Patricio (name altered to protect his identity) was a husband, father, and the sole provider for his family. After many years of pursuing his advertising dreams with the big firms of New York City he decided to move his family to the Northwest. There they could be closer to relatives and closer to home ownership. Although a much improved familial situation it was a questionable move for his career. After more than a year of trying to make the best of the career change Patricio found himself semi-depressed. He didn’t care much for his job and he felt as though his creative talent and passion were being neglected. Such feelings led him to compromise his influence as a husband, father, and provider. He felt as though he was losing a part of himself each day.
Not knowing where else to turn Patricio decided to start therapy. For the first time he was sincerely addressing and discussing his fears, insecurities, and depression. Passing through the inside out therapeutic process allowed him to identify cognitive distortions which magnified the negative details of his life while filtering out much of the positive. This, among many other insights, gave him the confidence to try something new (which, of course, was stand-up comedy).
Why stand-up comedy? Well, it was one of those pet interests that we all have but few pursue due to fear, time, inconvenience, etc. Additionally, he had recently received feedback that his presentation skills were lacking (which he did not believe). His focus was now on fulfillment, challenge, and personal growth. Such focus automatically reduced the energy he channeled towards the negative aspects of his life. After four stand-up comedy classes and several iterations of his comedic act he was ready to face his fear and accomplish his goal. He was so ready that he invited many of his work associates to witness his success or blunder. It was a success that not only fulfilled him personally but one that increased his workplace credibility. As one would expect the next logical step after stand-up comedy was a Marathon.
The motivation for such an endeavor was, again, a bucket list item that he was afraid to pursue. He was also told by his physical therapist that he would not be able to run a marathon after an ankle injury he suffered some years back. The recent wave of success, energy, and accomplishment from his stand-up comedy venture provided him the motivation to embark, work, and persist. He trained week after week for months. Such training left him feeling confident, healthy, and alive. Race day came and Patricio successfully completed the marathon. Another goal complete.
Interestingly, Patricio did not reduce his workload to make himself feel better but increased it. Much like a car stuck in snow can’t move without some extra weight for traction he couldn’t leave his stagnant situation without increased demands. The effects of a heavier, more focused, workload encouraged him to face his fears and fill his emotional void. As a result of action-therapy (that is how I refer to it at least), his family now experiences a much more pleasant, positive, and genuine husband, father, and provider.
I share this story because it personifies the principles of the “Your Millennial Coach” initiative on which I have embarked. I strive to facilitate these types of actions and accomplishments in my life and the lives of others through blogging, coaching, family, church, community service, etc. I sincerely believe that many of life’s ills can be resolved through living our values which require courage, persistence, and action as evidenced through Patricio’s actions this past year. Such a path inevitably leads to fulfillment, peace, and happiness which is our ultimate goal.
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