E12 Using Tai Chi to Find Balance with Shirley Chock

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Using Tai Chi to Find Balance

Shirley Chock, the owner of the iPing Tai Chi School in Milford, Connecticut is known as the “stress bender.” But she didn’t always own a Tai Chi studio.  She used to have a successful corporate career in finance.  In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, Shirley sheds light on finding purpose, pursuing entrepreneurship, and the power of mindset.

Shirley Chock’s career journey is a testament to the transformation that can occur when we choose to listen to our instincts and pursue our true calling. After a successful career in finance, Shirley discovered the stress-relieving benefits of Tai Chi and made a courageous decision to transition from the corporate world to the realm of stress management and mindfulness.

The conversation touches on the pivotal moment when Shirley recognized the need to bring the stress-relieving practice of Tai Chi to a broader audience. Her ability to adapt and innovate in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges led her to take her classes online, leveraging platforms like Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram to build a global community and share her stress management techniques.

Shirley emphasizes the importance of mindset and the need to tune into our body’s internal compass. Her insights highlight the significance of sensory awareness and decision-making, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. She encourages listeners to pay attention to the signals their bodies are sending, as they often serve as valuable pointers on how to navigate life’s challenges.

As the episode unfolds, Shirley’s thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship becomes evident. Her deliberate planning and calculated financial exit from her previous career exemplify the dedication required to pursue a purpose-driven business. The conversation also emphasizes the shift in mindset necessary to value content creation as an integral aspect of business operations, a key lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

The episode ultimately inspires introspection and reflection, prompting one to consider their own purpose and the role of mindset in navigating life’s transitions. As Shirley Chock embodies the concept of “Working Towards Our Purpose,” her journey serves as a source of motivation and encouragement for anyone seeking to align their professional endeavors with their true calling.

 

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.

"So when you're a new entrepreneur, just factor that in, you have to give yourself a cushion because the last thing that you want to do is to give up before you had a chance to even get off the ground.”
Shirley Chock
Topics in this episode:
  • The importance of listening to one’s senses
  • The existential question of why we exist and emphasizes the need to uncover the reason for our existence, independent of societal expectations
  • the importance of using Tai Chi to connect with the body’s internal compass and overcome fear-driven rationalization by the mind
  • Leaving a corporate career to follow an entrepreneurial endeavor 
  • mindset shift required to value content as a crucial aspect of business operations
  • Gaining a large following on platforms like Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram
  • The importance of purpose over passion in entrepreneurship

Bio: Shirley Chock

Shirley Chock never planned on becoming a Tai Chi teacher or a content creator, but life circumstances led her in that direction. She has always lived by following her gut and choosing the things that felt right to her. Despite having a successful corporate finance career, she unexpectedly found herself in the world of Tai Chi when she took over a Tai Chi leaving her corporate career behind.  Then the pandemic hit, and her in person studio had to close forcing her to think of new ways to teach Tai Chi.  This led her to Twitch where she started holding her classes, creating content, and eventually having online courses.  Shirley proves that you never know where life will lead you. 

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