EP 65: Why Your Friends Won’t Help You Level Up: The Real Truth About Accountability
I had the pleasure of chatting with my dear friend Pam, who is also a recent alumna of the Dream Bigger Mastermind. Pam and I have known each other for over 20 years—since the days we both first landed in LA and were out there hustling in marketing events. Over the years, our careers have taken different turns, but our bond has only deepened, especially through the transformative journey we’ve shared in the Dream Bigger Mastermind.
Friendship and Accountability: Why Coaching Matters
One of the most common objections I hear from people considering a group program or coaching is, “Why do I need to pay someone to do what my friends can do?” I get it—friendships are so valuable. But there’s something uniquely powerful about the structure, accountability, and intentional space that a coaching program provides. Pam and I have been friends for years, but it was when she joined the Dream Bigger Mastermind that our relationship took on a new dimension. For over a year, Pam had mentioned wanting to join, but it wasn’t until she felt the nudge and received consistent reminders that she finally took the leap.
Pam shared that she had been following my work and saw herself as someone who could benefit from the support and extra push that the Dream Bigger Mastermind provides. It wasn’t just about having someone to talk to—it was about investing in herself and committing to her growth. As Pam beautifully put it, “If I’m not going to invest in myself, who’s going to invest in me?”
Navigating Career Changes and Embracing New Beginnings
Pam’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable. Over the years, Pam has navigated multiple career transitions, from marketing to entrepreneurship. Early on, she struggled with the pressure of choosing a career path, eventually landing in marketing, where she thrived for many years. However, when her last corporate job—a position she loved—ended due to a company acquisition, Pam found herself at a crossroads.
She tried to find another marketing position but quickly realized that it wasn’t fulfilling her anymore. This led her to a brief stint at the Hustler Casino in a marketing role, a job that, as she described it, was far from her vibe. From the moment she stepped into the parking lot and walked through the smoke-filled lobby, she knew it wasn’t the right fit. But this experience was a wake-up call, leading her to a deeper journey of self-discovery and sobriety.
The Birth of a Soulful Entrepreneur
Pam’s sobriety journey played a significant role in her transformation. She stepped away from high-stress environments and focused on jobs that allowed her to prioritize her mental health. During this time, she was presented with an unexpected opportunity—to open a crystal shop and yoga studio with a partner. Though it wasn’t something she had planned, she embraced the opportunity and spent four years building and running a successful business in Los Angeles, even weathering the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Running a full-fledged business with employees, instructors, and a diverse clientele in a competitive market like LA is no small feat. But after several years, Pam began to feel the strain. She found herself increasingly pulled away from her family, particularly her nine-year-old son. The constant demands of managing people and maintaining the business took a toll on her well-being. When one particularly challenging day brought a series of setbacks, Pam recognized it was time for another change.
Listening to the Universe: A New Purpose Unfolds
In March of last year, Pam made the brave decision to step away from the business. She informed her partner, who was incredibly supportive, and took the time to transition out of her role. This decision led to a period of reflection and renewal, during which Pam took a much-needed vacation with her son and focused on what truly mattered to her.
It was during this time that Pam attended a mental health convention, where she learned about the alarming rates of suicide among Asian Americans aged 18 to 25 since the pandemic. Having struggled with her own mental health challenges, Pam felt a deep calling to make a difference in this space. In a twist of fate, she discovered a tuition-free program for alcohol counseling and began an internship at the Asian American Drug Abuse Program, just five minutes from her home. Pam knew she had found her purpose.
The Magic of Dream Bigger
By the time Pam joined the Dream Bigger Mastermind in February, she was ready for a new chapter but wasn’t entirely sure what that would look like. Within weeks of starting the program, Pam experienced a series of significant shifts. She was offered a counseling position with better pay and hours, and soon after, another opportunity to lead group counseling at a facility. By March, just four weeks into the program, Pam was in a completely different place—professionally and personally—making more money and feeling more aligned with her purpose than ever before.
We spent time in the Dream Bigger Mastermind visualizing what Pam truly wanted and putting pen to paper to set her intentions. This work, coupled with the collective energy of the group, helped Pam manifest opportunities that aligned with her values and goals. It’s been incredible to witness her growth and the profound changes she has made in just a few months.
Stepping into Your Power: It’s Never Too Late
Pam and I are both in our 40s, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come. Our journeys haven’t been linear, but each step has led us to where we are today. I know many people hesitate to make changes later in life, fearing they’re “too old” or that it’s too late to start something new. But Pam’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Pam’s career path has been diverse, but each experience has built upon the last, creating a unique skill set that serves her well today. Similarly, my background in acting, marketing, and casting has helped me run my own business in ways I never could have anticipated.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsatisfied in your current career, I encourage you to listen to that inner voice. Set your intentions, be open to the possibilities, and let the magic of the universe guide you. Like Pam, you may find yourself on a path you never imagined, but one that feels deeply aligned with your true purpose.
Thank you, Pam, for sharing your incredible journey with us. It’s been an honor to support you through the Dream Bigger Mastermind, and I can’t wait to see where your path takes you next.
If Pam’s story resonates with you, and you’re ready to make a change in your own life, I invite you to join us in the Dream Bigger Mastermind. It’s a space where you can invest in yourself, gain clarity on your goals, and receive the support and accountability you need to make your dreams a reality. Remember, it’s never too late to start something new. Your journey is just beginning.
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