The Ripple Effect of Courage

The other day, my sister said something that caught me off guard—but in the most beautiful way. 

“I thought of you as I've been navigating these changes.” 

She’s in the middle of a career transition, and as she moves through it day by day, she thinks about me. The way my career has evolved, shifted, and taken unexpected turns has helped her find the confidence to make a change of her own. 

Hearing that meant the world to me. Not because I see myself as some kind of career expert, but because, like many of us, I’ve spent years navigating uncertainty, figuring things out as I go, and making choices that weren’t always easy. 

 
The Myth of the Linear Career Path 

If you had asked me years ago where I saw myself today, I probably would’ve given you a clear answer—but I guarantee it wouldn’t have described where I actually am. 

I started my career in one direction, made pivots, took leaps of faith, and learned how to adapt along the way. Some transitions were planned; others were the result of opportunities I never saw coming. 

For a long time, I thought success meant following a structured path, but life has a way of showing us that growth often happens in ways we never expected—or even thought possible. Some of the best decisions I’ve ever made were absolutely not part of the original plan and yet, when we’re in the middle of a transition, it’s easy to feel alone in it. To wonder if we’re making the right choice. To fear stepping away from what’s comfortable. 

That’s why my sister’s words hit me so hard. 

The Quiet Impact of Our Journeys 

We don’t always realize the impact we have on others. We go through our own experiences, making decisions based on what feels right for us—without realizing that someone else might be watching. Taking mental notes. Gathering courage from our steps forward. 

My sister never asked me how I made the tough choices. She simply saw me go through it, and that was enough to make her believe she could do it too. 

It made me wonder: 

• How many people have inspired me without even knowing it? 
• How many times have I taken a leap because I saw someone else take one first? 
• How many times has someone’s story—whether a friend, a mentor, or even a stranger online—given me the nudge I needed to make a bold move? 

Maybe most importantly: 

Who might be looking at me right now, feeling encouraged to take their next step because I took mine? 

 
Embracing Change With Confidence 

If you’re in a season of transition—whether it’s a career shift, a new business venture, or even a personal reinvention—I want you to remember something: 

Your journey is bigger than you. 

Every time you take a step forward, you’re showing someone else that it’s possible. Every time you choose growth over fear, someone else sees that they can do the same. 

So don’t let uncertainty stop you.

Don’t let doubt hold you back. 

If there’s a change you’ve been thinking about, lean into it. 

You never know who’s watching, being encouraged by your courage or gaining the confidence to take their own leap because they saw you take yours. 

Then one day, when you least expect it, you just might hear someone say: 

“I thought of you as I was making this decision.” 

In that moment, you’ll realize that your journey was never just about you—it was about the ripple effect you created along the way. 

 
Have you ever been inspired by someone’s career pivot? Or has someone told you that you inspired them? I’d love to hear your story!