You might be curious about why I go by Captain Brenna Young; there's a tale behind it. The best way to uncover it is to bring me on board for your upcoming event. Allow me to present reasons that will make your event truly memorable.
Growing up, I was unsure of my future career, but I often dreamed of becoming a great basketball coach like Pat Summit from Tennessee. As a fan of Notre Dame, my aspiration was to attend college there. Once, a teacher cautioned me that my dreams were too grand, suggesting I'd be fortunate to even attend college. I was in the fifth grade then, and being told to scale down my dreams was shocking. However, I thrived on challenges and was encouraged by another teacher who believed in my potential, reminding me that achievements don't just happen; they require effort. That lesson stuck with me, teaching me the value of hard work in pursuing my goals in life, which proved to be more challenging than one might assume. Did my dreams come true? Did I make it to Notre Dame?
Recalling my initial aspiration to follow in the footsteps of legendary basketball coach Pat Summit, I never imagined that I would actually find myself in a coaching role. However, life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and here I am, not the coach I envisioned, but one who has found a different kind of fulfillment in guiding others towards achieving a harmonious work-life balance. This delicate equilibrium is far from easy to attain, as our daily routines often resemble a never-ending cycle of responsibilities and commitments.
From the moment we wake up, our days are consumed by a series of tasks – from getting ready for work to dropping off the kids at school, completing work assignments, attending our children's extracurricular activities, preparing dinner, and finally winding down before bedtime, only to wake up and start it all over again the next day. In the midst of this hectic schedule, finding time for us becomes a rare luxury, leaving us to ponder the age-old question: how does one strike a balance between the demands of work, family, and personal well-being?
Navigating this intricate dance requires a conscious effort to prioritize self-care amidst the chaos of everyday life. It involves setting boundaries, learning to delegate tasks, and carving out moments of solitude to recharge and rejuvenate. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and embracing the concept of self-compassion, we can gradually create a more sustainable rhythm that nurtures not only our professional and familial obligations but also our individual needs and aspirations.
I've been an entrepreneur for most of my life, always brainstorming ways to carve out a career on my own terms. There were periods when I worked for others to discover my true desires. I once owned a business that demanded seven-day workweeks; I managed some time off, but it was scarce. Running a catering business, I helped others enjoy family time, yet I neglected my own needs, working incessantly while my friends enjoyed their weekends. I yearned for leisure but lacked a plan to achieve it.
It was the encounter with someone transformative that reshaped my life. Though we no longer speak, I'm grateful for their impact; they arrived when needed and departed just the same. This experience taught me to pursue true happiness. Unfulfilled and uncertain, I decided to sell the business and embrace a fresh start. My new goal became clear: spend summers in Iowa and winters in Florida.
You might wonder how one achieves such a lifestyle. When I embarked on this significant change, my family doubted me, questioning my financial and residential plans. Without concrete answers, I trusted in divine guidance. Believing that God would lead the way, I ventured into starting two new businesses.
At every event where I speak, I make it a point to understand the goals you have for your audience. Through sharing my life's journey and stories, I aim to inspire people to pursue their best selves, enhancing their productivity in both work and life. While I don't claim to have all the answers, I believe in working smarter, not harder. It's possible to be more productive without overworking—sticking to a standard 40-hour workweek instead of stretching to 60 hours. We have the strength to achieve a balanced life, enjoying the best of both professional and personal worlds. Strive to be your best self!
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