This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.

Let’s face it: we’ve all had those days where we feel like we’re in the wrong line of work.

As if we’re in over our heads.
As if we're on an island.
As if we've lost our way.
 
I had one of those days recently. After losing a competitive business pitch that I had put a big bet on, I started to wonder if I was made for what this business required. Had I put too much of my heart on the line? Did we ever really have a chance to win it? Had I led my team astray?
 
And then I remembered: The moments that most challenge us are also the moments that most define us.
 
I didn’t start this business expecting to win every project that came our way, or thinking every day would be easy.
 
I started this business knowing there would be wins and losses, triumphs and challenges, good days and bad. Twenty-plus years into my business ownership journey, I know with certainty that on each one of those low days, we can go high. It’s not what we lose; it’s what we learn. And it’s how we practice living our values in the process.
 
At Mission Partners, we are never "in over our heads" when it comes to living our values. On the contrary, we are aligned and confident in our ability to live our values. We are authentic and genuine in putting those values into practice.

It is hard work, heart work, and the work we know best.
 
Yesterday, Mission Partners released its annual Social Impact Report, a symbol of pride as a Certified B Corporation and a powerful reflection of our values in action. This year’s report shows how values drive our business decisions, guide our client service approach, and inform our workplace processes. Our values also remind me that this work matters, and even on the days when I doubt myself, I have never doubted this company or its impact.
 

Bottom line: We will all have bad days and losses that can feel hard to swallow. Those moments may discourage you, but don’t let them distract you from your values. Because when your values are clear, the impact is undeniable.

This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.