Not All Turtles are Teenagers or Ninjas!

Recently at sunrise along the Texas coastline, I watched over 100 endangered Kemp’s Ridley hatchlings released through a recovery program.

Many of the hatchlings wouldn’t make it to their first swim if it weren’t for park rangers, conservationists, and volunteers. Female turtles instinctually lay their eggs in the sand and leave the nest unsupervised to return to the Gulf of Mexico. This leaves the eggs at the mercy of predators, vandals, and other destructive conditions.

Through conservation programs, the abandoned nests are located, the eggs are safely moved to incubators, and the eggs are monitored. When the eggs hatch, the turtles are released along the shoreline with numerous precautions.

As the tiny turtles are released on the beach to journey to the water’s edge, some catch on quickly, others wander a bit or need frequent rests, and some need gentle redirection toward the shoreline. These tiny, awkward hatchlings enter the water for the first time with applause from the excited crowd and suddenly transform into confident creatures that quickly glide out to deeper waters.

Life Lessons from Hatchlings: Coaching Insights

Watching these tiny turtles reminded me of wisdom I have gained after coaching thousands of professionals toward their best lives:

• A rough start doesn’t dictate your finish. Instead, choose your adventure to success.
• Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. Ask for it.
• Keep your cheerleaders close. Some people will cheer you on to your best life.
• Your path is your path. Straight, wandering, frequent stops, or with a bit of help now and then — stop comparing yourself to others.
• Given the right environment, great things are possible. Don’t settle.

Real Transformation: Client Success Story

Take a recent client of mine, a single mom who had worked at the same company for over 11 years. She had grown a lot and became a preferred person to work with for internal clients and customers.

When her company didn’t have the tools to plan successful delivery and implementation for large projects, she created her own spreadsheets, drawings, and plans, guiding the onsite installers and updating customers on progress, delays, and problems.

Unfortunately, her company didn’t value her growth, problem-solving skills, dedication, or the positive feedback from colleagues and customers. She was stuck with low pay, no clear advancement path, and a heaping dose of self-doubt.

After working together, documenting her strengths and accomplishments, she picked up certifications and “started doubting her doubts.” She interviewed and landed a new job that doubled her salary — a total transformation for her professional life and her family.

Why I Love My Job: Helping Professionals Thrive

Helping clients build their confidence muscles, doubt their doubts, and find the right environment for thriving is incredibly rewarding. Just like the tiny turtles, with support and the right environment, people can grow and succeed in ways they never imagined.

Are you tired of feeling stuck? Ready to move into a better environment and brighter professional future? Schedule a free discovery call today and start your transformation.