When You Least Expect It
By Holly Highfield
What Inspired Your Career Choice?
Where do I start. Was it because my mom became a single parent unexpectedly and I wanted something more? Was it because I saw my family going through the motions of life, living without purpose? Perhaps it was the loss that I experienced as a young girl? I’m sure there are many things that played a role in where I am today but no one has time for that – ha-ha.
Initially I started college majoring in kinesiology for I’d always had an interest in health and fitness. Feeling and looking my best was important to me. However, life had other plans.
Through a string of events over several years and a degree in business, I found myself 20 years into the banking industry. It was then that my current profession found me. I was working on my Master’s degree at the time while climbing the corporate ladder and chasing the “dream”. I began to feel over-worked, underpaid, not appreciated, and unfulfilled. The stress of the job was taking a toll on my health and everyone around. I knew something had to change.
I had to be that change. I had to be willing to get uncomfortable. To make the decision to take a risk if, I was going to live the life I desired. So, I started working on my plan B that would allow
me to break the chains and way of life I had known for more than 30 years. Was it easy? No.
Did it require hard work and sacrifice? Yes. Did it mean going against the status quo? Yes.
Over the next 3 years, while still working full time, I would build a multi-million-dollar business that allowed me to have a positive impact in a way I never thought imaginable. Now, almost 10 years later, I can say I’m proud of what I do and what I have accomplished. I have more confidence and self-worth than I ever have and it’s opened so many doors for me. I find myself always evolving and maturing in ways I never thought possible. Again, it wasn’t easy and required a lot of work but, man was it worth it!
What Is Your Best Advice For Individuals Who Work And Live With Girls?
Know that everything you do, say and don’t say matters. No pressure, right? How you choose to take care of yourself; health habits, belief systems, routines, selfcare, self-talk, all matter. Let her know that the only limits she has in life are the limits she sets on herself. Teach her the power of taking care of herself first so that they she can than take care of others, if she desires.
It’s okay to say “no” and not feel guilty about it. That she may not have control over everything that happens to her but, how she reacts, learns and grows from it is up to her. Be the example.
What Advice Would You Give To Your Younger Self?
This is a tough one because I do believe everything happens for a reason. That said, if I could go back in time I help myself realize that the mind is a powerful thing. I would encourage myself to have a stronger voice sooner. To be less of a “people pleaser” and more confident in my abilities. To be willing to take more risks sooner and to fear the judgement of others less.
What Makes You Empowered And Poised?
Self-reflecting in never easy, at least for me. For me though, I’d have to say what makes me feel empowered and poised is a combination of things. Having confidence with kindness. The ability to lead others yet still be coachable. The ability to take ownership of my faults and mistakes while being focused growing from them. Knowing when to let the small things go but, knowing when the small things are the big things.
I had the pleasure of hearing Tony Robbins speak in person and he said two things that still stick with me to this day. He said, “Trade your expectations for appreciation and you will change the world” and “Turn your obstacles into opportunities.” At the end of the day we don’t always know what life is going to throw at us. We will be challenged in ways we never thought possible however, it’s how we choose to react and overcome those obstacles that will shape us. Define us. So go be bold. Go be authentically you. Go make an impact.
