From Depletion to Fulfillment: What I Learned in My First Year of Business
““Confidence doesn’t come first—action does. You act your way into belief.”
— Joanna Douglas
A little over a year ago, I walked away from everything that once defined success for me—the title, the salary, the identity. From the outside, my life looked solid. But inside, I was depleted. My job felt like a pair of jeans that just didn’t fit anymore—tight in all the wrong places, no matter how much I tried to stretch it.
After finishing Callings by Greg Lavoy, I realized what my soul had been whispering for years: Joanna, this isn’t your path anymore. The trouble was, I couldn’t yet see what was next—which meant I couldn’t control it. So I leapt anyway.
No plan. No roadmap. Just faith, trust, and a deep desire to create something rooted in authenticity.
Here’s what I’ve learned in my first year of entrepreneurship—the good, the hard, and the deeply fulfilling.
Key Takeaways:
Confidence doesn’t come first—action does.
You act your way into belief. Waiting to “feel ready” keeps you stuck.Authenticity is magnetic.
People don’t want your polish—they want your presence.Building a soul-aligned business takes time.
Growth with depth happens from roots, not hacks.You’re not selling coaching—you’re offering transformation.
Fulfillment requires courage, safety, and truth.You don’t have to do it all.
Just do what’s yours to do—with integrity and courage.
Lessons from the Leap
1. Action Creates Confidence
When I first left my corporate role, I didn’t feel brave. I cried, doubted myself, and wondered if I’d made a mistake. But every coaching session reminded me who I truly was. Confidence grew not from preparation but from participation.
If you’re waiting to “feel ready,” remember: belief follows behavior.
2. Authenticity Outshines Perfection
In my corporate life, I knew how to be polished. But when I began showing up online—sometimes messy, often vulnerable—people reached out to say, “That message hit home.” That’s when I realized: authenticity attracts alignment.
If I invite others to embrace their messy middle, I need to live it too.
3. Build from Depth, Not Speed
There’s no shortcut to meaningful impact. Those “six-figures-in-six-weeks” formulas don’t apply when you’re building something with soul. True growth takes root beneath the surface before it blooms.
A soul-aligned business may grow slower—but it lasts longer.
4. Transformation Happens in Safety
Coaching isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level advice. It’s about creating a safe, resonant space where honesty sparks transformation. Many of my clients have described their journey as moving from depletion to fulfillment—words that have since shaped my book and my brand.
Transformation starts with courage—the courage to see yourself clearly.
5. Do What’s Yours to Do
Everyone tells entrepreneurs to “be everywhere,” but I’ve learned not to confuse visibility with vitality. I’m not on every platform, and that’s okay. I’m building something sustainable, not performative.
I’m no longer interested in depleting myself for success. I’m here for alignment, integrity, and joy.
Standing on your own edge?
If you’re standing at your own edge—wondering whether it’s time to leap—know this: you don’t have to see the entire path to take the first step. I’ve created a free guide: Transforming Fear into Growth.
Inside, you’ll learn:
How to identify the triggers that pull you into control mode.
Practical steps to regulate your energy, even in high-pressure moments.
Ways to earn authentic respect by leading from steadiness, not stress.
