The Courage to Start Over
Starting over is one of the most profound acts of courage we can undertake. It’s not just a decision—it’s a declaration: I deserve more and am willing to embrace the unknown to find it. Two years ago, I stood at that crossroads. I was leaving behind the structure, predictability, and title of corporate America to build something entirely new.
Was it terrifying? Absolutely. But what I’ve learned since is that starting over is a gift. It’s an opportunity to realign with your purpose, recalibrate your ambitions, and rediscover what drives you. It’s not a sign of failure—it’s the ultimate act of self-trust.
The Invisible Weight of Comfort Zones
Let me be honest: leaving my corporate role wasn’t just scary—it felt counterintuitive. Comfort zones are called that for a reason. They offer safety, predictability, and validation. But I came to understand that staying in a place that no longer serves you is far more dangerous than venturing into the unknown.
Corporate America provided me with titles and accolades, but over time, it began to stifle the creativity and courage that had propelled me there in the first place. I wasn’t just playing it safe—I was playing it small.
Looking back, I often think about Steve Jobs' quote:
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Starting over requires a willingness to disrupt the status quo—not just in the world, but in your own life.
Insight: Did you know that 85% of professionals admit to feeling "disengaged" in their current roles? Often, the antidote isn’t a new job; it’s a new mindset and, sometimes, a bold new beginning.
Five Steps to Lead with Courage When Starting Over
1. Recognize What’s Holding You Back
In my journey, the most challenging part wasn’t leaving—it was acknowledging the need to leave. The comfort of my corporate identity had become a shield, and shedding that shield felt like stepping into a storm. But storms clear paths. Take stock of your life. Ask yourself:
Thought Leadership Insight: The most significant risk isn’t failure—it’s complacency. Stagnation is often the silent killer of potential.
2. Reframe Fear as Fuel
Fear is inevitable. It whispers all the reasons why you’ll fail. But here’s the truth: fear isn’t your enemy; it’s your ally. It means you’re stepping beyond the familiar and into the extraordinary.
I leaned into fear instead of running from it when I left my corporate career. I told myself,?"Fear means I’m doing something important."
Quote:
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
Actionable Tip:?Write down your fears and transform them into questions. Instead of?asking, "What if I fail?" ask,?"What will I learn if I do?"
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3. Break the Journey into Micro-Steps
One of the most overwhelming parts of starting over is the sheer enormity of the change. When I began building my consultancy, I faced a thousand unknowns. My breakthrough came when I stopped focusing on the entire mountain and started taking one small step at a time.
Whether launching a business, changing careers, or reinventing yourself, progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about consistent, intentional steps.
4. Build and Leverage Your Support System
Starting over doesn’t mean starting alone. I owe so much of my journey to the mentors, friends, and peers who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.
During one of my lowest moments, a friend said something that changed my perspective entirely: “Michael, the world isn’t waiting for you to prove yourself. It’s waiting for you to lead.”
That mindset shift reminded me that leaning on others isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Surround yourself with people who see your potential and reflect it to you.
5. Anchor Yourself in Your “Why”
Whenever I felt like quitting, I returned to my “why.” Why had I started this journey? What impact did I want to create? For me, it was about building a platform where creativity, strategy, and purpose intersected. It was about leading with intention and inspiring others to reimagine what was possible.
Your “why” is your North Star. When the journey feels uncertain, let it guide you.
Lessons from My Journey: The Beauty of Starting Over
Starting over wasn’t just about rebuilding my career and rediscovering myself. It taught me lessons that no comfortable role ever could.
Thought Leadership: Reinvention as a Leadership Imperative
In today’s world, the ability to start over isn’t just a personal skill—it’s a leadership imperative. Whether you’re leading a team, an organization, or your own life, reinvention is the currency of relevance.
Stat to Consider: Companies that prioritize innovation and reinvention grow 60% faster than those that don’t. Leaders who embrace change set the tone for their teams to thrive in uncertainty.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of a principle I often share with my clients: Success isn’t about what you achieve—it’s about who you become along the way.
An Invitation to Reflect
When was the last time you dared to start over? What lessons did it teach you? And perhaps more importantly—what’s stopping you from doing it again?
Let’s discuss how reinvention can lead to growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
#Leadership #PurposeDriven #CourageToChange #Onward #OnTheMove