don’t always bring fulfillment.Accomplishments, on the other hand, connect us back to our core values. They don’t just show what we’ve done—they remind us who we are.If your list of achievements hasn’t left you feeling satisfied, maybe it’s time to measure success differently.Related Content* Are You A Workaholic?* Feeling Taken Advantage Of At Work?* Is Your Career Missing Purpose?Moonshot Mentor paid subscribers get weekly journal prompts to spark personal and professional growth, guided meditations to help them center, reflect, and reset, plus exclusive career development and career grief workshops that build clarity, resilience, and momentum.Perks for Paid SubscribersHere are three journal prompts for paid Moonshot Mentor subscribers. They’ll help you explore how to shift from achievement to accomplishment.