In our careers — and personal lives too — we often go with the flow. We climb ladders we didn’t choose, follow paths set by others, and collect achievements that don’t really fulfill us.
But what if you gave yourself permission to choose your direction, instead of just climbing?
In this article, we’ll explore how to move from a passive mindset to conscious leadership. We’ll take inspiration from Olympic athlete Chloé Trespeuch, and offer practical exercises to help you apply this reflection to your own journey.
Professional growth isn’t always a choice
Many people progress by inertia. They get promoted, change departments, take on more responsibilities… but not because they truly want to. They do it because it’s “what’s expected”, “the next logical step” or because “you can’t say no”.
Internally, they may feel disconnected, stuck or unfulfilled.
This kind of success, when misaligned with your values, can lead to burnout, stagnation or even a professional identity crisis.
Chloé Trespeuch’s story: choosing before climbing
French snowboarder Chloé Trespeuch shared in an interview that, after several victories, she felt stuck in a routine that no longer inspired her. She made a tough decision: to pause and rethink what she truly wanted.
That break allowed her to redefine her goals, shift her mental and physical preparation, and return to competition with renewed purpose.
She chose her path — instead of being carried by it.
Lead your life: 3 steps to take back control
Here’s a short action plan to start leading your career — and your life — intentionally:
- Audit your trajectory
List the main milestones in your career. For each one, ask yourself:
• Was this a choice or a default path?
• What did I learn?
• Would I do it again? - Define your current purpose
You don’t need a grand life mission, but you do need clarity.
What do you value now? What kind of impact do you want to make? What lifestyle do you want? - Say “yes” only to what aligns
Learning to say “no” to projects or habits that don’t match your values frees up time, energy and direction.
From climbing for the sake of it to choosing with intention
Shifting your mindset doesn’t mean rejecting success. It means making sure that success is aligned with what you want to build.
Choosing your life is not selfish. It’s your responsibility.
Conclusion: don’t wait to hit rock bottom
Personal leadership begins when you stop reacting and start deciding with intention.
If you feel like you’re living a career that doesn’t fully reflect you, this is the moment to reassess.
Climbing without choosing is like scaling a ladder with no idea where it leads. Choosing your path means building it — step by step.
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