💡 Want to build momentum before the new year? Join Amanda live on Dec 26!

🎯 Known For Something New – Master how to evolve and reposition your brand

📌 Save your seat here 👉 [http://www.calendly.com/packageyourgenius/known]

📈 Brand Momentum – Turn your clarity into clients with a proven planner

📌 Save your seat here 👉 [http://www.calendly.com/packageyourgenius/plan]

📥 Order the Brand With Purpose Planner 👉 [http://bit.ly/bwpplanner]

Hey hey—it’s Amanda.

If you’ve been navigating a layoff, burnout, or just the slow, disorienting unraveling of a role or career path that no longer fits—you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the exact season I created Package Your Genius for.

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through:

• The origin story of Package Your Genius (born during my own layoff in the 2008 recession)

• The real reason rest isn’t the full answer to burnout

• How to start where you are, with what you already know

• My 3-step method to repurpose your skills into a meaningful offer

• And how to re-enter the marketplace with clarity and confidence

This is a moment for reinvention—not panic. For strategy—not hustle.

Whether you’ve been pushed out, burnt out, or just feel invisible—I want to help you reclaim your voice, your value, and your next chapter.

🎓 I’m also hosting a special 3-part workshop series: Package Your Genius: Reinvent Your Skills to Meet the Moment

If you’re ready to take action before the year ends, just reply or DM me the word GENIUS and I’ll share the details.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

You're still unfolding.

Settle in, get still, and allow these words to wash over you. Let them echo throughout the rooms in your inner habitat. Let them remind you that there’s more to become, more to create, more to experience.

🎧 This audio is perfect for:

• Starting your day in alignment

• Resetting your energy between tasks

• Reconnecting with your divine, creative nature

📘 Want to go deeper? ✨ Book a Discovery Session with Amanda 📖 Order The Rest Revolution

#Meditation #SoundBath #Stillness #InnerWisdom #CreativeExpansion #SelfBelief #Purposescaping

✨ Book a Discovery Call to Learn More About Working Together 1:1 📖 Order The Rest Revolution and start your own energy reset

🎙️ Episode 192: Energy Rituals That Boost Creativity and Decisiveness

If you’ve ever felt foggy, drained, or unsure about your next move...

If you’re building a brand, a business, or simply trying to stay connected to yourself in the chaos of everyday life…

This episode is for you. 💡

In it I’m sharing the quiet, daily energy rituals that have carried me since childhood — the practices that continue to fuel my creativity, sharpen my discernment, and help me make clear, aligned decisions as a leader and personal branding strategist.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, shifting seasons, or simply craving more intentionality in your day — these rituals are for you. This is about reclaiming your power source so you can show up with clarity, confidence, and peace.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why you don’t need to be “on” all the time to be powerful

• What stillness can teach you about energy, creativity, and capacity

• How small, consistent rituals sharpen your ability to hear yourself

• Why protecting your energy is a leadership strategy

• What to do when your nervous system says “no”

• My personal rituals for tuning back into myself

🛠️ Try This:

Start with stillness. Even 3 minutes. Ask yourself: Where is my energy leaking? Notice when you're performing vs. when you're present. Turn down the volume on the world. Turn up the frequency of your inner voice.

💬 Journal Prompt:

What drains me that I continue to say yes to? What energizes me that I haven’t prioritized?

🎧 Listen + Share:

Tune in to Purposescaping® on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio medicine. 💌 Forward this episode to someone who’s overdue for stillness.

If the news cycle has you discouraged... If economic uncertainty, layoffs, or unexpected life shifts have shaken your sense of purpose... If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubting your worth, or unsure of your next move...

This episode is for you. 🔥

In this real-time message from the heart, I share the mindset shifts and daily practices that can help you reclaim your agency, even when the world feels chaotic.

Whether you're pivoting professionally, launching something new, or simply trying to stay afloat mentally and emotionally, this episode is your reminder:

You have more power than you think.

You don’t have to wait for someone to choose you. You don’t have to earn your right to believe in yourself. You don’t have to stay stuck in self-doubt or past mistakes.

You can affirm your genius. You can build yourself up. You must — especially now.

• Why now is the time to revisit the roots of Package Your Genius®

• The 6 mindset blocks that sabotage your self-belief during transitions

• How to reframe fear, failure, and past setbacks into forward momentum

• Why “dressing how you want to feel” is sound strategy

• How to silence your inner bully with self-affirmation and mental discipline

• What high-achievers often forget when building their personal brand

• Daily rituals to build emotional resilience and reclaim your voice

• Why believing in your uniqueness is not arrogance 

1. Speak life over your gifts — out loud

2. Challenge every negative thought with 3 positive truths

3. Affirm the version of you you’re becoming — not just the one you’ve been

4. Dress and act like someone who believes in herself

5. Refuse to let the world’s noise drown out your inner genius

What negative message have I been rehearsing in my mind, and what truth do I need to speak over it today?

🎧 Tune in to Purposescaping® on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen ✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of their power

• 📖 Grab your copy of Package Your Genius → Order here

  🧭 Work With Me:

  Interested in private support? Apply for executive coaching to reclaim your voice, align your energy, and lead from a place of power. Click here to book a call to see if we're a fit

  Book a 90-Minute One-on-One Clarity Coaching Session for Seasonal Clarity → [https://calendly.com/packageyourgenius/purposescaping-seasonal-clarity-intensive-clone]

• Join The Waitlist for my upcoming Group Program, Rest as Revolution! 

• 📖 Grab your copy of The Rest Revolution → Order here

#motivation #mindset #encouragement #coaching #positivity #growthmidset

• Join The Waitlist for my upcoming Group Program, Rest as Revolution! 

• Get your copy of The Rest Revolution → Order here

🎧 Listen to the PURPOSESCAPING podcast on all platforms

In this episode, I reflect on childhood memories — the joy, the love, the beingness — and how far so many of us drift from that innocence in the pursuit of achievement, validation, and “success.”

I speak directly to the high achievers who have learned to tie their worth to what they do, rather than who they are.

We explore:

• What happens when your identity becomes entangled with performance

• Why the most courageous thing you can do is return to the purest version of yourself

• How affirming your inner child creates space for deep emotional healing

If you’ve been craving softness, if you’ve been questioning your worth outside of accomplishment, this is the episode for you.

• A heartfelt reflection on the love we often felt as children and how it fades

• How high achievers lose sight of self in pursuit of gold stars and external praise

• Why stillness, mindfulness, and self-affirmation are critical tools for healing

• How small daily acts of kindness toward your inner child can change everything

• A call to honor your emotional truth and give the love back to yourself

• The purest version of you is still there waiting to be remembered.

• Vulnerability is a portal to your true power.

• You don’t have to prove yourself to be worthy of love. You already are.

What did you love most about yourself as a child? Where have you hidden her , and how can you welcome her back?

🎧 Purposescaping® Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.

If this episode touched something tender in you, forward it to a friend who needs the reminder, too.

• Join The Waitlist for my upcoming Group Program, Rest as Revolution! 

• Get your copy of The Rest Revolution → Order here

childhood memories, self-affirmation, high achievers, love, personal growth, vulnerability, self-acceptance, inner child, emotional well-being, mindfulness

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer to strengthen your ability to be a beginner, not have all the answers, and lean on your faith.

Do You Have a Prayer Request?

Email me at purposescaping (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "Prayer Request" and tell me a little about your situation. I'll see what I can do!

#prayers #prayer #intercession #spirituality #divineguidance

Melissa is an educator, college access expert, and founder of Capture Greatness, where she’s helped students earn over $12 million in scholarships and gain admission to top schools like Yale, UPenn, Cornell, Howard, and Morehouse.

In this episode, Melissa and I talk about what it really takes to save thousands on college costs and how to set your kids up for success without sacrificing your peace—or your retirement. She shares why scholars get the dollars (not just “good students”), why parents shouldn’t be discouraged by the sticker price, and how starting early and telling the right stories can make all the difference.

If you’re a mom navigating midlife, raising ambitious kids, and trying to build a legacy instead of a lifetime of debt—this episode is for you.

• Why scholarships are more about strategy than straight A’s

• How to find money most families overlook

• Why starting early gives your child a major advantage

• How to tell a compelling scholarship story that wins real dollars

• What every midlife parent should know before college applications begin

• Free Course: Secrets to Scholarship Success → CaptureGreatness.org

• Connect with Melissa Rowe → [Instagram or LinkedIn

• Follow Amanda on Instagram → [@iamamandamillerlittlejohn]

Sending our kids to college shouldn’t break us. This conversation will remind you that legacy isn’t just about money; it’s about creating opportunity and freedom for the next generation.

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer to strengthen your ability to see the undeniable favor you've had throughout your life.

#prayers #prayer #intercession #spirituality #divineguidance

Inspired by skipping a high-profile event I once pressured myself to attend — the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (aka CBC Week) — this episode is about what happens when you stop trying to be palatable, productive, or “on brand,” and start honoring your inner truth.

It’s about embracing who you actually are instead of forcing yourself into someone else's definition of enough.

If you’ve ever felt out of place doing what you’re “supposed” to do... If you’ve ever judged yourself for not wanting what others seem to crave... If you’ve been shape-shifting for belonging...

This episode will meet you where you are and invite you to return home to yourself.

• Why skipping CBC Week was an act of radical self-acceptance

• How the desire to be understood can lead to self-abandonment

• What The Rest Revolution really means beyond naps and stillness

• Why self-belonging is more powerful than people-pleasing

• How to stop translating yourself for audiences who don’t speak your language

• Why honoring your truth strengthens your intuition

• A weekly challenge to reclaim your energy through radical honesty

Where in your life are you shape-shifting to belong? What would it feel like to stop translating and just be?

This week, skip one “should” and say yes to you. Let that one act be your entry into the rest revolution.

Get your copy of my book, The Rest Revolution and start redefining success on your terms.

Interested in private support? Apply for executive coaching to reclaim your voice, align your energy, and lead from a place of power. Click here to book a call to see if we're a fit

• Listen + subscribe: Purposescaping® Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen

• Tag me on Instagram or Threads and let me know: What are you radically accepting about yourself this week

• Book a 90-Minute One-on-One Clarity Coaching Session for Seasonal Clarity → [https://calendly.com/packageyourgenius/purposescaping-seasonal-clarity-intensive-clone]

• My book: The Rest Revolution - How to Reclaim Your Rhythm And Conquer Burnout When Overworking Has Become the Norm especially Chapter 4 on “Repeatedly Skipping Winter” http://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

• The Purposescaping Podcast Capsule with my grandmother

Other Tools

• • My book: Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand → http://bit.ly/pygbook

  • My workbook: Package Your Genius Companion Workbook → http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

  • My newest skincare addition: Matter of Monday Anti-Blue Light Brightening Serum → http://www.matterofmonday.com/amanda20

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Follow me on [Instagram]

• Connect with me on [LinkedIn]

• Check out my son’s business Baked By Connor -Visit the Baked By Connor website, Follow on Instagram

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer to strengthen your ability to hear God's voice through divine guidance and direction.

#prayers #prayer #intercession #spirituality #divineguidance

What if your burnout isn't about working too hard — but about working out of season?

In this solo episode, I introduce you to Purposescaping — my original framework inspired by crop rotation, ancestral wisdom, and the natural seasons — designed to help you align your actions with your soul’s timing. Born out of my personal healing journey during the pandemic, this framework has reshaped how I live, lead, coach, parent, and protect my own creative energy.

We walk through the four seasons of your purpose — planting, growth, harvest, and rest — and I share how to recognize where you are now so you can give yourself what you actually need.

Whether you’re in a season of expansion or contraction, creation or incubation, this episode will help you get clear, get aligned, and most importantly — give yourself grace.

• What led me to create the Purposescaping framework during my pandemic burnout

• How my grandmother’s wisdom and the agricultural cycle inspired this work

• The four purpose seasons: 🌱 Spring (Planting), ☀️ Summer (Growing), 🍂 Fall (Harvesting), ❄️ Winter (Resting)

• Why high achievers struggle with spring and skip winter altogether

• How misaligned action leads to burnout and frustration

• How to know which season you're in across different areas of life

• The spiritual, emotional, and strategic invitations each season offers

• The power of releasing guilt and embracing your natural rhythm

• Resources + Links Mentioned in This Episode:

  • Book a 90-Minute One-on-One Clarity Coaching Session for Seasonal Clarity → [https://calendly.com/packageyourgenius/purposescaping-seasonal-clarity-intensive-clone]

  • My book: The Rest Revolution - How to Reclaim Your Rhythm And Conquer Burnout When Overworking Has Become the Norm especially Chapter 4 on “Repeatedly Skipping Winter” http://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

  • The Purposescaping Podcast Capsule with my grandmother

  Other Tools

  • My book: Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand → http://bit.ly/pygbook

  • My workbook: Package Your Genius Companion Workbook → http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

  • My newest skincare addition: Matter of Monday Anti-Blue Light Brightening Serum → http://www.matterofmonday.com/amanda20

What season are you in — in your work, creativity, health, and relationships? What are you being invited to release, realign, or reclaim this fall?

