A year ago, I felt burned out and exhausted from putting out fires, grappling with HR challenges, and navigating the intricate web of office politics in a hybrid work environment. I was very passionate about growing people, but I needed help. I spoke with my therapist for three months to deal with workplace stress. Her words struck me: “Burnout is a medical condition. You need a genuine refuelling vacation now!”
I decided to open my own coaching business and leave the corporate world.
"Have you ever faced a pivotal decision like this? How did you approach it?"
My therapist recommended that I speak to three people to help me decide. I picked three former corporate executives who started coaching businesses. They all said I'm ready, and life has been great for them. I agree with their advice, but deep down, I worry about business development and the risk of starting a new business.
Enter Omega, a reader who shared a gem: "Embrace challenges as stepping stones." Those words resonated. An opportunity surfaced, and my boss asked me if I was ready to take on more challenges. I thought I was prepared to let go and move on, but now life presents a fork in the road.
I decided to talk to my fourth mentor, my gym accountability buddy, with whom we train every week, and a corporate Canada executive with experience who is familiar with my industry. His groundbreaking suggestion altered my perspective: "Elliot, if they give you an opportunity to try, what if you go all in for one year and then evaluate?"
The "Free Trial" of Self-Discovery
Suddenly, I found a novel path. I hadn't considered a one-year trial period, and it felt liberating. I was no longer dependent on external opportunities, and I seized control. I could still pursue my coaching business while gathering invaluable research data. It wasn't just about work; it was about self-discovery.
I listened to my therapist, went on vacation to Asia, thought hard about it, returned, and decided to go ALL IN for next year.
"Would you consider giving yourself a one-year trial period in a new venture?"
Three things I learned when I went all in.
1) Confidence and Storytelling Mastery
When I committed to going all in, something remarkable happened—I gained confidence. It wasn't just about believing in myself but becoming a better storyteller. To hone my communication skills, I embarked on a journey. I started a new blog and shared my insights on Substack and LinkedIn every week. Thank you for being part of that journey, reading my posts, and joining the conversation.
2) Bolder Leadership: The Motherly Lion's Roar
From my coaching school, I learned that effective coaching requires a lion's courage. So, I challenged myself to make bolder decisions. I reorganized my team, delving into research and seeking advice from peers. But it wasn't just about decisiveness; it was also about finding the balance between empathy and clear-headed leadership. That sweet spot—the roar of the motherly lion—became my new compass.
3) Saying YES to the Universe
As the year unfolded, I embraced a new mantra: "Say YES to the universe." Whenever an opportunity knocked, I opened the door. I listened, learned, and applied critical thinking to discern what aligned with my values. Saying YES didn't mean acting impulsively; it meant exploration. Sometimes, I had to say NO after initially saying YES, but that's okay. It's about tuning my radio to the right station—the one that resonates with growth and possibility.
Surprisingly, my coaching flourished because I went all in. I shed the limiting belief that I wasn't cut out for executive leadership, and the transformations in the people I coached were awe-inspiring.
And so, I extend the challenge to you:
What decisions have you made, fueled by unwavering commitment?
Reflect on your ALL-IN moments—they shape destinies.
That's my parting thought—a ripple in the Universe, echoing possibility.
See you next week.