In this episode of The Aligned for Success podcast, Nikki shares the story of her first chiropractic job in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, revealing how the hardest experience of her career became the foundation for everything she's achieved today.

Fresh out of Life University in Marietta, Georgia, Nikki moved to Tuscaloosa to work as an associate chiropractor at McCracken Family Chiropractic under Dr. Michael McCracken. What followed were two of the most challenging years of her life—professionally and personally. Throughout this conversation, Nikki reveals how Dr. McCracken's extremely high expectations initially felt crushing. She went home crying daily, thinking he was being unnecessarily harsh as he made her practice report of findings and X-ray reviews repeatedly. At the time, she felt like she was failing at everything he expected from her, but years later she realized he saw potential in her that she couldn't see in herself.

Nikki shares how a recent conversation with Dr. McCracken transformed her perspective on that difficult period. When she apologized for "sucking" during her time there, he responded, "You didn't suck. I just always knew that you could do more, that you could do better." This revelation helped her understand that the hardest experiences often come from people who believe in our potential most deeply.

Now living in Gulf Shores, Alabama—initially by circumstance rather than choice—Nikki reflects on Dr. McCracken's wisdom that success isn't defined by geography. His advice to "build a life so sustainable and make enough money that you can travel to see the people you love anytime you want" became a guiding principle that helped her find joy and purpose regardless of location.

This episode delivers powerful insights about reframing difficult experiences as preparation rather than punishment, making it a must-listen for anyone currently in a challenging season who needs perspective on how today's struggles are shaping tomorrow's strength.

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