We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emily , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Finding resilience in the face of adversity is a journey that is deeply personal and unique to each individual. For me, my wellspring of resilience originates from the multitude of obstacles I had to overcome to reach the place I am at today. Let me take you through my story, a story of self-discovery, determination, and relentless pursuit of a life I desired.
Born and raised within the confines of the Amish culture, I spent my first years immersed in a world that prescribed strict roles for women. However, at the age of seventeen, I made the decision to leave the familiarity of my upbringing behind. Stepping into the unknown, I experienced a culture shock like no other.
Soon after I left the Amish, life presented me with yet another unexpected twist. At the age of eighteen, I found myself embracing motherhood. The sheer magnitude of this responsibility, coupled with the absence of a solid support system, left me grappling with feelings of doubt and fear. How could I possibly navigate the uncharted waters of motherhood? I yearned for guidance, for a roadmap to show me the way forward but there was none.
In the midst of this chaotic chapter, I ventured into the realm of marriage at the age of nineteen, hoping it would provide the stability and direction I sought. However, reality had a different plan in store for me. By the time I turned twenty-three, my marriage had unraveled, leaving me facing yet another life-altering decision. The fear of being alone, compounded with the doubts, fear and now being a single mom of two boys.
It was at this moment that I discovered the spirit that lay dormant within me. Rejecting the confines of societal expectations, I resolved to carve out a life that was authentically mine. With determination, I embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery, one that required me to confront the limitations imposed upon me by my upbringing.
An unwavering belief in my own potential propelled me forward. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me, I made the courageous choice to chart my own course. I sought solace in the gym, where I started on a physical and mental transformation. Shedding sixty-five pounds, I discovered a newfound passion for powerlifting. This pursuit pushed me to my limits, propelling me to compete at national and even world levels.
Simultaneously, I took up the challenge of higher education, enrolling in college as a single mother working full time. With determination and a strong vision for my future, I successfully navigated the balancing act of raising two boys, maintaining a job, and pursuing a degree. In four short years, I proudly walked across the stage at Purdue University.
I set my sights on professional success. Building a thriving career in the automotive and tech industries, I found satisfaction in challenging societal norms and defying expectations. The itch to forge my own path grew and eventually lead me to the creation of my own business with a business partner. I took the leap, harnessing the strength and perseverance that had guided me throughout my journey.
Throughout my journey, I confronted countless obstacles that threatened to derail my progress. Yet, at every turn, I found an unwavering commitment to persevere. There were moments when surrender seemed tempting, when the weight of the world threatened to shatter things. But I remained committed, even if it meant taking just one small step forward.
Discipline became my closest friend, a steadfast companion on my path to resilience. It was through discipline that I honed the ability to weather the storms that life hurled my way. I learned to embrace discomfort and uncertainty, recognizing that they were essential ingredients in the recipe for growth. No matter how daunting the odds, I refused to let them define me. Instead, I chose to define myself through my relentless pursuit of the dreams that ignited my soul.
My journey to resilience has been far from easy, marked by moments of self-doubt, fear and uncertainty. But it is these experiences that have led me to keep moving forward. Each obstacle I encountered became a stepping stone, propelling me towards a greater understanding of my own capabilities.
So, where do I find my resilience? It emerges from the depths of my soul, forged through the fires of adversity. It lies in the unwavering commitment to defy limitations and embrace the uncharted territories of personal growth. It springs forth from the wells of self-belief, and it is nurtured by the unwavering determination to create a life that aligns with my deepest desires.
In embracing resilience, I have discovered a well of strength within me. It is a strength that I now extend to others, sharing my story with the hope that it may serve as a beacon of inspiration for those who may be on their own journey. For in each of us lies the potential to overcome, to rise above, and to unlock the extraordinary resilience that resides within.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am passionate about helping companies improve their operations, enabling them to run more efficiently and save valuable time and money. Through conducting gap analyses and effective problem-solving, I identify areas for enhancement and provide transformative solutions.
What excites me is the opportunity to utilize my strengths in spotting gaps that companies may overlook. Witnessing the transformation that occurs as organizations save money and implement streamlined processes brings me immense joy. Additionally, I am passionate about developing leaders who can effectively lead themselves and their teams in all aspects of life.
If you are an organization that wants to save money, time and implement processes and standards and develop your leadership team, I would love to chat with you to see how I can support you and your team.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have shaped my journey. Here are my insights and advice for those early in their own path:
Adaptability: Embrace change regardless of circumstances. See it as an opportunity for growth. Seek new experiences and diverse perspectives, fostering a mindset of continuous learning.
Unwavering Belief: Maintain faith in yourself even during uncertain and challenging times. Trust your abilities and persevere. Each step taken brings you closer to your goals, even if results are not immediately visible.
Self-Discovery: Invest in knowing yourself deeply. Reflect on your values, strengths, aspirations, and fears. Address inner barriers and cultivate inner trust. Recognize your inherent power and potential.
To all those just starting your journey, I encourage embracing change, nurturing self-belief, and engaging in self-discovery. Each step forward is a chance for growth. Cultivating these qualities will foster resilience and unlock your unlimited potential.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
In moments of overwhelming stress, I have found solace in pausing and taking a break. Stepping away from the chaos allows me to regain clarity and regain control over the situation. After the break, I embark on a process of breaking down the overwhelming task into manageable components, enabling me to identify a starting point. To facilitate this process, I find it helpful to pour my thoughts onto paper or a Google sheet, allowing me to organize and structure them effectively.
During this break, I engage in activities that provide mental and emotional support. Whether it’s taking a rejuvenating walk, practicing meditation, or simply distancing myself from the source of overwhelm, these moments of reprieve allow me to recharge and approach the task with renewed focus and perspective.
One practice that I wholeheartedly recommend is the act of “dumping” everything onto paper. By externalizing my thoughts and concerns, I free myself from the burden of carrying them internally. This release of mental clutter not only brings a sense of relief but also enables me to objectively analyze the components of the task at hand. It empowers me to prioritize effectively, determining the most critical actions that require immediate attention.
Procrastination often stems from an overwhelmed state of mind. By emptying the contents of my thoughts onto paper, I don’t keep everything bottled up, which helps me to not procrastinate. Instead, I embrace the power of externalizing and organizing my thoughts, ensuring that I am better equipped to tackle each task in a focused and timely manner.
In summary, when overwhelmed, I advocate for taking deliberate breaks and engaging in activities that offer you some sort of emotional support. Breaking down tasks into manageable components and organizing them on paper or a digital platform provides a framework for prioritization. By externalizing our thoughts and concerns, we alleviate the burden and diminish the propensity for procrastination. These practices have proven invaluable in my own journey, allowing me to navigate overwhelming situations with clarity, efficiency, and a sense of calm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://transformativeleadershipllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyadams_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.ryle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyadamsllc/
- Twitter: NA
Image Credits
These photos were done by Christina Jones Photography
