Overcoming Failure and Finding Purpose with Shana Meyerson

In this episode, I sit down with Shana Meyerson, the inspiring founder of YOGAthletica, who shares her journey from childhood overachiever to discovering her passion for yoga. Shana's story is one of resilience and transformation. We talk about the pressures of being a high achiever, dealing with the devastation of not getting into her dream college, and how that experience shaped her mindset for years. But her story didn’t stop there—Shana went on to build a thriving business teaching yoga to both adults and children, finding her true calling after years of soul-searching.

In this conversation, Shana opens up about her challenges, how she walked away from a successful corporate career and an MBA to follow her passion, and why it’s crucial to fully commit to your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. If you're thinking about making a major life change or are struggling to pursue your true passion, this episode is for you.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:00] - Introduction to Shana Meyerson, founder of Yoga Athletica.
• [01:00] - Shana reflects on her childhood as an overachieving middle child.
• [03:00] - The crushing moment of not getting into Stanford and how it shifted Shana’s life perspective.
• [08:00] - How Shana balanced AP classes and tennis, and her experience with rigorous academic pressure.
• [17:00] - Her pivot from a Hollywood career to discovering yoga after an injury.
• [20:00] - The leap of faith Shana took, leaving her corporate career to start teaching yoga full-time.
• [27:00] - The surprising opportunities that came from sending a single flyer, leading to the birth of her yoga business.
• [46:00] - Shana’s top advice for anyone wanting to leave a stable job to follow their passion.

Links & Resources:

• YOGAthletica – Shana’s website, where you can find more about her programs and connect with her on social media.
• Shana’s YouTube Channel – Check out her yoga tutorials and insights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Failure is a stepping stone, not a dead-end – Shana’s experience with not getting into her dream school showed her that sometimes, life's greatest lessons come from what feels like failure.
2. Say Yes to Opportunities – From sending a flyer to teaching at elite private schools, Shana’s willingness to say "yes" led to life-changing opportunities.
3. Commit Fully to Your Passion – Shana emphasizes the importance of going "all in" when it comes to following your dreams. You can’t pursue a passion half-heartedly if you want it to succeed.
4. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Values – Success isn't just about financial gain; it's about finding work that fulfills you on a deeper level.

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