A Lion in the Zoo or a Lion in the Wild?

“Do you want to be a lion in the zoo? Or a lion in the wild?” my coach asked me three years ago.

For years, I ran my coaching business on nights and weekends while keeping my full-time corporate job.

It wasn’t until I got laid off that I finally found the courage to go all in.

The transition wasn’t easy.

Learning to rely on my business as my main source of income was a rollercoaster:

⚡️ Excitement – for too many opportunities

😨 Fear – of the unknown.

😵 Full-blown panic.

🌿 Then, peace—trusting my inner knowing.

That cycle repeated weekly.

But instead of backing down, I pushed myself to really show up:

✅ I started writing blog posts.

✅ I landed my first podcast interview.

✅ I spoke openly about my journey on social media.

✅ I received many NOs—and some precious YESes.

Then, an old colleague reached out.

They were excited about the possibility of working together.

And of course, I was too—along with the comfort of steady paychecks every two weeks.

But something didn’t feel right.

So, I raised my hand to be coached: “What do I do with this opportunity?”

That’s when my coach asked me the question that changed everything:

“Do you want to be a lion in the zoo? Or a lion in the wild?”

Lion in the zoo or in the wild wen coaching life of a solopreneur

It hit me like a brick—knocking me awake.

Suddenly, the decision became crystal clear:

  • I want to be in the wild.
  • I want the freedom to choose who I work with, how I work, and when I work.
  • I want to create without waiting for permission.
  • I want to fail forward—play, experiment, and expand beyond what I thought possible.
  • I want to take full ownership of my work and my life.

Just like that, I thanked my old colleague—but turned down the opportunity.

🚀 3.5 years later, I’m still here.

Still choosing the wild every day.

Still committed to growth, impact, and inspiring others to take the leap!

If you’re ready to bet on yourself, I see you. I believe in you. Let’s walk this path together.

Loving you,

Wen

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