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Follow me on [Instagram]

• Connect with me on [LinkedIn]

• Check out my son’s business Baked By Connor -Visit the Baked By Connor website, Follow on Instagram

Be sure to subscribe to Purposescaping wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s next!

purpose, calling, life coaching, advice, personal development, purpose driven life, midlife

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer for performance anxiety. 

#prayers #prayer #intercession #anxiety #performanceanxiety

I break down the common mental blocks and limiting beliefs I see time and again with my clients and community — from waiting on permission to downplaying your unique brilliance — and I share the mindset shifts you must adopt to finally answer your true calling in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional still feeling unfulfilled, or an emerging voice trying to find the courage to shine, this episode is your reminder that your calling won’t wait forever — and neither should you.

• The 7 hidden ways you may be self-sabotaging your purpose

• Why perfectionism and practicality can quietly kill your dreams

• How to stop dimming your light to keep others comfortable

• Why “waiting for permission” is the fastest path to regret

• The difference between dabbling and committing to your greatness

• What it really means to own your unique contribution in a noisy world

• A 2025 mindset check: what's still true and what's changed since the original article was published

Resources + Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book a 90-Minute One-on-One Clarity Coaching Session for Seasonal Clarity → [https://calendly.com/packageyourgenius/purposescaping-seasonal-clarity-intensive-clone]

• My book: The Rest Revolution - How to Reclaim Your Rhythm And Conquer Burnout When Overworking Has Become the Norm http://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

Other Tools

• My book: Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand → http://bit.ly/pygbook

• My workbook: Package Your Genius Companion Workbook → http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

• My favorite skincare addition: Matter of Monday Anti-Blue Light Brightening Serum → http://www.matterofmonday.com/amanda20

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Follow me on [Instagram]

• Connect with me on [LinkedIn]

• Check out my son’s business Baked By Connor -Visit the Baked By Connor website, Follow on Instagram

Be sure to subscribe to Purposescaping wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s next!

purpose, calling, life coaching, advice, personal development, purpose driven life, midlife

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer to remind me. 

Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. In this episode of Purposescaping, I’m diving into something we all face from time to time — a lack of motivation. Whether it’s due to burnout, overwhelm, or just feeling off, getting back into motion can feel like an uphill battle.

But momentum doesn’t have to come from a lightning bolt of inspiration — sometimes, it’s built one small step at a time. I’m sharing three practical strategies I turn to when I feel like I’m in a rut. These aren’t magic fixes, but they are proven ways to kickstart your energy and remind you of your purpose.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to act, this episode is your reminder: movement creates motivation. Let’s go.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The real reason we lose motivation (and why it’s not a personal failure)

• Three actionable strategies to regain momentum

• How to stop waiting for clarity and start creating it through action

Resources + Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book a 90-Minute One-on-One Clarity Coaching Session for Seasonal Clarity → [https://calendly.com/packageyourgenius/purposescaping-seasonal-clarity-intensive-clone]

• My book: Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand → http://bit.ly/pygbook

• My workbook: Package Your Genius Companion Workbook → http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

• My favorite skincare addition: Matter of Monday Anti-Blue Light Brightening Serum → http://www.matterofmonday.com/amanda20

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Follow me on [Instagram]

• Connect with me on [LinkedIn]

Be sure to subscribe to Purposescaping wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s next!

Welcome to this special PURPOSESCAPING mini episode.

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer for seasons of transition. 

In this quick Package Your Genius mini-episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite prompts from the Package Your Genius Companion Workbook: What did you do for fun as a child when no one was directing your time?

As midlife professionals, our lives can get so full and dynamic that we forget the simple things that once energized us. In this episode, I invite you to reflect on the activities that lit you up during a simpler time—and to consider what might still fuel your creativity, confidence, and personal brand today. Sometimes the clues to what you need now are hidden in what you loved then.

• Why childhood joys and passions can serve as a compass for your brand and career.

• How midlife transitions can distract us from the things that once energized us.

• A simple reflection exercise to help you reconnect with your unique spark.

I’d love to hear what this episode sparked for you! If you’re listening as I bring Purposescaping back, thank you for all the encouragement and feedback on the episodes I’ve published so far—it truly means the world.

Find me on Instagram [@iamamandamillerlittlejohn] and let me know: What energized you during a simpler time?

When I was in middle school, I discovered I had a gift for putting feelings into words. I would write poems that captured the emotional experiences of myself and my peers. I'd write about our joys, our heartbreaks, our quiet struggles. Years later, a healer told me that I had the spiritual gift of intercession.

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap and lifting up the needs of someone else when they may not have the words themselves. These days, instead of writing poems, I find myself regularly writing and saying prayers on behalf of the people I love. In these short episodes, I want to share some of those same petitions with you. If you've ever thought or said, I don't know how to pray.

My hope is that these words help you give voice to the requests that are already on your heart.

This is a prayer for the new school year. 

But through it all, I’m reminding myself of the lessons of the seasons: planting, growth, harvest, and rest. No season is wasted. In this episode, I’m talking about how I’m holding on to myself while helping my kids through their milestones, why I’m setting intentional goals for the remainder of the year, and how I’ve learned to balance ambition with grace.

If you’ve ever felt like life was shifting beneath your feet, I hope this episode encourages you to embrace your season and find alignment in the midst of change.

• How I’m navigating multiple big family milestones all at once.

• Why I’m giving myself more grace in this season of transition.

• How goal-setting helps me stay grounded when life feels full and emotional.

• The difference between my rigid 20-something plans and my flexible midlife vision.

• Ways I’m aligning my personal brand and purpose with where I am right now.

• My book: Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand → [http://bit.ly/pygbook]

• My workbook: Package Your Genius Companion Workbook → http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

• My favorite skincare addition: Matter of Monday Anti-Blue Light Brightening Serum → [http://www.matterofmonday.com/amanda20]

• Follow me on [Instagram]

• Connect with me on [LinkedIn]

• Be sure to subscribe to Purposescaping wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next!

You’ve probably seen the lists — The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying.

Regrets like:

“I wish I had spent more time with the people I love.”

“I wish I had taken more risks and followed my dreams.”

But what if the real tragedy isn’t waiting until the end of life to feel those regrets?

What if we’re already living them — every day — by back-burnering the things that matter most?

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how easily we can lose sight of what truly feeds us: small joys, nourishing relationships, creative passions, and moments of stillness.

I also share an excerpt from Chapter 3 of The Rest Revolution on back-burnering what matters — and the 6 sneaky beliefs that lead so many high-achievers into burnout, disconnection, and misalignment.

In This Episode, I Share:

• Why the regrets of the dying often start long before the end of life

• What “back-burnering” means — and how it quietly shapes our lives

• The 6 beliefs that keep us from tending to what matters most

• Why the smallest rituals (like walking your dog or calling a friend) are everything

• How joy is directly connected to your energy and well-being

Journal Prompt:

What have you been back-burnering?

And what would it look like to move that thing to the front burner of your life again?

Resources Mentioned:

• The Rest Revolution – Available now wherever books are sold

• Join me for the Spring Clarity Workshop on Sunday, April 13 — a space to reconnect with your sacred work and realign with the highest and best use of your gifts. Reserve your spot here →Spring Clarity Workshop

Connect with Amanda:

• Instagram: @iamamandamillerlittlejohn

• Website: www.amandamillerlittlejohn.com

If you’ve ever struggled with slowing down, even after realizing you're burned out, this vulnerable reflection will meet you where you are. Amanda explores the deep roots of our overworking habits and offers a gentle reminder: it takes time—and compassion—to unlearn the machine mindset.

In this episode:

• The real reason rest doesn’t feel easy

• Why burnout is more than a personal failure

• Embracing stillness without guilt

• Creating new mental grooves and habits

• Giving yourself grace as you recalibrate

📘 The Rest Revolution is available now. Order the book or review it here. 📲 Follow Amanda on Instagram: @iamamandamillerlittlejohn 📝 Leave a review to help others discover the show. 

In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift that came into focus during a recent trip to NYC. Over the course of 36 hours, I had three major visibility opportunities—two were amazing, and one totally flopped. But instead of spiraling over the one that didn’t land, I felt grounded. Why? Because I had volume on my side.

When you stack opportunities, no single one has the power to derail your confidence. We explore why taking more swings is the secret to building momentum, buffering against failure, and staying resilient in your journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ Why opportunity is truly a numbers game ✨ How one “bad” talk didn’t break me because I had two wins lined up ✨ The mindset shift from machine to human (and why it matters) ✨ The power of applying for multiple fellowships, not just one ✨ How volume can emotionally insulate you from rejection ✨ Why you need to be planting seeds constantly to stay in momentum

Mentioned in This Episode:

📘 The Rest Revolution – My book on shifting away from perfectionism and hustle culture 🗽 NYC trip takeaways – 3 visibility moments in 36 hours ✍🏽 Journalism fellowships and personal essays – The power of applying and pitching in batches

✅ Spring Clarity Workshop - Get clear on what hunger is currently calling you

Listener Takeaway:

Stop betting everything on one perfect pitch or one big moment. Instead, embrace volume. Take more shots. Apply to more things. Speak in more rooms. Create more opportunities for yourself so you’re never defined by just one.

All you need is one to hit.

Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support:

✅ Share it with a friend who needs the reminder to keep swinging ✅ Post your biggest takeaway on social media and tag me ✅ Leave a rating or review wherever you listen—it helps more folks find the show!

Join me for a Spring Clarity Workshop on April 13

In a couple of weeks, I'm hosting a Spring Clarity Workshop over Zoom to offer a structured, supportive space to pause, reflect, and figure out what’s actually next for this season of your life and work.

I'll meet live with attendees to focus on: 

• Getting clear on what season you’re in now (because seasons shift, and your brand should too) 
• Getting clear on what goal you most want to focus on and what actions you need to take to reach that goal
• Mapping your next aligned moves based on what’s easy for you but valuable to others 
• Auditing your brand story, visibility, and time investment to bring your work into better focus

The investment is just $95, and I’d love to have you in the room. Reserve your spot here → [Spring Clarity Workshop]

While I still had many edits and revisions ahead, submitting the manuscript marked a turning point. It punctuated a season of deep personal and spiritual obedience.

Just three years earlier, I’d gotten honest with myself about what was missing in my life. I had a gnawing sense that I wasn’t sharing enough of my own words, my voice, my truth. I felt hungry—for expression, for alignment, for creative purpose.

And once I named that hunger, I chose to feed it.

I carved out time for writing classes. Then came freelance assignments and contributor opportunities. I found and built community with other writers.

I didn’t start with a 10-step plan. I simply tuned in to what I’d been trying to silence, and honored the signal. Each decision after that was fueled by the clarity that came from listening to my own desire.

That hunger held the answers.

And I believe your hunger holds wisdom, too.

With everything happening in the world right now—from mass layoffs to burnout—it’s easy to numb out, go on autopilot, or ignore your own internal signals.

In a recent Forbes article, I interviewed mental health and career experts about staying grounded during hard seasons. One line from Octavia Raheem continues to echo in my mind:

That clarity—the ability to distinguish what’s yours to carry from what can be released—is your power source.

So this April, I’m hosting a Spring Clarity Workshop, a live online experience to help you identify the hunger you’ve been suppressing—and make a plan to nourish it.

The Spring Clarity Workshop: Realign Your Work, Energy, and Vision  Sunday April 13, 2025 | 3 PM – 5 PM ET  $95

This is for you if:

 You’re rethinking your career, business, or visibility goals  You’re craving structure and clarity but don’t want to do it alone  You want a gentle but strategic reset to help you get unstuck

We’ll reflect, audit, and build a personalized plan together—so you can start feeding the parts of you that are starving.

 Reserve your spot here→ [April Clarity Workshop]

The current news cycle is so fast-paced and constantly changing, it makes it difficult to discern where to put your focus, especially when you need to stay informed about current events. The result can be a state of sensory overwhelm that can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to make decisions about everything, including how to navigate in your career.

Restorative coach Octavia Raheem offered a powerful antidote to this overwhelm: “Get clear on what is yours to do. Stay clear on what is not yours to do.”

But how do we actually figure that out? How do we discern the work that is ours to do from the distractions, obligations, and borrowed ambitions that pull us off course?

In my book, The Rest Revolution, I explore how rest, self-awareness, and alignment are essential to finding your most meaningful work. Here’s how to tune out the noise, reconnect with your true ambition, and set yourself up to do the work that is uniquely yours to do. Read more in Forbes.

Click here to grab one of the limited February coaching spots →[Enroll Now]

If you’ve been considering booking a 90-Minute Brand Brainstorm for Seasonal Clarity but aren’t quite sure what I can help you with, let me break it down.

For the past 13 years, I’ve helped people just like you:

 Uncover hidden opportunities – I help you see what you’re uniquely positioned for, whether it’s a new role, a new service, or a shift in how you package your expertise.

 Build visibility & credibility – I identify the media outlets, events, and workshops you should be targeting to expand your influence.

Turn skills into revenue – I help you figure out what services to pitch, what products to develop, and how to monetize your expertise in a way that feels aligned.

Step into thought leadership – I show you how to position yourself as the authority in your field, whether through a podcast, a book, speaking engagements, or convening important conversations.

