In Episode 235, I speak with author, speaker, coach and consultant, Jonathan Marion. After many years of striving to achieve in academia, Jonathan found himself lost, and so decided on a different path. What is “Steps Along the Way”? Yes, it’s the name of his business transformational life coaching and consulting. But why? Because all of his personal and professional experiences have led him to realize that it is paying attention to steps along the way that ultimately matter the most! This is a wonderful conversation, not to br missed.
Jonathan Marion grew up in a dysfunctional home, surrounded by emotional and physical abuse, and never fully feeling like he belonged anywhere. He grew up around conflicting views around religion and physical and mental health struggles, including suicide. Attending a private religious day school (while a privilege compared to the lives of many) did not provide comfort for the sensitive, insecure little boy, with a broken heart. Educational/ academic accomplishments were highly stressed in his culture, and especially in private school, everyone had to fit the mold. There was no personal assessment plan: there was “the way,” and if you didn’t fit it, you didn’t stay. And he didn’t fit.
He kept going through the motions for decades, finishing his MA, finishing his PhD, publishing his first academic book, being elected to professional boards, starting to teach university classes, being named outstanding lecturer at his university, being elected President of a professional association, getting hired into a tenure track position, writing his second book, winning more teaching commendations, being elected President of a second professional association, publishing his third book, getting tenure, publishing my fourth book, etc.
He realized none of his measurable, externally-facing accomplishments mattered. That the most meaningful relationships in his life were with people who didn’t care how good he was at “jumping through hoops.” He now lives how he wants to be, aware of considerations, but not allowing them to drive his choices. He is able to identify what really matters, knowing that everything that happens is just part of a story. He jumps through far fewer hoops, and when he does, he doesn’t attach a sense of identity or self-worth to them. Jonathan is now loving the steps along the way. If you are ready to live your best life, and are looking for some simple things you can do to help you on this journey, then this is a the podcast for you. Enjoy this fabulous conversation...
To find out more about Jonathan, Click here
My website is www.andrewjobling.com.au