He Left a Career on Wall Street to Become a Coach and Live a Life He’s Passionate About

I went to college at Cornell University and after graduating with my J.D. and M.B.A., I immediately started working on Wall Street in investment banking. On the outside, it maybe looked like I was living the dream. I was making good money, living in Manhattan, and in a long-term relationship. Inside though, I was deeply depressed and anxious. I was working 80+ hours a week in a high-pressure cutthroat work environment. Emotionally and physically, we can only take so much of that before we break.

Traveling has always been a passion of mine, ever since I studied abroad in Barcelona for a semester in college. It has had a profound impact on my life, opening my eyes to other cultures and perspectives. It also helps me to refocus and recenter. Way too often we get caught up in the busyness and routine of life. Travel helps us get perspective and broaden our horizons. And absolutely, I think everyone should travel. The benefits of it are just too great to be ignored. Plus, you’ll make some of the best memories of your life.

Over the years I’ve read so many amazing books and met with some incredible coaches… If I had to narrow it down to one person though, it would probably be Eckhart Tolle and his book “The Power of Now.” I first read that book during a trip to Singapore and since have re-read it over a dozen times! I love how Tolle shares that most, if not all suffering comes from excessive human thought and dwelling too much on either the past or future. He explains that the only moment we ever have is the now. More than anything, that book taught me to truly step into the present and inspired me to take back control of my life, both emotionally and physically.

By the time I began developing my Instagram course, I already knew that I wanted to become a teacher, but in order to become one, I obviously needed something to teach. So I began asking, “What I am good at?” And Instagram was always something that came easily to me. Without putting too much effort into it, I grew a 75k Instagram following, just by cataloging my travels around the world. I was always getting asked how I grew my Instagram, how I got free travel, etc. So I decided that would be a great subject for my first-ever online course.

First off, put yourself out there. Way too often people never even get started just because they’re too afraid to actually try. Second, niche down. Figure out what you’re passionate about and what you’re good at, and be specific. Become an expert in your topic, and you’ll naturally attract people interested in your topic. Third, start learning. Become a reader. Go to YouTube university. Listen to podcasts. Make learning a habit, and you will be able to avoid so many common mistakes and fast-track your success.

I think that every move and mistake I have made along the way has taught me a valuable lesson. I don’t necessarily want to take that away. One mistake I did make when starting out, though, was not diversifying my income streams. Looking back, diversifying is definitely something I should have done more from the get-go.

Helping people succeed. For me, there is nothing more fulfilling than helping others overcome broken relationships, make their first ever online sale, or grow, both personally and in their business. It is something that never gets old for me.

Stop dreaming about someday. Make someday, today, and take action now! Yes, it will be hard work. Yes, it will require energy and effort. But if it means you can quit your 9-to-5 and live out your dream, it will all be worth it in the end. It was for me.