I’ve done this for my clients—and I’ve done it for myself.

My own personal brand and visibility work has led to:

Winning national awards from PRWeek, National Black PR Society, and a fellowship from The Carter Center

 Landing a mainstream book deal (plus self-publishing multiple successful books and workbooks)

Publishing a podcast (over 150 episodes!) that attracts visibility and clients

Writing freelance articles for major outlets like The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, and FORBES

Securing TV segments for myself and my clients

If you feel stuck—whether in your career, business, or personal brand—this is your chance to get customized strategy and clarity so you can take your next step with confidence.

The 90-Minute Brand Brainstorm for Seasonal Clarity – A Private Session to Get Clear on What’s Next

This is for you if:

You’re rethinking your career or business in 2025 and need clarity on your next steps…

You’ve been laid off and want to figure out how to leverage your skills for new opportunities…

You’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled and need help seeing what opportunities exist for you to get energized around your work again…

You know you have valuable expertise but aren’t sure how to package, position, or monetize it…

What You’ll Walk Away With:

90-minute private strategy session with me over Zoom – A deep dive into your strengths, skills, and goals.

A 1-Page Personal Branding Plan – Your customized roadmap for career and business positioning to include an overview of your strengths, message, credibility points, and thought leadership opportunities.

Introductory Brand Messaging for your ‘About Me’ page or LinkedIn summary.

Clarity on your most profitable skills and how to turn them into real opportunities.

Immediately implementable strategies to build visibility and attract the right roles, clients, or media opportunities based on your unique situation and personality.

Click here to grab one of the limited spots →[Enroll Now]

These case study sessions are for February only. Once these spots are gone, the rate goes back up. So if this is speaking to you, now is a great time to make it happen.

Let’s stay focused on our most important work together.

You’ve accomplished a lot. If you’re like my other executive coaching clients, you’ve checked the boxes of success—whether in your career, business, or personal brand. Yet, something still feels off. If you’re feeling unfulfilled but can’t pinpoint why, the answer likely lies in one of four key areas: income, influence, impact, or inner joy.

Fulfillment isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about balancing these four pillars. If even one is neglected, you may experience a nagging sense that something is missing. By diagnosing where you’re out of alignment, you can refocus your energy and create a life that feels as rewarding as it looks. Feel free to borrow this framework I use with my coaching clients. Read more on Forbes.

Click here to grab one of the limited February coaching spots →[Enroll Now]

With everything happening in our country right now—from the relentless news cycle to President Trump’s dozens of executive orders and mass government layoffs—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you move forward when so much feels uncertain?

For a recent Forbes article, I interviewed experts on how to stay out of overwhelm during difficult times, and something that Octavia Raheem shared really stuck with me:

“You have to stay focused on your sacred work and get clear on what is yours to do.”

That clarity—the ability to see the next step in front of you, no matter how chaotic the world feels—is everything.

For me, my sacred work is storytelling, translating our experiences, and helping people get clear on what’s next. I’ve been doing the writing—publishing prolifically in Forbes and on Substack—but the coaching and clarity work is just as important.

So this month, I’m offering something I haven’t done in nearly a decade:

The 90-Minute Brand Brainstorm for Seasonal Clarity – A Private Session to Get Clear on What’s Next

This is for you if:

You’re rethinking your career or business in 2025 and need clarity on your next steps…

You’ve been laid off and want to figure out how to leverage your skills for new opportunities…

You’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled and need help seeing what opportunities exist for you to get energized around your work again…

You know you have valuable expertise but aren’t sure how to package, position, or monetize it…

What You’ll Walk Away With:

90-minute private strategy session with me over Zoom – A deep dive into your strengths, skills, and goals.

A 1-Page Personal Branding Plan – Your customized roadmap for career and business positioning to include an overview of your strengths, message, credibility points, and thought leadership opportunities.

Introductory Brand Messaging for your ‘About Me’ page or LinkedIn summary.

Clarity on your most profitable skills and how to turn them into real opportunities.

Immediately implementable strategies to build visibility and attract the right roles, clients, or media opportunities based on your unique situation and personality.

I’m Offering a Special Case Study Rate for a Limited Time 

Normally, my private brand strategy sessions start at $2,500+, but for a limited number of people, I’m offering this for just $750 as part of a special case study project.

Why? Because I want fresh case studies on my coaching work, and I know that helping others get clear also helps me stay aligned with my own sacred work.

This is an exchange: You get the clarity and strategy you need for your next step, and I get to continue doing the work that keeps me grounded.

It’s Black History Month. For me, this is an especially important time to reflect on legacy, impact, and purpose. One of my life joys is helping high achievers like you get clear on what is yours to do and focused on how you’re using your skills to make a difference in the world, whatever your racial identity.

If you’re ready to step into clarity, I’d love to work with you.

Click here to grab one of the limited spots →[Enroll Now]

These case study sessions are for February only. Once these spots are gone, the rate goes back up. So if this is speaking to you, now is a great time to make it happen.

Let’s stay focused on our most important work together.

The Rest Revolution isn’t just about rest; it’s about the great realignment that is happening in this country. People are slowly waking up to the idea that good lives require more than work and achievement. Good lives require you getting in alignment with the purposeful work, key relationships, and energizing activities that are most important to you. 

About Today's Episode

For today’s interview, I speak with Angela Benton on redefining work and rest in the context of personal health crises and lifestyle changes. Angela shares her own burnout breaking point and experiences transitioning from a high-paced career in technology to embracing a more balanced life on a farm.

We discuss the importance of intuition, nature, the impact of societal expectations on work habits and the necessity of re-evaluating these norms for personal well-being. 

Learn more about Angela and all of her projects at https://www.angelabenton.co/

Preorder The Rest Revolution 

Visit HTTP://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

Order The Rest Revolution on Amazon

Order The Rest Revolution on Barnes and Noble

Order The Rest Revolution at Books-a-Million

Order The Rest Revolution at Bookshop

Thank you so much for tuning in to this special series of the podcast focused on my new book, The Rest Revolution: How to Reclaim Your Rhythm and Conquer Burnout When Overworking Has Become the Norm, which comes out on November 13th.

The Rest Revolution isn’t just about rest; it’s about the great realignment that is happening in this country. People are slowly waking up to the idea that good lives require more than work and achievement. Good lives require you getting in alignment with the purposeful work, key relationships, and energizing activities that are most important to you. 

About Today's Episode

In this episode, I sit down with the rest queen Octavia Raheem to discuss the transformative power of rest and the journey from burnout to healing. Octavia shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of stillness, and how she became a rest practitioner. We explore the significance of community in healing and the impact of communal rest through retreats and the need to prioritize rest and self-care in a fast-paced world. 

Octavia Faith Ann Raheem and I explore the transformative power of gathering, the importance of co-regulation in nervous systems, and the embodied experiences of rest. We discuss how leaders can benefit from rest, the role of imagination in problem-solving, and the significance of creating safe communal spaces for healing and rejuvenation. The dialogue emphasizes practical tools for integrating rest into daily life and the collective responsibility to foster environments that support well-being.

Rest is Sacred: Reclaiming Our Brilliance Through the Practice of Stillness is available today everywhere books are sold! Get your copy here.

Learn More About Octavia and her new book Rest is Sacred at OctaviaRaheem.com

Learn About The Rest Revolution 

Visit HTTP://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

Order The Rest Revolution on Amazon

Order The Rest Revolution on Barnes and Noble

Order The Rest Revolution at Books-a-Million

Order The Rest Revolution at Bookshop

I’m thrilled to share this book with you because it’s my most important work yet. In The Rest Revolution, I explore how we’ve been conditioned to treat ourselves like machines and how this mindset leads to burnout, exhaustion, and a disconnection from our true selves.

The Rest Revolution isn’t just about rest; it’s about the great realignment that is happening in this country. People are slowly waking up to the idea that good lives require more than work and achievement. Good lives require you getting in alignment with the purposeful work, key relationships, and energizing activities that are most important to you. 

I interview high achieving professionals, psychologists, sociologists, and medical experts on how we can you can reclaim your humanity, find more balance, and choose to live and work in a way that truly aligns with your purpose. It’s about breaking free from the toxic cycle of overwork and finding a new, sustainable way forward. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes or just going through the motions, this book is for you.

If you love this podcast, I know you’ll love the book. The Rest Revolution will be available on November 12th from all major booksellers, and you can visit www.therestrevolutionbook.com to preorder your copy now. I can’t wait for you to read it.

About Today's Episode

In this episode, I interview Natalie MacNeil, discussing her journey as a futurist and the importance of overcoming burnout through rest and deep listening. We explore the intersection of futurism and embodiment practices, the significance of trusting intuition, and how AI can empower entrepreneurs to achieve their goals while maintaining balance in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for transformation in the face of rapid technological changes and the potential for diverse voices to emerge in storytelling.

In this juicy episode, Natalie and I explore the transformative impact of AI on productivity and service-based businesses, the evolution of ambition and authenticity, and the importance of rest and healing from burnout. Natalie shares her journey of building an AI dream team, the challenges and benefits of integrating AI into business workflows, and how her relationship with ambition has shifted from seeking external validation to focusing on authentic contributions. We even discuss the societal implications of AI on job roles and the necessity of embedding rest into daily life to combat burnout.

Takeaways

• Deep listening is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Trusting intuition can lead to fulfilling career paths.
• AI is a powerful tool for reducing workload and preventing burnout.
• Futurism blends data analysis with imaginative visioning.
• Making space for rest allows deeper truths to emerge.
• Intuition can guide decisions that defy logical reasoning.
• The future will see a democratization of resources through AI.
• Diverse stories and voices will flourish in the coming years.
• Embodying practices can prepare us for radical changes ahead. AI can significantly reduce workload and increase efficiency.
• Building an AI team requires initial effort and experimentation.
• AI tools have evolved, making workflows easier and more integrated.
• Custom GPTs can be trained to take on specific business roles, and every job will need to incorporate AI to remain relevant.
• Ambition should be aligned with authenticity and personal values.
• Rest is essential for sustainable productivity and creativity. Burnout cannot be healed by vacations alone; daily rest is crucial.
• Defining success on one's own terms is vital for fulfillment.
• The rapid advancement of technology necessitates new ways of working.

Quotes by Natalie MacNeil 

"I think it's such an incredible book." - Natalie MacNeil on The Rest Revolution "Everything is about to change because of AI." "We need to be well rested to hear deeper truths." "AI has reduced your workload by 50%." "I had to hack a lot of things." "We've had a quantum leap in the power of that technology."

Learn More About Natalie MacNeil

Visit HTTP://www.nataliemacneil.com

Learn about Natalie's New Course - AI Dream Team

Learn about Natalie's Coaching Certification - Coaching Evolved

Follow Natalie on Instagram - @NatalieMacNeil

Learn About The Rest Revolution 

Visit HTTP://www.therestrevolutionbook.com

Order The Rest Revolution on Amazon

Order The Rest Revolution on Barnes and Noble

Order The Rest Revolution at Books-a-Million

Order The Rest Revolution at Bookshop

I’m thrilled to share this book with you because I believe it’s my most important work yet. In The Rest Revolution, I explore how we’ve been conditioned to treat ourselves like machines and how this mindset leads to burnout, exhaustion, and a disconnection from our true selves.

The Rest Revolution isn’t just about rest; it’s about the great realignment that is happening in this country. People are slowly waking up to the idea that good lives require more than work and achievement. Good lives require you getting in alignment with the purposeful work, key relationships, and energizing activities that are most important to you.

I interview high achieving professionals, psychologists, sociologists, and medical experts on how we can you can reclaim your humanity, find more balance, and choose to live and work in a way that truly aligns with your purpose. It’s about breaking free from the toxic cycle of overwork and finding a new, sustainable way forward. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes or just going through the motions, this book is for you.

If you love this podcast, I know you’ll love the book. The Rest Revolution will be available on November 12th from all major booksellers, and you can visit www.therestrevolutionbook.com to preorder your copy now. I can’t wait for you to read it.

Let me be honest for a second.

I have encouraged clients to make themselves visible for YEARS. But some time ago, I began to question the point of it all.

Yes. I had to sit with the truth of how tiresome visibility actually was - even for me.

With all of the other issues in the world competing for my mental space and emotional energy, constantly courting the spotlight became exhausting. 

(You can see how problematic this could be for a visibility strategist’s business model…)

At a certain point I concluded that if incessantly sharing was the key to me having a profitable business, I would have to shut my business down.

I was going to have to learn how to make my brand discoverable and compelling without creating a ton of extra work.

I was going to have to learn how to connect with those who needed my work WITHOUT creating yet another ferris wheel on which to exhaust myself.

Or else, my business as I knew it was a wrap.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to shut things down.

But I did come up with some parameters around how I show up.

And it changed how I began to advise my busy, high-achieving, often introverted clients to show up when the world around them is so uncertain.

I'm calling these parameters my "New Rules of Visibility."

