What if the path to breakthrough wasn’t up, but down? Life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. It places you on the edge, urging you to leap. To descend. To pause. To reflect. To let go. And in doing so, you break through.
Whether you're a seasoned executive navigating complex change, a mid-career leader questioning what’s next, or an entrepreneur staring down uncertainty, this book was written for you. We’re all wedged somewhere between the risk-averse and the risk-taker. To be honest, most of us live in that middle space. We weigh decisions. Calculate. But deep down, we know that growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zone. It’s in that first daunting step into our discomfort zone—or that first leap!
Rappel: Break Through To A Better You is a tool for transformation—created with the intention of guiding you toward clarity, courage, and personal freedom. These breakthroughs are not meant to be rushed or consumed all at once. They are sacred moments of reflection. Choose to honor them at your own pace.
As a child, I was captivated by books with real-life illustrations and heartfelt stories. One of my all-time favorites, The Lonely Doll, is still one of my most prized childhood treasures. That book’s illustrations left a lasting impression on me, and believe it or not, its style helped inspire the imagery in this book, which provides storytelling through photographs and emotion.
There are 52 breakthroughs within these pages, intentionally aligned with the number of weeks in a year. This is not a coincidence. If you so choose, take one breakthrough per week, allowing the message to marinate in your mind, body, and spirit. Sit with it. Journal about it. Speak it out loud. Answer the Breakthoughts reflection questions to begin the process of integration and momentum.
If you are in need of insight on a specific challenge—be it connection, leadership, confidence, emotional intelligence, or your next big step—go directly to that topic by using the Topical Index in the back of the book. The breakthroughs are meant to meet you exactly where you are.
As you move through the book, take time to notice the emperor butterfly hidden within each breakthrough image. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and resilience emerging from stillness. It’s a visual reminder that breakthroughs are sometimes hidden within, yet they are signs that something powerful is always unfolding beneath the surface.
This is your personal journey downward into truth and upward into strength. There is no right way or wrong way to rappel. There is only your way. Trust that wherever you begin, it is the right place.
Each breakthrough is a ledge. Each reflection a rope.
Descend deeper into who you truly are—
Rise with clarity into who you will become.
Break through to a better you!
Joni D. Goodman is a biochemist by trade turned experiential facilitator, master trainer, executive coach, and international speaker. Her superpower is cultivating safe spaces where leaders can let down their armor and authentically lead.. Originally from the small town of Linton, Indiana, and now thriving in the big city of Houston, TX. Joni is the Founder & Chief Breakthrough Officer of JDGAdvisors, where we are in the business of leading you to "Break Through To A Better You" through facilitation, development, coaching, and motivation.Joni is the founder of the EncounterYou(TM) Luxury Women's Experience, her flagship program for women leaders in STEM. She is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and coach, partner to Armani, and dog mom to a Miniature Poodle named Gerti.
Holly Hoffman was the last remaining member of the Espada Tribe and the last woman standing on Season 21 of CBS' hit reality show "Survivor Nicaragua". Through that experience, and others throughout her life, Holly was inspired to share her message of survival. A professional motivational speaker and the author of Your Winner Within and Write Yourself a Note, Holly acknowledges that life is made up of challenges, and we are oftentimes faced with situations that seem insurmountable. But within each of us is an ability to focus our thoughts, emotions, and energy to succeed-if only we have the knowledge, tools, and discipline to do so.A native of South Dakota, Holly's writing and speaking not only offer encouragement and optimism but a roadmap for self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Readers and audience members alike walk away inspired to light the fire of successful living within themselves.
