From Burnout to Breakthrough
Written by: Roberta Vommaro
In a world that's constantly accelerating, the idea of pivoting one's career is gaining traction. The urge to pursue a passion, achieve a better work-life balance, or make a positive impact on the world is becoming increasingly irresistible for many. The notion of a career shift is both logical and daunting, and for good reason. It requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to embrace change.
How do you make this shift successful?
As a former international tax lawyer turned yoga and meditation teacher, I've learned a thing or two about making a career transition. In this post, I'll share my personal journey and the lessons I've learned along the way, including some of the mistakes I made and how I managed to overcome them. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take the leap and pursue a career that aligns with their passions and values.
The quickest path to burnout
I made the mistake of diving into my career shift with the belief that spirituality and material life couldn't coexist, that helping others meant sacrificing my own needs, and that undercharging was the key to reaching more people. Needless to say, this approach backfired quickly, and I found myself burnt out and unable to continue. It took time, but eventually, I realized that success and spirituality can go hand in hand, and that fair compensation is not only ethical but also essential for our own financial and personal growth. As Wayne Dyer wisely observed, “Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” By valuing our services and charging fairly, we can create abundance not only for ourselves but also for those we aim to serve.
Another paradigm I grappled with was the idea that the legal world (and the corporate world in general) had no space for balance or mindfulness. As I started to teach clients though, I noticed how some of them were absolutely made for the corporate world. Perhaps there were aspects connected to the pressures of that world they disliked, but when they talked about their work - what they actually did - their eyes lit up! For ultimate fulfillment, all they needed was to balance their nervous system, optimize their schedules, and include a daily practice to support their super busy lives.
“I can do anything is not the same as I can do everything.”
But let’s come back to my story. In 2018, after 12 years teaching yoga and meditation, I decided to open a yoga studio. As an enthusiastic entrepreneur, I was determined to make my wellness business a success - but I completely underestimated how much initial investment is needed to open a brick-and-mortar business. And not just any business, but a brick-and-mortar business in one of the most expensive cities in the world! Like many others, I started extremely undercapitalized, with very little revenue left to reinvest in the business. I quickly realized that if you don't have enough capital in the early stages, you'll have to either cut corners or compromise on quality. This left me in a tough spot where I had to do everything myself: from marketing, to accounting, to cleaning, to even some renovation work (believe it or not!). And let me tell you, that was not an easy task.
Though this experience made me stronger (and wiser), you guessed it: I was left with another burnout. The lesson here is that delegating tasks and responsibilities is crucial to free up time and energy to focus on the core aspects of the business that only the owner can handle. It may seem like an added expense, but trust me, it's an investment in your own well-being and in the success of your business.
The number 1 mistake eager entrepreneurs make
Before I learned these precious lessons, I was spending my (very) hard-earned money taking all formula-based, DIY marketing, and one-size-fits-all business courses I could get my hands on. While it's tempting to follow a formula, or sign up for an inexpensive course, there is truly no one-size-fits-all approach to running a successful business. The best approach is to be flexible, creative, and willing to experiment until you find what works best for you and your business.
Enter the single most helpful thing for my business: working with a business coach in a personalized way to help my business work for me. This approach was a game-changer, well worth my investment, and my business finally thrived. As a result, I was able to pivot my studio into an online business in 2020 with ease, understanding that there are no formulas, and the business model we envision needs to work for us, much like we work for the business.
How to get out of the rut
If you're tired of the one-size-fits-all approach to business coaching, my 1:1 coaching is the personalized solution you've been looking for. As a coach, I understand that your business is unique, and it deserves a tailored plan for success. That's why I work closely with my clients to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and goals, and create a blueprint for success that's specific to their needs.
You will receive the support and guidance you need to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, without relying on formulaic approaches or quick fixes. You'll learn to harness your strengths, overcome your weaknesses, and achieve your business goals on your own terms. Together, we'll create a roadmap to success that's tailored to your unique vision and goals.
Pivoting your career and business may seem overwhelming
But it's a task that can be accomplished with the right mindset, support, and guidance. Working with a coach can help you avoid pitfalls, overcome obstacles, and build a thriving and rewarding business that aligns with your values and aspirations.
As influential author Napoleon Hill once said, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Therefore, dare to dream big, and with the proper support, you can turn your vision into reality.
Watch my TEDx Talk