That Time I Took a Leap… And How You Can Too

The Momentum Files #49

Aligning career with personal values.

I didn’t know I had it in me. But I did it. I took the leap and started my own company.

This was during the Fall of 2006, and I was at home celebrating (with about 35 friends and family members) the launch of my brand-new coaching business – Momentum Coaching.

It took a lot of work to get there.

My previous role as President of a home health care agency vanished when the owners decided to sell the business. So, I was left with no job and a BIG decision to make.

What do I do next?

Like I’m sure you’ve experienced many times before, I bounced back and forth (many times!) debating the better choice. Pursuing a new full-time role… or finding another way forward.

The winner? Another way forward. Gulp!

I was enamored with the idea of working for myself. I mean, full autonomy over my time, my schedule, my income? Yes, please.

Decision made.

But the real work was just beginning. Stressful days, uncertainty and self-doubt were my near constant companions. I was dealing with:

→ Earning my certification as a Coach

→ Getting divorced

→ Raising two young children

→ Deciding how to make this coaching business work during a time when very few people understood exactly what it was or how it could help them with their professional growth and goals

Those early years were jam-packed with trial and error. I was learning to manage, market and grow a business… all while aligning my growing business with my most important personal values. I didn’t want to lose sight of the things that mattered to me… integrity, impact and helping people pursue their ideal roles [the roles that keep them engaged, happy, successful and proud of the work they do].

I knew that if I could run my business with a focus on my values, I would be so fulfilled. So proud to be on these journeys with the people who needed me.

When I think back to that Fall day – at home celebrating with people I love – I can’t help but smile. That person I was almost 18 years ago actually did it. She was pretty brave, leaping into that unknown during a turbulent time in her life.

If I hadn’t leapt, I wouldn’t have this career that allows me to combine my values, strengths and everything I’ve learned… and use them to help YOU find your big moments.

(If you want to make the most of your biggest strengths, I recommend checking out CliftonStrengths. My top CliftonStrengths are Maximizer and Individualization. You can find your top strengths here!)

What about you?

→ How did you get to where you are today?

→ What is your origin story?

→ Did you allow certain values to guide you?

→ Who along the way encouraged you, supported you, held your hand when you needed it and helped shine a light on your accomplishments?

→ What are you most proud of?

I hope you’re doing work that you love and are proud to do.

Whether you’re where you want to be or craving taking your own leap, keeping the following things in mind will help you stay focused and align your work with your personal values.

✅ Take time to self-reflect. Think deeply about what you value most when it comes to your career. Which values must come along for the ride? How can you make space for them in your day-to-day life and profession?

✅ Find your strengths. This resource will help you! Once you’re clear on where you excel and how you perform best, you’ll be able to leverage your strengths to find the roles that align with your values and make the most of them. (When we work together, I offer you a free CliftonStrengths assessment that we use together in your job search process and to find you the roles that fit your strengths!)

✅ Keep learning. The most successful people I know are those who know they don’t know it all (say that 5x fast!). Continue to learn about your industry and your role within it. The landscape is always changing, and staying aligned with the latest will help you stay at the top of your game. Continue to learn about yourself as well! Your values, needs, aspirations and wants will shift and evolve as you grow and change - so keep in touch with what matters to you every step of the way.

✅ Seek out support. A mentorship or coaching relationship with the right person will position you to gain clarity, know your next steps and reach your goals. This type of support opens doors.

Since taking the leap and starting Momentum Coaching, I’ve been able to:

➡️ Steadily grow my business through word of mouth and referrals… and a whole lot of outreach and networking (it never ends, and I’ve learned so much over the years!).

➡️ Work with interesting and inspiring clients – from moms returning to work after raising their kids and MBA students launching into their careers, to high-achieving professionals who have been laid off or crave a career shift.

➡️ Collaborate with corporate clients who bring me on to work with their senior managers and leaders on professional development, leadership skills and executive presence.

➡️ Facilitate multi-day workshops with leadership teams to help improve their skills and performance… and create more engaged and productive teams.

➡️ Create Career Club, a fun, purposeful and engaging networking and mastermind community that meets weekly to foster connections and professional growth.

➡️ Enjoy supporting repeat clients who come back to work with me again and again.

I have the honor of working with many dynamic, talented, driven and accomplished professionals who are ready for their next thing.

They’re ready to leap.

If you’re ready to do the same, please reply and tell me what you hope to do next! I’d also love to hear your story (how you got started, where you are now, etc.).