Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Ballard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
If I were to start over again, I would give myself space to build my business. Entrepreneurship has become so sexy lately and so many coaches are pushing people to leave their jobs to start a business — claiming it’s the only way to regain your time and life back. I no longer believe that, but I fell for that messaging when I started out. As a result, I rode a financial rollercoaster and turned something I loved (i.e. wellness and coaching) into something I needed to work. I can see now that I could have skipped a lot of business and life heartaches if I let myself build my business slowly on the side until I was ready to go all in. Because, I would been have caught the messaging mistakes and mindset work in real time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For more of my life, I thought a size 4 body and a corner office were the markings of success and, thus, happiness. But, after chasing those things, I realized none of that stuff would make me happy. Then, I turned to self help, thinking “<i>if I could just fix this about myself” </i>I would be happy. But that wasn’t true either. A decade plus later and I realize, now, that connecting with my divinity and what it inspires in me was the only thing that delivered the joy, peace and contentment I sought. Hence why I devote the majority of my waking hours to connecting to my divinity and the joy it bring and others do the same via life coaching, ThetaHealing and sound healing.
When I think about what problem I solve for, I pull the the work obsessed, self-help junkie out of their sh*t so they can create their dream life. You know you’re my client if…
-You are so sick of chasing money, achievement and praise to validate your worth and your work but you can’t figure out how to drop this pattern
-You know it’s impossible (and unhealthy) to try and control everything but you can’t stop yourself because the unknown scares you more than you want to admit
-You know that you’re supposed to do something big yet you keep denying that part of you as you’re not sure you can be humble and great
My traditional credentials include 15+ years in the health sector working and an 8+ coaching practice. I have a MS from Tufts University School of Medicine and a BA in Journalism from Indiana University. I’ve been featured in Forbes, Women’s Health, WTHR Indy and among other media. I currently live in Denver with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and pup.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn my definition of “hard work.” I always thought working hard meant pushing past obstacles, bulldozing through problems, and scheming to get the end result you want. In reality, hard work means putting your best effort forward. When I figured this out, I realized that as long as I do my best — God/Source/Spirit/Whatever You Call It will take care of the rest if the thing I want is for my highest and best good.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I’m very honest and transparent. I don’t try to have it all together. I don’t tell you you have to. I fully acknowledge this human experience and people resonate with that. As coaches, I believe we really need to embrace this approach because hiding our stuff in an effort to “being inspiring” doesn’t help anyone nor does it translate into dollars. What translates into sales is helping people see they can make change too. And showing who you really are – the good, the mess, and all that’s in between – does that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericaballard.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaballard_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericaballard/
- Other: My podcast, The Erica Ballard Show, comes back to life on Dec. 17
Image Credits
First Photo: Kelly Klemmensen ; Sound bowl photo: Kayte Demont