Sharing stories with you about my efforts to master dressage gives me the opportunity to provide a different perspective on life’s lessons. A more light-hearted approach if you will as dressage is not how I make my living and for good reason!
I have also had my share of messy 
middles which did impact me professionally and I’d like to share one with you if I may.
In 2008, a conversation with my husband led me to the realization that my role in my chosen profession of financial planning was no longer fulfilling me. A quiet voice inside for some time, the conversation with my husband gave my discontent a vocal voice and from that point on things needed to change.
Yikes! At almost 20 years in a chosen profession what does one do when fulfillment is no longer there? I had a great position in a firm that allowed me to do what I do best, work with clients, while the details of investment management and the basic prep of financial plans was handled by others. This gave me the space to think creatively and strategically on my clients’ behalf, crafting plans and strategies to address their financial and other challenges. And I couldn’t find fulfillment in that? What is one to do?
I found a coach. Not to help me change professions but to reposition, either my thinking or my role, so I could find the fulfillment I sought. What happened instead was surprising to me – I discovered the power of coaching.
As I felt, saw and experienced the power of quality coaching, it stirred in me the idea that the fulfillment that I yearned for could be found in coaching others. It was May 2009 when I shared with my coach that I wanted to do what he did – help others reach their goals (even define their goals) through coaching.
It was March 2010 before I resigned my position to move full-time into coaching. Ten long and short months. Ten elated and fearful months. Ten confident and second guessing months. A very messy and emotional middle.
On one hand, how could I think of leaving a 20 year career in financial services? On the other, I knew I could not remain in the rut that was developing for another 20 years…or even 5. Was I crazy? Crazy to believe I could find fulfillment in helping others realize their dreams? Crazy to leave a great position with competitive pay and benefits to go to zero? Zero clients, zero income and the expenses of starting a business.
There were days when I felt crazy as my emotions zoomed from high to low. I knew deep inside the support I could provide others, while at the same time wondering how I would support my own needs. I would need my coach, my guide to help me through even with no revenue. Ack!!
Over 5 years have passed since I made my decision to move into coaching and over 4 years since I founded Accelus Partners. It hasn’t all been easy and there have been more messy middles in the interim. Yet I have worked through all of them and created a life and business I love that fills me with joy, satisfaction and fulfillment on a daily basis.
Yes, it was ugly in the middle and full of uncertainty. With the guidance of my coach, the support of my husband and trust of myself it has transitioned into more than I could have imagined.