I want to start this article a little differently—perhaps more honestly than expected. I’m not someone who ever chased the spotlight. Fame, recognition, celebrity status—these were never my goals. What I’ve always sought is something deeper: to fulfill my purpose of sharing knowledge, guiding others, and helping people grow into the best version of themselves.
That purpose, however, has been tested more times than I can count.
There comes a moment in every person’s journey—a turning point—when the temptation to quit whispers louder than the reason to keep going. I’ve faced that moment not just once, but repeatedly over the past five years. And to be honest, even now, self-doubt still sneaks in when I least expect it.
But I’ve come to understand something important: those moments aren’t signs of weakness. They’re waves. And like the shore, I’ve had to learn to withstand them—again and again. I didn’t keep going because I always felt strong. I kept going because I believed in something greater than the pain of the moment: my purpose.
With 27 years of experience in the telecom industry and a second chapter in my life as a coach and podcast host, I’ve discovered a truth that changed everything for me: resilience isn’t a talent—it’s a muscle. One that must be trained daily. It doesn’t make you a hero, and it doesn’t shout for attention. It’s quiet. It’s uncomfortable. And it often shows up when no one is watching. But it’s there—every time you choose to show up despite the pain, the fear, or the fatigue.
The biggest difference between people who break through and those who give up? It’s not strength or luck—it’s mindset. A growth mindset sees obstacles as stepping stones, not roadblocks. It welcomes failure as a teacher, not an enemy.
In the rest of this article, I’ll share the key steps that helped me move through burnout, self-doubt, and setbacks—and how you can use them to stay the course, even when it gets hard. Because the truth is: your journey matters, and your purpose is worth the fight.
1. Start with Why—But Keep Evolving It
When I first started my career, my goal was straightforward: climb the corporate ladder. I wanted success, recognition, and a place at the top—and I worked hard to earn it. Over the years, I reached high-level roles in some of the biggest telecom companies. From the outside, it looked like I had made it.
But deep down, something felt incomplete.
There was a quiet voice inside me, growing louder with time, whispering: You’re meant for more. You’re here to make a greater impact—to touch lives, to contribute to something bigger than yourself.
One of my favorite thinkers, Robin Sharma, once said, “You need to leave a legacy.” That message stuck with me—and became my turning point. I realized my true purpose wasn’t just about personal achievement, but about service, impact, and transformation. That shift in purpose gave my resilience a new kind of energy. I wasn’t just pushing forward anymore—I was being pulled by a mission.
What I’ve come to learn is this: your why must evolve. When your drive moves from external validation to internal fulfillment, your perseverance deepens. It becomes anchored in something much more powerful.
So I invite you to ask yourself: What impact do I want to create in others’ lives? And then revisit that question again and again. Because that kind of clarity? It’s what keeps you going when the road gets tough.
2. Turn Setbacks into Strategy
Years ago, I lost my job during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when many companies were downsizing and letting go of employees. At the time, it felt like a crushing blow. I was disappointed, frustrated, and filled with a sense of failure. What I didn’t realize then was that this wasn’t just a setback—it was a divine sign. But in that moment, all I could feel was loss.
The disappointment was sharp and personal. Still, instead of reacting with emotion or blame, I paused. I asked myself a tough but necessary question: What didn’t I see coming? That question became the beginning of my transformation.
I started gathering feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors. I took a hard look at how I had been communicating my vision, how I handled conflict, and where I might have had blind spots. It wasn’t easy, but it was eye-opening.
That experience taught me something powerful: setbacks are some of the best teachers—if we’re willing to listen and learn. Resilience doesn’t mean brushing failure under the rug. It means mining failure for insight and using it to grow stronger.
So the next time you hit a wall, don’t just ask why. Ask what is this moment trying to teach me? Then take action—intentional, grounded action—based on those lessons. That’s how resilience is built. Not by avoiding failure, but by evolving through it.
3. Create Non-Negotiable Routines for Mental Strength
Burnout doesn’t always stem from doing too much. Sometimes, it quietly creeps in when we’re not doing enough of what truly nourishes our spirit.
I learned this the hard way. At the height of my corporate life—amid meetings, deadlines, and endless decisions—I found myself running on empty, not because I was overwhelmed with tasks, but because I was disconnected from myself.
That’s when mindfulness became my lifeline.
Each morning, no matter how packed the day ahead looked, I carved out a few moments for myself. I’d begin with a few deep, intentional breaths. I’d journal whatever was on my heart. And then I’d sit in silence—even if just for five minutes. These simple practices became the anchor in my storm.
They didn’t take much time. But they gave me clarity when chaos hit and helped me respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
You don’t need to overhaul your life. Sometimes, just ten minutes a day of a grounding habit can change everything. When your mind is steady, your choices become wiser—and your resilience, unshakable.
4. Surround Yourself With Honest Allies
Resilience isn’t something we build alone. In my own journey, I’ve learned this truth time and time again: when the road gets dark and your sense of purpose feels distant, you need people who will remind you of who you are—and why you started.
For me, that strong support system has been a lifeline on more occasions than I can count. They didn’t always have the answers I was desperately searching for. But they showed up. They listened—really listened—to my doubts, my fears, my frustrations. They didn’t judge. They didn’t rush to fix me. They offered empathy, presence, and space. And sometimes, that was all I needed to find my footing again.
Other times, they did more. They challenged me. They pushed me. They held me accountable when I wanted to quit or take the easy way out. And yes, there were moments they gave me the kind of tough love I didn’t want—but deeply needed.
So here’s a question worth asking yourself:
Who speaks the truth to me—especially when I don’t want to hear it?
True resilience grows when you’re surrounded by people who care more about your growth than your comfort. Build that circle. Nourish it. And never forget—you were never meant to do this alone.
5. Make Peace With Progress, Not Perfection
When I launched my podcast, Re7let Naga7, I didn’t have fancy equipment or a production team behind me (and to be honest, I still don’t—but that’s perfectly okay). What I did have was a message that mattered, and a mission I believed in deeply: to share real stories of perseverance from real people. And that was enough to begin.
Too often, we hold ourselves back, waiting for the perfect setup, the perfect moment, the perfect version of ourselves. But I’ve come to learn something powerful—perfection is the enemy of momentum.
Instead of chasing flawless, I chose to chase forward. I embraced progress over polish. One episode at a time. One coaching session at a time. One small win after another. Each became a brick laid in the foundation of a greater vision—one built on authenticity, growth, and the courage to simply start.
Because the truth is: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.
Final Thoughts: Keep Going, Quietly
Resilience is not loud. It’s not dramatic. It doesn’t always get applause. Sometimes it’s a quiet decision at 5 a.m. to get out of bed and try again. Other times, it’s admitting you’re tired—but showing up anyway.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my journey, it’s this: You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be faithful—to your values, your vision, and your next step.
Whatever challenge you’re facing right now, trust that you’re not alone. The path is hard, but the reward is not just in the achievement. It’s in the strength you build by not giving up.
