We were lucky to catch up with Umeka Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.
Umeka, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
One of the most significant lessons I learned in my professional career came from a job where I was constantly pushing myself to meet tight deadlines and exceed expectations. I was working long hours, sacrificing personal time and neglecting my well-being in pursuit of career success. However, one day, I experienced severe burnout. I found myself mentally and physically exhausted, unable to focus or perform effectively. It was a wake-up call that forced me to reevaluate my priorities and approach to work. Through this experience, I realized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing self-care. I understood that continuously pushing myself without regard for my well-being ultimately hindered my productivity and overall happiness. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to set boundaries, take regular breaks, and engage in activities that rejuvenate me outside of work, ultimately leading to improved performance and a greater sense of fulfillment in both my personal and professional life.
Work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and success in one’s professional career. While dedication and hard work are essential, neglecting one’s personal life and well-being can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and diminished job satisfaction. It’s vital to establish boundaries between work and personal time, prioritize self-care activities, and engage in hobbies and interests outside of work to recharge and maintain a healthy balance. By taking care of ourselves, we can enhance our resilience, creativity, and effectiveness in the workplace while also fostering meaningful connections and experiences outside of work that contribute to a fulfilling life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a licensed professional counselor, mental health advocate, and the driving force behind Making It Wright Counseling Services, I am also excited to share the launch of Game Changer Mental Health Coaching. Game Changer Mental Health Coaching provides mental health education and support tailored specifically for athletes, coaches and individuals in the educational field. My mission is twofold: to provide tailored counseling and mental health coaching for athletes and athletic coaches, while also spearheading the destigmatization of mental health in the realm of sports. What’s truly special and invigorating about my work is the intersection of mental health advocacy and the sports community. I find immense satisfaction in supporting athletes, coaches and educators as they navigate the unique mental health challenges within their field.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honestly, I believe that what helped me build my reputation within my market was simply being myself – transparent, relatable, and down to earth. I’ve always strived to be approachable and genuine in my interactions, whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or industry peers. I focus on listening actively, empathizing with others, and being open about my experiences, both successes, and failures. By being transparent about my journey and sharing insights openly, I’ve found that people tend to trust me more, and it’s helped me establish meaningful connections within my market. Additionally, I think being easy to talk to has been crucial. I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. I also attribute a significant part of my reputation to God’s will and favor. I believe that my faith has guided me in making ethical decisions, treating others with kindness and respect, and ultimately, earning the trust and respect of those around me. Overall, staying true to myself, maintaining an open, approachable demeanor, and acknowledging God’s guidance have been instrumental in building my reputation within my market.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I believe that other than training and knowledge, the most helpful factor for succeeding in my field is divine guidance and the grace of God. While education and expertise are undoubtedly important, I attribute my success to the blessings and favor bestowed upon me. Through prayer, seeking spiritual guidance, and aligning my actions with the principles of my faith, I believe that I am led towards opportunities, solutions, and connections that contribute to my success. Trusting in God’s plan for my life and surrendering my ambitions to His will gives me a sense of purpose and direction in my professional endeavors. Additionally, my faith teaches me values such as integrity, compassion, and perseverance, which are crucial for navigating challenges and building meaningful relationships in my field. Ultimately, I believe that acknowledging God’s role in my journey and relying on His guidance are paramount for excelling in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makingitwright.com
- Instagram: @MakingItWright
- Facebook: @makingitwrightcounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umeka-wright-m-a-lpc-associate-lcdc-i-89995255/
- Twitter: @gamechangermhc
Image Credits
Corrin Photography SoSoCity