Ep 018 with Esther Zeledón
As a high achiever, you may be driven by external measures of success – the accolades, the achievements, the recognition. But what happens when we realize that chasing these external validations doesn’t actually bring us the fulfillment we seek?
In this episode of What’s Possible, I had the privilege of sitting down with author, entrepreneur, and international consultant Dr. Esther Zeledón about journey of breaking free from societal expectations and discovering her true purpose.
The High Cost of High Achieving
Dr. Esther Zeledón is a renowned entrepreneur, coach, and international development professional, recognized globally for her impactful work. With a Ph.D. and MS degrees in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, she brings a wealth of expertise to empower high achievers on their journey towards fulfillment.
Growing up in Nicaragua, Dr. Zeledón’s life was anything but ordinary. Facing a life-threatening medical condition as a child, she learned early on the fragility of life and the importance of resilience. Yet, like many high achievers, she found herself trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing and perfectionism, constantly seeking validation from others.
In our conversation, Dr. Zeledón shared her deeply personal journey of breaking free from societal expectations and discovering her true purpose. It was a journey marked by self-discovery, self-compassion, and ultimately, self-fulfillment.
Creating Your Limitless Life
Dr. Esther Zeledón’s new book, “Creating Your Limitless Life,” serves as a guiding beacon for high achievers, offering transformative methods to unleash their full potential and find authentic fulfillment.
Having experienced firsthand the pitfalls of chasing external validation and societal expectations, Esther felt compelled to share her insights and strategies for finding true fulfillment. Through her book, Esther aims to guide high achievers on a path towards internal validation, authenticity, and purpose.
Drawing from her own experiences and extensive expertise as an entrepreneur, coach, and international development professional, Esther offers readers a roadmap to break free from limitations and unlock their limitless potential. Her mission is to empower others to embrace their uniqueness, redefine success on their own terms, and live a life of purpose and joy.
Empowering High Achievers with Actionable Steps
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Zeledón shared insights, anecdotes, and practical tips for finding fulfillment as a high achiever. From overcoming limiting beliefs to building resilience, she provided a roadmap for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and discover their true purpose.
Embracing Internal Validation
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of internal validation. Dr. Zeledón emphasized that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external achievements or societal expectations.
Instead of chasing after external measures of success, she encouraged listeners to dig deep and uncover their unique purpose – the thing that sets their soul on fire and gives their life meaning.
Finding Your Purpose
But finding purpose isn’t always easy, especially for high achievers who are used to measuring their worth by external standards.
Dr. Zeledón shared practical strategies for overcoming this challenge, including:
- Setting clear boundaries
- Practicing self-care
- Seeking support from others
Leading with Authenticity
One of the most powerful moments of our conversation was when Esther talked about the importance of authenticity. In my career, I too have struggled with aligning and feeling true to myself.
She reminded us that true fulfillment comes from living authentically – from embracing who we are and owning our unique gifts and talents. It’s about showing up as our true selves, even when it’s scary or uncomfortable.
Rewriting Your Story
But perhaps the most powerful message Dr. Zeledón shared was one of hope. She reminded us that it’s never too late to change course, to rewrite our story, and to create a life that truly fulfills us. It’s a message that resonated deeply with me, and one that I hope will inspire others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
In the end, finding fulfillment as a high achiever isn’t about achieving more or doing more – it’s about being more. It’s about embracing our true selves, honoring our unique gifts, and living a life that aligns with our deepest values and desires. And with Dr. Zeledón’s guidance, I believe we can all find the courage and strength to do just that.
Want to have a deeper conversation about how to implement these steps? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
