Trust The Process: Stop Limiting Yourself

By Marisa Sim.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer—at least, that’s what I thought. Looking back, I now see it wasn’t my dream—it was my parents’ unachieved ambition that had quietly influenced my mind. They wanted success for me, but their vision was rooted in their own desires, not mine. 

Unfortunately, life didn’t cooperate with that plan. My academic performance wasn’t strong enough for law school. When the path to becoming a lawyer closed, I was left adrift, unsure of what to do next. My father recommended that I join an art college; it seemed like an unexpected and unconventional detour. I hadn’t even studied art in high school (I took science classes!), so I wondered if I was making the right choice.  

It turns out I was.  

I discovered a talent I didn’t know I had in art school. I thrived, earning a design degree with a major in photography- this was my first lesson in trusting the process: sometimes, life steers you toward opportunities you wouldn’t choose for yourself, but they turn out to be exactly what you need.

A Winding Road  

After graduation, I worked as a graphic designer for an art gallery. I spent my days taking photos of artwork and designing pamphlets and event invites. It was creative and exciting—until it wasn’t. Restlessness set in. I wanted more from life, though I wasn’t sure what that “more” looked like.  

So, I did something bold: I moved to London.  

I sold shoes part-time at Selfridges (a well-known department store in London) for two years while travelling across Europe. Those travels weren’t just vacations—they were eye-opening experiences that expanded my worldview and taught me to appreciate the richness of diversity. They were also a reminder that it’s okay to hit pause on your career and follow your curiosity.  

When I returned home to Singapore, I found myself navigating a series of new roles. First, I worked as an account executive at an advertising agency. Then, I moved into a marketing agency before landing a job as a project manager at a branding firm. On the surface, these transitions might seem unremarkable, but each one taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, collaboration, and resilience.  

Still, I felt I had an unfulfilling life. When I turned 30, I knew it was time for another pivot.  

A Leap Into the Unknown 

At 30, I quit my job and took a three-year sabbatical. It was a time of profound transformation. I travelled the world with my partner, explored new cultures, and studied to become a holistic health coach. After my sabbatical, I began another new chapter: I got married, had kids, and began working part-time while raising them.  

During those years, I often doubted myself. Was I making the right decisions? Had I thrown away a stable career for a pipe dream? But looking back now, I see how every twist and turn in my journey prepared me for the work I do today.  

My graphic design background taught me how to create my own marketing materials. My experience in advertising and marketing gave me the tools to promote my coaching services effectively. My project management skills enabled me to organise and host two successful online summits.  

Even the seemingly “random” parts of my journey—living in London or taking a sabbatical—shaped my perspective. They taught me to embrace uncertainty, adapt to change, and find beauty in the unexpected.  

The Gift of Trusting the Process  

At 42, I can confidently say that trusting the process has been the most valuable wisdom I’ve gained. Life rarely unfolds how we plan, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working in our favour.  

When you’re in the thick of things, it’s hard to see how today’s decisions will ripple into your future. But every choice—every bold move—serves a purpose. Sometimes, the lessons aren’t immediately apparent, but that’s okay. Trusting the process means believing that everything is happening for you, not to you.  

Here’s the thing: procrastinating or worrying about the present moment won’t change anything. It will only keep you stuck. If you’re unhappy with your job, start looking for a new one. If you dream of a career change, take a course, volunteer, or find a way to transition slowly. Life offers endless paths forward, but the only way to lose is by standing still.  

Embracing Change at Any Age  

One of the biggest myths we tell ourselves is that there’s an “expiration date” for making changes. We think we’re too old, too settled, or too far along to pursue something new. But let me tell you: there is no such thing as “too late.”  

• Want to become a personal trainer at 35? Do it!
• Dreaming of starting a YouTube channel at 45? Why not?  
• Thinking of moving abroad at 55? Pack your bags.  

The only mistake is letting fear convince you that your best days are behind you. Your age, circumstances and past mistakes do not define you. The only thing standing in your way is the belief that it’s too risky or you’re incapable.  

If I had clung to my limiting beliefs, I would have never pursued a career as a trauma-informed coach, supporting women to heal from their childhood trauma and be their authentic selves. I would have stayed in a job that no longer fulfilled me, all because it felt “safe.”  

Breaking Free From Limiting Beliefs

Let’s discuss limiting beliefs. They are deeply ingrained thoughts or assumptions that hold you back from reaching your full potential. These beliefs shape how you see yourself, others, and the world, often as invisible barriers to personal growth, success, or happiness. 

Limiting beliefs usually stem from past experiences, cultural conditioning, or messages received during childhood, and they can significantly influence your decisions, behaviours, and opportunities.  

One of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered for breaking free from these beliefs is Root Cause Therapy. This technique takes you back to the origin of your belief—usually a moment in childhood—and allows you to reframe it with fresh eyes. When you release the hold of outdated narratives, you open yourself to new ways of thinking, dreaming, and living.  

Imagine the freedom of no longer being weighed down by thoughts like, “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve success.” When you challenge those beliefs, you make room for limitless possibilities.  

The Beauty of Uncertainty  

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life’s uncertainty makes it beautiful. Where do I want to go next? Honestly, I have no idea. And that’s okay. The unknown isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. It’s what makes life exciting and worth living.  

When you stop trying to control every outcome, you create space for magic to happen. You allow yourself to take risks, follow your curiosity, and explore paths you never considered.  

The dots will always connect. Even when the path seems chaotic or unclear, trust it’s leading you to exactly where you need to be. So, take the leap! Quit the job, book the course, start the business, or move to that city you’ve always dreamed of. The process will unfold in ways you can’t imagine, but that’s the magic of life. You have to trust it.  

My Final Thoughts 

Your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. There’s no “right” way to live or build your career. What matters is that you keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.  

So, if you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering if it’s too late to make a change, let me remind you: it’s never too late. Believe in your ability to adapt and grow. And most importantly, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.  

Life is too short to live on someone else’s terms. The only permission you need to pursue your dreams is your own. So, what are you waiting for? Trust the process and watch as life surprises you in the best possible ways. 

Marisa Sim is a trauma-informed coach. As a childhood trauma survivor, she understands firsthand how trauma affects our mental health and well-being. Now she supports women to heal from their childhood trauma and step into their power.

You can find out more about Marisa and her work at:  https://marisa-sim.mykajabi.com