Here, we slow things down on purpose. I share insights from inside the coaching room, practical tools you can use right away, and invitations to talks and events that dig into the real, nuanced shifts that make our days meaningful. Think of it as your weekly permission slip to pause, breathe, and build a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re keeping up with.
I wouldn't let myself quit (here's what that cost me)
Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader,
This one's a gut punch. Ready?
Years ago, back when I was deep in my corporate career, I used to end my workday with boxing three times a week. (I loved it so much that I even made my instagram name @boxboxbetty.) It was my way to release the stress from back-to-back meetings, unhappy clients, and a long-held feeling I kept denying.
Boxing made everything feel better…until it couldn't. One night, I came out of boxing, and I suddenly started crying in the middle of Times Square. (Public tears are so fun.) I wasn’t crying because anything bad happened that day, but because boxing couldn’t mask the truth anymore.
What I felt scared to admit: I was suffering in the life that I had worked hard to build for myself. And no, this isn’t a story about how I quit that night. I didn’t leave for few more years.
how I literally survived my work life
Clearly, I eventually left. I stepped away from a ten-year career in project management to become an authenticity coach. But that wasn’t an overnight change. It took years, two coaches, and a lot of me talking myself out of the thing I already knew I wanted. And that moment in Times Square…that was the night I started to be honest with myself again.
I shared this story, and a lot more, on Iris Canela’s podcast, Rise Differently. We got into what I call being an "expert sufferer," why "should" is the word quietly running most of our lives, and the smallest, most doable step to trust yourself again.
I don't want you waiting for a breakdown in the middle of a crowded street before you believe what you already know.
I want you to catch the signal sooner and trust that you don't have to break before you're allowed a change.
Rooting for you,
Betty
P.S. What's your version of boxing right now? The thing that's supposed to fix everything but has quietly stopped working.
Thanks for Reading ✨
I'm Betty Chan, an Authenticity Life Coach for people who want to do ambition and productivity differently. Around here, I help you find clarity so you can have success that doesn't cost you yourself. I'm glad you're slowing down with me!
Authenticity is a skill. Gentleness is a strength. Resentment is a map.
Here, we slow things down on purpose. I share insights from inside the coaching room, practical tools you can use right away, and invitations to talks and events that dig into the real, nuanced shifts that make our days meaningful. Think of it as your weekly permission slip to pause, breathe, and build a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re keeping up with.
