My
Story
My
Story
Why I Became a Coach
My journey toward a healthier, more authentic life and ultimately, my work as a coach, began in my late 20s. Since graduating from college, I had exclusively worked in sales and been continually running different variations of the same pattern: work, lift weights and eat clean (or what I thought was clean) during the week and party on the weekends. I would prepare all week to be ready for the weekend only to spend those days wreaking havoc on myself with alcohol, drugs and unhealthy food. After that, I’d have to recover. I would start the week sluggishly as I nursed my hangover, eventually getting back above water by Friday…only to pulverize myself and any possible progress before beginning the process all over again. Unsurprisingly, I felt stuck and unsure of what to do.
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As I approached 30, I could no longer hide from the fact that something wasn’t right and I needed help. Eventually, I began working with a coach, and that’s when things began to shift. For the first time, I spoke candidly about what was happening my life, uncovering some unsettling truths. With his unbiased perspective, he helped me recognize the pattern that I outlined above and understand how I had gotten to that point. With this newfound awareness and my coach’s guidance, I realized that my relationship with alcohol was the fuel for my negative loop. I attempted to reduce my intake and was successful at times, but the negative effects persisted. I knew I needed to stop drinking, but I didn’t know how. Being well-liked and receiving validation from my peers was immensely important to me, and my confidence was directly tied to alcohol. What would people think of me? Would I still have friends? What would I do for fun? My social life revolved around the culture of drinking and the substance was deeply ingrained into my identity as a fun “party guy”. Who would I be without it?
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These questions lingered for months until March of 2020. On the first morning of that month, I woke up feeling as I had countless Sunday mornings before: hungover, tired, and a bit fuzzy about what had transpired the night before. Little did I know, that would be the last time I’d wake up feeling that way; it marked the beginning of a profound journey back to myself. Later that week, I made “The Decision” that would change my life forever.
Finally, enough was enough; I was done with alcohol. A week later, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, it was a blessing in disguise. With no parties, bars, or social gatherings, I had a runway to adjust to life without alcohol before having to face my peers and possibly disappointing people. After just a week or two, I felt incredible - physically, mentally, and emotionally. My energy and mental clarity skyrocketed. I felt like Superman. I knew that this was the right path for me. Then came the hard part.
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With clear eyes, I took inventory of my life. I stared at the reality of what had truly been happening without the substances or superficial validation to blur my vision or enable me to escape. It was hard. I realized I had no idea who I was. I felt isolated and lost. However, as time passed, I began to feel stronger. I forgave myself for my past. I began to love myself. I decided who I wanted to be and started to be him. I learned to keep the promises that I make to myself.
Gradually, my insatiable need for external approval began to fade. I no longer felt the need to be who I thought others wanted me to be. With the shackles of social pressure removed, I tried new things. I discovered nature, yoga, meditation, and a love for learning. I found purpose. I developed my ability to be vulnerable, open, and unashamed. I learned to trust myself. Now, the only approval that I need is from me. I am by no means a finished product. I am in process. The work continues every day and always will. What I do know is that with intention, openness, and a little bit of faith it is possible to create lasting, positive change and transform your life for the better.
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This is why I became a coach: to help others make meaningful changes in their lives, move toward balance, and exist in their truest, most authentic expression.
