January Milestones

This year marks the fifth anniversary of one of the most important milestones in my professional career. It was almost exactly five years ago when I did something so deeply unlike myself, and so completely liberating. On December 31st of 2014 I quit my job. My boss left me with this little nugget, “you will never earn what you do here, especially as a woman of your age.” If I’d ever doubted my decision, his parting words left me with renewed conviction, and I ventured out to the world of being an entrepreneur and owning my strengths.  

This journey to that moment was winding and complicated, but the catalyst was simple: I was introduced to StrengthsFinder. My first exposure was through a friend. She didn’t realize how miserable I was in my current position but knew that it’d be something I’d enjoy. As someone who loves learning and school (and after much prodding from that friend), I thought to myself, “why not?”

When I first took the assessment, it was like a lightbulb went on. A big, blindingly bright one. I finally had the clarity to understand who I was and why I’d made the choices I had. It was so gratifying to feel understood and have the words and tools to explain who I am. The first thing I did with this newfound knowledge was sit my family down at the kitchen table and read my report to them. “This is me!” Learner is my number one strength. That means I love to learn and love to go to school and believe education is key to success! I have achiever as my number two strength, which means I’ll work diligently to get things done— every day of my life—and so on and so on.

The was the first time I’d really felt understood. It wasn’t that my strengths or talents had changed, but that I finally had the tools to own and clearly articulate my value, both to the outside world and to myself. Words have power, and this newfound understanding empowered me to make a big change…. even though I’ve never been a risk taker. 

Thoroughly unfulfilled in my job, and inspired by the newfound world of StrengthsFinder, I gave myself a deadline of December 31, 2014. If nothing changed by that date, it would be my last day as an unhappy employee. I asked myself, “if not now, when?” The date came around, and still feeling pretty miserable, I did it. I quit. As a non-risk taker, it was terrifying. I gave myself 48 hours to ruminate and second-guess my decision, but in the end, I knew that I’d made the right choice. This leap of faith marked the beginning of a new life.

Since then, I’ve never looked back. Sure, there have been times along this journey when I’ve been absolutely terrified, but knowing I’m bringing such a valuable tool to others has inspired me to push through those more challenging times.

Finally, instead of letting my strengths go unused and ignored, I’m using them in a way that makes sense. I’ve loved working in the areas where I can excel with confidence. I’ve created unique workshops and have tapped into my Woo and Communication strengths to fuel my presentations. Always wanting to improve and help others, I’ve gained knowledge in the fields of leadership and team building to fulfill my strengths of Learner and Input. And like any small business owner understands, hard work and diligence is what makes you successful – never giving up and not afraid of working hard – which satisfies my Achiever.

Being my own boss has come with so many perks. I no longer drive in rush hour traffic. I don’t have to tolerate being treated disrespectfully by a boss. I have the flexibility to create my own schedule, enjoy unlimited PTO, and most importantly, I have the power to be myself—always.

This new life has been deeply fulfilling, both personally and professionally.  

Professionally, I’m empowering others to understand their strengths, to use that understanding to be better leaders, team members, business owners and build stronger organizations through an affirming language with powerful results. I’ve worked with nuns to neurologists, and with each of my clients, from the small business owner, to individual entrepreneurs, to international organizations, I feel passionate about helping them gain clarity into their own potential and excellence while being their true, authentic self.

Personally, as the mother of four daughters, I’ve always strived to walk-the-walk, not just talk-the-talk. Now I can walk proudly knowing I’m showing my daughters not to be afraid of making changes, ask for what they need to be their best, and understand how they can impact the world with their natural talents and strengths.

 I also founded the Stillwater Alumnae Program: Girl Power. The program invites successful women graduates with non-traditional roles to share their stories with younger female students. As a firm believer in “if you can see it, you can be it,” both with strengths and in their careers, the program is designed to empower the next generation to understand their value, and realize they, too, have what it takes to achieve their dreams.

It’s been five years, which feels like a lifetime ago and has also seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. In that time there have been ups and downs, challenges and wins, but all of it has been so beyond worth it. Bringing the power of StrengthsFinder to others has been, and continues to be, deeply gratifying. The world will be a better place for everyone if we feel understood and valued for who we are and the strengths we bring to the world. Take it from someone who knows from experience.