Chasing Success Almost Broke Me - Here’s How I Redesigned My Life From the Ground Up
Immersing myself in the Austrian Alps while seeking higher perspectives | 2022
A few years ago, I hit a wall. On paper, my life looked perfect: a thriving career, a beautiful home, a growing family. But inside, I felt empty. Hollow. I was stuck in a relentless cycle of striving—always chasing the next achievement, the next promotion, the next measure of success. But no matter how much I accomplished, I felt increasingly disconnected from myself and what truly mattered.
I was exhausted. Burnout wasn’t new to me—I’d pushed through it many times before. But this time was different. I reached a tipping point, and something had to change.
Sometimes life forces you to confront hard truths. For me, it was a combination of the pandemic and the breakdown of my marriage. Both events shattered the illusion of control I’d been clinging to. There’s nothing like a global crisis—or a deeply personal one—to make you question everything. What was I working so hard for? Was I living a life that truly mattered?
Amid the chaos, I saw an opportunity: a chance to wipe the slate clean. I decided to design a life that felt deeply meaningful, one aligned with my values and full of joy.
I started small. Journaling became my sanctuary—a space to explore what it meant to live a rich, fulfilling life. I got curious about the connections, experiences, and purpose I wanted to cultivate. During this reflection, I stumbled upon the concept of "wild joy"—that elated, alive feeling when you're fully present and aligned. It became the cornerstone of my vision.
But dreaming wasn’t enough. If I wanted this life, I needed to act. Having spent my career in startups, I approached this transformation like a business pivot. I asked myself tough questions:
What would it look like to live in alignment with my values?
How could I create days filled with purpose and authentic expression?
What steps could I take to turn this vision into reality?
I sketched out a blueprint for a meaningful life. And then, the real work began.
The Hard Part: Implementation
The journey wasn’t easy. As a person of color, I’d spent much of my life code-switching—adapting to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for me. I knew how to push through exhaustion, prove my worth, and keep striving. But asking myself, What do I really want? felt unfamiliar. Uncomfortable.
After my son was born, I remember how eager I was to “bounce back.” But I never stopped to ask if the life I was returning to was one I actually wanted. My days were over-scheduled, leaving no room for creativity, connection, or spontaneity.
So, I made a bold choice: I started creating “white space.” Intentional time to rest, reflect, and simply be. At first, it was uncomfortable—sometimes even boring—but I protected that time fiercely. And slowly, it transformed me.
That’s when the magic began. Ideas flowed. Opportunities appeared. I felt more creative, aligned, and at peace than I had in years. I still work on challenging problems—problems that excite and inspire me—but taking a whole-systems approach to my life blueprint means I’m no longer burned out. Instead, I approach my work and life with renewed energy and purpose.
The Turning Point
This journey eventually led me to coaching. Coaching isn’t about handing out advice or solving problems for you. It’s about partnering with you to design a life that feels aligned with your values and aspirations. Together, we uncover what’s holding you back and chart a path forward—one that feels joyful and fulfilling.
Today, my life feels radically different. It’s full of purposeful work, authentic self-expression, and moments of wild joy. It’s a life I designed intentionally, and it’s a life I love.
If this story resonates with you, let’s connect. I offer free discovery calls to explore what designing your next chapter could look like. You deserve a life that feels meaningful, joyful, and fully yours.
Your next chapter is waiting. Are you ready to design it?
Read more about my services: Life Coaching | Leadership Coaching
