Birthdays have a way of making us pause, don’t they? It’s one of those moments where you look back, reflect on the path you’ve walked, and marvel at how far you’ve come. This year, as I celebrate another trip around the sun, I find myself thinking about the many choices I’ve made along the way—each one shaping the life I’m living today.

In my 40 plus years of business, I’ve learned that life is a series of choices, each one guiding us down new roads, offering lessons, and sometimes, delivering challenges we never saw coming. But through it all, one truth stands out: the choices we make, big or small, have the power to shape our lives and our future.

Life is a Series of Choices

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned over the years is that we always have a choice. Even when it feels like life has thrown us off course, the truth is, we still have control over how we respond. We decide how to view our circumstances, whether to see them as obstacles or opportunities. That’s an empowering realization.

There’s a quote that has always resonated with me: “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” As health coaches, practitioners, and entrepreneurs, we know that safety often feels like the easier choice. But growth—that’s where the magic happens. That’s where we discover our true potential.

Choosing Boldly

Over the years, I’ve had countless opportunities to play it safe. And truth be told, sometimes I did. But the moments that stand out the most, the ones that shaped my life in the most profound ways, are the ones where I chose to be bold. Where I trusted my intuition, even when fear tried to convince me to stay put.

It wasn’t always easy. Starting a business takes guts. Continuing on when things get tough takes even more. There were days when the idea of giving up seemed so much easier than continuing forward. But I’ve learned that bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about feeling the fear and stepping forward anyway.

For many of you in the health coaching field, you’ve likely faced similar crossroads. Maybe you’re questioning whether to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Maybe you’re deciding whether to expand your practice, offer a new service, or step out into a new niche. Whatever it is, I want you to know this: You can be bold. You can take that chance.

The Power of Intuition

One of the greatest tools we have as health coaches and practitioners is our intuition. It’s that inner voice guiding us, often quietly, toward the path that aligns with who we are and what we truly want. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust mine, and it’s been a guiding light, especially when logic or fear tried to steer me in a different direction.

Trusting your gut isn’t always the most straightforward path. In fact, it often requires you to stand firm in your decisions, even when those around you don’t fully understand. But it’s those choices, the ones made with your heart and your intuition, that often lead to the greatest rewards.

So, if you’re sitting with a decision that feels daunting, unsure of which direction to take, listen to that inner voice. Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you have, and it will never lead you astray.

Putting Fear Aside

I won’t lie—fear is real. It’s part of the journey, no matter how long you’ve been in the game. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. But over the past four decades, I’ve learned that fear is often a signal that you’re on the right path. It means you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and moving toward something greater.

And here’s the thing: You don’t have to be fearless to be successful. You just have to be willing to act despite the fear. Each bold choice I’ve made has come with its fair share of anxiety, but it’s also come with immense growth and satisfaction.

As health coaches and practitioners, you know the power of pushing through fear. You guide your clients through change, helping them overcome their own doubts and worries. Now, I encourage you to turn that same wisdom inward. What if you used that energy to push past your own fears and take the next step in your journey? What might you discover?

The Gift of Choice

As I reflect on my birthday, I realize that the greatest gift we have in this life is the ability to choose. Every day, we are presented with decisions that can shape our businesses, our relationships, and our lives. Some choices are small, others feel monumental. But in the end, they all add up to the life we create for ourselves.

There’s something deeply empowering about realizing that you are in control of your own story. You get to decide how your life unfolds. You get to choose whether you want to stay where you are or take the bold leap toward the unknown. You get to decide if you will let fear hold you back or let your intuition guide you forward.

As we navigate the ups and downs of life and business, remember that you always have the power to choose. You are not stuck. You are not powerless. You are the author of your own story, and each day is a new page waiting to be written.

So, What Will You Choose?

On this birthday of mine, I ask you to reflect on your journey. Think about the choices that have brought you to where you are today. Some may have been easy; others may have been incredibly difficult. But each one has shaped you and helped you grow.

As health coaches and entrepreneurs, you know that growth doesn’t come from staying in the same place. It comes from choosing to move forward, even when the path is unclear. It comes from choosing to trust yourself and your journey.

So, I leave you with this question: What will you choose next?

The choice, as always, is yours.

Resources and Further Reading

1. Books

• “The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion” by Elle Luna
  This book delves into the powerful choices we make between what we should and must do to fulfill our true purpose.

• “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
  Brené Brown explores how embracing vulnerability and imperfection leads to a more wholehearted life. Her work is ideal for those who push past fear and embrace authenticity.

• “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
  Another inspiring read, focusing on how courage and vulnerability are central to personal and professional success.

2. Articles

• “How to Make Choices With Confidence” – Psychology Today
  This article provides practical insights into decision-making and moving past fear or indecision: Psychology Today: Decision Making.

• “The Power of Intuition” – Harvard Business Review
  A deep dive into how intuition is critical in decision-making for entrepreneurs and business leaders: HBR on Intuition.

3. Courses

• “THINK” by Cathy Sykora
  This course helps health coaches, entrepreneurs, and when licensed, your customers to build the mental resilience needed to make bold choices and pursue growth. Perfect for those looking to overcome fear and develop a winning mindset.

• “A Lighter Life” by Cathy Sykora
  This course helps scrape off the barnacles we build up and approaches forgiveness, gratitude, responsibility, resentment, contribution, and more to lighten our lives and spirits.
• “IIN Health Coaching Program” by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition

• This program focuses on empowering health coaches to build thriving practices while encouraging personal growth and bold decision-making.

4. Podcasts

• “The Life Coach School Podcast” with Brooke Castillo
  Castillo talks about mindset, making powerful decisions, and embracing growth. Great for health coaches seeking practical tips for both business and personal development.

• “Optimal Living Daily” by Justin Malik
  Curates and shares inspiring essays on personal growth, productivity, and decision-making. Ideal for short bursts of inspiration.

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