Today is the OTHER format day.
I wanted to share with you a bit about my story….
Yes — I’ve always been a high achiever.
People say I make things happen.
And I’ve always been direct (not everyone likes that — but I don’t need to be liked by everyone. What’s the point? Do you like everyone?).
I’ve also been assertive enough to protect myself from burnout.
So no, you won’t hear those stories from me.
👉 If you were looking for those… you might want to unsubscribe now.
Because that’s not me and I don’t want to waste your time.
I share powerful stories and practical tools you can use to create a better life — starting with your mind.
I believe deeply in the power of our thoughts.
The more positivity we plant in our brains, the better our lives become.
So let’s leave the drama for someone else.
High achievers want to feel good — and surround themselves with great things. That’s what I’m here for.
Now back to my story — because while it may seem “ordinary,” it got me here – so to me it’s special.
I spent almost a decade in consulting, working on high-pressure projects for incredibly demanding clients.
Transaction Services? Definitely not work-life balance–friendly.
Strategic consulting? Same story.
But even in that chaos, I managed to protect my boundaries and stand by my non-negotiables — in a world that expected me to work like everyone else.
Yes… and that was the problem.
I didn’t want to work the way they worked.
At consulting, I was surrounded by ambitious people, experts, and market leaders.
And yet? I couldn’t even use all their knowledge to grow professionally.
Unrealistic deadlines.
Clients expecting results overnight.
No time to think — just back-to-back meetings and a 200-slide deck waiting to be built for yesterday.
Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little…
But it shows how it felt.
And what I was really missing?
🧠 Time to think. To grow.
Both professionally and personally.
So when a new opportunity came along, I didn’t hesitate.
I took it as a sign — a chance to change.
To finally take full control over my calendar…
…and stop letting client projects dictate how I live.
That was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Could I have become a partner by now?
Sure. But the price?
I’d either have to abandon my values (not an option)
OR spend years fighting a system that’s been the same for decades.
And I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my energy for that.
I knew I could achieve more — by working smarter, on my own terms, somewhere else.
I’m confident, courageous, and direct.
I protect my time, energy, and the people I care about.
And I speak the truth — even when it’s hard to hear.
When I left consulting, many people thought I was making a mistake.
Some told me. Others didn’t — but I could feel it.
And I didn’t care.
Because I knew I’d won.
I chose my life — and I’ve never looked back.
If this story feels familiar… you’re not alone.
And you don’t need to wait for a breakdown to make your breakthrough.
There are thousands of high achievers stuck in the same loop — frustrated with their job, boss, or clients, but afraid to say no, act differently, or walk away.
Stable paychecks. Status. Financial ties.
They all keep you stuck in the golden cage.
If that’s you — make sure you keep reading newsletters.
I’m going to ideas with you on how you could to break free.
Until then — I’d love to hear from you.
What’s your current challenge or edge? Just email me at: dorota@dorotakosiorek.com — I read every message.