Learning To Walk Again

Last week, I found myself sitting in a physical therapy room thousands of miles from home, watching something extraordinary unfold.

My mother - nearly eight months after having her leg amputated above the knee - took her first tentative steps with a new prosthetic leg.

In that moment, I witnessed both vulnerability and incredible strength.

I saw frustration mixed with determination. 

I saw a woman in her 70s essentially learning to walk again.

And it made me think of you.

It made me think of all of us on this journey from employee to owner.

The only meaningful difference - my mother didn't choose this path.

Last July, medical necessity forced a dramatic change in her life - one that altered her physical reality overnight.

The months since have been filled with rehabilitation, physical therapy, and the slow, deliberate process of adapting to a new normal.

Sometimes, our professional transformations aren't that different.

Whether it's burnout, a layoff, or the increasing awareness that your sacrifices aren't building the life you want - many of us find ourselves at a crossroads we didn't anticipate.

The ground shifts, and suddenly we're facing a future very different from what we imagined.

Watching my mother work with her physical therapist, I noticed something: those first steps weren't just physically challenging - they required a fundamental shift in thinking.

She couldn't walk the way she had for over 70 years.

The mechanics, the balance, the rhythms were all different.

"I have to relearn everything," she told me.

Her brain keeps wanting to do what it's always done, but that way doesn't work anymore.

Sound familiar?

When we transition from employee to owner, our instincts often betray us.

The very habits that made us successful in our previous roles - waiting for direction, focusing solely on our assigned tasks, seeking approval - can become obstacles on our new path.

Patience in Progress

The most humbling part of my mother's journey has been her patience.

There is no rushing this process.

Each day brings small victories and inevitable setbacks. 

The progress isn't linear, but it is real.

As new and aspiring business owners, we often become frustrated when growth doesn't happen overnight.

We compare our beginning to someone else's middle and wonder what we're doing wrong.

We forget that building something sustainable takes time.

My mother celebrates the small wins: standing unassisted for ten seconds longer than yesterday, taking a few steps without losing balance.

In our businesses, we need to honour these incremental advances too.

The New Normal

My mother has fully accepted that she will never walk exactly as she did before - but she's 100% determined that she will walk again.

This perspective shift struck me deeply.

She's not trying to recreate her past mobility - she's building something new!

She's not measuring success against what was - but against what's possible now.

When we start building something of our own, we often bring along metrics from our employee days.

We seek the validation, the clear benchmarks, the defined success markers that came with that role.

But ownership demands its own measures of progress, its own definition of success.

From Support to Strength

Initially, my mother will need significant support - a walker, a physical therapist by her side, constant guidance.

But with each session, she will require less external assistance. The strength is building within her.

Your journey to business ownership follows a similar path.

At first, you might lean heavily on coaches, courses, and communities. You’ll need those supports.

But gradually, your own inner business owner emerges.

The confidence develops. The instincts sharpen. The vision clarifies.

You begin to walk your path with more assurance.

Here's how to harness this mindset shift practically:

Expect Discomfort:

Recognize that growth always comes with discomfort. Like my mom facing physical challenges head-on, accept that stepping out of your comfort zone is a necessary and rewarding part of the journey.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Progress isn’t always obvious. Each small step my mom takes is a massive victory. Similarly, celebrate your incremental progress - each milestone matters.

Seek Support and Guidance:

My mom didn’t do this alone. She has doctors, physical therapists, and family cheering her on. As you transition to ownership, surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and a supportive community.

Stay Patient, Stay Persistent: 

Nothing worthwhile comes overnight. Whether it's building a business or rethinking your life priorities, patience and persistence are key. Keep going, even when it's tough.

Visualize Your Outcome:

My mom keeps her goal clearly in mind: walking independently again.

Clearly visualize what you’re working toward and revisit that vision often.

Remember, The Owner Switch isn't only about financial or professional freedom - it's about tapping into your resilience and stepping into a life you actively choose and shape.

If my mom can overcome the pain, doubt, and uncertainty - imagine what you’re truly capable of.

Your next steps matter - take them boldly.

I believe in you.

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