From Struggle to Strength: How Personal Development Transformed My Health, Career, and Life
When I look back on my journey, I'm amazed at how far I've come. As a woman juggling multiple roles - mother, wife, student, and healthcare provider - I found myself struggling with both physical and mental health issues. It was during this challenging time that I discovered the transformative power of personal development, guided by the wisdom of Jim Rohn. He has been an unparalleled mentor in my journey of personal development and health. His timeless wisdom and teachings have profoundly shaped my approach to health, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and my role as a women's healthcare provider. His insights continue to inspire me and can do the same for you!
The Turning Point
I realized a profound truth: our lives only change when we change. As Jim Rohn famously said, "Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." This resonated deeply with me. I had been caught up in the endless cycle of fad diets, exercise routines, and quick fixes, but nothing seemed to work. I spent my life in survival mode, constantly burning the candle at both ends—striving to do more, be more, support everyone, and achieve at the highest level. Can you relate? Then we wonder why we feel bad all the time!
Taking Responsibility
The pivotal moment came when I took full responsibility for my health and well-being. I stopped waiting for the medical system to heal me and realized that I had the power to heal myself. This shift in mindset was the catalyst for everything that followed!
Mastering the Fundamentals
I learned to stop majoring in minor things and focus on the fundamentals that truly moved the needle in my health and life:
1. Developing a consistent morning routine
2. Nourishing my mind with positivity daily
3. Moving my body regularly
4. Practicing intermittent fasting and eating whole foods
5. Listening to my body and eliminating what didn't serve me
It is important to practice self-awareness, listen to our body, and remove the things that weaken us. For example, if certain foods are making us sick, we need to stop eating them! We often get caught up in what influencers or research says to do, yet fail to listen to what our own body is telling us! If we feel bloated or sick after eating certain foods, then that is a sign our body may not be reacting well to what we just consumed.
The Power of Decision
As Jim Rohn taught, "We can't change the seasons, but we can change ourselves." I made the decision to change, and that decision altered the course of my daily habits. It wasn't easy, but as I started to feel better, I became motivated to make even more positive changes.
Addressing Perimenopause and Menopause
My own battles with perimenopause and menopause drove me to seek knowledge and solutions. This personal journey, coupled with my background in acute care and functional medicine, inspired me to further my education and become certified in women's health and menopause care. These experiences have transformed me into a more compassionate and effective healthcare provider, uniquely equipped to support women facing similar challenges.
A Midlife Career Leap: From Comfort to Calling
One of the most significant changes I made was leaving my job after 23 years in the same organization. It was terrifying and risky, but necessary. The stress, work environment, and long hours no longer served me. My health and family life were suffering, and I knew something had to give.
Jim Rohn once said, "If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree." This quote resonated deeply with me as I contemplated this massive life change. I realized I wasn't rooted to my job – I had the power to make a change!
Taking that leap was scary, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. It allowed me to align my career with my values and prioritize my health and family.💜
I encourage you to reflect on where you are at this stage of life. Are you where you want to be? Are you fulfilled? If you can't find 30 minutes a day for yourself – to work on your health, goals, and dreams – it might be time to re-evaluate your life values and whether your job or career aligns with them.
Remember, it's never too late to make a change. I know from experience. Your new path might lead you to opportunities and fulfillment you never imagined possible!
My Personal Development Difference
It was my commitment to personal development that ultimately made the difference. I had to master the fundamentals:
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Eating right
- Moving my body consistently
- Reducing stress
- Improving my mindset
- Nurturing my relationships
I would add that addressing our disruptive menopausal symptoms is crucial to stop majoring in the minors. These symptoms can significantly impact our ability to show up as our best selves, whether we're mothers, full-time employees, or business owners. I've learned firsthand that treating these symptoms isn't just about comfort—it's fundamental to living our best life and reaching our full potential in every role we play. By tackling these issues head-on, we free ourselves to focus on what truly matters and become the vibrant, capable women we're meant to be!
Your Journey Starts Now🚀
No matter where you are in your journey, remember that the first step to improvement is making the decision to change. Your future self will thank you for the changes you make today. Whether it's motherhood, being a wife, an entrepreneur, a leader, or a worker, our health and life only change when we change. Seek help, address your symptoms, master the fundamentals, work on your mindset, and track your progress.
As Jim Rohn wisely said, "Your life will get better when you get better." I'm living proof of this truth, and I'm here to help you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
The purpose of this blog is to guide you towards focusing on the foundational aspects of health, rather than getting caught up in minor details that don't make an immediate impact. I remember when I was first making healthy dietary changes, I was questioning whether peanut butter was okay with my celery! I realized that my choice to eat celery and peanut butter over a processed food snack was the important decision, and worrying about the peanut butter was a minor thing at that time! Anyway, once you make the decision to improve your health, it's about taking consistent daily actions that support that decision!
If you're ready to make this time of your life the best it can be, I'm here to educate, mentor, guide, and treat you. I invite you to book an appointment with me today. Together, we can transform your health and life, just as I transformed mine.
I look forward to meeting you,
Kim Heifner, FNP-C, MSCP