While I think it is critical to ship your work and be generous with others; you are not your work.

When we equate ourselves with our work or attach our ‘worth’ or ‘value’ to our work or a particular process we are championing, then we will feel attacked when our work is questioned or attacked.

While our work can contribute to who we are and sense of confidence; while our contributions to making society better can contribute to our sense of value and worth; they are not the same.

Confusing our work and our worth leads us to being unable to grow and learn.

Photo by Joshua Earle