Have you ever experienced the universe handing you a brilliant idea at the most inconvenient time?
That was me several years ago before I became a leadership success sponsor.
Over the years, I’ve heard many stories of people in recovery who achieve professional success, and then forget what initially made them happy, joyous, and free. Out of frustration, they just give up, leading to relapse and, tragically, even suicide. That’s simply heartbreaking. And it’s one of the reasons I do what I do.
While having leadership tools at their disposal, they still struggle to access them when they need them most. Instead, they fall back on old patterns, causing stress, resentment, and discord in relationships, making them want to escape. They often hope the situations will resolve themselves.
It’s so clear to me that what they left behind was what they learned while getting sober. They forgot to integrate what they know from recovery into their work lives. I am uniquely qualified to do this because I have been sober for over 40 years and I’ve grown my business by doing just that.
So, let me share how “Beyond the 12” came to be.
At one point, I had been sober for over 25 years. I had all the tools at my disposal, but I was barely using them. I also had a Master’s degree in counseling, but I was neglecting those skills too. Onward!
Because of that, I went through personal challenges, both emotionally and financially, which brought me to a low point I had never faced before. Realizing I needed to make a change, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I saw my sobriety and my professional life as a leadership coach on opposite sides of the same room and they didn’t come together anywhere.
Now, back to that initial question at the beginning of this article, about having the universe drop a great idea right into your lap. While walking my dog on a time-crunched day, I had a revelation. How could I serve to others using my counseling, coaching, and recovery principles, combined with my experience as a business owner and leader? And then the name “Beyond the 12” popped into my head, and a clear plan was revealed.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I’m always amazed at how doors open when I’m open and asking for guidance. The vision is clear and the steps I need to take become almost effortless.
I know many professionals and business leaders who feel stuck in their careers or leadership roles despite their transformative experiences in recovery. They know there’s a way out but can’t quite pinpoint it. They’re too scared of failing or losing something, so they don’t take action. Or they’re concerned about how certain actions might affect their image.
To these leaders, I offer three simple action items to help them leverage their recovery tools in their professional lives:
1. Reconnect with Your Core Values: Reflect on the principles that guided you through your recovery journey. These core values are powerful tools in leadership and decision-making. Write them down, and consider how they align with your business goals and daily actions.
2. Cultivate a Support Network: Just as you did in recovery, build a network of trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can offer support, advice, and accountability. Regularly engage with this network to maintain perspective and stay grounded.
3. Practice Mindful Leadership: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes each day to breathe and center yourself, mindfulness can help you stay present and focused. This clarity can enhance your decision-making and interpersonal relationships at work.
Remember, your experience in recovery has equipped you with unique strengths and insights. By integrating these easy tools into your professional life, you can navigate challenges more effectively and lead with authenticity and resilience. The journey of recovery and leadership are not so different—both require commitment, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow.
So, the next time you feel stuck or uncertain, remember that you have the tools and the support to move forward. You’ve already proven your strength and resilience through recovery. Now, it’s time to apply that same tenacity to your professional life and lead “Beyond the 12.”