Dr. Leslie Dobson Is Clinical And Forensic Psychologist, Author, Speaker, Friend, Mom And Wife
I am a clinical and forensic psychologist, author, speaker, friend, mom and wife. I have walked the halls with psychopaths and dangerous criminals for years, and I learned three important things, 1) You need to protect your energy
2) You must give yourself permission to be empowered and stand up for your life
3) You must set boundaries in relationships to preserve your energy and life.
I received the highest standard of training and experience in government jobs, but I found the systems extremely oppressive. When I began my own company, choosing the people I work for and represent, I finally felt happy, empowered, strong, and unstoppable. I have set and met every single goal in my life. My goals have been small, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, I achieved goals weekly, felt motivated, and gained unwavering momentum. If I took a risk or felt a lull, I let myself mourn the loss or experience the fear for an hour, and then I reminded myself of the magic, strength, ability, and power within myself. I moved forward.
It is very easy to feel like an imposter on your climb to the top, because there will always be a comparison to the greats; however, I set a mind frame that resembled a pyramid. I will never be a founding father of psychology, but as I rise to the top of my career pyramid, I am rising with powerful women just like me. We are not imposters. We have an incredible foundation underneath us. We are together and in support. We are looking forward to honing our skill and reducing how many people sit close to the top of the pyramid with us. It is all perspective. I remind myself and others all the time, so many people wish to be where we are in our careers, knowledge, self-awareness, and health.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I have had significant struggles in my life, my family, my self-care, and my emotional state. I felt unseen for years while working in incredibly dangerous settings. I questioned my decisions and path so much, that I felt depressed and lost. I struggled with a near death medical incident the entire year of 2005 and I thought about ending my life. I endured eight years of grueling fertility treatment, and then the near death of my baby. I chose to say goodbye to toxic people in my life, even if they are family. I pushed through because I am worth it. I am worth it for myself, my family, my husband, and the absolutely amazing individuals I get to work with every day in my private practice. If I can use my experience and my skillset to help other people, especially women, find themselves, feel empowerment, unwavering peace, confident, strength, and direction, then everything I have pushed through is worth it. If I can be the strength or the voice that people hear when they are filled with self-doubt or struggle, then I will speak louder. I have moved through struggle by focusing on the value of life.
Here is my advice – Never stop. You may take pauses in life, but never stop. You may pause and reflect, setting realistic goals for yourself, family, relationships, friends, career and health, but you are not allowed to stop.
Expect that motivation will ebb and flow. Happiness will ebb and flow. But keep your eyes open and look for motivation by trusting your gut and intuition. When your gut calls, grab onto it and allow the momentum to take you forward. What’s ahead? Your life. It’s time.