In short, they are:

• RULE #1: Honor your season and your current capacity. Don't contribute to your own burnout by making yourself a slave to a social media posting schedule. You are not a machine.
• RULE #2: Quality over quantity. Seek to share in order to connect and resonate with your audience instead of sharing for sharing's sake. Share your newsworthy news.
• RULE #3: Leave long-lasting breadcrumbs. A durable trail of high-quality content can help newcomers get up to speed quickly on who you are. Social media trends like reels are fun, but long-lasting stories placed strategically will get you sooooo much more mileage as a thought leader and won't wear you out in the long run.

As you may imagine, solid storytelling is a key component of the new rules.

Instead of sharing gratuitously, we are popping up to the surface to share memorable insights that actually help others make sense of our current world.

We’re stepping into the spotlight to share the moments that create connection instead of add to the noise.

And we’re able to do it without wearing ourselves out.

🚨 Last call to join me for tomorrow at noon for my latest workshop: Resonance & Relevance - I’m so excited for it!

Whatever has changed for you during the upheaval of the last two years, it’s probably time to reintroduce yourself.

And it's time to do that in a way that takes into account the way your life, responsibilities, and perspective on your purpose has changed.

Because nothing is the same.

It can feel oddly vulnerable to disappear from public view - whether your version of public view is social media, a public speaking circuit, or the networking rooms for your industry. But EVERYONE disappears at some point - whether they leave a job, lose a job, have a baby, bury a parent, shutter their business, lose their motivation, or like me, succumb to burnout. In the past two years, so many of us have had to step out of the spotlight. We’ve had to leave and return and sometimes, turn around and leave again.

A client disappeared online because he left the job industry and professional identity he’d held for nearly a decade and started a new entrepreneurial venture. He didn’t know how to share that news.

I’ve disappeared personally and candidly due to burnout, depression, and being just plain exhausted.  After having a baby and tending to my older kids and trying to evade COVID, it’s been a lot.  I had to take care of myself and sadly that meant I had to deprioritize coming here and sharing with you.

While circumstances among us may vary, a lot of the mental chatter we experience when going through that revolving door is universal. On the occasion of your return, you wonder: Will people still care or be curious about what I’m up to? Are they still there? Do they even remember who I am? And...how will I let people know that I’m BACK?

I'm hosting a new workshop called  Resonance & Relevance on June 03, 2022 at 12pm EST and I hope you can join me live. This workshop is for you if you’ve been struggling to reintroduce yourself to your network after stepping away from the spotlight for whatever reason, and you want to learn a simple way to put yourself back on people's minds.

Register for Resonance & Relevance at http://www.amandamillerlittlejohn.com/classes

or on Crowdcast here.

But whether you join me or not, remember this: It’s NEVER too late for you to make a comeback.

It's good to BE BACK. Thanks for listening.

Radical self-discovery isn’t just a nice to do, it’s a must-do. And it’s a must-do on a REGULAR basis if you want to step into the highest level of your purpose and live the most empowered version of your personal brand.

***

Welcome to December!

How are you feeling about 2020?

If you're like most of my clients, you may be thinking about what you set out to do this year, how the pandemic threw a wrench in your plans, what you managed to get done, and what you didn't accomplish.

But as I've said before - 2020 ain't over.

There's still time to squeeze some juice out of this year, and I for one have big plans to do just that.

High achievers like us don't take enough opportunities to pause, reflect, and put a plan in place for our own growth and development. It's one of the very first things we tend to deprioritize when life gets busy.

That's why taking the time to reflect, set intentions, and plan during the month of December is so essential.

Life comes at you fast, and once things pick back up in January, it will be almost impossible to find the time and mental space to make the BIG DECISIONS that will drive your progress for the year.

So if you've been on the fence, consider this your LAST CALL to 1) join the December PURPOSESCAPING Group Intensive that starts Sunday December 6, and 2) Apply for the 6-month visibility mastermind and get the December Intensive on me.

Over those fertile four weeks leading up to the new year, I’ll be coaching you using elements of the PURPOSESCAPING framework. I'll also help you to set your intentions for 2021 and strategize with you to map out a tactical/spiritual/malleable plan for your platform, visibility, and revenue for next year. And if you end up joining us for the visibility academy, you'll already have some serious momentum as we kick off sessions in January.

>> Click here to apply for the 6-Month Visibility Mastermind Click here to apply for the December Intensive Only ]]> On today's episode, I take you behind the scenes of the morning routine that changed everything and helped me OUTGROW my goals.

This new morning routine changed EVERYTHING - the consistency mixed with  intention helped me outgrow my prayers in 30 days.

Many thanks 🙏🏾 to Kailei Carr @kaileicarr Ash Johns @ashinspires Monique Ruffin @moniqueruffin and Jereshia Hawk @jereshiahawk

***

Welcome to December!

How are you feeling about 2020?

If you're like most of my clients, you may be thinking about what you set out to do this year, how the pandemic threw a wrench in your plans, what you managed to get done, and what you didn't accomplish.

But as I've said before - 2020 ain't over.

There's still time to squeeze some juice out of this year, and I for one have big plans to do just that.

High achievers like us don't take enough opportunities to pause, reflect, and put a plan in place for our own growth and development. It's one of the very first things we tend to deprioritize when life gets busy.

That's why taking the time to reflect, set intentions, and plan during the month of December is so essential.

Life comes at you fast, and once things pick back up in January, it will be almost impossible to find the time and mental space to make the BIG DECISIONS that will drive your progress for the year.

So if you've been on the fence, consider this your LAST CALL to 1) join the December PURPOSESCAPING Group Intensive that starts Sunday December 6, and 2) Apply for the 6-month visibility mastermind and get the December Intensive on me.

Over those fertile four weeks leading up to the new year, I’ll be coaching you using elements of the PURPOSESCAPING framework. I'll also help you to set your intentions for 2021 and strategize with you to map out a tactical/spiritual/malleable plan for your platform, visibility, and revenue for next year. And if you end up joining us for the visibility academy, you'll already have some serious momentum as we kick off sessions in January.

>> Click here to apply for the 6-Month Visibility Mastermind Click here to apply for the December Intensive Only ]]> > Click here to apply for the 6-Month Visibility Mastermind Click here to apply for the December Intensive Only ]]> packageyourgenius false No 1111 232 full PYG 160 - 5 Ways You're Not Monetizing Your Personal Brand (And How to Fix It In the Next 30 Days) https://packageyourgenius.podbean.com/e/pyg-160-5-ways-to-to-monetize-your-personal-brand-in-the-next-30-days/ https://packageyourgenius.podbean.com/e/pyg-160-5-ways-to-to-monetize-your-personal-brand-in-the-next-30-days/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:38:53 -0500 packageyourgenius.podbean.com/9351ec60-16f1-3df5-a5b1-47dd61875758 The end of the year is the perfect time to manifest money quickly. Many people are thinking about how they want to make changes in their lives, or may be reflecting on what they didn't accomplish this year that they need to bring back into focus.

Over those fertile four weeks leading up to the new year, I’ll be sharing elements of my new PURPOSESCAPING framework as well as coaching you to set your intentions for 2021 and map out a tactical/spiritual/malleable plan for your platform, visibility, and revenue. Click here to apply for the December coaching intensive.​

Here's the thing: getting clear on your intention works.

Writing your goals down works.

Sharing your goals in community with others who can hold space for you works.

Because the domino effect we set off at the end of 2019 during our last December intensive...🤯🤯🤯

Secondly, I’m wrapping up enrollment conversations for our Package Your Genius Academy Visibility Mastermind.

Behind the scenes this year, our students and clients have achieved some extraordinary wins:

• Ash unlocked her business potential, got unblocked and exceeded her 6-figure corporate advertising salary. And she did this by selling spiritual coaching services she was unsure she could sell at premium prices just one year ago. She now has a waitlist. 

• Tiffany hosted her first sold-out virtual event and launched her first membership program. 

• Allissa leveraged her journalism and storytelling skills to write a book on the history of mobile journalism. She landed a mainstream publishing deal and released her book to critical acclaim. 

• Tamika sold over $100k in sponsorships for her first virtual event during the pandemic. 

• Amber landed a mainstream book deal, 10xed her corporate client list, grew her team, and blew past her ambitious revenue goal for the year. 

• Tisa buckled down and wrote the first book in a 3-book series on personal finance, and has since landed a grant that has allowed her to GIVE BACK and get the book in the hands of hundreds of first-generation college students. 

While the mastermind kicks off in January, those who enroll now can join the December PURPOSESCAPING intention setting planning intensive at no additional cost. Click here to apply for the mastermind.

The message was - we are often affected by forces we're not even aware of.

It all goes back to clarifying what you want and putting that out there while remaining unattached to how you'll get there. That's why I chose today's episode as a fitting rewind as we move into the end of year planning or visioning season.

So many curveballs this year. And next year will likely be interesting, too. But one thing is for certain, we still need to get clear on what we want if we expect it to find its way to us. And honestly how often do you allow yourself to really immerse yourself in your big dream?

I'd like to invite you to immerse yourself in your intention for next year. If you need to get focused on what you want for your personal brand and business - join me over 4 weeks in December for the Purposescaping Brand With Purpose Intensive. We'll be getting clear on what we want to see show up in our lives but divorcing ourselves from the GPS.

Remember - the vision and roadmap rarely pop up at the same time. But what I'm learning more and more - and I'm by no means an expert in intention-setting - is the more you can embody what it is that you want from the inside out, the more inevitable will be its return to you.

So that's what December is about - embodying what we want for our personal brands - what do we want to create, what do we want to promote, what do we want to earn in the next year. Seeing it is the first step to claiming it, and once we claim it, it's ours. Enjoy this rewind.

Apply for the Brand with Purpose Intensive - Apply Now

I’ve been thinking a lot about the intentions we set and how even when we make plans, our intentions tend to make the real difference because we never know exactly how we’ll reach our biggest goals.

If one of your intentions for the next season of your career and business is to become known in your industry so you can become sought after instead of always seeking, you need to listen to Becoming Known, a master class I taught last fall.

In it, I break down the 9 elements to becoming known in your industry so you can grow your audience, command higher fees, and reach your goals faster. Visibility is not the end goal, but it is definitely an accelerant if you want to reach your goals faster. Think about it - it’s really hard to become sought after if no one knows who you are and what you do.

If you’re seriously ready to become sought after in your next season, I invite you to apply for PYG Academy’s winter cohort. If you’re accepted and join before December, you’ll get to join our December intention setting and brand planning intensive at no additional cost!

If you're looking to go from seeking to sought after, I invite you to apply to Package Your Genius Academy.  Apply Here >> Application

If you're ready to move from doing the work you CAN do to the work you were BORN to do without losing revenue or credibility, submit your application this week and we'll be in touch!

Apply to Package Your Genius Academy >> Apply Here

Apply to PURPOSESCAPING Brand with Purpose Intensive Only >> Apply Here

After working together in our PYGA Agency program this spring and summer, our longtime client and academy alum Amber Cabral, a diversity consultant and Fortune 500 trainer, landed a mainstream book deal with Wiley Press. It all happened really fast - Amber wrote the book over the summer and it will be released on November 17 in just a few weeks.

Since preorders are such a huge piece of helping books do well, we're excited to host an invitation-only master class for those who preorder the book this week. Amber will join Jeanenne Ray, acquisitions editor at Wiley Books in a conversation about mainstream publishing and what you can do to position yourself if landing a book deal as an expert is on your to-do list.

​We’ll be discussing how Amber caught the attention of a major publisher this year, what publishers are looking for RIGHT NOW, and how YOU can potentially land a book deal WITHOUT a huge social media following.

​If you are looking to explode your personal brand through a traditionally published book, this exclusive closed-door conversation is happening Thursday, November 5 at 2pm ET.​

How can you join?

To register, you simply need to preorder Allies and Advocates, provide proof that you preordered the book in the last week, and fill in this form by Wednesday. On Thursday morning we'll send you details to access the private Zoom training. 

If you’ve already preordered, please grab ANOTHER copy to gift to a friend or colleague. We want to drive as many preorders as possible before the book is released on Nov. 17!

If you’re looking to peek behind the curtains of how to land a book deal and learn how you can position YOURSELF for mainstream publishing, don’t miss this conversation!!!

On another note, if you're interested in learning some of the same strategies we've shared with Amber over the years - the ones that have helped her become a recurring expert on Fast Company, land a mainstream publishing deal, and grow her business to multiple six figures from zero figures just to name a few, understand that she started out in our 12-week visibility academy. Amber shows up and does the work - she outgrinds everyone AND she's obedient in that she implements what we tell her to do, so her results speak to that. If you're looking for that kind of transformation, I invite you to apply to Package Your Genius Academy.  Apply Here >> Application

This cohort will work a little differently from previous groups.

First, I'll be infusing much of my new PURPOSESCAPING philosophy into the curriculum, so we're covering some brand new stuff!

Second, I'm committed to a six-month journey instead of three.

More time together means more opportunities to go deep with my team and I, more chances to implement, more chances to get feedback on your brand-building assignments, and more time for the lessons to crystallize.

I've noticed that when I bring dynamic groups together to embark on a journey like this, we're unstoppable.

If you're ready to move from doing the work you CAN do to the work you were BORN to do without losing revenue or credibility, submit your application this week and we'll be in touch!

