Today is my “Sweet 16!”

It’s InnerBrilliance’s 16th “birthday” today and I feel an abundance of emotion and gratitude.

I started this business to help people and to feel fulfilled. Little did I know how much I’d get in return from clients, mentors, and the beautiful community we’ve built together.

In fact, I’ve become so close to my InnerBrilliance family that I often get texts like these from clients–current and former ones.

• “I just got engaged!”
• ” I got the job!”
• “We’re expecting a baby in May!”
• “I made partner!”
• “I forgave my Mom and she said I love you. This couldn’t have happened without our work together.”

To say my heart is full would be an understatement.

As a certified life + career coach, I’ve had the honor of witnessing people who have become friends–as well as friends, family, and coworkers–get a career they love, marry, have children, improve relationships, get promoted, forgive loved ones and so much more. I’ve also been there through job losses, break-ups, Covid, and I’m honored to have this community’s trust.

I’m in deep gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this 16-year journey to being a coach and an entrepreneur, from mentors to family, friends, business partners, and clients. Along the way, I’ve learned many lessons that can be applied to our lives in general. So, I thought I’d share my favorite ones for now.

Life Lessons Learned

1. Start with Happiness, Then You’ll Get Results You Desire

A key lesson that both of my coaching programs are based on is that creating and noticing happiness and joy in the moment helps to attract what you desire personally and professionally. Happiness does not come AFTER you experience results. It might for a minute, but true happiness starts within and in your heart. It’s when you’re in alignment with your truth and acting in choice.

2. Change Will Happen and It Can Be Exhilarating with the Right Tools

From Oprah’s life coach to spiritual gurus to my accountant, I’ve heard it repeatedly. There is a cycle of change just like the seasons change every year. Instead of every few months, that change in your life might occur about every seven years. (Or, you might have your own pattern.)

When it comes to my business, the cycle of change occurs about every six to eight years. Initially daunting, these junctures have taught me the importance of embracing change without panic. They’ve become opportune moments for introspection, recalibration, and renewal, fostering personal and professional evolution.

3. Your Challenges Can Be Your Growth Opportunities

I know we all have our unique challenges in life. Two that have been prominent for me are my hearing loss and being raised by foreign-speaking parents. I now realize these challenges have become advantages for me when it comes to my coaching. I’ve had to take extra steps to understand people or to be understood throughout my life. And, these hurdles cultivated an intuitive sensitivity, enabling deeper connections and a profound understanding of human dynamics.

4. Rely On Your Resources to Make the Journey Sweeter

Relying on a network of resources has been pivotal on my journey. Coaches have provided guidance, while the simplicity of my mother’s advice has often grounded me amidst complexity. I’m also grateful to connect with and receive counsel from other entrepreneurs and my family–including my Dad, brother, and brother-in-law who are all entrepreneurs. I know what I’ve created so far wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t ask for and open myself to their unwavering support. And, the results are richer and more exciting because of their support.

5. Your Goals Can Be Achieved but Not on Your Timing

Throughout these years, I’ve come to understand that achieving goals seldom follows my designated timeline. It can take years with numerous detours and invaluable lessons along the way. Yet, despite the deviations, having a steadfast vision and sense of direction has always fueled my pursuit of dreams. So, I create a vision for my life and allow the path to unfold before me for the best results. A simple way to do this is to focus on the “what” not the “how” and use your values and strengths as the foundation to support you.

Interestingly, some desired outcomes occurred more quickly than expected. That happens when I let go of doubt and surrender to broader possibilities for my life. If I start to feel anxious moving forward, I’ve often asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” It’s a mantra that propelled me forward, giving me courage to take risks and the resilience to weather uncertainties.

Results Better Than Imagined

The best part is that the results of this entrepreneurial journey have been beyond my wildest imagination.

Interacting with clients has been an unexpected joy, surpassing conventional expectations. The immediate and ongoing fulfillment derived from meeting client goals is immeasurable. The love, gratitude, and joy they bring to the table are priceless, consistently fueling my passion for what I do.

Doing what I love, surrounded by people I cherish, has been an incomparable reward. The intrinsic value of this experience reinforces that true success lies not just in achieving goals but in the manner and company with which they are attained.

In retrospect, these 16 years as an entrepreneur have been a profound tapestry of experiences, teachings, and growth. They’ve reinforced the importance of resilience, vision, adaptability, and most importantly, the immeasurable value of doing what you love alongside those you love.  As I continue this journey, I am humbled and honored by the trust bestowed upon me, cherishing the privilege to witness and be a part of people’s lives in this way.

If you want to explore ways to transform your life, join me for my latest event ✨Unleash Your InnerBrilliance: Thriving without Burnout.✨ It’s a spectacular event where you can finally experience a journey of authentic achievement and results better than imagined.