Lesson 1/10: Accepting What Is Unlocks the Fullness of What Could Be. 10 Lessons to Thrive Through It: For Living and Leading with Purpose

Lesson 1: Accepting What Is Unlocks the Fullness of What Could Be

As we approach the end of 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons this year has taught me. And if I’m honest, this year didn’t start the way I envisioned. Isn’t that the way life works? We plan, set our intentions, and launch into January with excitement for all the possibilities ahead—only to find ourselves navigating challenges we never anticipated.

This year taught me, above all else, that acceptance is the key to unlocking the fullness of what could be. It’s not a resignation or giving up. Instead, acceptance is the prerequisite to gratitude, growth, and alignment.

Let me explain how I learned this in one of the most unexpected ways.

Awareness → Acceptance → Alignment → Acceleration

We all want to live in alignment—where everything feels purposeful and progress feels natural. But alignment doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s a process, and the missing link for many of us is acceptance.

Here’s the framework I’ve come to embrace:

1. Awareness: Recognizing and naming where you are right now, without judgment.
2. Acceptance: Choosing to embrace what is, even if it’s not what you wanted.
3. Alignment: Taking intentional steps that align with your values and vision.
4. Acceleration: Experiencing momentum that only comes when we operate from a place of alignment.

We often rush to alignment and acceleration, eager to move forward. But without acceptance, we stay stuck—frustrated, spinning our wheels, and unable to make the progress we crave.

A Lesson in Acceptance: The Start of My 2024

On January 4, 2024, I underwent surgery on my nasal cavity. It was a procedure I needed to improve my breathing and overall health, but it wasn’t how I imagined starting the year.

Let me set the scene: Q1 is one of the busiest times of the year for Career Thrivers. It’s a season filled with opportunities to connect with clients, lead workshops, and deliver keynotes that set the tone for the year. But instead of being on stages or in boardrooms, I spent the first six weeks of 2024 recovering at home with a bandaged-up nose. My energy levels were depleted. Speaking—one of my greatest joys—felt strained.

I struggled to reconcile my reality with my expectations. I wanted to be out there, building momentum, but instead, I was at home learning how to rest.

And here’s where acceptance came in. I had to face the truth: This was my reality. I could resist it, be frustrated by it, or ignore it, but none of those reactions would help me heal. I needed to accept where I was so I could fully recover and receive the lessons this season had to teach me.

The Gift of Gratitude

Acceptance opened the door for something I didn’t expect: gratitude.

Gratitude for my husband, who supported me every step of the way. Gratitude for my family and friends, who stepped in to help. Gratitude for the forced pause, which reminded me of the importance of rest and recovery—not just for my body but for my spirit.

Through acceptance and gratitude, I began to see that this season of recovery was just as important as any speaking engagement or project kickoff. It was teaching me to slow down, lean on my community, and prepare for what was ahead.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating personal challenges, acceptance is a lesson worth embracing. It doesn’t mean you stop striving for more or give up on your goals. Instead, it’s about grounding yourself in the present moment and trusting that even this season has something to teach you.

Ask yourself:

• What circumstances am I resisting right now?
• How can I practice acceptance, even if it’s uncomfortable?
• Who or what can I be grateful for in this moment?

When you embrace acceptance, you create space for alignment—and that’s where true acceleration begins.

Let’s Share Lessons for These Last 10 Days of 2024

2024 taught me that the road to thriving isn’t always smooth or straightforward. It’s full of unexpected detours, challenges, and moments that stretch us in ways we didn’t plan for. But if we can embrace awareness, acceptance, and alignment, we’ll find that those moments often lead to the greatest growth.

This is just the first lesson in my 10 Lessons to Thrive Through It series, and I’m so excited to share the journey with you. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s lesson, and let’s keep thriving together.

Check back tomorrow to read next lesson in this series and subscribe to this Let’s Thrive Together newsletter for more advice and resources on thriving in life and leadership.

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Who am I?

Hi, I’m Brittany N. Cole, and I believe you’re here reading this on purpose, for a purpose. So, thank you for being here! I’m a keynote speaker, CEO of Career Thrivers, and author of Thrive Through It. I’m passionate about equipping ambitious professionals and leaders with the tools they need to navigate change, loss, and disruption with authenticity, purpose, courage, and joy.

If this is your first time engaging with my content, welcome! This series, 10 Lessons to Thrive Through It, is my way of sharing the insights and lessons I’ve gained to inspire and empower you to thrive in your personal and professional life.

Let’s THRIVE, Together!

If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with someone you care about—a colleague, a friend, or anyone who could use a reminder that thriving is possible, even in the face of challenges.

For more practical tips and resources on how to thrive through change, disruption, or loss, I invite you to explore my book, Thrive Through It. Packed with actionable insights and real-life strategies, it’s your guide to leading and living with authenticity and resilience.

Grab your copy today: Explore Thrive Through It

Let’s keep thriving together—one lesson, one step, one moment at a time.