Testing the Depths – How Far Will I Go?

The Beginning: A series about a career shift.

In the first article of this series, I shared the ‘Why’ behind my career change. Today, I’m going deeper—testing the strength of that why. How important is this new beginning to me? And what price am I willing to pay to make it real?

These are not abstract questions. They are foundational to starting any new venture. Without clarity and commitment, even the best ideas drift off course. I had to challenge myself with the hard questions—the kind that strip away comfort and force honesty.

What am I really aiming for?

My professional goal is clear: I want to become a recognized authority in business—a writer, speaker, and consultant specializing in start-ups, product development, marketing, and performance.

But underneath that goal is a deeper reason. I want to share what I’ve learned, help others believe in themselves, and show them what’s possible. I’ve spent years driving real outcomes, not just designing elegant processes. I’ve always been motivated by performance and impact - and now, I want to use those lessons to make a broader difference.

And I want to see the effect. I need to know the work matters.

I’ve done a lot of mentoring over the years because it matters deeply to me to help others grow, to guide them toward clarity, and to support them when they can’t quite see their own path. One moment stands out.

I was mentoring a brilliant young engineer who was clearly frustrated, though he couldn’t quite explain why. I didn’t offer advice, I just asked him a series of questions to help him find his own answers (this is my preferred coaching method). As he talked it through, the truth came out that his current role wasn’t fulfilling him. He needed something different.

At our next monthly meeting, he surprised me. He had already taken action and found a new assignment. I’ll admit, I was both impressed and a little concerned that he’d moved so quickly. But over time, it became crystal clear that he had made the right move. He was more engaged and fulfilled. You could feel the excitement when he talked about his work.

That result meant more to me than an award or public recognition ever could. I had helped someone see a better path, and choose it. That’s what impact looks like to me. That’s what I want more of in this next chapter.

Am I really willing to risk it all?

This was the critical question.

Starting a business sounds exciting until you consider the work, stress, and uncertainty. You’re not just facing market challenges. You’re facing your own doubts and the judgment of others. You will be tested. That’s why your ‘why’ must be personal. Passion fuels resilience.

I asked myself: “Are you willing to invest all of this… and possibly fail?”

The answer didn’t come overnight. But in time, I understood that I’ve never regretted trying and failing. My regrets have always come from not trying.  From letting fear or doubt or other people’s voices hold me back.

That realization told me everything I needed to know. I’m all in. I believe I will be successful. If I do fail, it will not be from lack of effort. If I fail, so be it.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield

What about the “what-ifs”?

Naturally, doubts still creep in:

• “What if all this content I’m creating doesn’t gain traction?”
• “What if I get a big speaking opportunity and bomb?”
• “What will people think if I fall flat?”

These questions matter because they test your resolve. If you can answer them honestly and still say “I’m in,” then you’re ready. But if they stop you in your tracks, you need to reassess.

I’ve learned through experience: You need to be all in to have the right to succeed. Half-hearted attempts rarely lead anywhere worth going.

And I’m all in.

What’s next?

Now that I’ve tested my commitment, it’s time for action. In the next article, I’ll share how I’m laying the foundation - what I’m doing now to build this next chapter.

Doing is everything. Stay tuned.