Even Stars Need Coaches!

Isn’t it time you hired an executive coach and invested in your success?

img-5c7e74160d9297318b4de170

Chart a Course for Career Transition!

Even Stars Need Coaches!

Become a leader that you'd be proud to follow. Reach out today for a complimentary Wayfinders Discovery call to learn how.

“You talk as though you’ve been enslaved. If you don’t like your fate, change it! You are your own master, there are no shackles on you. ”

~ Aida

Are you dragging your heels or afraid of career transition?

When I spent the summer of 2000 in New York City, I was fortunate enough to see EIGHT Broadway plays.  And, Aida was one of my favorites. This song and lyric in particular really resonated with me, because I have often ceded control of my life.  I’ve either passively followed the path of least resistance or felt constrained by other people’s (or maybe even society’s?) expectations of me.  And, I’ve DEFINITELY felt the pinch of golden handcuffs. Sound familiar?

Career transition is daunting – especially for professional women – like attorneys – who have invested significant time and money in their careers.

You would think that those of us lucky enough to be kicking @ss in corporate America would feel like we had the world on a string!  But, we don’t. Or, at least, I didn’t. But here’s the thing – there are no shackles on you.  YOU and only you are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.

career-change-attorney

Who ever thought that a great degree, a terrific career, and a long list of accomplishments would feel limiting?

As Brene Brown says, “when you own your story, you get to write the ending.”  

Let that sink in.  It’s on you – you get to write your own story.  You are in control of your life and you don’t need ANYONE’s permission to live the life of your dreams.  It’s a big responsibility – your legacy is at stake.

For YEARS, I asked someone I thought must be smarter or more important, or someone whose approval I desperately sought, to tell me how to live my life.  I looked for someone to validate my every decision. To tell me that I was worthy. In my pursuit of worthiness, I proved myself over and over again.  Achieving ever higher levels of success.  But, my achievements were born out of FEAR.

What mindset shifts do you need to make to change careers?

mindset-career-change

Fear kept me complacent. Fear of disapproval. Fear of financial insecurity. Fear of criticism. Fear of failure.

I was so focused on other people’s approval that I didn’t stop to consider whether my career was also my calling.   Sure, I was a damn good attorney, but did I love it? Or, was I only an attorney because of the big paycheck and the prestige of the position?

When I finally confessed to my dear friend Adria that I wasn’t sure I wanted to practice law anymore, I thought she’d be shocked.  But, she wasn’t. She just shrugged her shoulders and said, “You never REALLY wanted to be a lawyer.” Instead, I was shocked. “What would make you say that,” I sputtered through my hurt pride.  “Well, when we were first years, you always talked about how you wanted to open a Pilates studio. Making partner was never your dream,” she said nonchalantly. I was dumbfounded. Until she said that, I didn’t even remember wanting to open a Pilates studio.  But, she was right. When I was a baby lawyer, I never thought much past my year-end review. I wasn’t building a career – I was surviving. Trying to meet someone else’s definition of who I should be.

Here’s the thing – the only person you need to prove yourself to is YOU. You need to prove to yourself that you are capable of anything you set your mind to and turn those golden handcuffs into Wonder Woman’s bracelets…

My life is a responsibility that I’ve recently embraced.  Let’s face it – I LOVE being in control. I no longer seek permission or approval from anyone for my life choices.  And, I am becoming the person I am meant to be. I am no longer living my life out of fear, but out of hope. So, as long as I strive to be better today than I was yesterday, I walk tall and proud of the woman I am.  Knowing that I am becoming – a glorious work in progress.

career-change-strategies

I am in control and you are too. Career transition? We got this.

So, set your course and shamelessly pursue your best life.

And remember, anything or anyone who does not LIGHT YOU UP is too small for you.

xoxo, SNW

Sarah-Nell Walsh

Executive Coach, Atlanta

Wayfinders, LLC

Even Stars Need Coaches!

Become a leader that you'd be proud to follow. Reach out today for a complimentary Wayfinders Discovery call to learn how.

Sarah-Nell Walsh

Sarah-Nell Walsh is an executive coach, former attorney, and Founder of Wayfinders, LLC. Equal parts big-hearted cheerleader and bold challenger, she works with ambitious professionals, executives, and lawyers who want to perform at the top of their game. Wayfinders has a business development coach for lawyers, a leadership coach for executives, and a transition coach for professionals. We work with all our clients to make their desired impact on their organizations, their families, and the world.

Continue the Conversation with Me on LinkedIn!

Share this post and add your comments! Tag me: @sarah-nellwalsh

Scroll to Top