Meet Tara LaFon Gooch

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tara LaFon Gooch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tara, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
From a young age, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. Every setback, every criticism, seemed to reinforce the belief that I wasn’t good enough. Each passing year only served to deepen this conviction, eroding whatever amount of confidence I managed to muster. As I navigated through the turbulent years of adolescence and into adulthood, this lack of confidence became a constant companion, coloring every aspect of my life. It tainted my interactions, stifled my ambitions, and cast a shadow over my potential.

Even as I achieved milestones and successes, feelings of self-doubt loomed, whispering lies about my abilities and worth. Toxic workplaces only served to exacerbate these feelings, pushing me further into despair. After experiencing depression and anxiety, I found myself at rock bottom, struggling to find a way back up.

It was then that I devised my own method of transformation, a roadmap I call GRASP: Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, and Purpose.

Gratitude became my anchor. Initially, it was about appreciating external things, but as I delved deeper, I began to extend that gratitude to myself. I acknowledged my resilience, my ability to endure, and my capacity for growth. This shift in perspective laid the foundation for my journey.

Next came Responsibility. I realized that I had the power to shape my thoughts and reactions. Instead of being a passive victim of circumstance, I took ownership of my mental well-being. I actively countered negative thoughts and behaviors, refusing to let them dictate my reality.

Taking Action was pivotal. I stopped letting fear paralyze me and started pursuing my dreams and goals relentlessly. Each step forward, no matter how small, was a victory over self-doubt and insecurity. I refused to be held back by the shackles of fear.

Sight and visualization played a crucial role in shaping my trajectory. I vividly imagined the life I desired, the person I aspired to become, and started with small steps to act like and look like that person. This clarity gave me purpose and direction, serving as a beacon guiding me through the darkest of times.

Finally, aligning with my Purpose was the ultimate revelation. I discovered that my true power lay not in competition or comparison, but in embracing my unique path and contribution to the world. When I embraced my purpose, comparison ceased to exist, and confidence became my natural state.

Through the GRASP method, I transcended my struggles and emerged with unwavering confidence. It wasn’t a quick fix or an easy journey, but it was undoubtedly transformative. Today, I stand empowered by gratitude, driven by responsibility, fueled by action, guided by sight, and aligned with purpose. And in this alignment, I find the unshakeable confidence to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. From that point forward, I carried with me a newfound understanding: confidence is not an external accolade to be earned, but an intrinsic quality to be cultivated from within. It was a revelation that transformed my perception of self and set me on a journey of empowerment and self-acceptance.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My professional journey has been a dynamic fusion of entrepreneurship, personal development, and creative expression.

At my branding agency, we specialize in helping industry leaders and businesses carve out unique identities so they can stand out in crowded marketplaces. From crafting compelling brand narratives to designing visually stunning assets, we empower our clients to stand out and make a meaningful impact in their respective industries. We believe that great branding goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating genuine connections and telling compelling stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

As an international speaker, I have had the privilege of sharing my insights and experiences with diverse audiences around the world. Whether it’s delivering keynote addresses on confidence and personal empowerment or leading workshops on effective branding strategies, I am passionate about inspiring others to unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

My book, “How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power,” is a culmination of years of personal growth and transformation. In it, I delve into the principles of the GRASP method, offering practical tools and strategies for cultivating confidence and reclaiming agency over one’s life. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the book has resonated with readers from all walks of life, empowering them to overcome self-doubt and embrace their inherent worth.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue expanding my reach and impact through various avenues. Whether it’s through new speaking engagements, product/service launches, or collaborations, I am committed to empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Overall, my professional journey is fueled by a passion for authenticity, empowerment, and transformation. I believe that when we embrace our true selves and harness our unique strengths, we have the power to create profound change, both in our own lives and in the world around us.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity has been paramount in my journey. Cultivating resilience involves developing a growth mindset, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, to prioritize self-care and well-being, and to build a strong support network of friends, family, and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement.

Self-awareness: Understanding my strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations has been essential in navigating my path and making informed decisions. Developing self-awareness requires introspection, reflection, and feedback from others. My advice for those starting out is to invest time in self-reflection, journaling, and mindfulness practices to deepen self-awareness, to seek feedback from trusted sources to gain insight into blind spots, and to be open to continuous learning and growth.

Communication: Effective communication skills have been instrumental in building relationships, conveying ideas, and advocating for myself and my work. This includes verbal, nonverbal, and written communication, as well as active listening and empathy. For those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend seeking opportunities to practice communication in various contexts, such as public speaking, networking events, and interpersonal interactions. Additionally, investing in communication training or workshops can help sharpen these skills and boost confidence in communicating effectively.

My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize developing these qualities, seek support and feedback, and embrace opportunities for growth and learning. By cultivating resilience, self-awareness, and communication skills, individuals can navigate challenges with confidence, make informed decisions, and build meaningful relationships along the way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
For non-magazine covers the photo credit goes to Josh Gooch

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