By President Sarah E. Kuchon
The word “niche” carries several meanings, from describing a small recess in a wall to referring to a specialized segment of the market. The most powerful meaning, however, is the one that speaks to a sense of purpose, being “best fitted” for something. In this sense, a niche is not just a comer carved out but a place where a person’s skills, passions, and values align in a way that feels natural and sustaining. We often speak of”finding our niche” as if each of us has a single destination waiting to be discovered. However, a life of meaning is not about narrowing toward one fixed point. It is about finding a space that allows us to grow, to give, and to remain true to who we are. Whatever direction we choose, the goal is the same: to bring the best version of ourselves forward and to be “best fitted” for what we take on.
What It Means to Be “Best Fitted”
Being “best fitted” goes beyond ability. Skills can be learned and refined, but a true niche is about alignment between one’s inner self and outer work. Being “best fitted” is not about landing a perfect job. It is about identifying where what we do is both meaningful to us and valuable to others. It is about making intentional choices about how we spend our time and energy. It is also about aligning our work, commitments, and relationships with our strengths, passions, and values rather than drifting into roles or paths by default. When we are best fitted, we thrive.
The Cost of Being Misfitted
Too often, professionals stumble into careers without pausing to ask whether they have found their real fit. They may achieve outward success yet still feel restless or unfulfilled. The cost of being misfitted is subtle but profound. When our work does not align with who we are, it often shows up as restlessness, fatigue, or a nagging sense that something is missing. Success achieved without alignment can feel hollow, leaving us wondering why the milestone we chased did not bring the fulfillment we imagined. Over time, the strain of forcing ourselves into roles that do not fit can erode not only our energy but also our confidence, creativity, and joy.
Discovering Where You Are Best Fitted
Finding a role, a path, or even a way of living that aligns with our strengths, passions, and values is rarely accidental. It is not a matter of luck or waiting for the perfect opportunity but a process of discovery that unfolds through curiosity, reflection, and experimentation. Often, small, intentional steps are needed to illuminate the path. The following strategies can provide a framework for discovery, turning what might feel like aimless wandering into thoughtful exploration.
—Reflect on Your Strengths and Passions
Begin by taking stock of the activities and roles that energize you. Ask yourself: “What do I do well? What comes naturally to me?” These are your strengths. Then ask: “What do I enjoy doing so much that time seems to fly by when doing it? What projects leave me feeling creative and engaged?” These are your passions. The place where your strengths and passions overlap is often the first clue toward a niche that feels authentic and meaningful.
—Notice Patterns in Feedback
Next, pay attention to how others respond to your contributions. Colleagues, friends, and clients often notice our gifts before we do. Ask yourself: “Which of my skills or qualities are consistently recognized or appreciated?” External perspectives and feedback can shine a light on strengths we might overlook, helping us see where our natural abilities meet the needs of the world around us.
—Experiment and Explore
Finding our niche is rarely a one-step decision or a single choice. It is something we discover through trial, reflection, and adjustment. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new roles, projects, or experiences. Each experience gives you data. Ask yourself: “What energizes me? What drains me? What feels aligned? What feels mismatched?” Each experiment is a chance to test and explore what feels aligned and what does not.
—Align with Values and Market Needs
A true niche honors our values and meets real needs. You may have passion and skill in an area, but if there is no demand, it will be difficult to build a career around it. On the other hand, working in an area of high demand that does not align with your values will leave you burned out and unfulfilled. The sweet spot lies where authenticity meets opportunity, when your work reflects who you are and contributes something meaningful. To identify your values, start by considering what matters most to you. If the gap between your values and work is too wide, it might be time to seek a new role, organization, or field that offers a better fit. This can feel risky, but long-term fulfillment often requires the courage to step away, explore, and adjust.
Finding My Niche
For years, I felt like I was just moving through life. As a personal injury attorney, I had honed my abilities and achieved success, yet something felt incomplete. I wanted to serve my clients in a deeper, more holistic way, one that went beyond the confines of law. In pursuing that purpose, I explored counseling and yoga, developing new skills and discovering unexpected ways to connect with and serve my clients.
While some thought I was taking a risky or unconventional path, to me it felt like the only one. In following my passions, I began to understand what it truly meant to be “best fitted.” At first glance, being an attorney, a counselor, and a yoga instructor seem like three very different paths, but for me they share deeper, meaningful connections. In essence, all three roles center on service, guidance, and human connection, using specialized knowledge to help people navigate challenges, grow, and find alignment in their lives. What once felt like separate callings have woven together into a life of purpose, where I discovered my niche of serving others with both skill and heart.
