Ep. 119 - Toby Brooks – Savoring The Now: Mid-Career Pivots and the Human Experience
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Have you ever thought about a mid-career pivot? Staring down the uncertainty of making a bold decision when a new opportunity arises?
Toby Brooks, a professor at Texas Tech University, has made his fair share of career pivots. With a background in athletic training, Toby and his wife crisscrossed the country trying to secure a position with a professional sports team.
A pivotal life transition came to Toby when he realized he was missing out on precious time with his family. Upon seeing his nine-month-old daughter walk for the first time after returning from a work trip, Toby shifted his focus and prioritized his role as a husband and father.
That transition led Toby to pursue a full-time position in academia, where he could still significantly impact students pursuing their dreams. Toby uses his personal experience to motivate and guide students, reminding them to find harmony between ambition and family.
Three takeaways
- Embracing Setbacks and Transitions: Athletes often experience trauma and grief during their transitions, which can be neglected and left unpacked. Mid-career pivots can be unexpected setbacks that are part of the human experience. It's important to normalize talking about struggles and not let setbacks hinder our success.
- Cherishing Present Moments: Savor the present and appreciate the "lasts" in our lives. As parents, we know the importance of being present and enjoying these moments without distractions, especially as our children grow up and enter new phases of their lives. Taking time to appreciate the present can bring emotional balance and fulfillment.
- Make bold decisions and take opportunities when they arise.
A theme of our conversation that represents itself repeatedly, especially as parents, is to savor the moments. As our relationships evolve with our children, the importance of staying connected with their interests and savoring the precious "lasts" each year as they grow older are priceless.
Please enjoy my conversation with Toby Brooks.
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Anthony Tomey - From Professional Baseball Pitcher to Family Entrepreneur, Husband, and Father