Reply To: Exercise 1: Initiative Personal Essay
The Value in Taking Initiative
Initiative is often the catalyst for personal and professional growth. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that taking initiative has led to profound learning experiences, from starting a popsicle business to transitioning into the tech industry, and eventually finding my passion in game development and movement leadership. This essay explores these experiences and the lessons learned from them.
In the first 30 years of my life, I had a few different “jobs” — working at the local golf course, doing student work-study in college, even volunteering as a librarian. However, it wasn’t until starting my own business that I really started learning bigger lessons. My first business was with a high school friend whom I reconnected with right out of college.
We sold handmade popsicles. Despite the initial excitement, I quickly realized that making and selling popsicles was not my true calling. This venture taught me valuable lessons about the risks of working with friends, the importance of market knowledge, and the challenges of creating a product that stands out. Most importantly, making mobile desserts led me back to what I actually studied in college and had a much greater passion for: mobile games.
Before starting my next business, I started and ended my career in game development. It wasn’t very long, but after being fired from two out of three roles, I really did some soul searching and took a break. Luckily, I had just become certified as a Pilates teacher and had moved back to my hometown of Nashville, so I had some time to consider my next move. This was right around 2019 when the book “Initiative” was first released. I had met Josh a couple of years earlier (in the DPRK) and I believe I was one of the first people to get a copy. To add to the serendipity, Chris, the professor cited in the example right before Exercise 1, had been one of my favorite teachers at USC—so I felt this was the trail of breadcrumbs I needed to follow.
I realized that helping others move better through tech resonated more with my intrinsic motivations. However, I made mistakes by forcing solutions to problems I didn’t fully understand. I spent considerable resources without seeing the desired outcomes, leading to personal and professional upheaval. This period taught me the importance of starting fresh, aligning with true passions, and building credibility and understanding before taking significant steps.
I gained a lot of value from teaching classes of 5 to 6 people, but I really wanted the whole world to learn about Pilates. This is where I think I screwed up and never made it through all the steps of “Initiative.” I had to pivot multiple times because the Venn diagram of people interested in Pilates and Interactive Technology was pretty much just me. I kept trying to force a solution for a problem that didn’t exist, and when I eventually switched to the physical therapy market, I didn’t have enough credibility or understanding. I thought I was doing everything right by following the book but ended up spending a lot of my own money, recruiting a team, and expecting direction to come from a market that didn’t exist. Instead of starting over, I kept trying to shift the solution to fit somewhere. I ended up so far afield that what I was doing didn’t even connect with my intrinsic motivations to help people move better with tech.
Luckily, my relationship fell apart, my parents divorced, and I moved back to Southern California. Even then, instead of starting at the beginning, I hoped to find a better dog show and get VC funding! Despite these setbacks, I reconnected with my original motivations. I realized that my true passion lies in leading others and helping movement leaders organize and change their culture. This newfound clarity, combined with a deeper awareness of my own dharma, has given me the dedication to do things right from start to finish.
Current Focus and Future Goals:
Yet, I still wasn’t jumping out of bed with enthusiasm. So I reached back out to Josh, and here I am looking to go back to the beginning and hone something into a true passion that the world needs from me this time. I have a more committed partnership, and commitment to do this right from start to finish. Whereas before my interest was in leading others to move better, my new aim is to support movement leaders, organize community initiatives, and drive cultural change. This aligns with my broader goals of sustainability, mindfulness, and living joyfully.
Taking initiative has been a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. From early entrepreneurial ventures to professional setbacks and rediscovering my true passions, each step has taught me valuable lessons. As I move forward, I am committed to leveraging these experiences to make a meaningful impact, both in my personal life and in the broader community. Initiative is not just about starting projects; it’s about continuous learning, adapting, and aligning with one’s true purpose.
Three People Close to This “Field” of Interest:
1.Joshua Spodek: Author of “Initiative,” Leader in Environmental Sustainability
2.Cory Bryant: Nashville based Yoga teacher, mentor
3.Morgan (my partner): cofounder of my web development agency who shares my values and goals.
Three People with High Status or Value in This Field:
1.Simon Sinek: Renowned author and motivational speaker known for his work on leadership and the importance of starting with “Why.”
2.Brené Brown: Researcher and author who explores themes of vulnerability, courage, and leadership.
3.Jane McGonigal: Author and thought leader on how using game design can improve lives.
Role Models:
1. Seth Godin
2. Marie Kondo
3. Steve Beshara