BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER (THE BORING CONFERENCE)

My eyes were glazing over on Zoom. I’d invested in a three-day virtual conference to add yet another skill to my professional repertoire and earn another set of initials.

Leveling up with this more technical dimension in my field, I thought, would be good for my future business. If I was ever going to leave my organization and hang my own shingle again, I’d better get more marketable. (This is known as a limiting belief.)

Just one problem: The conference could not have doused my flame any faster. The information and strategy were so dry and boring to me. To be clear, there were dozens of other professionals fully attentive and engaged. On the other hand, I was doodling and making lists.

Nancy was a certified life coach who helped women in my (then) industry. Her website was a reflection of her: professional and joyful. When I saw she was offering a free 45-minute consultation, I booked a session immediately… for the very next day in the middle of the conference.

I LOGGED OFF THAT CONFERENCE AND DIDN’T LOOK BACK. EXCITED TO TALK WITH NANCY, I HAD A SENSE THAT MY LIFE WAS ABOUT TO CHANGE.

Turns out that the conference would impact my career but not in the way I thought it would. I worked with Nancy – the life coach – for about six months and changed the trajectory of my life.

I was readier to retire from my former career than I knew. I was burned out after 30+ years. My rapidly emerging authentic self was longing to step fulltime into my mission, purpose, and passion in all areas of my life.

IS YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF WHISPERING TO YOU? ARE YOU READY TO HAVE THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT?

Here are a few questions to ponder if you’re feeling like it’s your time to redirect and step onto the path to your North Star:

• What areas of your life are not how you want them to be?
• How do you wish things were different?
• What would be different if those things changed?
• Who would you be then?
• Are you ready for this?

As you look back at the three-day (boring) conference, you can watch my thoughts change as I allow my authentic self to speak. See my feelings shift as I let go of limiting thoughts. My “before, during and after” tells a story that resulted in me being happy, free, playful, and full of joy:

DAY 1

Thought: I need to attend this conference to get more knowledge, skills, and credentials in order to be successful in the future.

Feeling: Scared and anxious (because this conference is a complete buzzkill, and learning this skill ain’t the answer to my future).

DAY 2

Thought: If I skip the rest of this boring conference, I will avoid being very unhappy in my work.

Feeling: Hope (if I hire a life coach, I’ll be able to process, plan, and map my future with someone I trust).

DAY 3

Thought: What conference?

Feeling: Thrilled (I’ve hired my own life coach to help, support, and guide me and to be my trusted confidante and professional sounding board for my new path)!

If you know you’re ready, wish you were ready, or think something’s got to give – book a call with me! I coach women, individually and in groups, in all aspects of life, including career transition, relationship betrayal, life goals and dreams, diving deeper into recovery, and healing.

I absolutely love hearing women just like you tell me what’s not working and how they wish life were different. It lights me up to witness women have this eureka moment on the journey to their most amazing life!

You, too, can learn to show up and have the life you want – live, work, play, and love in ways you dream about. Next step: book a call. Let’s do brave and meaningful work together.