Careers Quote by Alicia Keys
“I thought I had to be perfect. I would often make choices I thought would make everyone else happy. I lived at a pace that was "good for my career," whether it was good for me or not. I have learned how important it is to check in with myself and listen, really listen.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 2022
Realizing perfectionism harms self‑care; self‑reflection and honest listening guide healthier choices.
In simple terms: Perfectionism blocks self‑care; listening to yourself helps.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize inner needs over external expectations.
Themes
self‑care
authenticity
boundaries
growth
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
hopeful
determined
Type
advice
personal development
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- mental health routines
- creative projects
- daily self‑check‑ins
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑awareness
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal signals are you ignoring?
- How can you set boundaries without guilt?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can be rooted in fear of judgment, making change difficult.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
