Finding Proof

Do you have a list of all the difficult things you’ve ever accomplished?

If you don’t, my ask to you is simple: write one.

Take time to sit and remember what you’ve made it through over the course of your life.

Be gentle with yourself and approach this exercise from a lens of documenting, not judging.

Think back to the moments or circumstances you didn’t think you’d make it through and yet, here you are.

If you’re finding it hard to begin, try thinking in five-year periods. From ages 1–5, what did you accomplish? What did you learn? Then continue from there.

Work until your list feels complete, and keep it somewhere visible to you. Let it serve as your reminder, a record of everything you’ve already achieved and overcome.

Let this list remind you that you don’t walk alone through your life. You are walking alongside all the other versions of yourself who once faced what felt impossible—and made it through.

Shift your perspective

We’re excellent at spotting patterns, playing games, and figuring out multiple different ways to tackle a challenge. We love to solve problems, and solving everyone else's challenges seems easy. The… “Here’s what we’re gonna do…” or “I’ve got it… I know so-and-so, and they’ll be able to help...”

So why is it we’re such great problem solvers for others but not ourselves?

The next time you’re facing a challenge of your own and you find yourself blocked or stewing on the matter, offer yourself a new perspective.

How would you react if someone you love/admire was dealing with your same situation?
What questions would you ask?
What would you learn from this inquiry?
What options would present themselves?

My ask is that you notice how your brain hops into action when you imagine someone else dealing with your current situation. Suddenly, space is created to view your circumstance differently.

It's important to acknowledge that there isn't always a problem to solve (even though we love to do it!). Often the needed action is to listen to and give the space to process the situation.

Can you offer yourself the space to sit in complexity—without judgment?

How will you offer your brilliant creative ability to yourself?

Can you apply it to your own situation with the generosity you give it to others?

Square One

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering making a big change in your life or business. Maybe you’re thinking about leaving your current role or wondering if you’ll make the grade in a new one. Perhaps there are big transitions looming on the horizon and they make you feel a bit uncertain.

I’m here to tell you, that regardless of what is up next for you, you are not starting from square one.

The idea of starting over in our careers or personal lives can feel daunting. Fear and excitement exist in the same space in the brain and it can be near impossible to distinguish between the two when we’re already overwhelmed. But, you're not really starting from scratch. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable, even if they don't align perfectly with the new path you're pursuing.

It's easy to fall into black and white thinking - believing that since things look different, we must be complete beginners again. But that's rarely the case. Your past has equipped you with knowledge, skills, and intuition that will serve you, even in unfamiliar territory. Instead of seeing a clean slate, try to recognize how your diverse background can give you an edge.

Trust that you have what it takes to navigate change, step-by-step, rather than feeling the pressure for a dramatic, overnight transformation.

Growth happens gradually, with plenty of small wins, learnings, and pivots along the way.

Don't discount your own lived expertise. Regardless of your circumstances in life, you have lived, you have learned, and you have worked your way to where you are in this moment. You can take all of that experience and allow it to color your next step, use what may seem irrellevant as the thing that drives you forward that adds the unique perspective to your work.