Lessons on Tenacity and Wisdom

I celebrated my birthday in January, and in June, I celebrated 23 years in business. This year has brought a beautiful kind of clarity. After 62 years of living and decades of building, growing, evolving, and learning, I’ve settled into a deeper wisdom.

These aren’t just lessons. They’re lived truths. They guide how I move, lead, serve, and rest. My hope is that something here offers you insight or perspective that makes your journey feel a little lighter, more grounded, or even more inspired.

Define success on your terms

Success is not one-size-fits-all. It is not based on popularity, followers, or how loud the world applauds. For me, it looks like peace, freedom, purpose, and meaningful impact. It’s doing work I love with people I respect and admire. Define success in a way that reflects who you truly are, not what others expect you to be.

Prioritize meaningful relationships

Relationships are everything. I’ve learned to invest in the people who see me, honor my boundaries, and show up consistently. You teach people how to treat you every time you interact with them. Choose to nurture relationships that reflect love, mutual respect, and authentic connection.

Channel your tenacity wisely

I’ve always had a strong will. That grit has carried me through tough times. Still, I’ve learned that not every obstacle needs force. Tenacity without direction can wear you down. Let your drive serve your goals, not just your ego. Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is pause, breathe, and choose a different route.

Balance tenacity with wisdom

Being persistent is powerful, but wisdom adds depth. It reminds you that pushing through at all costs isn’t always the best answer. Wisdom invites you to assess, realign, and protect your peace. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You just have to honor what’s real and right for you.

Sometimes, the solution is surrender

This lesson has been the hardest and the sweetest. Surrender doesn’t mean giving up. It means opening yourself to what you cannot control and trusting that something greater is at work. Every time I’ve surrendered, clarity has come. Peace has followed. And God has shown up in ways I never could have orchestrated. #WontHeDoIt

There’s a reason I felt led to share this. The details aren’t what matter most. What matters is that right now, I feel more grounded, more present, and more open than I’ve felt in a long time.

Maybe you needed this reminder. Maybe you’ve been holding on tightly to something that’s asking to be released. More on Mindset

Where in your life or business are you being invited to lean in, to trust more, or to let go?

I would love to hear what speaks to you.

WendyY Bailey is often called a Force of Nature and a trendsetter in the coaching industry and for good reason. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings fearless innovation and bold strategy to entrepreneurial leaders, coaches, speakers, trainers, and consultants across the globe serving clients across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, and Italy. Affectionately known as “WendyY” by clients, business associates, and colleagues, she’s also lovingly called “Auntie” or “Mama Coach” for her signature blend of Southern charm, fierce wisdom, and deep coaching insight. That special mix helps her clients double, triple, even quintuple their bottomline profits. WendyY is an internationally recognized thought leader, award-winning coach, two-time bestselling author, and sought-after business mentor.