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As a boy growing up in Bristol, England, I witnessed what a life of quiet desperation looks like. Despite what seemed, from the outside, to be a happy, healthy family home, on the inside my mother felt trapped and helpless. She battled daily with a lack of meaning or purpose, as well as a challenging past and negative thought spirals. As a result, she suffered with chronic anxiety and depression, where she would often disappear into her room for hours or days on end in a bid to overcome her inner turmoil. However, despite her determination, including turning to self-help books and therapy, she was unable to overcome either the demons of her past or the sense of despair she felt in the present. She died at the age of 62: a life of quiet desperation had taken its toll.
Throughout my own teenage years and into my late twenties, the patterns my mum had experienced played out for me, too. My life also looked great from the outside: a flat in London, a successful and enviable career, a loving fiancé and exciting holidays. However, my internal experience too was one of quiet desperation. I suffered with the same chronic anxiety and periods of depression, fearing that these were hereditary states I wouldn’t be able to escape. This culminated in a series of panic attacks and recurring suicidal thoughts; at one point, I spontaneously quit my well-paid job, certain I was incapable of handling pressure or responsibility.
This is not the life I now lead.
After navigating my way through my own crisis, I vowed to help others avoid the same fate. Building on my psychology degree, as well as exposure to some of the world’s foremost thought leaders, including Malcolm Gladwell, Renée Mauborgne and Sir Ken Robinson - while working as an Events Director at London Business Forum - I left my events career and completed my coaching qualifications. I had found my purpose: to help people create and lead extraordinary, enlightened lives.
I now run my own coaching practice, working with clients ranging from CEOs and Directors, to entrepreneurs and parents. I also have the privilege of working with some of the UK’s top emerging talent through my work with Ivy House, helping to bring life-changing learning to the next generation of leaders.
On Purpose is my first book so I'm really excited to share it with you. I don’t claim to be perfect, and am still making mistakes and learning more every day. Nor do I claim you’ll find each of the seven stages easy (you probably won’t). But, while everyone’s journey is unique, the principles and insights within are applicable to all and the outcome of aligning yourself with them is a life of quiet inspiration.
If you’re ready to create your life on purpose, I hope you enjoy the journey…
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