In this post, I’m sharing a powerful reflection from a previous client, Devin Youngman, who generously allowed me to publish the insights he gained over a few days at an off-site. His clarity, honesty, and willingness to look inward capture the very breakthroughs we’ve been working toward together.
As a coach, you can never be attached to when or how a client arrives at an insight — but when they do, it’s deeply gratifying. Devin’s note illustrate his a-ha moments beautifully.
From Devin’s message to me:
“After our last conversation, this week brought several genuine ‘aha’ moments — many of them during our off-site meeting. As I listened to discussions about our new team structures, I noticed where my energy rose and where it faded.
When I let go of the internal noise about my changing responsibilities, I became fully engaged. I realized how much I’m energized by coaching, mentoring, and teaching — far more than by the aspects of my role that drain me.
I created two lists: the work that fuels me and the work that depletes me. This time, instead of analyzing my current responsibilities, I paid attention to what actually energized me in real time.
I also recognized a familiar pattern from childhood: pushing myself to succeed not out of desire, but out of fear of failing in front of others. That same dynamic has been at play in parts of my job, and it’s been exhausting.
What’s clear now is that I’m most alive when I’m developing others — and I’m ready to shape a path that reflects that. I’m resisting the urge to overanalyze. Something meaningful is emerging, and I want to let it unfold.”
Devin’s reflections offer several possible entry points for this week’s challenge: noticing what gives you energy, examining what drains it, exploring your relationship with failure, or simply paying attention to your own moments of clarity.
For me, Devin’s experience was a vivid reminder of the importance of honoring our own “aha moments” — past and present — and how they continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Whatever direction you choose, I hope it leads you to a meaningful insight of your own.
