From Physical Therapy to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse: Amy Traugh's Inspiring Journey
“Failure is one of our biggest allies.”
- Amy Traugh
From Physical Therapy to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse: Amy Traugh's Inspiring Journey
Have you ever felt like you were living someone else's dream, following a path laid out by expectations rather than your own heart? Amy Traugh knows that feeling well. After a 14-year career in physical therapy, she found herself at a crossroads, realizing that her life, while comfortable, lacked the spark she craved. Like many women, especially midlife moms, she wrestled with the guilt of wanting more when she seemingly had it all. But deep down, she knew she had a bigger purpose to fulfill.
The year 2020 served as a catalyst, forcing Amy to pause and reflect on her priorities. With schools closed and her children needing her, she took a leap of faith, choosing her family over her career. This decision opened her eyes to the possibility of creating a life on her own terms. "It all starts with taking the pause to ask yourself, what do I really want out of this life and then having the courage to make a choice to make a change," Amy says.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Messy Action
Transitioning from a stable career to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship is daunting. Amy faced the same fears and self-doubt many of us do. "I had to force myself to keep taking action," she explains. "We're so focused on what could go wrong, but I had to quiet the noise and focus on what I really wanted."
One of Amy's key strategies was to embrace "messy action." As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, she understood the paralysis that comes with waiting for everything to be perfect. "It truly is action that creates the momentum," she emphasizes. "Momentum creates results." She learned to view "failure" as valuable information, not a dead end.
The Power of Community and Personal Development
Amy's journey was also deeply rooted in personal development and community. She discovered that entrepreneurship is a masterclass in self-awareness and resilience. "Any insecurities that you have will come to the surface," she notes. Recognizing the importance of connection, she built a community for mom entrepreneurs, creating a space for collaboration and support.
"We're not meant to do this alone," Amy believes. "Building community brings together a lot of different personalities, but it fosters such a unique space for connection." Her experience highlights the transformative power of finding your tribe and leveraging collective wisdom.
Data-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Amy's approach to business is grounded in data. She encourages solopreneurs to ditch the "data drama" and use objective information to guide their decisions. "Our data tells a story," she explains. "It's like a GPS to guide us exactly where we want to go." This data-driven mindset has been instrumental in her success, allowing her to identify gaps, optimize strategies, and achieve sustainable growth.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
For many women, the challenge of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is real. Amy stresses the importance of respecting the season of life you're in and setting clear boundaries. "It really comes down to respecting the season of life that you are in," she advises. She also emphasizes the power of asking for help. "You are not meant to do it alone."
Amy's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pivot, pursue your passions, and create a life you love. By embracing change, taking messy action, and leveraging data, you can unlock your full potential and shine brighter than ever before.
The Rise2Shine Podcast Episode 51 | From Mom to Maven: Pivoting Careers & Powering Your Purpose with Amy Traugh
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