Our lives are shaped by the decisions we make – the bold leaps, the quiet compromises, and those moments when we have to trust our instincts. Some decisions change everything, others go unnoticed.
Looking back, three pivotal decisions stand out as turning points that have shaped the course of my life. They weren’t all easy; they definitely weren’t safe bets, but they paid off in ways I never could have predicted.
Here’s what those choices taught me about risk, resilience, and taking control of your life.
1. Leaving home at 16
Sixteen. That’s how old I was when I packed a bag and moved from Leeds to London. I had no plan B and no safety net, but I was determined to carve out my own path. What I didn’t fully grasp back then but understand now is just how much that decision shaped me. It wasn’t only about moving cities- it was about gaining freedom and a sense of control in my life. It was about saying, “I get to decide.”
Twenty years later, I can see that leaving home at 16 was a radical act of self-belief and a decision that taught me to trust my instincts.
Even when I was studying at college whilst working two jobs to pay the rent, I never had any regrets. Sure, there were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I’d always remind myself why I left. I didn’t leave because I wanted an easy life. I left because I wanted more – more opportunity, more experiences, more life. That choice came with uncertainty, but it also gave me a gift most people don’t get until they’re much older – a sense of agency. If I wanted something, it was up to me to make it happen.
Sixteen-year-old me didn’t have all the answers, but she had something more important: conviction. She just went for it. And I’ll always be grateful she did.
2. Starting the Power Hour podcast
Six years ago, I made the decision to launch my own podcast. At the time, podcasting was still a relatively new platform in the UK. I had no broadcasting experience, no technical know-how, and no brand or sponsor to fund my idea. But I did have a vision. I wanted to “encourage ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things”.
So, I dedicated two days a week to researching guests, honing my interview skills, and practising – even though there was no guarantee it would lead to anything.
In the first few months I must have sent over 200 pitches to authors, athletes, psychologists, professors, and entrepreneurs, asking them to appear on the podcast. It took time but I kept going because I believed in the idea and vision. Fast forward to today: the podcast has been downloaded over 5 million times. It’s opened doors I never could have imagined, connecting me with incredible people and creating new opportunities that continue to shape my career.
Committing so much time and energy to this wasn’t the safest career choice, but as it turns out, it was the right one.
Make your wildest dreams a reality.
3. Choosing to start therapy
For years, I’d spent time and energy prioritising my physical health. Marathons? Tick. Pilates? Tick. Supplements? Obviously. But a few years ago, after getting divorced, living through a pandemic, and finding myself close to burnout, I realised I needed to prioritise my mental health too.
At first, it felt overwhelming, like I was opening Pandora’s box of emotions and trauma that I’d been ignoring for years. It was messy and uncomfortable, but it was also life-changing and necessary. Therapy gives us the tools to navigate life’s inevitable challenges–from grief and heartbreak to stress and self-doubt. It’s helped me understand all of the different aspects of myself and to approach decisions with clarity and self-compassion.
Looking back, I can say with certainty that starting therapy was hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s easy to prioritise everything else – your work, your kids, your goals –and overlook your emotional and mental health. But the truth is, if you don’t understand your motivations, core values, fears, and insecurities, they’ll hold you back from living a fulfilled life.
If they are super resistant—but could probably benefit from professional help—try these talking points.
Decisions That Matter: How to Make Decisions in A World of Endless Choice by Adrienne Adhami (Cornerstone Press, £18.99) is released on 20th February 2025.
