From lost to taking control of my life
Case study: Cayde Graves
Entrepreneur, Writer
About me:
My name is Cayde Graves. I'm an entrepreneur, I've started my own podcast called Chapters of Success, as well as working on several other exciting projects, including my fitness journey.
THE CHALLENGE:
The challenge for me was this. I was 23, a care leaver, working two part-time jobs that I hated and that didn't lead anywhere. It was just a way to pay the bills. I was completely lost in life. I was directionless and drifting.
I've followed some of the self-improvement trends and "gurus" but if I’m being honest, their “advice” was not really all that beneficial to me. This is when I eventually reached out to Tomas.
I was going to the gym and kicked some old habits, but the main issue was I was a drifter. I didn’t know what I wanted or what to do with my life.
But I knew two things: First, I had allowed myself to get into that situation, and second and most importantly. I needed help getting out of it.
What really kicked everything into gear was this moment: I was sitting at the platform, waiting for my train to arrive after my first day at my second job. I had pretty much hit rock bottom. All I had was endless part-time jobs. As I sat there, down and truly miserable, I remembered a conversation with my counsellor during which I said I wanted to do some coaching. It was then, after drifting for so long, that the switch flipped inside of me.
THE GOAL:
The goal was very simple. It was to figure out what to do with my life and then to start the process off with actually getting from A to B.
I wanted to get out of this state of limbo and to actually go and get the life that I wanted to live. Not being stuck wandering and drifting aimlessly throughout my life and into somewhere that I didn’t want to be, or to an even worse spot that I had already been in before.
It was either going to be this or have a career of dead-end jobs for the rest of my life. It was really a no-brainer when it came to the decision.
I needed some external help. I tried it on my own for almost a year with next to no real progress. I wanted this cycle to stop and actually go somewhere with my life.
THE JOURNEY:
I had a list of ideas for all of the different things that I wanted to do, but I had never really taken the time to make them a reality. We went through this list and ultimately settled on the entrepreneurial route, which was something that I had always wanted to do ever since I was a kid as well.
Tomas had me brainstorm a list of potential businesses that I could start (there were a lot!).
After that, we went through the list and discussed why the ideas were good or bad. After giving a few ideas a try (AI colouring books, soundscape YouTube channel), I realised those were not the right ideas for me (my heart wasn't in it and other reasons), I started my podcast called Chapters of Success.
So far, the podcast has been consistent in terms of the upload schedule, and it is on track to hit its 30th episode very soon as of writing. While it is still in the early days, it feels natural that I would be doing a podcast (well, just running a business in general).
While I haven't quite gotten from (my) A to (my dream) B, I sure am on the way.
Having accountability from Tomas in my life has been super helpful. Since it helps to keep me on track with my goals and everything that I want to achieve in my life. Tomas also gave me, as part of his coaching, access to his self-discipline Bootcamp. Some of the methods have really clicked with me, such as the Pomodoro technique. Also, using my calendar has been an absolute game changer, to no end, because of the benefits, on top of keeping me organised.
But what has really been truly helpful is the accountability. Just to have someone there who keeps you on track. Having that to assist you with whatever you are working on is truly a real game changer. So, in my case, it has been figuring out how to set up a podcast, finding and messaging people to come on the show, setting up interview times, conducting, recording, editing, etc. And honestly, Tomas has been super helpful with all of that.
Who knows where I would be if I hadn’t reached out and made that commitment?
What makes working with Tomas super helpful is that he works with you on the things that you want to work on. So, if you want to be more productive, build a business, write a book, or work on some personal issues and goals, then I would recommend Tomas.
Disclaimer: He is not a therapist. So, some things are off the table, but that’s what the discovery call is for.
Lastly, the main reason why I hired Tomas was because he was the only person that I could actually verify that the people in his coaching case studies and testimonials are real people and who they say they are. Also, in terms of content, everyone else that I found didn’t even come close to what I found on his website.
I can promise you that Tomas is who he says he is, and so are his clients. Myself included.
The Result:
There is one thing I’ve never told Tomas: I almost left our discovery call mid-way through out of fear.
I am so, so glad that I never did that because my results from working with Tomas have been life-changing, and I’m not just saying that.
Not only have I finally been able to pinpoint what I actually want in my life and how to get it, but I'm already on the way.
There are other benefits as well. I am definitely a lot more confident, focused, goal-oriented, organised with my time, and have a direction as to where I am headed in my life.
Tomas’ coaching sessions and style are very helpful, enjoyable and flexible. You never feel like at school where you have a set amount of time and you only focus on one subject. In our sessions, we've covered a variety of topics and goals. Some that I brought, others were suggested or brought out by Tomas. We've always had something to work on.
The Experience:
I've always looked forward to our sessions as Tomas definitely brings a lot of energy and ideas to any problem that you might have.
Something that I always appreciated about the sessions was that Tomas does not take full control of the rains and completely dominates them. He actually allows for your input and explores different ways that you can go about accomplishing your goals.
A great thing about coaching is that it can help you to get to your goals faster than if you tried to do it on your own. Just by having that other person to point out your blind spots and help you along the way can save you so much time.
I’ve been working with Tomas for just over a year now, and I wouldn’t change that.
In all honesty, I wish that I had reached out sooner.
