So often, we get caught up in the idea that our job defines who we are. We think our worth comes from impressing our boss, or sounding smart in front of coworkers. But that mindset can actually hold us back from doing our jobs well.

I was recently speaking with someone who felt paralyzed at work. She was afraid to bring up an important question to her boss because she didn’t want to “sound stupid.” On one hand, her coworker was pressuring her to ask; on the other hand, she couldn’t shake the fear of rocking the boat or being judged. That fear was crippling her ability to move forward.

The turning point came when she shifted her mindset: My job does not define me. Her sense of value doesn’t come from sounding smart or impressing people—it comes from doing what Hashem wants her to do, which is the right thing.

With that new perspective, she was able to call her boss. And the outcome? He was grateful she brought it up. He confirmed that her instincts were right, and he was glad she spoke up.

The very thing she was most afraid of—sounding “dumb”—was what allowed her to be a stronger employee. By not letting fear of judgment define her actions, she actually built more trust with her boss and strengthened her role.

That’s the lesson: when we stop defining ourselves by what our boss or coworkers think, and instead define ourselves by doing the right thing before Hashem, we not only feel more free—we become better employees.