Gave Everything… Almost Everything

The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

By: Ryan DuBois

For years, I lived a life fueled by relentless ambition. I poured every ounce of myself into every venture, every company. My days were a whirlwind of action and achievements. I gave everything—24/7 access, unwavering support, technical expertise, team building, maximizing profits and growth, minimizing downtime. My career was an unending race towards excellence, and in that relentless pursuit, the years flew by in a blur.

Balance and self-care are crucial. While dedication and hard work matter, they should not come at the expense of your health and relationships. As Stephen Covey wisely said,

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

Takeaways:

• Schedule time for self-care and rejuvenation.
• Set and maintain clear boundaries between work and personal life.
• Practice mindfulness to manage stress and maintain focus.

Additional Insight:

Tony Robbins, a renowned life coach, often emphasizes the importance of balance:

"Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure."

This echoes the sentiment that true success includes personal well-being.

Facing the Abyss

Then, suddenly, the question loomed: Now what? I found myself without a job, my prospects diminishing rapidly. Would I do it all again? The experience had been extraordinary, but it came at an unimaginable cost. I nearly lost my wife, my children, and my life. Depression and dark thoughts shadowed me, even as I kept a smile plastered on my face. Loved by many, hated by some (although never to my face), I never played politics. Should I have? Maybe. But that’s not me.

Mental health must never be neglected. Viktor Frankl’s words ring true:

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

I had to change, or risk losing everything.

Takeaways:

• Seek support from friends, family, or professionals when needed.
• Utilize mental health resources and counseling services.
• Open up about your struggles; don’t suffer in silence.

Additional Insight:

Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about her battles with depression. She says,

"Turn your wounds into wisdom."

This powerful statement reminds us that seeking help and acknowledging our struggles can lead to profound personal growth.

Rebuilding with Purpose

Amidst this turmoil, a realization dawned. My experiences, all of them, happened for a reason. Now, I am healthier—both physically and mentally. I’ve learned to grow in a balanced way. I’ve drawn clear lines in business, in my availability, and in my support and engagement with others. My journey has become a guide for others. No one is going to take care of you but yourself. Invest in yourself.

Personal growth and setting boundaries are essential. Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend remind us,

"You get what you tolerate."

Takeaways:

• Develop a personal growth plan for continuous self-improvement.
• Set clear boundaries and communicate them effectively.
• Engage in continuous learning and self-improvement opportunities.

Additional Insight:

Simon Sinek, in his book "Start with Why," emphasizes finding your purpose:

"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion."

Defining Your Legacy

What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want your dash on your gravestone to say about you? I’m sure it has nothing to do with work but the people you impacted along the way. Make an impact. Don’t stop until your last breath. If you have a breath, you have hope and an opportunity to make an impact.

Legacy and lasting impact are paramount. Simon Sinek in "Start with Why" said,

"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe."

Takeaways:

• Reflect deeply on what you want your legacy to be.
• Engage in activities that positively impact others.
• Live your life in alignment with your core values and beliefs.

Additional Insight:

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once said,

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

Building Genuine Connections

Wherever you are—at work, online, in your community—let’s connect. Let’s collaborate, support each other, push each other to new heights, learn from each other, and listen more than we speak. Let’s connect deeply, not just on the surface. Let’s care, love, and be vulnerable.

Genuine connections and collaboration are the bedrock of a fulfilling life. Brené Brown said it best:

"Vulnerability is not about winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

Takeaways:

• Invest time and effort in building and nurturing relationships.
• Practice vulnerability by sharing your true self.
• Engage in active listening to truly understand others.

Additional Insight:

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, embraces the philosophy of stepping out of comfort zones:

"Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again."

Embracing Discomfort for Growth

If money were not an issue, what would you do? For me, it’s about coaching, developing, inspiring, contributing, learning, and unlocking potential in people, teams, organizations, and communities. Celebrate success, learn, optimize, adjust, and repeat. Always do hard things. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, because that’s where real progress happens.

Unlocking potential in others and embracing discomfort for growth brings immense fulfillment. Carol S. Dweck, in "Mindset," said,

"Becoming is better than being."

Takeaways:

• Regularly challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
• Continuously seek growth opportunities for yourself and others.
• Celebrate successes, learn from failures, and keep progressing.

Additional Insight:

Nelson Mandela, a global icon for peace and social justice, once said,

"I never lose. I either win or learn."

This attitude towards discomfort and growth is essential for true progress.

The Journey Continues

This season of my life has taught me invaluable lessons. I've learned that relentless pursuit without balance leads to burnout, that mental health is paramount, and that personal growth is a continuous journey. Building genuine connections and embracing discomfort are the keys to unlocking our full potential.

As you read my story, I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own journey. Remember, you must work on yourself as much as you work on anything else. Strive to make an impact, love deeply, and never stop growing. Your journey is your own, and it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Let’s connect, collaborate, and support each other as we continue to grow and make a difference. Together, we can achieve new heights.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence,

Coach Ryan DuBois

P.S. Now is the time! Let's go! DM me, "Committed," and let's reach our potential together!