One year ago exactly, I remember pressing the ‘launch’ button of my business. It felt scary, exciting, uncontrolled and optimistic all at the same time. Fast forward twelve months, and I’m sitting here writing this post. I have coached clients, built this blog, created a community on Facebook, met with corporate clients – with plenty more to come. I had absolutely no idea a year ago this was ahead of me. But I started with a goal, with a vision and solid trust in my desires. Allow me to share the highlights of the journey, and how these could apply to you.
So my first learning for you is this: there is no road map. Especially no perfect one. That’s tricky, but that’s also the ingredient for growth. Wherever you are at, once you are clear on the direction just take it. Go for the ride. If you are not clear on the goal, then get some help to work it out. It’s most likely there, but dormant due to several internal and external factors. When you can articulate what you want to become, just trust that you have enough to get started. The journey will unfold as you go, play, try, experiment, investigate. And you can get help along the way too.
I have helped dozens of women this year get clearer in their careers, grow their confidence and overcome some of the thoughts holding them back. Some of the transformations I have witnessed have been amazing. I often see women who are lost at first, and very torn. Unsure of what to do, and how to do it. Self-doubt, a high sense of care for others, or the need for security take over the rein, leaving little relief or space for themselves. Watching those women gradually unleash from some of their thought patterns and exploring what they want is a gift. To see them standing smiling, confident and excited about their next step at the end is the ultimate proof of that change. It’s a win-win, and every time a reminder of how much potential each one of us holds.
Looking back, I’m also proud to have achieved a real balance in my work and life. Here is the proof that it’s totally possible. Once I mastered the art of balancing a business from home and a part-time corporate job, I was set. I had the occasional ‘push-hard’ week, either on the home front or the work front. However I was mindful of maintaining that balance which creates lasting energy, satisfaction and a deep sense of fulfillment. It wasn’t an accident either, this took close to fifty weeks of crafty but simple planning. So whatever your occupation, or your plans for the future, there is a recipe for successful balance. And it does not involve lots of cash, people and systems.
Now to the dark clouds, the tough times. Of course they were there, but the funny thing is that I can’t pinpoint exactly where or why. They were just part of the journey. Had I known ahead of time what they would be like, I probably would have chickened out. And slept on my regret not to bring my desire to life. So I’m glad I didn’t know, and figured things out as I went. Because we do. We are super smart, organised, resourceful, adaptable and intuitive.
And some times too, you just can’t find the answer or solve the problem. And it is OK to rest up in that spot for a while, until you get the energy to get back out there. So if you fear the challenges, the potential issues, know that it is part of doing something great. Which you would probably rather be doing than staying curved up in a ball at home.
Now that I’m truly ‘launched’ into achieving my goal, there is no stopping, wondering or hesitating on the direction. New questions arise on the horizon, and there is still plenty to learn on the path. But I can write this with a sense of fulfilment deep down that I didn’t have one year ago. My biggest wish is for you to feel this butterfly feeling too. So do you want to feel the same twelve months from now, or are you ready to get on the journey? To see what’s possible for you?
