Founder, creator and doer of 100 New Things To Try
After too many years of pursuing a professional career in the corporate world, Domi decided to opt-out, and talked her husband into starting a business. If that wasn't enough, they then decided to pack their life into four bags and bought a one way ticket to the other side of the world. All this, made them have so many first-time-experiences that expanded their minds, dared them to do more and enriched their lives in ways they never imagined, they decided to carry on, and '100 New Things To Try' was born. Here are Domi's 'Answers to Thriving'
The ‘Answers to Thriving' is an interview series that takes a look at the women who have created a life of self-success. We uncover key moments, lessons and habits that have influenced the life they lead today.
You can’t start the day without:
Morning chat with my husband over the coffee.
A favourite quote is:
That's the tough one! But if I'm to choose only one, it would be this: "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." - Diane Ackerman
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
Physical activity. And it doesn't come easy for me to say it. I used to believe that I'm NOT a sporty type. But workouts or even just long walks have this amazing ability to make everything fall into the right places.
The last podcast that inspired you?
I was a guest on Weekly Parady Podcast a few weeks ago, so I obviously listened to Heather interviewing other guests. And I recommend her interviews with really cool and unconventional leaders. Also, by listening to her podcast, you support another woman who is bravely putting herself out there.
We love that, thanks Domi
A recommended read for personal growth:
"Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Dr. Joe Dispenza.
It's not a quick read, but I haven't been this influenced by a single book for a long time. I believe it's especially helpful for those who think that meditating is just another one of those hippie nonsense ideas. This book is all about science, research, and hard data. And it explains how meditation can help us overcome ourselves and achieve our biggest goals. Honestly, it's gold!
How do you go about self development?
I believe that the biggest gift in life is the ability to grow all the time. And we are lucky to live in the times when it's super easy to do so. My favourite go-to's are books, meditation, workouts, travels, running a business, and trying new things.
Which business or person inspires you right now and why?
I am just reading Huston Smith's autobiography, and I really find it difficult to put the book away. This guy is called the world religions rock star. He practiced all major world's religions to bring them all closer to Americans. His adventures, his learnings, his hunger for experimenting are super inspiring. And he's quite a good writer, too.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
Quitting my corporate career.
When I graduated in Management & Marketing, I just followed in the footsteps of most of my colleagues and landed a corporate job. I didn't know it at that time but I never really fitted in. But I did my best, learned how to play it, and didn't even consider other options. I mean steady paycheques, benefits, predictable career path... And then after seven years, it hit me. I was tired, burnt out, and trying to be somebody I wasn't for way more than 40 hrs a week. I don't know why it took me so long to figure it out, but once I did, I just couldn't stay. Walking away from all that safety was not easy. But it was the best thing I could do for myself.
Who’s helped you progress the most in your career and what do they do to support you?
Some people say they were lucky to meet great mentors along their way. It's the other way round for me. I was lucky to meet some of the worst bosses and learn what not to do from them. Maybe it was the Universe trying to tell me to quit earlier, and I just didn't get it then. Funnily enough, I've never reported to a woman manager that wouldn't be a kickass leader. I guess that's the clue right there. But my biggest supporter, a person who continually challenges me to work on my strengths and growth is my husband. He was the one cheering me up when I decided to quit my corporate job and start a business (even though I was so scared I almost didn't do it). He is the one encouraging me to follow my big dreams even if it means turning down well-paid offers and trying 100 New Things to see what happens. He constantly sees my talents even on the days when I doubt myself and all I see is my anxiety and overwhelm building up.
I could keep going with this list, but I think you get the picture. I would have never done many of my best projects if it hadn't been for my husband's support. Having your partner in your corner often gets underestimated. Just think about it: you can quit jobs, leave bosses, outgrow mentors, change countries, but having someone who grows with you and supports you unconditionally is pure gold!
A fear you've had to overcome to pursue your ambitions:
There are so many! And honestly, I don't think that overcoming fears ever ends. But the biggest one for me is moving forward despite the fear of not having it all figured out.
When I was quitting my job to start a business, I knew maybe two people who did it, so I had no idea how to do it. When we packed our lives into four suitcases to move halfway around the world, we had no idea what we're getting into. When I decided to embrace something as simple as my craving to continually try new things and making it into a 100 New Things To Try project, I didn't have a full list of 100 things I wanted to try (well, I still don't).
I'm not saying to jump into things without doing your homework. But I'm saying that it's okay to have a rough plan and figure things out along the way.
An achievement you're most proud of:
Moving from Poland to Canada. It was a bold move. We had a successful business, a beautiful apartment, all the things that we needed. But this relocation made us have so many first-time-experiences! Like buying a one-way ticket, packing all our stuff in 4 bags, writing a cheque, housesitting, getting adjusted by the chiropractor, falling in love with Niagara Falls, snow tubing, seeing a raccoon, incorporating our business, switching to plant-based-diet, and many more that we can't even recall now... I can't even describe how trying new things expanded our minds, made us dare more and loosen up a bit. And finally, led me to start '100 New Things To Try' project.
Life/career advice you wish you'd been given in your early 20s:
When I worked the 9-5, I wished that someone had told me earlier that it's not about how much you work, but about how effective you are. I used to think that being busy guarantees you do the right things.
When I started my business, I wished that I was told all the things about following your passion, building on your strengths, and watching out for getting burnt out. But now, I just wished that someone had told me that it's all going to be okay and that I'd always find the way to figure things out. And that it's okay to enjoy little things in life instead of stressing about them.
For women who want to make a positive change in their life but don't know where to start, what advice would you give them?
I'd say start with you. That's what really helped me. I started by reading What Color is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles and doing all the exercises. Then I took all the personality tests I've heard about like MBTI, DISC, or Kolbe.
Only when you realise your preferences and talents, you can stop forcing things that don't come naturally and start playing to your strengths. This is when you start understanding how you can use what's in your "toolbox" to do something great with your life.
What does thriving mean to you?
I think thriving is being in your element. I don't see it as the outcome, I see it as growing into it by always following our talents.
I understand it a bit like the meaning of life described by Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search For Meaning (btw it is a must read). It's different for everyone, and it's our responsibility to find it even if it's not all rainbows & butterflies.
Anything else you would like to share with the Thrivhers community?
If you want to dare more, grow and have fun while trying new things (like floating, ASMR, or tapping just to name a few), come on and join me at 100 New Things To Try!
Just do something for the first time and find out what happens. And maybe even try all 100 new things with me!
I usually hang out on Instagram
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