10. Living Authentically: Why I Chose a Life Without Kids

Episode Summary:

In honor of International Women’s Day, I’m getting personal. Today, I’m sharing a story I’ve never fully discussed before: why I never wanted kids. More importantly, I’m using this story to explore a bigger question: What does it mean to live authentically?

As women, we’re often expected to conform to societal norms, whether that’s having kids, choosing a ‘stable’ career, or following a predetermined path. But what happens when you don’t fit the mold?

In this episode, I challenge these expectations and share:
✔️ The pressures society places on women to have children.
✔️ How I navigated my own decision to remain child-free.
✔️ The importance of making choices that align with who you are, not what’s expected of you.
✔️ The difference between staying in your Zone of Competence vs. stepping into your Zone of Genius.

If you’ve ever felt pressured to follow a path that doesn’t feel right for you—whether it’s about family, career, or life in general—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why choosing NOT to do something often requires more explanation than choosing to do it.
✅ The power of self-awareness in designing a fulfilling life and career.
✅ How to break free from expectations and build a life that energizes you.
✅ The role of small steps in transitioning toward a more aligned and authentic life.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔗 Book Recommendation: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (on the Zone of Genius).
🔗 Connect with Me on LinkedIn: @LisetteLeuftink
🔗 Subscribe to My Newsletter for More Career & Life Insights: Lisetteleuftink.com/Newsletter

Let’s Connect!

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on LinkedIn or share your thoughts in a review. And if you know someone who needs to hear this message today, pass it along.

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🌟 Final Thought: The best way to celebrate International Women’s Day? Live authentically. Your life, your choices.

Until next time—stay curious!