That's all for now - I hope to see you in our session with the acquisitions editor at Wiley. If you're a subject matter expert, I believe there has never been a better time to put your ideas out there. It's our time. Let's go!

Links from this episode:

Apply to Package Your Genius Academy >> Apply Here

Preorder Allies and Advocates >> Preorder Here

Sign up for the Conversation with Wiley Press >> Register Here

I haven't sat down to record an episode of Package Your Genius in eight months and for that, I need to be straight up with you and offer my sincerest apologies.

When the year started, I was in a season of searching that took me a little longer than it usually takes at the beginning of a new year. I knew I was on the cusp of a season of personal and business change - I can't tell you how I knew it, but I did know it. And for that reason, I believe my spirit was stuck in quicksand.

I kept trying to put my own plan together for 2020, but every time I'd try, I'd get nowhere. It was like God was saying - "Girl, no need for a plan right now. Stay flexible. Things are about to get weird..."

Then the pandemic hit, and the year began to unravel quickly. I had just launched a high-end group program for established personal brands - AGENCY - and as we onboarded new members, news of the pandemic spread. Two weeks into the new program, my kids' school shut down and transitioned to virtual classes. My husband's corporate job also went virtual so everyone was working from home. Four weeks into the new program, several of my clients reported lost revenue due to pandemic-related cancellations.

I was devastated, terrified, unnerved - you name it. I immediately went into my default recession mental programming. If you know my story, you know that when the Great Recession of 2007-2008 hit, I was laid off from my newspaper staff writer position with a newborn baby and my husband would soon lose his job as well. While I hunkered down and started the first iteration of my PR business, I remember feeling stressed and scared the entire time. In those early months, there was a lot of hitting and a lot of missing - and with a newborn baby, there was so much pressure to succeed for survival's sake.

Fast forward to this past spring, and my default story around uncertain economic times started to play in my head. I mean, it was visceral. I could literally feel the panic of 2007-2008 just as if I were once again a first-time twenty-something mother who had just lost her job. Like many parents, I wondered if my kids would mentally be okay spending so much time indoors and if any of us would catch the virus and get sick. I grieved not getting to visit my grandmother on her 90th birthday which coincided with the kids' spring break. More in line with my conditioning though, as I watched news of rising unemployment numbers in the USA, I worried if I would be okay if my clients' businesses would be okay and if I should brace for a season of drought and struggle.

But this time, I was far removed from that 2007 2008 version of myself as a business owner who's weathered her fair share of storms and built something profitable and sustainable - something I am proud of. But that didn't keep me from feeling the physical manifestation of anxiety, and replaying my recession story both mentally and physically.

My fear froze me.

I held off on launching the programs I'd had on my calendar for 2020. I took my focus off of myself and dove into supporting my children as they navigated classes on RingCentral and Zoom. I gave all my energy to my new program clients which paid off handsomely when I witnessed them clawing back to rebuild their 2020 revenues, outline and publish their books, raise six-figure sponsorships, host sold-out virtual events, and land a traditional book deal. I plan to record either a special podcast episode or virtual training on the specific lessons I learned about building your profits via your personal brand even during a pandemic.

But anyway, a few of my new agency clients ended up leaving the program early due to their own situations regarding COVID - one, in particular, was a hospital executive who was essentially living at the hospital and putting herself at risk every day to go to work. But some of the clients we onboarded that spring stayed for the full duration of the 6-month program and can I tell you, it was our weekly calls that kept me focused and productive so much so that I need to call them by name - Thank you Tamika, Amber, Tiffany, Kimberly, Tisa, Tanya, and Susan for giving me a place to put my mental focus on the days I wanted to spiral back into my old story.

Working with these ladies through the first months of the pandemic was so eye-opening - their courage to keep showing up and continue offering their gifts to the world inspired me to keep showing up and keep offering my gifts to them. In hindsight, working with them really got me through the worst of it - at least what has been the worst of it so far.

But back to what happened with the podcast. I knew about a year ago that I needed to pivot my mission and the content for this podcast because I'd started to veer into a new direction with what I was being called to share. Even though it would literally take me 5 minutes to make a list of 20 personal branding topics that would neatly fit under the package your genius umbrella, I prefer to share what is being channeled through me and give you the downloads directly from my source.

And those how-to service pieces were not coming through, okay? You probably noticed how you started hearing a lot about nature and purpose and finding your path much more than you heard about how to write a better bio or grow your audience on LinkedIn. Which is why I believe I lost my podcast voice for eight months. Until I was ready to claim this other more "woo woo" part of myself and my voice, I thought it was better to say nothing at all.

But I'm excited to announce I have decided to step into the new season of my voice and I've launched PURPOSESCAPING, my new podcast and platform to help you go deeper with your personal brand and clear a pathway to your purpose.

PURPOSESCAPING has been in the works for a while, but I'm happy to finally have the opportunity to share it with you. So if you're interested in where I'm going with my new level of thinking, search for PURPOSESCAPING wherever you listen to your podcasts and subscribe. I've also set up an Instagram account just for that brand and it's @purposescaping so please follow along and engage with me there.

Now. What does that mean for Package Your Genius? To be honest, I am not 100% sure just yet. However, I did feel like the content I've produced here up to this point is relevant to many of you, and may be relevant to people who discover me for the first time in the future. That's why I didn't rebrand Package Your Genius to PURPOSESCAPING and essentially erase it from the internet. I wanted to let it stand here as a resource to people who still want to check out these 150+ episodes as they may be relevant to wherever you are on your journey. Because everyone won't want to come along - I'm clear that PURPOSESCAPING is not for everybody.

Will I continue to update the Package Your Genius podcast? As I see it now, I definitely won't be updating the podcast as regularly as I did before, however I still have tactical content from time to time that would probably make more sense to share here, so I may publish at least one episode or interview here per month. We'll see. I'm not putting a ton of pressure on it as PURPOSESCAPING is my major focus right now. But again, as I have tactical personal branding nuggets to share, I plan to share them with you here.

For example, next week I'm hosting one of my longtime students and clients, diversity consultant Amber Cabral in conversation with an acquisitions editor at Wiley Press. They're going to be discussing how to land a traditional book deal as an expert without a huge following, so I may come back on and share a few nuggets from that conversation. If you would like to participate in that live and hear from the book editor and about Amber's experience attracting the attention of a major publisher and landing a book deal in the middle of a pandemic, we are making that conversation a bonus to people who preorder a copy of her book Allies and Advocates, so watch our social media for those details. I'm @packageyourgenius and she's @bamcabral

Last announcement, I am excited to open the doors for another group of students of Package your Genius Academy in November. This group will be a little different - I plan to work with this group over 6 months instead of the traditional 3 so we'll get a chance to GO DEEPER into the concepts, and lean into the brand-building challenges. We'll be embedding much of the new PURPOSESCAPING framework into how I teach. If you've been looking to package your genius finally and feel that now is the time check it out. If you want to work with someone and be in community for at least six months, and you have the time to invest as well as the financial resources to invest, reach out. This is a program, not a course and will be priced as such.

We're looking for individuals who are

1. committed to branding the most authentic version of who they are,

2. ready to step into the NEXT LEVEL of their gift,

3. high achievers who feel like they've reached a level of success that may impress other people but they know they are being called to do more - even if friends and family think they're crazy for wanting to do more

4. tired of just doing what they CAN do - what they have the talent, expertise, and skills to do - or what others recruit them to do. We want to work with people who are on a journey to find their true purpose and the work they were BORN to do.

5. We're looking for coachable clients who understand their PR/Marketing gaps and want to grow. We're looking for those who are willing to be brave and try new things even if they don't understand why you're being asked to do it.

Is that you? If so, apply to work with my team and I at packageyourgeniusacademy.com but make sure you do so in the next day or so as we're reviewing applications and getting qualified applicants onboarded soon so we can start next month.

We're not doing a long involved launch this time around - I really want to touch people who are already in my orbit and are familiar with what I'm about so no hard sell here. If you hear about it you hear about it, and if it speaks to you it speaks to you. Because I truly believe the people who are meant to join me over the next few months will hear about it and find their way to applying.

That's all for now - know that I've missed you terribly, and I'm grateful to each and every one of you who has given me a reason to turn on my microphone and record into the void. If you've listened this far, be sure to let me know by saying hi on social media, I'm @packageyourgenius on Instagram - and as always don't forget to rate the show and give us a review if you're so inclined.

They don't see themselves clearly.

Their possibility and their potential for GREATNESS is often obscured by a lack of self-awareness.

So they downplay their gifts, sell themselves short, and end up overlooked for the very opportunities they seek.

Since the company we keep is important, and we base so much of our self-knowledge on what the world is mirroring back, it must have something to do with the people around us, right?

After talking to so many high achievers who don't know one another, I've spotted four sources of this blurred vision.

Here are four types of people who tend to obscure our ability to see our full potential:

1.) the opportunist

2.) the micromanager or toxic leader

3.) the person who sees us as who we used be despite our evolution

4.) the person who's unfamiliar with the territory we were born to roam

Which one resonates with you? Drop me a note online - I'd love to hear from you!

***

It's that time again. We're putting together the spring cohort of Package Your Genius Academy! If you know you don't see yourself clearly, but you're finally ready to see and step into your full potential, apply to join us. We're accepting applications for the cohort that starts March 10.

Ash has quite the bio; trained in corporate advertising, she's also highly spiritual and intuitive. Her spiritual talents and passion for social equity inform her current business where she works as a psycho-spiritual coach.

Before entering PYG Academy, Ash was rightfully hesitant about money. She'd just returned to the U.S. from Bali, and her business wasn't earning enough to sustain her life back in the States.

She craved a business where she could lean into her 'woo' and package premium services with her ancestral healing work front and center.

But she feared it wasn't realistic to expect to make the same kind of money as a healer as she'd made in her six-figure corporate gig.

Ash uncovered during the three months of the academy that she could show up 100% authentically, lead with her spiritual "woo" side, and still make a lot of money.

As a matter of fact, once she shifted her message, reconfigured her packages, and began to lead with her whole truth, she experienced a record revenue month.

I'm so proud of her.

Whether you consider yourself "woo" or just the opposite, let Ash's story inspire you.

Whatever you do and whoever you are, there is an audience for the most authentic expression of your gifts.

But first, you must get clear on your focus and stop denying what's really there.

​

***​

Can you relate to Ash's story? I'd love to hear from you! 

And if you're ready to lean more into YOU, but need support? Our spring cohort of Package Your Genius Academy kicks off March 10. Want to join us? Visit packageyourgeniusacademy.com to submit your application.

​

​

It's the inability to decide on a focus area because they are admittedly 'multi-passionate.'

Every day, talented professionals fail to move their brands forward because they can't pick a direction. I've talked to many people who feel they need a separate website, distinct social media pages and brand identities for each of their passions. Let's face it - that's a lot to keep up.

In my opinion, characterizing yourself as multi-passionate is a bad idea.

For one, it dilutes your credibility, at least in the beginning. Since your audience can only digest one thing at a time, if they're coming to you for your support, your message needs to be crystal clear.

You can hear my four reframes for the multi-passionates in this episode.

***

It's that time again. We're putting together the spring cohort of Package Your Genius Academy! If working on your umbrella message or the umbrella program that can contain the multitude of your passions so you can market more effectively and start earning $10k/month minimum, apply to join us. We're accepting applications for the cohort that starts March 10.

As much as you may think you need to start from zero and do something completely brand new, the key may be to go back to the beginning so you can see how you've always been able to summon success. 

Go back. 

Back to the early days.

Back to those foundational experiences that defined you early on.

How have you been always doing what you do?

Too many of us are reinventing the wheel, thinking that "building a brand" means forging ahead into the future with no regard for the past. So we're "starting from scratch" when it comes to our audience, our offer, and even our message about who we are.

But there's information to be found when we go back to the beginning.

Reflect:

1.) Who usually reaches out to you? Who has always reached out to you? What audiences do you have traction with?

2.) Why did those people reach out? Why did they need your help?

3.) What core skills have you been using to help that audience all along?

4.) What feedback did you receive on the way you use those skills? Note: typically adjectives and adverbs will be your answer, i.e. "compassionate, diplomatic, or fast"

What parts of your story remain unchanged through the seasons?

This is the magic we're looking for during the personal branding process.

Want more clarifying questions? DOWNLOAD THE GUIDED JOURNAL: 150 Questions to help you find, focus and promote your unique, unmistakable genius - http://www.packageyourgeniusacademy.com/clarity

***

It's an exciting time at Package Your Genius Academy because we have 2 personal branding programs starting soon!

First up, we're running our signature VISIBILITY MASTERMIND. This is 3 months of training, coaching, and community. Our framework was designed to get you clear on who you are/what your brand is about, package your message and content around that newfound clarity, and successfully pitch yourself for speaking, media, and paid client opportunities. This is a great program for you if you're still nailing down your brand and have yet to earn a steady $10k/month from your expertise. ​

Past clients have launched six and multi six-figure expertise-driven businesses on the heels of the academy.

