
Pursuing Your Passion With Authenticity (And No Apologies) | with Dr Noah Arnold
About Episode
My guest today is Noah Arnold, a veterinarian and business owner who runs his own veterinary clinic in Shorewood, Wisconsin in a very unique way, to say the least. Before going any further, if you’re wondering why in the world I would interview a veterinarian on a podcast that’s all about reaching your full creative potential, trust me. This is one of the best and most inspiring stories you will ever hear, especially if you’re a freelancer or small business owner struggling to build your own niche.
Noah did all the right things, took all the right classes, got the right degrees, and landed the right jobs. He had 2.4 kids (well actually 3), a car payment, and a mortgage. He was doing everything he was told to do in order to be happy…except he was miserable. Needless to say, living the life that he was “supposed to” live was slowly killing Noah. In order to get to the point where he had the freedom to build a business his way so he could pursue his passion and fulfill what he believes is his true purpose in life (serving animals and serving people who love animals), he had to summon the courage to escape his old life of desperately trying to conform and fit into the corporate world of animal medicine. In our discussion today Noah gives us an incredibly candid look into his journey and what inspired him to give up a life of comfort and security to take a huge risk, bet it all, and pursue his dream.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” then you don’t want to miss this interview. I’ve released over 180 podcasts, and I can honestly say this is the first interview that ever brought me to tears. I challenge you to make it through without choking up at least once.
Finally as a full disclaimer, similar to my previous interview with world-renowned Instagram street photographer Daniel Arnold (which is episode 54 if you’re interested), Noah also happens to be my cousin…and he’s Daniel’s younger brother. Needless to say, I am extremely blessed to have such passionate, creative, and wonderful people in my family.
Episode Highlights
- How rejection can fuel perseverance
- Letting go of the necessity of comfort
- “The trick to success is not focusing on the success but being authentic”
- Creating a clinic that feels as safe as your living room
- Facing your own desperation to be a person you’re not
- “There’s no reason you should be waking up every day unhappy”
- Being terrified to take the leap to independence
Useful Links
Episode Credits
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).