Year of grit and grace: A journey through the toughest year of my life
Looking back on the last year I wanted to be able to easily pick out and celebrate events that might be considered successes, but in all honesty, it took others to point these out to me. The truth is that the last year has been incredibly tough and mostly about putting things into perspective. It was recently said to me that I am a person who is driven, brave and bold. Not words that I would have chosen for myself, but I decided to explore the last year through this lens and see what came up for me…
As the year started out, I made a bold decision to expand my skills by training to become a qualified coach. My journey through neuroscience, positive psychology, and psychodynamics deepened my understanding of the human mind and ignited a passion for knowledge and self-improvement. This path showed me the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
Despite emotional upheavals, this year was marked by a fearless professional leap – I launched my own business. This required unwavering faith in my abilities and a fierce commitment to my vision.
I was determined not just to let life happen, but to actively shape it.
The validation of my decision came through my clients' satisfaction. Their heartfelt testimonials weren’t just endorsements; they symbolised the impact of bold life choices.
I felt unlocked.
Emerging with a new found taste for challenge, I ventured outside of my comfort zone by becoming a qualified fitness instructor. This journey involved conquering my discomfort with the sciences, subjects that are not areas of confidence for me.
Embracing a growth mindset, I learned that setbacks are not failures but steps in the learning process. This experience reinforced that significant growth often occurs outside our comfort zones.
I passed the exam on my first attempt.
Looking ahead, I'm committed to making daring decisions and further growing my business. I aspire to become a confident public speaker, not just to share knowledge but to instil courage in others. While pursuing these ambitious goals, I will maintain a balance between my professional life and being a good husband, committed to both personal and professional excellence.
This year's journey underscores that courage is about more than just decision-making; it's about making bold, boundary-pushing decisions.
The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but thinking beyond the short-term, these seem less daunting. Building a successful business isn't about perfection; it's about starting before feeling fully prepared, venturing beyond comfort zones, and embracing boldness.
I invite you to consider the limitations of remaining within your comfort zone, and the possibilities that might open up if you dare step beyond it.
In conclusion, this challenging year has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. As we reflect on the past and look to the future, I invite you to embrace change, seize opportunities, and take charge of your life in 2024.
Thank you for sharing my journey. I can’t wait to hear how you plan to approach the coming year, drawing upon your learnings from the last.