Second, we're incubating a few established brands for the next year with brand coaching, media/content strategy, and IMPLEMENTATION support. This service is perfect for those who have their brand nailed down and revenue coming in. If you can't quite manage all the thinking, writing, design, and pitching that comes with staying CONSISTENTLY VISIBLE while serving a growing roster of clients at the same time, my team and I want to support you.

If you've been looking for a community of fellow high achievers to work alongside to reach your ultimate purpose, we've been waiting for you. Apply here!

You won't always have to work as hard to maintain something as you had to work to get it off the ground.

If like me, you're a high achiever who's grown accustomed to striving, that may feel unfamiliar to you. But at some point, after you've put in the work, understand that the work will become easy. 

The trick here is to remember you've earned the ease.

You don't have to tear down what you've built to "make it hard again."

Instead, now you can reinvest your time, energy and effort into something else that means a lot to you. Now you can reinvest the energy you previously used to get this dream off the ground and put it into something even bigger.

I looked at Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball Method and applied it to goals, our personal brands, and business projects. But you could take the concept and apply it to almost anything like your relationships, your parenting, or even your health.

***

If you've been looking for a community of fellow high achievers to work alongside to reach your ultimate purpose, applications to Package Your Genius Academy are now open. Apply here.

We each have a dormant writing project that could use a little intentional time and focus - Connor has a new fiction project, Logan has a fiction/comic book project, and I have another non-fiction project in the works.

So we dedicated our weekend to writing.

All said we wrote for 6 hours 🤯 over 2 days - broken up in two 90 minute writing sprints each day. In between sprints we snacked, read our work aloud, gave each other ideas/feedback, and cheered for each other.

I always tell my clients how important community is when you’re doing something difficult or brand new.

With writing, it can be hard to stay motivated when I’m all alone, but it was surprisingly easy with a crew. When one person got stuck, we were able to feed off of whoever was flowing. 

Over the two days, we wrote a combined 7,000 words. Stay tuned for updates on our writing projects. We should have some newly finished works to share soon!

It was a really fun experiment and I plan to do it again. They both said it was fun and inspiring to write together.

Watching three very different people approach productivity and writing got me to thinking about how we had to all access different parts of ourselves in order to make the writing weekend successful. This weekend taught me about how to put yourself in a position to win.

Three Ways to Position Yourself to Win:

1. Sometimes you may need to piggyback off of someone else's energy when you aren't feeling it. Who can you get around? Who can you tap into? Who is already going in the direction you want to go in? How can you tag along?

2. Sometimes the simple act of showing up can produce unexpected results. How can you put yourself into the environment where you can meet your goals. You'll be more likely to get into action if you're in the space where said action takes place. The body knows. The mind knows. Muscle memory.

3. Make sure you keep your pantry stocked with your favorite ingredients for success. What have you learned about yourself? What makes you tick? What do you need to get into your zone? How can you incorporate that every time you set out to do something big or new? Some of us know what works for us. So if you know what works, why don't you do it every time? Who can support your genius?

***

Get to know you!

Get to know your unique ingredients for success with the Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook -150 Questions to help you find, focus and promote your unique, unmistakable genius.

And the same is true for us as ambitious high achievers.

Even though we may want to be perpetually "in bloom", that's not realistic.

This time of year, it's easy to get swept away in the energy of a new year.

Fresh starts. New beginnings.

But what happens when your grand ambitions for the year have yet to surface? When your actual life doesn't match the hashtags of your favorite inspirational Instagram influencer?

You may be looking for that spring energy - evidenced by sprouting green stems and unfurling baby leaves. But in reality, that may not necessarily be where you are.

If you're currently in a growing phase where your progress isn't visible to the outside world, don't worry. 

Trees may lose their leaves, but they don't die in winter. There's still a lot going on underground.

Some very big and very important things may be taking root. But that's the type of growth that you can't necessarily see.

Don't label yourself as "behind" if your vision for the year hasn't come into focus just yet.

Just because your progress isn't obvious and visible doesn't mean your growth is stalled.

Things are still shifting.

Seeds are cracking open.

Dreams are taking root - even if you can't see it yet. 

*** 

January is one of the BEST months of the year to find and land a new job, and if you’re like many high achievers, you may be looking to make a career move, right now.

But how do you make sure you don't end up in another ill-fitting job one year from now?

The answer? GET CLEAR.

Get clear on what you WANT so you can go after work that is aligned with WHO you authentically are. I share over 100 clarifying questions in the Package Your Genius personal branding book and companion personal branding workbook to help you get clear on what you want and what you bring to the table.

Once you’re clear, it’s so much easier to find work that was tailor-made for you.

Get the book >> http://bit.ly/pygbook

Get the workbook >> http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

After jumping a major hurdle, we've already mentally raised the bar again before our feet even touch the ground.

The danger is that doing this creates a diminished and completely false self-image. We're BOSSES in the world, yet when we diminish our accomplishments we begin to mentally see ourselves as ordinary people who have yet to do big things. But in actuality, we've done a lot more than we give ourselves credit for.

What would happen if you gave yourself more credit?

How would things be different?

How might you see yourself?

What might you have the courage to do?

Who might you have the confidence to approach?

What rooms would you be willing to walk into?

What clients would you have the gall to pitch?

It's taken me years to learn this life-changing lesson: Just because an accomplishment has become your norm, doesn't make it normal.

Just because you've crossed a hurdle multiple times doesn't make it less of a hurdle to cross. It still counts.

So stop to acknowledge what it took for you to get here. You have my permission to brag. And let's leave downplaying our accomplishments in 2019.

***

ANNOUNCEMENTS

I'm hosting a free virtual brand planning party on Sunday, December 29 at 7 pm ET. To join me, register now on Crowdcast.

The Brand with Purpose 12-Month Personal Branding Planner is now available as a  print book or a digital download! Use this full-color planner as your thought partner to help you think through your speaking engagements, media outreach, podcast episodes, social media content and revenue generation on a monthly and quarterly basis.  Order your planner

I'm hosting another session of the Brand with Purpose Planning Intensive over a few evenings in January. If you're interested in working with me and a small group of high achievers to make some decisions, i.e. what you'll create, what topics you'll pitch, and what you'll promote to sell and at which price point next year, e-mail us at hello (at) packageyourgeniusacademy (dot) com to learn more and request the invitation. 

And yet, when we get caught up in our perfectionism, we rob ourselves of the valuable practice that would make whatever we're contemplating, well, perfect.

When we don't put ourselves out there, we miss out on the practice of

• sharing our ideas clearly
• having sales conversations
• powerfully articulating our value
• improving our timing and presence
• understanding what our audience wants
• getting comfortable doing uncomfortable things.

Best-selling books don't magically appear. They take weeks, months, and sometimes even years of writing, refining and marketing before they reach that status.

World-class speakers all typically have a speaking horror story or two in their back pocket.

Even when you look at the best podcasters and Youtubers who garner millions of downloads and views, most started with bad lighting, unprofessional audio. But they were up to the task of practicing to become the best version of themselves.

Don't let your perfectionism rob you of the gift of practice.

When you show up, and keep showing up, you give yourself the opportunity to refine what you have. 

And if you're truly a perfectionist, you already know - practice makes perfect.

And yet, as high achievers, many of us would rather wait until we have the most failproof plans before taking the smallest action.

But action, no matter how imperfect, will refine even our best plans.

I learned this (again) recently when I decided to make a pivot. I went from hosting a one-day virtual event to hosting a one-month evening intensive after thinking through the needs of my academy alumni.

But in this mindful pivot, I uncovered how I could feed two birds with one seed and my new book - The Brand with Purpose Planner - was born!

So in this case, taking imperfect action not only led me to a BETTER course of action, but it also created the residual effect of giving me the impetus to produce a book product that has been on my brand vision board list for years!

Talk about a serious ROI on taking imperfect action.

What have you been smothering with the expectations of perfection? 

What ideas have you let simmer and go cold on the back burner for too long because you're waiting for the most perfect conditions?

Here's a thought - doing the thing, even imperfectly, may create a pathway for a result that you're not even conscious of.

Acting always creates momentum. And you can always pivot, edit, or update your first draft.

But you need a first draft.

So start.

***

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Brand with Purpose 12-Month Personal Branding Planner is now available on Amazon! Use this full-color planner as your thought partner to help you think through your speaking engagements, media outreach, podcast episodes, social media content and revenue generation on a monthly and quarterly basis.  Order your planner

I'm hosting another session of the Brand with Purpose Planning Intensive over a few evenings in January. If you're interested in working with me and a small group of high achievers to make some decisions, i.e. what you'll create, what topics you'll pitch, and what you'll promote to sell and at which price point next year, e-mail us at info (at) amandamillerlittlejohn (dot) com to learn more and request the invitation. 

You may call it intuition, your inner knowing, God or the Holy Spirit. Whatever you call it, you know when you've gotten a direct download.

But acting on those downloads is another thing all together. 

I've received clear downloads for years, but I haven't always been obedient about taking them and acting on them.

But last year when I decided to be obedient to one specific download, I realized that all along, my obedience had been the key to unlock a level I didn't even know was there! My obedience produced the missing puzzle piece to a specific goal that had eluded me for years.

To experiment with this concept, ask yourself:

Have you ever acted on a big goal even though you were terrified, and been surprised by the results?

What are you currently procrastinating on doing? 

What is a goal you've wanted to reach for years but just can't seem to unlock?

Could the object of your procrastination potentially unlock the goal you've been able to reach? Could the two possibly be related? 

***

If you missed Brand with Purpose - my free 5 day challenge to help you plan a brand with intention for the coming year, you can listen to all 5 episodes of the challenge and download the challenge workbook here. The whole series clocks in at right under 60 minutes, and I assure you, it will be the best hour you'll spend all week!  Listen to the challenge episodes >> Brand with Purpose

You can find Day One of the challenge, here and Day Two of the challenge here, and Day Three of the challenge here and Day Four of the challenge here.

Today, we're going to take everything we brainstormed and wrote down in the challenge workbook and use it to map out the month by month calendar for next year.

I've asked you what you will make it a priority to create next year. If you've decided to write your book or launch your conference, now ask yourself when. When is your launch date? When will the event be?

I've asked you what type of visibility you'll go after - from media and podcast interviews to speaking. When will you go after it?

I've asked you what program or service it's time for you to launch. When will you launch that new program or double down on the old?

The key word of today is WHEN.

It's one thing to brainstorm something new to create or launch, but when we don't take the time to decide when exactly it will happen, it's hard to see the things we brainstorm take shape.

But when we start with target dates in mind, we can work backwards from our publication date or event date or launch date, and have a better chance of success.

So when you look at the three main categories we covered during this five-day challenge, what months of the year will you make time for each of those activities?

Put each on the calendar.

You can find Day One of the challenge, here and Day Two of the challenge here, and Day Three of the challenge here.

Today we're going to think through what we need to launch in the coming year to increase our revenue.

What program or service is it time for you to launch?

What is your existing audience begging you to bring forth?

What have people asked for your help with this year? Does it make sense to create a course or strategy session around it so you can offer it to your wider audience?

If you know you want to make an income leap next year, you can definitely wing it and still earn more, but you probably won't hit your goal revenue or income number if you don't plan.

What $$$ number do you want to reach? What's your plan to reach it?

Whether you're full-time in your business or still report to a 9-5, there are ways to create a revenue stream based on your expertise. You just have to find one that fits your style and schedule. 

But when you think about your goal revenue or income number, does your upcoming program/course/product support that?

For example, if you have a goal to make $10k extra each month next year, and you work full-time, whatever you're selling should probably be in the $2k-$10K range so you can sell and deliver a couple each month while you stay focused on your full-time obligations.

But if you already have an incredible marketing backend set up, or have a product that responds to seasonal promotions and you know you can move hundreds of units each month with little effort, you could offer something cheaper, granted you have the backend marketing system to support it.

It's all about understanding your available time, skills and what your audience needs that you can deliver right now. What makes the most sense for your brand?

When will you launch your next revenue generator?

You can find Day One of the challenge, here and Day Two of the challenge here.

Today we're going to focus on what we need to promote in the coming year to increase our visibility.

What vehicles are you using to promote yourself next year?

What times of the year will you be reaching out to media?

What conferences and events will you apply to speak?

As you've heard me say before, your expertise is likely more relevant at some parts of the year than others. For people in the coaching and transformation space, the New Year is one of the very best times of year to make a splash in the media, or to get people excited about our content.

But for those in the financial space, April around tax time in the U.S. is a strong time to have one's expertise considered for potential speaking engagements and media segments.

It's all about understanding your audience and when they'll be most interested hearing from you. When will they most need the ideas and strategies you have to share? That's when you should plan your visibility outreach.

When will you go after massive visibility?

If you missed Day One of the challenge, listen to that episode here.

Today we're going to focus on what we need to create in the coming year to optimize our personal brand platforms.

What you are going to add to your platform?

What can you evolve? 

To give you some examples from my own brand platform, in 2016 I launched the first iteration of Package Your Genius Academy group program, and it has become an anchor program in my business.

But in 2014, I launched an information product called The Branding Box that paved the way for Package Your Genius Academy and formed the basis of the curriculum I would eventually teach.

