New Beginnings: My 230-Pound Transformation and the Unexpected Impact on My Career

For most of my life, the word "healthy" felt like a distant fantasy. At 27, I weighed 420 pounds and struggled with even the simplest tasks. Daily life was a constant battle against fatigue and self-doubt. I knew something had to change or my sedentary lifestyle was destined for major health problems.?

My journey began with grand aspirations and I had my first weight loss surgery, the “sleeve,” or vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I was the model patient. I started by incorporating short walks into my routine, battling the voice in my head that whispered, "You can't do this." Slowly, those walks turned into jogs, and the pounds started to come off. 140 lbs in a year. It was easy; my sleeve was doing most of the work. And then I found out that I could make poor food choices, and the food addiction was back again in full force. And I lost control. The scale went back up. I was 360 lbs at age 33. I felt like a failure. How did I take this amazing opportunity and waste it? There were setbacks, cravings, and moments of despair. How could I fix it???

In July 2021, I started taking semaglutide injections and I lost down to 310 lbs. From there, I had another weight loss surgery and converted my sleeve to gastric bypass. I started therapy to help with my food addiction, and I was taught how to forgive myself. I learned how to appreciate moderation and not dwell on deprivation. I started Pilates. I did another 10k. I played with my kids. And I am 190 lbs today. 230 lbs less than my highest weight.?

As the weight melted away, something remarkable happened. I wasn't just losing weight; I was rediscovering myself. The sluggish, self-conscious woman I once was began to fade, replaced by a version of myself brimming with energy and confidence. This newfound sense of empowerment didn't just impact my personal life; it spilled over into my professional life in ways I never expected.

From Invisibility to Invaluable: My Transformation Journey of Confidence and Growth

For years, I felt stuck in my career. My physical limitations left me with little energy to pursue new opportunities, and I lacked the confidence to put myself forward. Despite my natural charisma, my potential wasn't fully realized.

Losing weight wasn't just about physical transformation; it was a catalyst for a complete internal revolution. As the pounds dropped, so did the self-imposed walls that held me back. With a newfound spring in my step and mental clarity, I discovered a wellspring of confidence I never knew existed. This ignited a spark within me, a burning desire to no longer just exist at work, but to truly thrive.

Suddenly, challenging projects didn't appear daunting, but as exciting opportunities to contribute. I began actively seeking them out, eager to share my voice and perspective. My newfound confidence blossomed into a proactive problem-solving approach, an enthusiastic learner's mindset, and a proven leadership capability. This transformation didn't go unnoticed. My colleagues began recognizing my contributions, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment that I had previously only dreamt of.

This shift in self-perception and external validation fueled a fire within me. The limitations I once believed were set in stone began to crumble, replaced by a limitless sense of possibility. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of believing in yourself. It's not just about weight loss, but about rediscovering your voice, reclaiming your confidence, and stepping into the boldest version of yourself, both personally and professionally.

This internal revolution transcended work. Embracing a new beginnings mindset became a cornerstone of my life. I began viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, setbacks as temporary roadblocks, and missteps as valuable lessons. This mental fortitude fostered resilience, sharpened my problem-solving skills, and translated seamlessly into my professional approach.

Furthermore, embracing new beginnings instilled an unwavering optimism, a deep belief in the endless possibilities that unfold with dedication and continuous learning. This positive outlook permeated my working relationships, fostering collaboration and inspiring colleagues to seize their own potential for growth.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of shifting our perspective. By adopting a new beginnings mindset, we unlock the potential to not only overcome challenges but actively seek them out, recognizing their hidden potential for growth. This philosophy is not a destination, but rather a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and evolving, both personally and professionally.

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Others to Find Their "New Beginnings"

The local news recently featured my weight loss journey, and the response has been overwhelming. What surprised me most wasn't the congratulations on my weight loss journey, but the unsolicited messages and stories that poured in. People from all walks of life, inspired by my journey, reached out to share their own struggles and aspirations. They saw in my story a reflection of their own potential, a flicker of hope that encouraged them to pursue their own new beginnings.

This unexpected connection, this communal yearning for growth, prompted a profound sense of purpose within me. I realized that my story wasn't just mine – it was a catalyst, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the transformative power within all of us.

This realization propelled me to share my experiences and empower others. The platform gained from my local news feature provided an opportunity to reach a wider audience, and I embraced it with open arms. Now, I actively mentor individuals seeking guidance on their own transformation journeys, participate in local events to share my story and insights, and even contemplate starting a blog – a platform to connect with a broader community and offer support and encouragement.

My message remains steadfast: it's never too late to make a change. Whether it's your health, your career, or any other facet of your life, the potential for transformation lies dormant within you. Take that first step, embrace the challenges, and most importantly, believe in your ability to create a "new beginning" for yourself.

This is not the end of my journey; it's a mere chapter in a continuous story of growth. The connections I've forged and the positive impact I've witnessed fuel my excitement for what lies ahead. As I continue on this new path, I remain dedicated to sharing my experiences, fostering a community of support, and empowering others to embrace their own unique new beginnings.

Felicia Zorn is VP of Customer Success at Progress Learning, formerly USATestprep, a K-12 standards-aligned supplemental learning platform used to increase comprehension and engagement with students. Felicia transitioned out of teaching in the fall of 2016. She started at USATestprep as a part-time contractor, conducted over 200 training sessions, and eventually launched the company’s Customer Success group, now overseeing a talented group of 24 people dedicated to helping schools and districts get the most of educational technologies.?