We were lucky to catch up with Monica Connolly recently and have shared our conversation below.
Monica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
How I Found My Purpose
I didn’t wake up one day with a clear vision of my purpose—it was uncovered through pain, loss, resilience, and transformation.
For years, I lived in survival mode—pouring everything into my family, my work, and the people who depended on me. I was the caregiver, the provider, the one who kept everything together. But in the process, I lost myself.
I remember looking in the mirror one day and not recognizing the woman staring back at me. I was over 325 pounds, exhausted, drowning in responsibilities, and completely disconnected from who I once was. My body was breaking down, and the weight I carried wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
I sat in a doctor’s office, feeling numb as he told me: “If you don’t make drastic changes, you won’t be here much longer.”
That hit me hard. I had spent my life caring for everyone else—what would happen to them if I wasn’t here? But more than that, what had happened to me? How had I let myself fade into the background of my own life?
Not long after, I attended a personal development event that completely changed the trajectory of my life. Walking into that event, I felt out of place, like an imposter. But as I listened to powerful speakers share their stories of resilience, transformation, and stepping into their purpose, something clicked: I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t broken—I was just unfinished.
That event ignited something inside me. I left with something I hadn’t felt in years—hope. And that hope turned into action.
I started small—walking for just 20 minutes, listening to more personal development speakers, changing my diet, and shifting my mindset. Over time, I lost 150 pounds, but more importantly, I reclaimed my energy, my confidence, and my voice.
I dove deep into coaching certifications, holistic health training, and personal growth courses. I wanted to equip myself with every tool possible—not just to continue my own transformation, but to help other women break free from the cycles that had held them captive.
I became certified in life coaching, holistic health, and mindset transformation. I studied gut health, emotional healing, and the deep connection between our bodies and our beliefs. The more I learned, the more I realized my journey wasn’t just about me—it was about helping other women rise too.
From Transformation to Purpose
Through this work, I discovered my true calling: helping women reclaim their health, identity, and purpose.
I now work with women who feel stuck, invisible, and exhausted, showing them that transformation is possible—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment—it was a series of choices. Choices to show up, to invest in myself, to face my fears, and to trust that I was made for more.
Your pain is never wasted. Your struggles are shaping you for something greater. If you’re searching for your purpose, look at your journey—it’s already leading you there.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My mission is to help women reclaim their identity, health, and purpose after years of putting themselves last. As a Master Life Coach, Holistic Health Coach, and Podcast Host, I guide women who have carried the weight of family, career, and caregiving to step into their own power, break free from survival mode, and create a life filled with energy, confidence, and purpose.
What excites me most about my work is witnessing transformation firsthand. Watching women go from feeling exhausted, invisible, and overwhelmed to standing tall in their purpose, thriving in their health, and confidently stepping into their next chapter—it’s nothing short of incredible. I know this journey personally, having lost 150 pounds, reclaimed my health, and rebuilt my own identity. Now, I help others do the same.
Through my Unshakeable Belief Podcast, I share powerful stories of resilience, mindset shifts, and faith-driven transformation, inspiring women to push past their limits and step into their purpose. My coaching programs provide the structure and support needed to reclaim health and identity, from my 6-week RESET program designed for foundational change to my 3-month THRIVE Blueprint for deep transformation. I also offer 1:1 coaching for personalized guidance and will be launching an exclusive Mastermind in 2025 for women ready to elevate their lives to the next level. Beyond coaching, I’m stepping onto more stages and events, sharing my personal journey and empowering women to take bold action. At its core, my brand is about empowerment, resilience, and transformation, and if you’re ready to rise, thrive, and reclaim the life you were meant for, I’d love to walk this journey with you!
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?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, self-awareness, and intentional action.
Resilience – Life will always bring challenges, but what matters is how we rise after each setback. For me, resilience meant choosing to keep going, even when progress felt slow or obstacles seemed overwhelming. My advice? Develop a growth mindset. Understand that failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and remind yourself daily why you started.
Self-Awareness – Before I could change my life, I had to understand what was keeping me stuck—whether it was limiting beliefs, unhealthy habits, or fear of stepping into something bigger. The best way to develop self-awareness is through reflection and intentional practice. Journaling, mirror work, and paying attention to your emotional and physical energy will help you recognize patterns that are either serving you or holding you back.
Intentional Action – Transformation doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when you take bold, consistent action. I learned that small, intentional steps create massive momentum. If you’re early in your journey, start by setting clear, aligned goals and breaking them down into manageable steps. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start today with what you have. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to lasting change.
Your journey is uniquely yours, but these three qualities will help guide and ground you no matter where you are. Keep going, trust the process, and know that everything you need is already inside you.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is a woman in transition—perhaps an empty nester, someone wrapping up a significant life chapter, or someone feeling an internal pull for more meaning. She has spent years caring for others and now feels a disconnect from her true self, often overwhelmed, stuck, and yearning for renewed purpose. She’s ready to make a change and eager to reclaim her identity, health, and sense of direction.
She values a holistic approach, understanding the importance of balancing mind, body, and spirit. She’s open to personal growth and wants guidance to navigate life’s transitions, break through barriers, and align her life with her deepest values. Most importantly, she’s ready to invest in herself, embrace resilience, and embark on a journey of intentional transformation.
She is ready to take the next step in her personal growth—whether that’s starting a business, launching a podcast, stepping into public speaking, or writing a book—by joining a mastermind designed to support you in those goals. It’s all about rediscovering your purpose and thriving in every area of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaconnollyandco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.a.connolly.7
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnconnolly/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMonicaConnolly
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