My Story: Rising Up From Burn Out and Depression

Eight years ago, I found myself in a place I never thought I’d be—completely exhausted, both emotionally and physically, as I battled burnout from a dead-end job and depression. I had always been someone who thrived on progress, on moving forward, and on achieving goals. But in those moments, everything felt heavy, like I was walking through mud. Even though I was part of a mastermind group filled with driven, high-achieving people constantly pushing themselves to grow, I felt stuck. I was doing all the right things, trusting the process, but nothing seemed to happen, no matter how hard I tried.

A Moment of Clarity

One day, after a particularly rough patch, I asked myself, “What am I missing?”

I didn’t have an answer, but I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. Maybe that would help me sort out what was going on. I was desperate to feel anything other than the constant loop of self-doubt and disappointment. As I walked, I thought about the things I hadn’t tried yet, the methods I’d heard about but hadn’t really embraced. One concept came to mind: visualization. I’ll admit, the skeptic in me had a field day with this one—how was daydreaming, something we’re all warned against as kids, supposed to help me feel better or make any real difference?

The Power of Visualization

For the longest time, I had been craving some kind of capstone validation—something that would show me that my efforts mattered and that my work wasn’t in vain. I wanted to see proof that I was having an impact and that I was enough.

And then, as if on cue, Britney Spears’ “Circus” started playing in my headphones. Right there on the sidewalk, I couldn’t help but laugh as the most outrageous vision popped into my head. I wasn’t just picturing a small victory—I was the ringmaster of a full-blown Vegas spectacle. 

I saw myself on a grand stage, lights blazing, a roaring crowd hanging onto my every word. Leaders from all walks of life were gathered for this huge event, but guess who was the one commanding it all? Me. I was at the center, dressed in something fabulously over-the-top, cracking a whip (metaphorically, of course) as I strutted around the ring, celebrating my hard-earned success. The spotlight wasn’t just on my achievements—it was practically daring the world to watch.

Feeling the Shift

I gave into the moment, embodying the experience. The warmth of the stage lights on my skin, the energy of the crowd lifting the tension from my body, the rush of accomplishment coursing through my veins. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t just going through the motions. I was joyful, excited, empowered. I smiled a big genuine smile and laughed out loud to myself. 

Instead of focusing on the lack of progress it felt like I was making, visualization allowed me to be fully immersed in the sensations of everything working out. I realized if I could fully lean into something this absurd, why not? If I could believe in a vision this extravagant, then surely what I really wanted wasn’t that far out of reach. 

The Call That Changed Everything

As unbelievable as this next part seems, the validation came almost immediately. I walked through my door after that visualization-fueled stroll, and my phone rang. It was my mastermind group with big news: I was being recognized as an “up-and-comer” for my efforts. And get this—they wanted me on stage in Vegas to celebrate my work and dedication. Suddenly, the whole idea of manifestation didn’t seem so hokey after all, huh?

That visualization wasn’t just a daydream; it allowed me to shift from a mindset of “I can’t” and “I won’t” to “I am good enough,” and all it took was a single moment. My external circumstances hadn’t changed, but my energy had. I had moved from a place of scarcity—constantly doubting my worth—to a place of abundance, success, and belief in my own journey. And that’s something I now emphasize in career coaching: the way our internal shifts can radically shape our external reality.

Internal Validation vs. External Recognition

The funny thing is, I wasn’t even able to attend the event, and while I did receive the recognition, it wasn’t exactly a spectacle.  But that wasn’t the point. What really mattered was how I felt during that visualization. Allowing myself to truly experience the joy, the success, and the validation I had been craving shifted everything. Now I understood that my goal wasn’t about external validation or applause; it was about feeling better within myself. And as I visualized that wildly extravagant version of my success, something clicked: I didn’t need to wait for the world to hand me recognition. I could give it to myself.

Sure, I didn’t actually live out the dream of standing on that stage, but what I gained was so much bigger. I found the validation I needed within myself and, more importantly, created the space to believe that all the effort I was putting in was worth more than the results I was seeking. So, go ahead and imagine the ridiculous, the wildly impossible. Because if you can believe in that for just a moment, what you’re really aiming for starts to feel a whole lot more achievable.

Choosing Pragmatic Optimism

From that point forward, I chose to embrace what I now call pragmatic optimism. I don’t just blindly believe things will get better, and I don’t ignore the tough stuff, but I expect the best for the future. And I believe the actions I take are what will bring that about. What is now a fundamental belief for myself, became the very backbone of my career coaching. I can sit around waiting for success to come knocking on my door, or I can choose to feel it, embody it, and go do my own knocking on opportunity's door.

This lesson has deeply influenced my approach to career coaching. By focusing on shifting mindsets and choosing belief over doubt, I help clients embrace their own abundance and success—even if it hasn’t fully materialized yet.

The Birth of My Brand

That’s how the Stef Robertson brand was born. From a walk, a song, and a simple decision to visualize the life I wanted before it showed up. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t always about hitting some big milestone. It’s about choosing to feel good enough, trusting and enjoying the process, and letting yourself believe in the possibility of something better—even when the world hasn’t caught up to your vision yet.

The right mindset can transform not only your career but also your entire life. In my career coaching, this is where we start—building from the inside out, embracing pragmatic optimism, and allowing yourself to feel successful, regardless of the circumstances.

And that, I can tell you, changes everything.