Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chanda Leigh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Chanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2013, I performed an acoustic jazz set at a local venue for an audience of 30-40 people. There was a woman in the audience who was friends with my trainer, who was also in the audience. He and I had dated for a brief time, then things got messed up when I had different plans for my career and we reached an impasse. So we were actually not on the greatest terms that night. And, I was happy to see him there, supporting me in spite of the way we left things. After the show, both of them came up to me and congratulated me on a great performance. She said, “I just want to know – how come someone as great as you isn’t already signed? You’re a star!” I looked at her without an answer. Then he said, ‘it’s because she doesn’t have a team.” Now this word, “team” had been the cause of several breakdowns between us. We just had different ideas about who and what it meant. That eventually led to her asking if I’d be willing to sit down and talk with her about possibilities. I agreed. And a week or so later, I showed up to see what was possible. I listened as she shared about her experience of me on stage that night. How she wished I was more supported and had the team to take me to the next level. My trainer was there as well, just listening, smiling. There were two of my colleagues in the room that day as well. They were other artists who were also open to the conversation about what might be possible in working together. I was humbled to see them there. And, for a moment I considered that maybe I had been in my way this whole time. That was the moment I surrendered my old beliefs and began to lean into the word “Team”. I joined the group, we became a band and I reconnected with my trainer, who is now my life partner.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
If you had asked me years ago, Chanda, who are you, or what do you do? I’d have said, “I’m a performer, a recording artist, a professional musician.” I completely identified who I am with what I do. Which also meant that my self worth was collapsed with my net worth. And so, that would be my first tip for success. Understand that you are much greater than the titles you wear and the things you do. Your work is a small piece of the totality of you. For example, if a musician lost his ability to play, would he know there were so many ways he could create, contribute and continue to enjoy life? Maybe not. I have had many colleagues die in the last few years, friends my age, in the name of music and artistic expression. That reality is a big part of what inspired me to shift my own paradigm and prioritize health and fitness, love and balance. I love music, performing, and all of it. And I love experiencing it through my health! These days, I fully accept and understand that my contribution to the planet is so much greater than my music. My answer to that same question now sounds like this: “I am a Balanced Lifestyle Coach and a Transformational Specialist, leading people out of co-dependency into independence, and I use health and fitness and music to do so.” And yes, it took me a while to arrive at this understanding of myself. Which leads me to the second tip for success. Be your greatest investor. How? By investing deeply in your health and fitness, your emotional well being and your healthy consciousness. From a centered, whole and complete self, you can create sustainability, wealth and significance in the world. I am excited for the trajectory of my life now. I see myself already successful, before the record deals, tours or any other external affirmations. Why? Because I have a healthy paradigm of the value of my life. And I am excited to share these tools with those who are open and willing.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, I have found great value in several books that I use in my coaching as well. These include “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, “Power Vs. Force” by David Hawkins, “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay, Dave Ramsey’s, “Financial Peace”, and ” The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Of all of these, the 7 Habits has been my most often used resource. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in there. The one that stands out for me most as it relates to management is energy-management, vs time-management. Learning how to assess my energy from several angles helped me to learn how to manage my relationships, commitments and my schedule, all while prioritizing my own health and wellness, self -love and balance.
On the philosophy side, Power Vs Force has been a true game changer. I have learned how to increase my power through self-love and let that power work for me. I shifted some of my language. Looked at things from a lens of assessment instead of judgement. I became more trusting of my energy. I understand that I don’t have to force anything. I just stay consistent with loving myself and watch the Universe provide.
The other books are equally powerful. I have found great support in understanding the metaphysical causes of physical ailments, as taught by Louise Hay in Heal Your Life. Now, when there is an illness, injury or discomfort, I immediately dial in to what the root cause is and I work on addressing that. Then, the symptoms take care of themselves. And I have found that Agreement 2, in the Four Agreements – Don’t Take Anything Personally” is a very valuable tool as well. In the past, I misused a lot of my energy on things outside of my control. I took almost everything personally, not realizing the self-centeredness of this behavior. I suffered needlessly and held myself back, thinking I was a victim to others’ views and opinions. Now, I coach others on how to release that old model and free themselves by shifting the context or lens from which they see the world.
These books are all amazing and they are required reading in my coaching.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theydbg.com
- Youtube: @YourDayBalanceGame
Image Credits
Mali Azima – Photographer