Getting Uncomfortable at 55!

Getting Uncomfortable at 55! What is a Resilience Coach to do?

I never imagined that I would be the subject of my own Resilience Newsletter and I know that my circumstances are far from unique, but hopefully this brief article will give you a behind the scenes look into what goes on inside the mind of a Resilience Coach when life suddenly gets real.

For those of you who have been following my journey, you know that I went from being an entrepreneur for 25 years to becoming an Ironman triathlete to becoming an aspiring speaker. Admittedly, I knew nothing about the learning industry 5 years ago when a friend asked me to join him, to help manage a large learning project. All I could think of was, what a great opportunity to learn and become a better speaker!

But now the time has come for me to step up my game and step out of my comfort zone, just like I advise my clients to do. It's time to become that professional speaker/trainer I have always aspired to be. When I woke up today, it felt exhilarated, like a burden had been lifted. I wasn't worried or scared because I've learned how to mitigate those puzzle pieces. That feeling or nervous energy is actually excitement, and I can't wait to get started every day!

The emotion that really grabbed me this week was gratitude, because all I could think about was how GRATEFUL I was for everything I learned and experienced over the last 5 years.

You see, I wasn't learning because I had to, I was learning because I wanted to, and that made all the difference.

I am grateful for...

??All of the new transferable skills that I acquired over the past 5 years.

??Everyone I have had a chance to meet, from clients to prospects.

??Everyone I had the opportunity to work with, representing every corner of the globe.

??The opportunity to share stories of resilience, in the minutes before most meetings.

??The support of my wife, and her willingness to take risks with me.

??My mentors, who gave me the runway to make mistakes and learn.

??The opportunity to learn about the learning industry from the inside out.

??Learning what it truly means to "learn in the flow of work".

??Learning that adults learn by doing, because no one wants to be told what to do.

??Being given the opportunity to hone my speaking and presentation skills.

??Having the freedom to do my job, while also becoming a resilience thought leader.

??Being healthier and happier now than I was when I joined the company.

??The opportunity to go for a run in Disney during the Learning Conference in 2019.

??The opportunity to travel and explore corners of the world that I had never been.

??The 12k + HR leaders who decided to connect with me on LinkedIn.

??Cole-Park who gave me the opportunity to become a TEDx Speaker during lockdown.

??2 emerging leaders, who challenged me to join their Ironman journey.

??New opportunities, new visions and new beginnings.

You need to consider all of your positive puzzle pieces so that one single piece doesn't get in your way. ?Change can be scary!

Every resilient leader knows that resilience isn't just about surviving adversity, it's about thriving and leading the way. It's about seeing all of the resilience pieces that make your entire puzzle. It's about not letting one little puzzle piece (fear) get in your way.

Armed with new skills and determination, my vision is to become the professional speaker that every Learning Manager thinks of, when they need to develop resilience in their emerging leaders, so in turn, they can lead their teams to do the same. That sounds like a good value proposition.

Consider me open for business and DM me if you'd like to learn more.