How Breakthroughs Shape Professional Growth

Posted on April 04, 2025 by Ari Jason, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

I lost 35% of my body weight in just seven months.

Equivalent to two full suitcases in weight.

No pills, No surgery!

I was obese, always prioritizing work stress over wellbeing.

And what I taught me, was far more powerful: planning, resilience, self-respect, discipline, and a deep understanding of how change really works.

Until a recent LinkedIn post I wrote which went viral, I’ve never publicly shared this story. But it’s the foundation of how I coach today.

Here are five truths that transformed my life—truths I now use with clients to unlock real transformation in their own lives:

1. Get a coach
After over a decade of being sedentary, my first run around the block nearly broke me. But it also woke me up. I saw a physio, then a fitness coach. Without their guidance, I’d never have made it past week two. Change needs a guide. Someone who sees the path when you can’t.

2. Track what matters
If you want to change something—measure it. I tracked my calories and progress daily. The more I saw movement, the more motivated I became. Awareness breeds accountability.

3. Set a meaningful goal
A friend dared me to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for charity. I thought she was joking. At 126kg, it felt impossible. But that goal gave me purpose. It gave me a reason bigger than myself. That mountain pulled me up, one step at a time.

4. Focus on small wins
I never set out to lose 44kg. I set out to lose 1kg—again and again. Bite-sized wins built momentum. Micro goals gave me macro transformation.

5. Accountability is everything
Every week, I weighed in with my training partner, Corine. She celebrated every 0.25kg loss with me like I had won gold. Her presence kept me honest and uplifted. Change sticks when someone else believes in you.

I’ve since learned that transformation isn’t just for fitness journeys. These same principles apply in business, leadership, relationships—anywhere you’re seeking growth.

Truth is: I slipped. I got comfortable. Life got loud. But like walking up a downward escalator, if you stop climbing, you slide. And that’s okay—because now I know the path back.

These lessons now live at the heart of my coaching. If you’re facing your own “Kilimanjaro,” personal or professional, I’d be honored to walk beside you.

What personal breakthrough has shaped your professional journey?

I’d love to hear your story.