Thriving Against the Flow: When Forward is Going Backward

Thriving Against the Flow: When Forward is Going BackwardNeda Amanat

0:00

Choosing a career path is one of the most defining decisions in a person’s life. It shapes who you become, how fulfilled you feel, and yes—how comfortably you pay your bills.

In a world obsessed with “climbing the ladder”, success is often defined by:

• more titles

• more hours

• more visibility

• more everything!

So taking a pause may appear counterintuitive and stepping back --- a failure.

But sometimes, the most powerful way forward… is backward.

When I pursued dentistry, I thought I had it all figured out. It was prestigious, came with a reasonable work-life balance (no 80-hour weeks!), and a sustainable lifestyle. But life, as it often does, had its own agenda.

After graduating in Iran, I married my husband and moved to the Netherlands, learned Dutch, passed a mountain of exams, and started working in a dental practice. My transition to the Dutch healthcare system was both rigorous and rewarding. So far, so good.

Then came the next move:

A business opportunity brought my family to the United States. I assumed my European credentials would carry over, but reality hit hard — several more years of education just to do what I was already doing... for the third time! That was my turning point. A pivotal moment to re-evaluate my direction.

Despite the raised eyebrows (“You’re giving up what?!”), external skepticism, and internal doubt, I made the brave  — and terrifying — decision to shift course. I didn’t take the leap because I lacked success.

I took it because I wanted more alignment. More meaning.

More me.

And so began the journey. I studied for MBA entrance exams and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School. It was intense, exhilarating, humbling, and deeply satisfying. Simultaneously, I joined our family business, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Slowly but surely, I started researching to build something of my own.

Today, I run my own coaching business — connecting with incredible individuals, learning, evolving, and feeling more fulfilled than ever.

Was it easy? Not remotely.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

I was fortunate to have the means and support to pivot. But what I’ve learned is this:

If you truly want something, and you hold your vision steady through the doubt, critique, and growing pains, the universe will meet you halfway.

And you’ll find yourself on a path that reflects your values, your strengths, your desires —

your true self.

So yes, you can move forward by going backward.

Have a little faith, mix in a dose of courage, add consistent effort, and voilà:

you arrive exactly where you were meant to be.

And if you'd like help with that, my door is wide open.