Discovering My True Self Made Me An Entrepreneur
The idea that you are stuck in this dead-end job, unable to figure out what you want in life is not an uncommon feeling. In fact, it’s all too familiar with those wanting more to life than a pay check.
Sometimes in life, we have to face the music and discover the real challenges and difficulties to finally have the realisation that change is needed. But, surely that’s hard right? Well, of course! But just acknowledging and accepting change is already the biggest step you can take in life. You have begun your self-discovery and true self journey.
Jennifer Willemsen is a psychologist turned intuitive transformation coach, Founder of Twenty Something Academy and Founder of Wandertale – here’s her story.
How I Became An Entrepreneur
Crossroad In Life
Perhaps we should start with where my journey began, as you might find yourself in a similar situation — at a crossroad in life. Four years ago, I was doing the 9-5 thing, working as a psychologist in a clinical setting, treating people with personality disorders. It was a destination I had worked my way towards for four years, from my bachelor’s to my master’s degree.
During this time, there was a lack of job vacancies for psychologists and there I was, in a privileged position for being offered contract after contract. And yet, I often found myself drawing surfboards and kangaroos while taking notes of clients’ progress.
Something was wrong. I was disconnected from myself, and so my life was disconnected from me. You can put up with that for some time, but there comes a time where you can’t continue lying to yourself anymore.
For me, that point came when I nearly got burn-out. I came home one night, too exhausted to go to the supermarket for groceries. I felt sixty in a twenty-four-year-old body. It became very clear to me that life asked me to have the courage to walk away from my insecurities, my fears for the unknown, and the expectations of my environment. And so I did.
Confronting Myself And Allowing Myself To Discover True Self
Fast forward five months later and eight therapy sessions, I was on a plane to Australia. The only thing I knew was that I had some savings and a three-month return ticket. I didn’t know what I was going to do in Australia, I didn’t know what I was going to do after Australia, and I definitely didn’t know who I was.
In the first weeks I got very confronted with myself. Instead of being the backpacker party girl, I withdrew myself from everything and everyone. I felt the urge to focus on getting to know myself better, to face things I knew I had to face and to heal myself.
For those of you who have travelled before, you know this: your first solo trip will change you in all kinds of ways. You learn to trust yourself, but you also discover and explore who you are as a person. This is because you spend so much time in different situations and among different people. It is a rich experience.
Anyway, my initial three-month travel plan turned into a twelve-month one. I could really ‘disconnect’ from all the beliefs, expectations, and social references I had back home. Being able to connect with how I see things, the world, and life as an individual.
Being An Entrepreneur Is One Big Personal Development Game
I spent my time in Australia reading a lot, meeting new interesting people and visiting cool events to learn new things. In many strange ways, the country pointed me towards entrepreneurship and sparked my creativity. Then one day, when I was walking through the streets in Melbourne, on the hunt for my next adventure, I “received” a start-up idea; a new social media platform for audio blogging. This was the start of my entrepreneurial journey.
It has been one with highs and lows, but I loved every second of it. I’m able to express myself creatively, which is one of the things I realized I missed in my 9-5 job, but I also enjoy the freedom and independence.
Entrepreneurship is one big personal development game, and so it has brought my personal and spiritual growth to unknown heights. I have learned so many incredible lessons over the past few years… I don’t think there would have been any job in the world that would have accelerated my growth as a human and as a soul more than being an entrepreneur.
My biggest struggle has been the existence of my own limiting beliefs. Never being able to have a good relationship with myself. I didn’t love myself, take good care of myself and believe in myself. This was a realisation that it is a pretty challenging foundation for becoming a “successful” entrepreneur.
Then there was one life-changing week, last year April. I went through a mental crisis because of the sudden passing away of a family member, and that triggered a spiritual awakening in me. My world turned upside down and it took me a while to land in the place where I am today, but one thing is for sure: my perspective on life will never be the same.
Using My Intuition
Along with that experience, my intuitive and healing gifts unfolded, and I spent the months that followed developing them further with the help of the Intuition Wisdom Institute. I discovered that I could now clear my subconscious limiting beliefs and that I could use my intuition for life and entrepreneur guidance. I was able to receive information and inner knowing, that was beyond any rational thought or logic. Not only for myself but also for others.
And so here I am today. Able to turn all my passions into my entrepreneur that is in alignment with my life purpose, which is why I feel like I don’t have to work a single day in my life anymore. I only have to be me. I love to help other entrepreneurs to get rid of what is holding them back and to help grow their business, and I love to guide other twenty-somethings towards a path that is in alignment with who they really are. Meanwhile, I can use Wandertale as a creative outlet and create audio content to share my thoughts.
And Here I Am!
There are no words to describe how amazing it is to get up every single day and to be in love with yourself and your life. Four years ago, I could only dream of living life like this. I don’t feel held back by anything or anyone, because I know I am the creator of my own life. The best part: I get to make an impact every day. I wish that feeling for everyone on the planet.
To end my story, I just want to let you know that I see you for all the amazing gifts that you came to this planet with. I hope you find the courage and strength to start your journey, so when you leave this earth one day, you are completely empty. No words unspoken, no gifts unused, no experiences, and opportunities missed out on. That’s what you deserve, and that’s what this life is meant for. But the only one who can turn this into a reality is you.
With all my love, Jennifer