Be Patient with the Process
The search for a niche is really the search for ourselves. It is less about finding a fixed destination and more about cultivating awareness of where we are best suited to contribute, grow, and thrive. Whether we wander and explore or hone a particular path, the journey itself teaches us who we are and what matters most. In this way, the pursuit of a niche becomes not just a search for alignment but a practice of presence, reflection, and authenticity. Through small reflections, experiments, and observations, we can gain a clearer understanding of where we are “best fitted,” thereby finding our niche.
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Sarah E. Kuchon, of Hohauser Kuchon, is the 93rd president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
What It Means to Be “Best Fitted”
Being “best fitted” goes beyond ability. Skills can be learned and refined, but a true niche is about alignment between one’s inner self and outer work. Being “best fitted” is not about landing a perfect job. It is about identifying where what we do is both meaningful to us and valuable to others. It is about making intentional choices about how we spend our time and energy. It is also about aligning our work, commitments, and relationships with our strengths, passions, and values rather than drifting into roles or paths by default. When we are best fitted, we thrive.
The Cost of Being Misfitted
Too often, professionals stumble into careers without pausing to ask whether they have found their real fit. They may achieve outward success yet still feel restless or unfulfilled. The cost of being misfitted is subtle but profound. When our work does not align with who we are, it often shows up as restlessness, fatigue, or a nagging sense that something is missing. Success achieved without alignment can feel hollow, leaving us wondering why the milestone we chased did not bring the fulfillment we imagined. Over time, the strain of forcing ourselves into roles that do not fit can erode not only our energy but also our confidence, creativity, and joy.
Discovering Where You Are Best Fitted
Finding a role, a path, or even a way of living that aligns with our strengths, passions, and values is rarely accidental. It is not a matter of luck or waiting for the perfect opportunity but a process of discovery that unfolds through curiosity, reflection, and experimentation. Often, small, intentional steps are needed to illuminate the path. The following strategies can provide a framework for discovery, turning what might feel like aimless wandering into thoughtful exploration.
—Reflect on Your Strengths and Passions
Begin by taking stock of the activities and roles that energize you. Ask yourself: “What do I do well? What comes naturally to me?” These are your strengths. Then ask: “What do I enjoy doing so much that time seems to fly by when doing it? What projects leave me feeling creative and engaged?” These are your passions. The place where your strengths and passions overlap is often the first clue toward a niche that feels authentic and meaningful.
—Notice Patterns in Feedback
Next, pay attention to how others respond to your contributions. Colleagues, friends, and clients often notice our gifts before we do. Ask yourself: “Which of my skills or qualities are consistently recognized or appreciated?” External perspectives and feedback can shine a light on strengths we might overlook, helping us see where our natural abilities meet the needs of the world around us.
—Experiment and Explore
Finding our niche is rarely a one-step decision or a single choice. It is something we discover through trial, reflection, and adjustment. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new roles, projects, or experiences. Each experience gives you data. Ask yourself: “What energizes me? What drains me? What feels aligned? What feels mismatched?” Each experiment is a chance to test and explore what feels aligned and what does not.
—Align with Values and Market Needs
A true niche honors our values and meets real needs. You may have passion and skill in an area, but if there is no demand, it will be difficult to build a career around it. On the other hand, working in an area of high demand that does not align with your values will leave you burned out and unfulfilled. The sweet spot lies where authenticity meets opportunity, when your work reflects who you are and contributes something meaningful. To identify your values, start by considering what matters most to you. If the gap between your values and work is too wide, it might be time to seek a new role, organization, or field that offers a better fit. This can feel risky, but long-term fulfillment often requires the courage to step away, explore, and adjust.
Finding My Niche
For years, I felt like I was just moving through life. As a personal injury attorney, I had honed my abilities and achieved success, yet something felt incomplete. I wanted to serve my clients in a deeper, more holistic way, one that went beyond the confines of law. In pursuing that purpose, I explored counseling and yoga, developing new skills and discovering unexpected ways to connect with and serve my clients.
While some thought I was taking a risky or unconventional path, to me it felt like the only one. In following my passions, I began to understand what it truly meant to be “best fitted.” At first glance, being an attorney, a counselor, and a yoga instructor seem like three very different paths, but for me they share deeper, meaningful connections. In essence, all three roles center on service, guidance, and human connection, using specialized knowledge to help people navigate challenges, grow, and find alignment in their lives. What once felt like separate callings have woven together into a life of purpose, where I discovered my niche of serving others with both skill and heart.
Be Patient with the Process
The search for a niche is really the search for ourselves. It is less about finding a fixed destination and more about cultivating awareness of where we are best suited to contribute, grow, and thrive. Whether we wander and explore or hone a particular path, the journey itself teaches us who we are and what matters most. In this way, the pursuit of a niche becomes not just a search for alignment but a practice of presence, reflection, and authenticity. Through small reflections, experiments, and observations, we can gain a clearer understanding of where we are “best fitted,” thereby finding our niche.
————————
Sarah E. Kuchon, of Hohauser Kuchon, is the 93rd president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