More recently, in 2018 I published the book Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand. The book has also become a pivotal piece of my brand platform as it has helped me reach new students for the academy, and attracted new paid speaking invitations.

The point is, you don't want to create for creation's sake: you want to create the brand asset that will make the most sense for your brand right now.

What asset will help you compound the revenue of another program/service, or unlock even more opportunities?

As we approach a new year and decade, I wanted to do another daily challenge, but I wanted to do it with you. 

For this podcast challenge, I’ve carved out time for us to work together over 5 days to accomplish one big goal: map out our plan for 2020.

Welcome to the 5 day Brand With Purpose Challenge!

Eek! 

I’m so excited!

The mission of Brand with Purpose is simple: it’s a chance to be intentional about how we approach our platform, visibility and revenue in 2020. 

No more winging it and hoping for the best.  

Here’s a little preview of what’s in store over the next five days:

Day One: We're kicking off the challenge by looking back. Where have you been winning in 2019? Where can you build on that momentum in the coming year?

Day Two: Next, we’ll put a heightened focus on what you are going to do to add to or evolve your brand platform. Is it time to launch a program or write your book? We’ll explore!

Day Three: Then we’ll do some intentional visibility brainstorming to figure out how you are going to be spreading the word about your platform

Day Four: We’ll follow that up with some tactical planning around growing your revenue

Day Five: Last, we’ll take all we’ve uncovered and I will show you how to put together your basic plan for 2020.

When it's time to finally get paid from our genius, we often start with the question "what can I sell?" instead of thinking in terms of what our potential customers need from us.

While so many people start the brainstorming process here, there's a far more customer-centric way to begin brainstorming products and services that will sell easily.

This simple shift is an easy fix, let me know if you're asking this question when you begin to brainstorm your next program.

"Maybe this can wait..."

For reasons that differ for everyone, putting ourselves first is often the last thing we think to do. Putting our own needs and pursuit of our own personal fulfillment comes in dead last after immediate work obligations, the needs of our family members, and for some, the demands of church and community. 

But time waits for no man.

And while I think most of us grasp the fact that no one has "all the time in the world..." we often forget that our prime won't last forever. We won't always have the energy, the network, the health, the free time, the money....the list goes on and on, to do what we want to do now.

So how are you taking advantage of your current season?

If there's something you've been meaning to do, and you have the time, money, health, and relative youth to do it, DO IT. You never know when your situation may change.

***

We're settling into the fall season here in the United States. Leaves are finally changing, and I'm personally preparing for winter which is typically a time for even deeper introspection, creative productivity and movement on long-standing projects.

It's also a great time for PLANNING.

I'm excited to host a brand planning event the weekend of December 14, to plan your personal brand activity for 2020 and beyond. If that sounds like something you'd like to join me for, mark your calendars and watch this space and for those details.

When it comes to building your personal brand, at a certain point it becomes less about your skills and talents, and more about your comfort with putting them out there.

If you've worked in your industry for a decade or more, you're likely skilled beyond question. 

You need a new set of skills to shift how others perceive you. You need a new strategy to step into your worth, and communicate that confidently to others. 

You need to step into your BRAND AUTHORITY.

And this doesn't come naturally to everyone.

If you...

• have been perpetually on the fence about starting a side hustle or otherwise earning extra income from your skills
• know you aren't earning all you could at your current level of experience and expertise
• have spent your career in the background and struggle stepping into the spotlight
• have had several brilliant ideas for businesses, books, non-profits or creative projects in the past but haven't brought yourself to pull the trigger
• would like to step into your power and to rise to the status your hard work and results have earned

It's time to hone in your brand authority. 

***

Submit your application for Package Your Genius Academy here >> Submit your application

Book a Call to discuss the academy here >> get on my schedule

If you've worked in your industry for a decade or more, you're likely skilled beyond question. 

You need a new set of skills to shift how others perceive you. You need a new strategy to step into your worth, and communicate that confidently to others. 

You need to step into your BRAND AUTHORITY.

And this doesn't come naturally to everyone.

If you...

• have been perpetually on the fence about starting a side hustle or otherwise earning extra income from your skills
• know you aren't earning all you could at your current level of experience and expertise
• have spent your career in the background and struggle stepping into the spotlight
• have had several brilliant ideas for businesses, books, non-profits or creative projects in the past but haven't brought yourself to pull the trigger
• would like to step into your power and to rise to the status your hard work and results have earned

It's time to hone in your brand authority. 

If this resonates with you, join me on Sunday October 7, 2019 at 7pm EST for this FREE MASTER CLASS - The Five Shifts Required to Unleash Your Brand Authority. 

Register at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/PYGABrandAuthority/register

And can I tell you a secret?

I failed...spectacularly!

I missed six full days of the challenge, and since this is my second daily challenge for the year, I technically failed in comparison to the challenge I completed in June. 

But even though I missed six days of the challenge, I still came out ahead in terms of listener engagement, downloads and growth as a podcast host.

Score!

Which made me think about the way we sometimes label our efforts a failure if we aren't able to meet a very specific goal. But if we set a big goal that we plan to reach over time, if we move toward that goal but don't reach the goal we set, we still likely made significant process, and there's no reason to give up the goal all together.

Progress is winning.

If you have big goals for this year, the final quarter of the year is upon us! It's the final week to submit your application for the fall cohort of Package Your Genius Academy. Our sessions start October 8, and it's already shaping up to be a great group!

I would love to extend a huge thank you to our PYG Academy alum Rebecca Thompson, founder of the Live in Your Light Bootcamp and Live in Your Light Summit. Rebecca pivoted from politics and is now doing remarkable things just one year out of the academy, and I'm proud to feature her on this episode of the podcast. 

And while it seems counterintuitive, much of that surplus can be connected to making more time (I know, I know -  you're already stretched thin) for yourself.

But this is a personal experiment I've been conducting in my life, and the results have been priceless.

Since implementing a more intentional and daily self balancing routine I have experienced:

• more clarity on my business challenges
• clarity on what is standing in my way personally
• motivation to push through on hard things
• patience and grace with myself
• perspective - understanding when I'm assigning too much or too little significance to something
• a higher tolerance for stress
• resilience

If you're too busy to package your genius, putting yourself back on the calendar is a practice I encourage you to try.

Get yourself back on the agenda so you can generate the surplus from which you can serve.

Because you can only give from your overflow.

***

If you've been thinking about joining us for the fall cohort of Package Your Genius Academy, this is the last week to apply. Sessions start Tuesday, October 8.

While I'm clear on how I want to serve (as one who helps others find and get back on their true path) I thought about a few of the people who have benefited most from going through the program and my teachings.

Do any of these people sound like you?

Are you at a crossroads professionally and personally - perhaps you've hit a milestone birthday and you're pondering the bigger questions of your life like "Is this what I want to be doing with my gifts and talents? Is there another professional path for me? Am I showing up the way I truly want to, or am I showing up as others have always expected me to?"

Do you know in your gut that the current stage of your professional journey is over, but you haven't figured out how to activate your next chapter?

Do you feel like something is just...off? You're a success on paper, but you've yet to knock it out of the park doing what you really want to do? You feel like something is missing - the right message, the right market, the right formula to serve - but you're just too close to see the missing piece...

Did you recently leave your job or find yourself on leave wondering what's next? You're a little nervous about making a financial commitment because the future of money is uncertain, but there's something telling you it's time to take a leap?

Are you at a plateau having done all you know to do to make yourself stand out? You know you've got the goods but the world doesn't see you or your accomplishments clearly? (You know this because your compensation and industry acknowledgement don't match the time and work you've put in up to this point...)

Do you live with the daily regret of not betting on yourself sooner? Are you secretly worried that perhaps you missed your moment and it's too late for you to leap?

If any of those scenarios resonated with you, I'm here.

Here to help you cut through the overgrowth and get back on the path again.

And trust me, the path may look overgrown and indistinguishable right now, but I promise you, it's there.

And I can help you find it.

It's the LAST WEEK to apply for Package Your Genius Academy. We are enrolling students for the fall cohort that begins Tuesday, October 8. Doors won't open again until sometime in 2020. If you're interested in joining us, learn more and apply now.

And it makes everything related to my ideas, my planning, my long-term thinking crystal clear.

If you struggle with overwhelm, anxiety, irritability and lack of focus, I highly recommend you thinking through the self care practice that makes the most sense for you.

And check out Dr. Thema Bryant- Davis's episode on the Homecoming Podcast about self care. Very powerful stuff.

***

Can you say the same?

How many times have you decided who you are and what you can do based on who you've always been and what you've always done? 

You can change.

You can change your vehicle.

You can choose a new, true, story.

Package Your Genius Academy was a dream of mine that almost didn't happen. I failed launching the program the first time, but have since gone on to work with 7 cohorts - now enrolling my eighth.

One of the things I often reflect on is what might have been lost if I hadn't gotten back up and tried again. When I think of the lives that have been impacted directly by the academy, and even more importantly, the people I'll never know but who have been impacted by the students who've gone to the academy. It's a humbling thing to see the ripple effect your work can start!

LaShonda Walker is one of our PYGA ripples. She joined in May of 2019 on a quest to find deeper meaning for her work. She used her time in the academy to gain clarity on her purpose, and essentially remember who she'd always been and what she's always loved. It's an honor to see LaShonda ignited and on a new path all her own.

***

Networking events are my least favorite thing right after small talk. But I realized at some point that if I wanted my business to grow, I'd have to get in front of new people.  I needed a way to show strangers what I knew and what problems I solve if I ever wanted new clients to hire me.

Enter the media.

What other way can you get in front of thousands while only interacting with a handful of people to make the interview happen?

But most introverts see media as a big overwhelming proposition when in reality, there are a number of ways you can approach it.

I came up with a few media exposure personality types. Which one are you?

• The Thinker - The thinker has ideas to share and recommendations to make. They would rather share those ideas in a long form way by writing. Their dream media placement would be a New York Times op ed or an essay in the Atlantic
• The Talker - The talker loves to engage. And short snippets just won't do, they prefer to get into it and go deep which is perfect for radio or podcasts. A dream media placement would be Fresh Air with Terry Gross on NPR or a Top 10 podcast.
• The Talking Head - Unlike the talker, the talker head has her sights set on television and loves the idea of being seen. Dream media placement? A spot on a CNN panel or segment on the TODAY show.
• The Hybrid - The hybrid isn't concerned with the type of media so much as what the media will allow him/her to do. So they're fine with radio or tv so long as it allows them to reach more people and make a bigger impact. A mix of all media types will do. 

Which one are you?

And better yet, do you see how different personality types may deal with media exposure differently? There is no one size fits all when it comes to it.

If you know you need exposure to get in front of new faces, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can tailor your approach to fit your business and your personal style, which we can help you uncover in our program - learn more.

Not all plant seeds are ready to sprout as soon as you put them in the soil. Some hard-shelled seeds need a bit more coaxing and some need a temperature change to trigger the end of dormancy. Scarification (cracking the hard outer shell) and stratification (fooling seeds into thinking they've been through winter) are two simple techniques that will save you a lot of frustration when starting seeds.

Stratification and scarification occur naturally when seeds stay outdoors through the cold winter.

Some seeds have outer shells that are extremely hard and don’t allow water through. This is one way a seed stays dormant in the fall and winter until growing conditions improve.

You may be upset when you look for your efforts to bear fruit and you can't see the evidence above ground. Sometimes the action is not visible, you may be in a dormant phase in preparation for your growing season.

Not all seeds are ready to sprout as soon as you put them into the soil. You may look at what other people are doing and try to mimic their path not knowing that you're a different kind of plant that requires a different set of conditions and will develop on a different timeline.

Don't judge the progress of the apple tree with the same criteria you use to measure an oak tree.

All seeds are not the same.

You're maturing and preparing to sprout, blossom and bear fruit in your own time.

***

But it can be a potentially dangerous time for the farmers who aren't quick enough to get their year's work out of the ground.

It's essentially a race against time to harvest before the winter rains when anything you've left out in the field will be rendered useless.

Unpicked fruit will be left to rot.

A fortuitous conversation with my grandmother revealed this wisdom that's native to Southerners, and I had to share it with you. The similarity between our gifts and a farmer's crops were too stark to miss.

So many people have allowed their gifts - their expertise, skills, and wisdom - to ripen for years, but have yet pick their own fruit.

Let this comparison to nature be your own cautionary tale: there comes a point when you're not growing anymore. But it may not be because you've simply reached a plateau, instead you're fully ripe and it's time for you to get off the vine. And if you stay on the vine too long, the very gifts you've spent years cultivating may be in danger.

***

Thank you to Nikki Rogers of the Wednesday Morning Bulletin for mentioning Package Your Genius on your latest edition. For those who want to check out her newsletter, you can check it out here.

Instead of being the aggressor, it's not uncommon for them - despite all of their success - to find themselves in the passive role of waiting to be chosen.

It's what they're used to after all.

If this resonates with you, and you're not in the field you want to be in, on the career track you want to be in, or in a relationship that serves you because you were chosen but did not choose, let me be the first to tell you things can be different.

You can choose to choose.

