Therapy For Career Growth

Ariel Helwani shares his experience with therapy as a tool for professional growth and decision-making, particularly during his transition from ESPN. Initially resistant to therapy, he found it instrumental in making better career choices and maintaining a healthy perspective on his professional relationships.

Key Points:

• Initial Resistance to Therapy:

  • Viewed therapy as a sign of weakness
  • Feared seeking help would make him appear vulnerable
  • Had misconceptions about what therapy meant

• Professional Decision Making:

  • Used therapy to process leaving ESPN despite it being his "dream job"
  • Helped overcome the urge to stay at ESPN out of spite
  • Assisted in reframing career "failure" thoughts into opportunities

• Therapeutic Benefits:

  • Gained clarity on what truly makes him happy
  • Learned to prioritize personal fulfillment over proving points
  • Developed healthier perspectives on career transitions
  • Helped maintain positive feelings toward ESPN despite departure

• Career Outcomes:

  • Successfully transitioned to independent work
  • Maintained professional relationships without animosity
  • Created a diverse portfolio of work opportunities (Vox, Ringer, Substack, BT Sport)
  • Reports being busier but happier than before

• Personal Growth:

  • Overcame fear of appearing weak
  • Learned to prioritize mental health
  • Developed better decision-making processes
  • Found ways to maintain work-life balance (including Peloton for stress relief)