Embracing Second Chances in Life and Leadership

This past Sunday, as I sat in church, a familiar phrase echoed through the sanctuary: “Never put a period where God has a comma.” It’s a saying I’ve heard and even said countless times, yet each time it lands differently, stirring something deep within me. If you’re unfamiliar with this idea, it’s rooted in the belief that our stories, no matter how tangled or troubled, are never truly finished. Too often, we believe we’ve messed up beyond repair, or we settle for less than our best life, convinced that our mistakes have written our final chapter. But what if the story isn’t over? What if, instead of a period, there’s a comma and the next sentence is waiting to be written?

The Power of Perspective in Life’s Hard Chapters

As a life and executive coach, I witness firsthand how people can become stuck in the belief that their past defines their future. Maybe you’ve experienced a setback in your career, a relationship that didn’t work out, or a personal failure that left you questioning your worth. It’s tempting to put a period at the end of those hard times to close the book and never look back. But what if those moments are not the end, but a pause? What if they are simply a comma, inviting you to continue the story with new wisdom and resilience?

That has been the story of my last year. When I was fired for the first time in my life last August, I thought that was it. I was scared, heartbroken, and not sure what was next. I could have settled. I could have given up, put my head in the sand, and wallowed in my emotions and my frustration with the church. However, because of the grace of God, incredible friends, and a truly amazing wife, I am here today to tell you I believe my best years of life, ministry, and work are yet to come. You might be asking, “How?” Let me tell you what I have learned over the last year…

Curiosity: The Key to Turning the Page

Curiosity is a powerful tool for transformation. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” or “How might this experience shape my next step?” When we approach our lives with curiosity, we open ourselves to growth, healing, unexpected opportunities, and unexpected friendships. The story you tell yourself and the story others tell you matter. If you believe your best days are behind you, you’ll act accordingly. But if you believe the next chapter is unwritten, you’ll find the courage to keep moving forward.

From Setback to Comeback: Real-Life Coaching Insights

In my coaching practice, I often meet leaders and individuals who feel stuck, paralyzed by a sense of failure or regret. They’ve put a period where life was asking for a comma. Together, we work to reframe those moments, seeing them not as endings but as invitations to growth. Here’s how you can start:

• Acknowledge the Pause: Recognize that setbacks are natural. They don’t define you, they refine you.

• Ask Empowering Questions: Shift from self-criticism to self-inquiry. What strengths did you discover in the struggle? What new possibilities are emerging?

• Embrace Community: You’re not alone. Seek support from mentors, friends, or a coach who can help you see beyond the period and into the next sentence.

• Take Small Steps Forward: Even the smallest action can signal to yourself that the story isn’t over.

  
  

Compassion for Yourself and Others

Self-compassion is essential on this journey. Too often, we extend grace to others but withhold it from ourselves. Remember: everyone has chapters they’d rather not read out loud. The beauty of a comma is that it gives us space to breathe, to reflect, and to begin again.

If you’re leading a team or a family, this mindset is equally important. Encourage those around you to see their challenges as commas, not periods. When we foster a culture of second chances, innovation and resilience thrive.

Inviting Curiosity Into Your Next Chapter

What would it look like to approach your life with renewed curiosity? What dreams have you set aside, believing the story was over? As you reflect on your own journey, consider:

• What “periods” have you placed in your story that might actually be commas?

• How might your life change if you allowed yourself to believe in second chances?

• Who could you become if you gave yourself permission to keep writing?

Your Story Isn’t Finished

If you’re reading this and feeling like your story has stalled, remember: the pen is still in your hand. The next sentence is yours to write. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, career transformation, or simply a sense of belonging, know that you are not alone on this journey. As a coach, I am here to support you as you turn the page, embrace the comma, and discover what comes next.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What chapter are you ready to write? Reach out today, and let’s explore your next steps together.

Never put a period where God has a comma. Your story is still unfolding—full of hope, growth, and possibility.