The Truth About Self-Doubt, Success, and Reinventing Yourself with Chelsea Baugh

Redefining Success in Every Season

Not every story follows the script. Chelsea Baugh’s certainly didn’t.

In this episode of Case Studies, Chelsea shares the real, raw, and often painful moments that shaped her—from losing her identity as a Division I athlete to navigating the emotional toll of infertility, IVF, and ultimately, adoption. Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t a trait—it’s a choice.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.

Losing the Jersey And Finding Herself

Chelsea grew up in a sports family, and volleyball was everything. She earned a D1 scholarship, achieved the dream—and then lost her starting spot. Just like that, the thing that defined her was gone.

It was more than just sitting the bench. It was the first time she had to ask, Who am I without the uniform?

That question would come back years later, in much harder seasons.

From Heartbreak to Hope

For years, Chelsea did everything right. She got married, dreamed of starting a family, and was ready for the next phase of life to unfold.

But that next phase brought wave after wave of disappointment—infertility, treatments, the emotional cost of IVF that left her questioning everything.

Instead of shutting down, she stayed open to new options, hard conversations and to a different path entirely.

That path led to the adoption of two children, each with their own incredible story. It wasn’t the plan. But it was perfect in its own way.

Choosing Growth, Even When It’s Hard

Chelsea didn’t stop with healing. She started growing again.

In her late 30s, she enrolled in an MBA program. Not for the title. Not for a career shift. But because something inside her knew: It’s time to invest in me.

🔥 Lesson: You don’t need permission to grow. You just need to start.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Chelsea’s story of transformation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to rebuild your identity when the old one no longer fits
✅ What infertility and adoption taught Chelsea about surrender and strength
✅ Why it’s never too late to bet on yourself
✅ How couples can grow stronger when life doesn’t go to plan

🎧 Listen to the episode now.

P.S. If you connected with this episode, go back and check out our breakdown of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People especially Habit 1, on being proactive in your own story. Watch it here.