Jessica Ell – Embracing Change and Making Hard Choices

Jessica Ell is a Martha Beck-certified life coach who helps people make hard decisions. From Jessica Ell.com About Page: I’ve struggled with hard decisions my whole life (I’m an Enneagram 6 with an open Identity G Center in Human Design). “I don’t know” is the most truthful statement of my existence, but about this I am absolutely certain: unless someone has been there themselves, they can’t possibly understand the deep pain of indecision, ambivalence and reluctance. I’ve longed to be a “decisive” person who doesn’t debate and ruminate when I reach life’s crossroads.But I’m not that person, so over the years, I devised my own way of making decisions and relieving the pain and pressure of indecision.My method came largely out of walking away from “good on paper” things. Some of the hardest choices we make are the ones we don’t have to, like turning down scholarships at Top 10 law schools, leaving behind six-figure jobs, and the devastating choice of whether to call off a wedding (all of which I’ve done).I want to help you find relief from the endless debate.To find peace at life’s crossroads.And to finally decide, which in my world is shorthand for “flinging yourself into the mystery of the universe, knowing that you don’t know what’ll happen next, and that’s quite fine.” Because life is too grand an adventure to spend trapped by indecision. Jessica Ell Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," hosted by Jeff Smith, the featured guest is Jessica Ell, a Martha Beck-certified life coach who specializes in helping people make challenging decisions. The episode opens with general announcements and introductions before Jeff warmly welcomes Jessica to the show. Jessica shares insights into her profession, describing how she assists individuals dealing with difficult life choices, emphasizing both small and significant decisions. She mentions her excitement about a particular client session happening later in the day, demonstrating her passion for her work. The conversation then veers towards personal backgrounds, where Jessica talks about growing up in the Midwest, her education, and the initial career paths she considered, including a fleeting interest in becoming a massage therapist or working in publishing. She discusses her academic prowess and the expectations set by her Asian heritage, which nudged her towards high achievement and conventional career success. Jessica reveals a critical juncture in her life when she decided against attending law school, despite being accepted into several prestigious institutions with scholarships. This decision stemmed from deep self-reflection and uncertainty about her true desires, pushing her to explore other professional avenues. The dialogue shifts to her subsequent life decisions and professional transitions, illustrating the real-life applications of "veering" — the central theme of the podcast. She elaborates on various roles she undertook, from working in nonprofit organizations to engaging in real estate and event management, each transition invited by opportunities that opened up unexpectedly. Jessica's story underscores themes of embracing uncertainty, listening to one's inner voice, and finding faith in one's path even when it diverges from expected or traditional routes. Both Jessica and Jeff reflect on the unpredictability of life and career paths, advocating for openness to change and personal growth. The episode concludes with an exploration of Jessica's current work and her advice on handling life’s unpredictable nature through coaching and personal empowerment. Potential clients can reach her through her website or Instagram, as mentioned at the close of the episode. This story session serves as a powerful testament to the podcast's theme of navigating life's veers thoughtfully and courageously, affirming that every turn, whether expected or abrupt, contributes to one's unique life narrative. Connections