Moving the Needle: From Stuck to Spark
After a season of mental fog, burnout, and questioning what’s next, I made a conscious decision to recalibrate — not just in my work, but in how I live each day. What followed was a quiet revolution that started with 5 a.m. walks, a spark of inspiration from my son, and a family garage project that turned into something meaningful. Here’s the story of how I began moving the needle — one step at a time.
For a while, I found myself in a bit of a headspac, wondering where to go next, trying to clear the fog that had settled in my mind about where my future was headed.
Adding to the frustration was the ongoing struggle of trying to solve the elusive “work-life balance equation.” It’s something I’m still convinced is one of the hardest things to achieve when you’re an ambitious person with a young family, yearning not only for success but also for the time to enjoy life’s blessings with your loved ones.
It’s a deeply frustrating feeling, knowing that you want to squeeze every drop of juice out of this life, yet not being entirely sure where to set your compass or how to go about it.
Then came a strong, honest conversation with a good mate, one of those heart-to-hearts that jolts you back to reality. He reminded me of where I am in life and challenged me on what I should be doing if I truly wanted to extract more juice from the squeeze.
They say you become like the people you surround yourself with, you begin to think like them, absorb their energy, and adopt their mindset. That’s why it’s so important to keep the right company, especially if you're aiming for a positive, upward trajectory. And let me tell you — that saying couldn’t be more true.
A Clearer Mind, One Step at a Time
We took a short break down to the coast. I made a personal commitment during that trip to quiet the noise, cut through the clutter, and engage in some serious introspection. On those quiet mornings at the beach with my kids, I had another realization, I wasn’t in peak physical condition. The Dad bod had officially arrived.
Refreshed and re-energised after the break, I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. I knew it was time to get out of the rut I’d fallen into.
A New Routine, A Simple Start
Taking inspiration from podcasts I listen to, I began waking up at 04:30 each morning to exercise before starting the day. I didn’t overcomplicate it,no gym, no gear, just walking.
And this was June. In South Africa. Winter. Getting out of bed at 04:30 wasn’t easy. But it was the start of doing something hard, and that was the point. I committed to a brisk 5 km walk every morning and that momentum changed everything.
A Daily Question: “What Will Move the Needle Today?”
Out there in the still, wintery mornings, breathing fresh air and staring up at the stars, I began every day with this one question:
What am I going to do today to move the needle?
That one thought has grounded me. It’s helped me make better use of each day and led me to something unexpected, but deeply meaningful.
Introducing Legacy Garage: A Family Channel Is Born
Out of this mindset shift, a YouTube channel was born. It’s still in its early stages, but it’s something I’m truly excited about. Even more so because it’s a collaboration with my son.
The idea came from him, inspired by garage-style YouTubers fixing up old cars. He told me, “Dad, I want a garage like that one day.” That was the spark. I couldn’t ignore it.
Legacy Garage is our family project:
Riley gets to build models, play with RC cars, and tinker with tools.
I get to dive into filming, photography, and editing, something I’ve always wanted to learn.
My dad (Riley’s grandad) joins us with his tools, wisdom, and a big smile.
Three generations. One garage. Lots of laughs. And a shared mission to make memories that matter.
The Spark Is Back
I’ve got that fire again !!
That same drive that pushed me through my career in aviation. The same hunger that kept me going when the odds felt stacked against me.
This YouTube project isn’t just a creative outlet, it’s a catalyst. A way to unlock something bigger. And I believe everyone has that spark somewhere inside, waiting to be ignited.
📢 Call to Action: Join the Journey
If this story resonates with you, if you’ve been stuck, uncertain, or just needed a little nudge then consider this your sign.
✅ Follow our journey on YouTube: Legacy Garage
✅ Leave a comment below — What’s your “move the needle” moment?
✅ Subscribe to the blog for future posts on creativity, fatherhood, and finding purpose in the everyday.
Thanks for reading, and an even bigger thanks to my family and close friends who’ve supported me through it all. You know who you are, and I love you all.
Let’s keep moving the needle; one step at a time.
