Ep. 28 | We Are Not Failing...We Are Growing!
In episode 28 on the podcast, I delve into a pivotal aspect of human experience: the often-overlooked growth that happens when we feel we are struggling or failing. Drawing on personal experiences and professional insights, I’m able to explore how to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
Celebrating Small Wins in a Big World
In the podcast world, it's easy to get caught up in what success should look like. In the episode I share the exciting milestones of the Live Stoked, Lead Stoked podcast, with nearly 30 episodes and 1300 downloads. While these numbers might appear modest in the grander scheme, they signify meaningful progress and connection with listeners who find value in the content. Celebrating these small victories matters because they remind us of the continuous journey we are on and the incremental progress we make along the way.
Personal and Professional Growth
Coming out of hard times is neither easy nor straightforward, as each person's journey through grief and struggle varies. However, enduring tough times and eventually emerging with new perspectives is essential for personal growth.
Professionally, I discuss transitioning from the structured world of corporate life to navigating my entrepreneurial venture. The lack of pre-defined goals and external expectations has been challenging. However, this also presents an opportunity to create my own framework and approach, ultimately fostering a sense of authentic self-direction.
Discovering Authenticity in Business Practices
One key struggle I mention is reconciling the pressure to conform to established business practices with my desire to stay authentic to my values. Social media marketing and other standard tactics often feel inauthentic. Instead of forcing myself to adopt strategies that don’t align with my values, I choose to engage in ways that feel genuine, such as cultivating meaningful connections and making authentic posts. This approach reaffirms my belief in finding a balance between vulnerability and authenticity in the corporate space.
Physical Challenges and the Mental Aspect of Growth
I am certainly no stranger to physical challenges, as you can tell by my training for the 29029 Trail, which involves ultra-endurance activities. Despite setbacks, such as SI joint issues and recurring pain reminiscent of my time in paramedicine, I continue to persevere. I recognize that these physical struggles evoke old insecurities but also offer an avenue for reflecting on my own growth journey.
The 29029 Trail event demands a nine-month commitment, much longer than the typical four-month training programs I'm used to. This extra time represents an evolution in my physical conditioning which requires persistence and mental fortitude. It’s important to see these demanding periods as growth spurts rather than failures. Reshaping my identity as I train for a grueling event that will challenge my body and mind.
The Role of Self-Care in Growth
An essential lesson is the necessity of rest and self-care. During intense training, it's vital to recognize the need for recovery time to regain strength and prevent burnout. Beyond physical self-care, mental and emotional well-being is important. Taking a moment to pause can be a vital step towards more sustained and healthy growth.
Applying Lessons to Everyday Life
The podcast episode encapsulates the broader idea that the principles discussed—trusting the process, valuing authenticity, and emphasizing self-care—are applicable in various contexts, from personal endeavors to professional challenges. Growth is continuous. Life's inherent tension, stress, and challenges can lead to profound growth if approached with the right mindset.
This is your reminder that life's hardships are often stepping stones to greater resilience and self-discovery. By celebrating small wins, staying true to ourselves, and prioritizing self-care, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and emerge stronger. Growth may be demanding and unending, but it’s also deeply rewarding, marking our progress as we strive to live our most stoked lives.
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal)
LinkedIn - sarahbettman
Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman
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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked
Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?
You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.
I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me.
I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all.
My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.