I Studied For My First Exam in 19 Years (Here’s What Happened)
I recently did something completely out of the blue—I took and passed the Texas Insurance Exam! 🥳 Now, I know what you’re thinking: Why would a lawyer and coach who works with powerhouse female attorneys take an insurance exam? 🤔
Great question. Let me explain.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I’ve always been surrounded by conversations about business protection. As I built the Powerhouse Lawyers community and because many of my family members are in the insurance business, I found myself getting asked about insurance fairly regularly. Instead of continuing to refer those inquiries out, I decided to practice what I preach—lean into discomfort, try something new, and add another tool to my toolbox. 🧰
It wasn’t easy. I hadn’t taken a test since the bar exam (2005!). The thought of studying and memorizing information felt daunting. But I reminded myself of one crucial truth: Growth never stops unless we choose to stop it.
The Lessons Learned
1️⃣ It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New Whether you’re 25 or 55, there’s always room for growth. We often convince ourselves that we’re “too old” or that our “prime days” are behind us. The truth? That’s just a limiting narrative. Vera Wang didn’t design her first wedding dress until she was 40. Julia Child didn’t become a world-renowned chef until her 50s. It’s never too late to pivot, try something different, or add a new skill to your repertoire.
2️⃣ Good Enough is Good Enough This was a real-life lesson in letting go of perfectionism. Passing required a 70% score, and I made it my mantra: “70% for the rest of your life.” For a recovering perfectionist, this was a game-changer. I didn’t need to ace the exam—I just needed to pass. And that’s okay. Sometimes, aiming for “good enough” is exactly what we need to move forward.
3️⃣ Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small I walked out of that testing center with a huge smile and did a little victory dance (high-fiving the proctor was definitely a highlight 🤣). It reminded me how important it is to celebrate ourselves. We get so caught up in the hustle that we forget to pause and acknowledge our wins. Big or small, take a moment to say, “I did that!”
How I Made It Work
With a busy schedule of coaching, running a business, and being a mom, studying wasn’t easy. Here’s how I managed:
- Scheduling Smartly: I dedicated specific pockets of time for studying, often pairing it with movement using a walking pad to keep my energy up.
- Learning My Way: I signed up for a course that included audio lessons. Knowing that I learn best by listening and applying, I tailored my study routine to fit my learning style.
- Maximizing My Time: I avoided getting bogged down in unnecessary details by focusing on what I needed to know, not what I thought I should know.
What This Means for You
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or ready for a change, remember this: You are capable of more than you realize. Don’t let self-doubt or the fear of being a beginner again hold you back. Whether it’s taking a new exam, starting a business, or pivoting your career, you have everything inside you to succeed.
Actionable Steps to Take Today:
- Identify One New Challenge you want to take on—big or small.
- Set a Simple Plan to start, even if it’s dedicating 10 minutes a day.
- Celebrate Every Step, no matter how incremental. You’re building momentum!
My New “Side Hustle”: Insurance Agent Erin Gerner? 🤷♀️
In addition to coaching powerhouse women, I’m now officially licensed to offer commercial insurance quotes. If you’re a small business owner looking to protect your brand and simplify your coverage, I’d be happy to help. Email me at [email protected] (Yes, a shameless plug, but hey—I earned it! 😉)
Final Thoughts
If you take away anything from this story, let it be this: It’s never too late to try something new. You are never “done” learning or growing. You are a powerhouse, and the world needs your talents—even the ones you haven’t discovered yet.
If you loved this podcast, please share it with a fellow powerhouse who needs this reminder. 💬 And if you’re ready to chat about trying something new or tackling a big transition, let’s connect.
Connect with Erin
Website: www.eringerner.com
Schedule an Obligation Free Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/eringerner/coffeechatcall
