Have you ever noticed that what we learn about ourselves in our personal lives often carries over into our professional lives?

Last week, I shared how religious messages taught me not to trust myself and to give more authority to external sources of authority. In Laura Anderson’s book “When Religion Hurts You,” she states that in high control religions, “...suffering is valued over pleasure, and praise is given to those who experience hardship.” Yep. Heard that one too.

As a career coach, I often wonder if religious messages have impacted a client’s career choices. This has certainly been the case for me. I grew up in a conservative religious environment and was taught a problematic message: I couldn't trust myself.