A person with a speech problem would be an improbable professional speaker, wouldn’t you say?
This is the reality for life coach and motivational speaker Bethany Clemenson, whose challenges were highlighted in 2010 when she visited a doctor for an inner ear ailment, only to receive a shocking diagnosis.
“As part of the normal examination, he instructed me to extend my tongue. He then had me perform many tongue movements and inquired if I had ever received speech therapy. I told him I had lived there for years,” Clemenson recalled, adding that the doctor then informed her that she had full nerve paralysis on one half of her tongue.
“Everything suddenly made sense. I had always questioned why I had so many speaking difficulties. “I frequently felt humiliated leaving class to give a speech and believed others thought I was an idiot,” she said. “The discussion with the ENT was a blessing. According to the adage “knowledge is power,” I felt a sense of pride for working so hard to overcome my speech impairment.
This tenacity has prompted Clemenson to adopt an unconventional and uplifting route. She began her career as a registered nurse and worked for almost 20 years in fields ranging from pain treatment to emergency care.
In 2007, the author of “Ditching the Dream: How to Live Life on Your Terms” (Finn-Phyllis Press) began working in senior living as the director and nurse of a brand-new seniors’ community.
Bethany Clemenson felt trapped in her six-figure executive position supervising a portfolio worth $45 million.
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Clemenson began to feel that there was more for her out there as the years passed.
She said, “I felt stuck and began working with a life coach who helped me realize that I had the ability to alter my story at any time.” “My life began to drastically alter. I received the promotion I had always desired, which led to other chances, and I ultimately left the firm where I had spent many years.
The life coach then invited Clemenson to join his organization, and she obtained her first certification in coaching. She continued to work in senior living while coaching on the side.
Clemenson felt stuck despite her six-figure executive salary and oversight of a $45 million portfolio. She began to wonder, “Did I have to ascend the corporate ladder simply because she believed she was supposed to?” A resolute “no” was the response. “This new way of thinking led to a variety of dialogues with my family,” she stated.
In 2017, when Clemenson attended the International Maxwell Conference, a chance meeting with a fellow mother in the registration line served as her “aha” moment.
“The woman told me that she and her husband had let out their home for six months and traveled with their children throughout Europe.” This dialogue altered my view of what was possible for me and my family. Clemenson stated, “I returned home and discussed the implications of this with my spouse.”
Therefore, “my family and I sold the majority of our possessions, purchased a motorhome, and traversed the United States on an adventure created by our two teenagers. During our travels, I continued to see my private coaching customers, and when we returned home, I made my side business my full-time occupation,” said Clemenson, who now divides his time between Wisconsin and Florida.
To do this, Clemenson developed online programs and courses, expanded his private coaching clientele, and sought out speaking engagements. Today, her firm is prospering, and she has even carved out a niche in senior life consultancy in order to pursue her love.
“It’s okay if people don’t comprehend your aspirations and desires,” says Bethany Clemenson.
When Clemenson began working in senior living, she was frequently required to speak publicly about the facility and provide marketing presentations. Due to her problem, she had worked hard at school to be understood but was “very self-conscious about communicating.”
“At first, I was nervous, but the more I spoke, the more I like it. It was wonderful to offer information that helped others, as I did,” she remarked. What we believe about what is achievable for us has a direct bearing on our ability to achieve our goals.
Prepared to take the initiative? Clemenson emphasized that we frequently construct our own limitations through self-limiting thoughts. To overcome this, she suggests the following measures.
Be receptive to opportunity
Consider “Why am I doing this?” Ask this question about everything, and then answer it truthfully, in order to clarify your desires. “Asking this question helped me become aware of possibilities and clarify my desires,” Clemenson explained. “In my book, I discuss how this question made me realize how many things I did out of habit or because my parents or friends did them, rather than because I wanted to do them.”
Don’t be pessimistic
When you find yourself believing that you cannot do anything, you should question yourself if this is real. Can you provide evidence for your negative ideas, or do you simply believe them to be true?
“If you can’t verify it, then you know it’s a belief that’s holding you back, and you can pick what to believe instead,” she said.
Expand your circle
Surround yourself with people who are performing the actions and possessing the characteristics you desire.
“Ask yourself if your inner group of pals represents where you’re headed. If not, start widening your circle,” advised Clemenson. “You can accomplish this by searching your neighborhood for individuals you wish to know better and inviting them to coffee.”
Always discover
Additionally, you can broaden your social network by reading books and listening to podcasts.
“Books like ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brené Brown, ‘The Happiness Equation’ by Neil Pasricha, and ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle have had a tremendous effect on my life,” she stated.
It’s okay to desire what you desire.
“People won’t understand your aspirations and desires, and that’s okay,” Clemenson added, noting that this was the case when she left her traditional life for the RV. Be with people who celebrate you, not tolerate you, and keep in mind that just because someone doesn’t understand you or disagrees with you doesn’t imply you’re wrong.
Clemenson stated, “Your barriers are your barriers because you allow them to be.” “Every obstacle conceals an opportunity, but only if you choose to perceive it that way.”
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