My Bold Decision to Start Over from Scratch: Here's Why
If you’re in your mid-30s or early 40s and feeling lost, like you’re just going through the motions day after day, you’re not alone. I felt that way, too, until I decided to start over from scratch. It sounds drastic, but it was the best decision I ever made. Here’s my story.
After years in the online business world, I’ve decided to start from scratch. Why would I end something that was thriving and making money? Something that was once what I loved? Keep reading to discover why I’m starting over from scratch—and why it might be the best decision ever made.
In April 2022, I officially quit everything. After many years of doing online business, I decided to walk away from it and start over from scratch—and I don’t regret it for a second.
I Wasn’t Happy Anymore.
Everything felt redundant. I was mentally at a low place, putting on 15 lbs, dreading motherhood, and hating my business. The irony is that I taught mindfulness and self-love for years. But I had to find the driving force when money and business lost their charm—and that driving force was ME.
I Chose Myself.
When you put yourself first, everything else follows. I’m no longer defined by the external world dictating my fulfillment. And never have I ever been so happy. My life is incredibly different now—it’s like I walked into a new world. Every relationship I had improved conditions because when you’re happy with yourself, you’re happier with those around you.
Clean Up Physical Clutter
First, let’s talk about clutter. In a study out of the University of California, researchers found that people were less stressed when they had an organized environment. This makes sense: there is nothing more annoying than trying to find a specific item in your home or office and not being able to do so because it’s buried under piles of stuff.
The next time you feel overwhelmed by clutter, try this exercise: pick one room or area of your home and make it straightforward for one hour (or however long it takes). The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s just making sure that everything has a place where it belongs (and if you need help with this part, check out these tips from Marie Kondo). If possible, turn on music or another form of entertainment while you work so that you’re not just staring at all the junk everywhere! Once you’ve cleaned up for an hour, reward yourself with something relaxing—like watching a movie or taking some time outside!
Starting From Scratch Was the Best Decision for Me
If you’re unhappy with where you are in your life or business, don’t be afraid to start over from scratch. It might be the best decision you ever make. Liberate yourself from what’s holding you back and choose yourself—you won’t regret it. Maybe don’t cold turkey it. I did give myself a few months of deciding to do this and one last month to be 100% certain I was ok with pulling the plug on an active business.
I’m no longer defined by the external world dictating my fulfillment. And never have I ever been so happy. My life is incredibly different now—it’s like I walked into a new world. Every relationship I had improved, including the one with myself.
Nowadays, my days look very different than before. Instead of being glued to my laptop all day, I’m outside enjoying nature or taking care of my plants. My evenings are spent reading or journaling instead of working late into the night. And even though my income has taken a hit in the short term, my happiness and sense of peace are worth more than any dollar amount could ever be.
By choosing myself, I liberated myself from what was holding me back and started fresh—it was the best decision ever made. If you’re unhappy with where you are in your life or business, don’t be afraid to start over too.
My business has now evolved into Daring to be Human, a public charity that unleashes the power of selling goods and services to fund our mission.
Relying solely on donations and sponsors is a thing of the past – instead, revenue generated from my private mentoring, intensives, and courses, etc., fuels our cause.
My goal is to open a healing retreat center in Puerto Rico, offering alternative therapies and fostering local sustainability by buying large parcels of land for agricultural and preservation purposes. This would help empower local farmers who cannot purchase land due to economic challenges while increasing food production in the area. In addition, the center would provide natural opportunities to promote the well-being of people and the planet.
Within the next 3-5 years, I aim to develop an innovative and interactive online platform to educate, empower, and energize minds, souls, bodies, and overall well-being. A significant portion of the proceeds from this venture will be dedicated to helping PTSD war veterans and their families.
8 Things to consider if you are thinking about starting over in your business or career to know you are making the right decision based on logic and reason rather than a rash reaction.
- Assess your current situation: Roll up your sleeves and take a long, hard look at your current job or business. Understand why you want to make a change and what you want to achieve by doing so.
- Consider the pros and cons: Make a list of the pros and cons of staying in your current situation and making a change. Think about each option’s potential risks and rewards, and decide which is best for you.
- Set realistic goals: Before you embark on your new venture, set goals for yourself that are achievable and measurable. Then plan out the steps you need to take to reach those goals.
- Research your new path: Do your homework and research the industry, the job market, and the demands of the new path you are considering. Make sure that it is the right move for you.
- Ask for advice: Talk to experts in the field, family, and friends who have ventured down a similar path. Listen to their advice and heed it where necessary.
- Make a plan: Make a detailed plan that outlines the steps you need to take for your new venture. Be sure to set time frames for each step and have a plan for when things don’t go as expected.
- Take action: Put your plan into action, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way. Be prepared to take risks and accept that there may be failures along the way.
- Evaluate your progress: Once you’ve taken the plunge, evaluate your progress and make adjustments as necessary. Celebrate your successes, and don’t be afraid to take a step back if needed.
If you’re unhappy with your current situation, don’t be scared to make a drastic change—you might find happiness again as I did. Life is too short to settle for anything less than happiness and contentment. Trust me; it’s possible to find your joy again—I’m living proof.
****Disclaimer I was in the financial place to do so. Not having a plan at the time this took place was a viable option for me as it wouldn’t burden my family drastically.****