We were lucky to catch up with Emily Goodson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I experienced a brain injury when I was 8 years old, which resulted in a lifelong physical disability. I walk with a limb difference and have paralyzed muscles on the left side of my body.
Going through that experience at such a young age both disrupted my self-esteem and sparked a deep sense of confidence. I’ve always had an extraordinary belief in the ability of people to change and adapt—because I’ve seen the evidence in myself.
I developed my confidence by failing over and over again at certain physical tasks, yet continuing to try. My self-esteem, however, took more time to build. It was shaped by navigating societal attitudes and a general lack of open discussion around physical disability—something I explore in more depth in my writing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For the past year, I’ve been writing and publishing my first book, Dating Disability, which shares personal stories about growing up and dating with a physical disability. This is the book I wish I had as a young woman—it didn’t exist when I needed it most, so I’m thrilled to be putting it out into the world now.
No matter our physical abilities, all of us face assumptions that don’t reflect who we truly are, along with societal narratives we feel pressured to follow. Dating Disability is the story of me pushing back on those expectations and choosing to show up with more confidence in my dating life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Having an action-oriented mindset has been incredibly impactful in my career. I’m a big proponent of taking small steps toward the outcomes you want to achieve. Whether it’s sending one email or having one conversation, momentum builds through consistent, intentional action.
Clarity is just as important. You won’t always know exactly what you want—your goals will evolve—but it’s essential to pause, reflect, and assess. In a world full of competing demands on our time and energy, you have to ruthlessly prioritize. I journal about my priorities almost daily, and it helps me to focus my actions and behaviors with what matters—whether that’s building relationships, generating revenue through my writing, or keeping my body healthy.
Finally, having an external coach has been vital to my personal growth. A coach—someone who isn’t biased like a friend or family member—can help you discern the angles you’re missing, process emotions, and make stronger decisions. That kind of outside perspective is key to rapid development.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Such a good question! I would spend it with my friends. My friends are everything to me. I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., Southern California, and New York City, so they’re spread out all over the country. If I had one decade left, I’d prioritize spending as many minutes as I could with them in person.
Quality time has always been my “love language,” as it’s sometimes called—and I’d want to soak up every moment I could with the people I love (whether that meant flying to them or just sitting on the couch).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ecgoodson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecgoodson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecgoodson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ecgoodson244
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ecgoodson244
Image Credits
Terri Rippee – https://rippeephoto.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