Don't settle for what falls into your lap. Decide what you want in every area of your life, and go after it.

Every living thing also has its own set of factors that would make it hard to grow.

Last but not least, every living thing has certain factors that would take it to the next level and cause it to thrive, regenerate, multiply.

The same is true for us.

Each of us has our own set of must-haves, deal breakers and multipliers. A part of radical self discovery is paying attention to all three in order to get the clearest picture of ourselves and our personal recipe for success.

***

Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand has officially been in the world for a full year!

Thank you to all of you who purchased the book (or the companion workbook), left a thoughtful review, bought the book for a friend and shared this life-changing content. 

I am so grateful!

• landed a great job only to find later on that it's just not a great fit, and you wonder how you missed the red flags
• built up a successful business only to realize the clients you serve don't light you up,
• had to wake up everyday to a sense of dread instead of joy,

it's time you get to know yourself on a deeper level.

No matter where you place

sometimes just finishing the race

is a form of winning

when you're doing something new.

***

Other times limits are deeper, and our exhaustion is our body/mind/spirit's way of telling us we need to rest.

But the beautiful thing about life is, for most things, we get another day to try again. If you had to put down a work project, take a day off from cooking dinner for the family, or skipped a workout - you can get back on track. 

Don't beat yourself up if you drop the ball.

Just pick it back up tomorrow.

In this two-part episode on op-ed writing, I share 5 questions to ask yourself to get closer to the op-ed you want to write.

In part two, we'll talk to a journalist who will share how we can reach millions of people with our words.

And while you may not like the idea of alternate routes - especially if you're a recovering perfectionist like me - you must admit, the route doesn't matter all that much.

Because if you end up still reaching your destination, who cares how you got there? 

I had to learn (still learning!) to give myself grace when the journey doesn't look picture perfect.

At the end of the day, all that should matter is that I end up where I originally wanted to go - or someplace even better.

Whether you're watching something come to an end, or you're ready to start a new chapter, what is it your season to do?

Meico Whitlock who I interviewed on Episode 41 - (How to harness your focus and set priorities) and Episode 63 - (How to Create a Vision for Your Life) taught me about the importance of being intentional with your time and setting finite priorities for each season.

As Meico teaches in his Mindful Techie courses and programs, once you identify your life vision and mission and set your specific goals, it's important to set no more than two priorities for any given season. 

I'm excited about the intentional energy I'm putting behind my writing in this season, and I can't wait to see where that will lead. But I'm clear that it's truly time to prioritize writing after seeing a significant opening in my calendar related to my kids' school. 

Again, as one season ends, another begins.

I hope that was whatever season is ending for you, in the clearing you'll see the opportunity to finally pursue the purpose that's been pursuing you. 

Keep me posted...

***

Speaking of seasons, it's ENROLLMENT SEASON for Package Your Genius Academy!!! We're enrolling for both of our group programs - the Personal Brand Visibility Academy that focuses on building a purposeful personal brand, and the Maximum Exposure PR Mastermind. 

If you're interested in putting some intentional energy behind your personal brand, apply for the visibility academy.

If it's your season to build momentum and land media exposure apply for the PR mastermind. 

And you shouldn't feel bad about it.

In fact, you'll likely move further ahead, instead of falling behind as you may imagine. Rest helps you work smarter not harder - and I'm with that!

I learned this summer not to beat myself up for needing and taking rest - but to celebrate what happens to my mind, body and relationships when I take a step back and nurture myself in the way that I need.

How often do you take the break that you need to rejuvenate yourself? What's your favorite way to rest?

Change can also be hard when it's public-facing. You have all those prying eyes to consider. What will people think? How will this change their perception of me?

But what I've learned from experience is this: when you make a big change - say your hair color, or even your job - it may register briefly to outside world, but after that, humans do what humans do.

Adapt.

While you're fretting on and on about that big change you're afraid of making, once you make it, most people will barely notice. And if they do notice, the decision you lost sleep over will likely only register for an instant.

The new you will become the current you.

And the past you will be all but forgotten.

So if the changes we're stressing ourselves out over only register for a brief moment in time, why are we putting our lives on hold, failing to make the changes that could add more fulfillment and happiness to our days?

Is there something big you're ready to change? A relationship? A job? A service?

Your life is not set in stone. You can change all of it, with one swift decision.

The world will go on.

What's keeping you from moving forward?

***

I break down a 5 step process for personal branding in Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand that starts with brand clarity. If you haven't ordered your copy, grab the book and companion workbook to get clarity on your personalized career path.

If you're ready for PR results, and want a PR team that won't be happy until your face is splashed all over tv screens and newspaper pages, apply to join us in the Maximum Exposure Mastermind.

And yet, I see so often high achievers who are willing to teach others what they know, but unwilling to let people know how to take the next step and pay them.

But if you want to grow your brand, increase your salary and add commas to your business revenue, you have to sell yourself.

You have to sell yourself in meetings and mid-year reviews.

You have to sell yourself to your network and potential customers.

You have to sell yourself to the viewing audience of the tv segment you're on.

You have to sell yourself from the stage.

Here are 6 things to keep in mind as you set out to sell yourself:

Decide on what you want, quantify it, write it down.

I've said before, there's power in writing your goals down. I don't know what the science is, but I can tell you that it works.

Go after what you want.

If you want 4 new clients, make a list of 10 people who may be interested in what you're doing and call them up. Speak up and let people in your network know what you're looking for.

See the opportunity.

So many people look at company conference calls and meetings as a chore. But you should see them as an opportunity to get in front of new people with what you can do. Don't shrink from the opportunity to be seen and heard at work and at networking events.

Activate your network.

Talk to the people who already now you and ant you to win. Let them know hat you're doing now and how they can be helpful. Talk to your former clients and ask them who they know.

Take advantage of the spotlight.

If you have speaking engagements built around your coaching or book, don't forget to tell the audience how they can engage you more.

Be bold.

On my recent trip to Italy, I encountered an extremely confident waiter who proclaimed his cafe's coffee was not the best in Rome, but instead it was the best in all of Italy. That's the kind of bold confidence I want you to bring to your brand. That confidence helps others believe in you and what you have to offer. But it starts with you.

***

Get the book - I just shared step 5 - Sell Yourself - in the 5 step process I detail in Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand. If you haven't ordered your copy, you've got to get it - it's amazing!

Get Maximum Exposure - We have one teeny tiny spot left in my group mastermind Maximum Exposure for July. Do you want to land media exposure for your personal brand in a small group setting with other high achievers? If so, submit your application so we can find out if you're a good fit for what we're doing.

Media interviews, speaking engagements and social media content have been my method of creating inbound opportunities - opportunities that come to me. 

In the last few months, visibility has yielded the following:

• a bulk book order from a Fortune 100 company's subsidiary
• a semi-conductor company invited me to develop a personal branding talk, and ordered a bulk order of the book
• a devoted listener of the PYG podcast referred her mentor who joined the PYG Academy
• countless coaching clients have said "I saw you in Forbes..." or "I heard you on Sirius XM...."
• A client who saw me speak at a conference in 2015 has been a client everyday since

It's worth it. Visibility helps you avoid feast or famine so your client pipeline never dries up.

To get started with your visibility efforts, follow these three steps:

• Think about the audience that buys what you're selling. What do they watch? What do they read? What events do they attend?
• Make a shortlist of opportunities you want to go after - which events would you like to speak at? Which media would you like to appear on? Remember - these should be where your audience is going.
• Craft a compelling pitch  with a timely message, a seasonal hook, and the takeaways the audience will get from your segment or talk. Why does this particular audience need this information right now? Include that in your pitch.

***

I just shared step 4 - Make Yourself Visible - in the 5 step process I detail in Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand. If you haven't ordered your copy, um...what are you doing? Get your life and get this book - it's amazing!

How to find your thought leadership ideas is a topic I'm extremely passionate about, as most people are so close to their brilliance that it's hard for them to see how they can package it for other people.

Here are a few ways to know what you have to say if you're "too close" to your genius"

AGGRAVATION. Look at what irritates you or aggravates you - this could be the basis for a powerful Op ed.

SOLUTIONS. Look at the problems you solve. How can you create tactical content to help others?

CONTENT. Look at your existing content: if you speak, can you turn your deck into the basis for a book? If you write articles, can you turn them into a talk?

YOUR INSPIRATION. Look at when you first started doing what you do - what inspired you? What stories do you remember from that time?

YOUR AUDIENCE. What audience do you serve? Who was the first person representative of that audience that you remember helping?

When you're clear on a starting point for a big idea you want to explore, you can:

• Make a list of your frequently asked questions
• Make a list of the best and most timeless advice you typically give
• Make a list of people you'd love to interview - how can they serve as protagonists that illustrate the points you want to make?
• Make a list of your best results - let the case studies form your chapters or episodes

***

Define Your Big Ideas is the third step in the five step process of Package Your Genius. If you're interested in learning more about defining your big ideas, as well as the other four steps to building your most powerful personal brand, check out the book Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand, available on Amazon.

I've just reached a major milestone. I've recorded my 100th podcast! I'm so excited!

This podcast has evolved over the 2.5 years I've been doing it, and there have been some bumps and bruises along the way. But for the most part, I'm very happy with the journey and where I am now as a podcaster.

Thank you for being here!

On this special episode, I come to you live from the streets (literally) of Rome, Italy. I set up a podcast studio on the sidewalk, ordered cappuccinos and hit record.

I was joined by my frequent collaborator Dr. Reisha Moxley, who you may know from earlier episodes (in the 30s) when we recorded a few conversations on high achievement and psychology.

Reisha joined me again today for this retrospective - we discussed the past, present and future of my podcasting journey. She played Oprah and interviewed me about the experience of podcasting to this point.

We discussed why you should create a podcast or write a book if people keep asking you the same questions, or you get the same requests for advice from different sources. 

We talked about how capsule projects can help you establish your brand and allow you to offer a "level one" body of knowledge to people who are new to your ideas.

We dove into the difference of being an activator vs a maintainer, and which type we each identify with personally.

Finally, we discussed how your path to purpose may be waiting for you to create something of your own. 

Thank you for being a part of Package Your Genius!

Eternally grateful,

-aml

From Wikipedia: "When a movement is repeated over time, a long-term muscle memory is created for that task, eventually allowing it to be performed without conscious effort. This process decreases the need for attention and creates maximum efficiency within the motor and memory systems. Examples of muscle memory are found in many everyday activities that become automatic and improve with practice, such as riding a bicycle, typing on a keyboard, entering a PIN, playing a musical instrument,[1] poker,[2] martial arts or even dancing."

But beyond riding a bicycle (you never forget, right) or playing a musical instrument, there is a degree of muscle memory involved in doing the activities required to build your personal brand in a public way.

I was reminded of a time I spoke on a stage during a period of intense personal grief, in the wake of my father's death. Although I can't recall anything I said that day, whatever I said was enough to catch the attention of new clients, and win the respect of corporate sponsors.

If you're nervous about putting yourself out there, may I remind you, you've already done the work.

Lean on your muscle memory - your hard-won expertise - and don't put pressure on yourself to know everything and be brilliant in the moment. You can access the lessons you've learned along the way whenever you need them. They're there for you.

Typically old stories are framed by absolutes - "I never..." or "I always..." or "I'm not someone who..."

But we have the power to change our actions, and in doing so change our stories.

I want to change the story about myself that I'm not adventurous; I don't travel. I'm broadcasting this episode from Italy where I am in the midst of an adventure - an impromptu trip sparked by a friend who was traveling here for a conference.

By booking the flight (and showing up for it) I changed my mind about myself. I am a woman who travels and has adventures - I'm not just work, work, work.

But you can change any behavior, and the associated identity that goes with it. So what do you want to change?

Pick one negative thing you say about yourself - i.e. "I'm not a person who works out..." and then book something - a training session or pilates class - that refutes that idea. )I've found that if I spend money, I'm less likely to flake out).

I'm going to spend some time on this trip making a list of traits I wish I embodied. Then I'm going to sign up for one thing in each category so I can be on the road to being who I really want to be.

Feel free to hold me to it.

You may be making gains in your career, or putting in the work to build your credibility and your personal brand in the process.

But what happens when all your hard work takes you exactly where you wanted it to, but you don't feel quite ready yet on the new level you've rightly earned?

Do you shrink or decide you can't cut it here? Or do you challenge yourself, stretch your legs out, and set out to get more comfortable?

If you've recently found yourself with a new level of client, speaking on a bigger stage, or recently promoted, things may not immediately click at first. 

But give yourself some time, give yourself grace.

You're only on this new level because of all the work you put in before. 

Lean on the steps you took to get to this point, and be confident in my personal mantra that "You've already done the work..."

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us in July.

But in my journey, rarely has my next level of success been on the other side of praise and flowery feedback. It typically only surfaces after I've heard something that I didn't want to hear. 

Ouch.

I talk to professionals of all stripes who find themselves in one of two positions: on the one hand they may be the recipients of feedback that doesn't feel good. The delivery may have been rough. They get defensive or feel hurt.

Or on the other hand they're getting zero feedback - but clearly need it, because their career is at a standstill.

Who would you rather be?

While it's not always great to hear the ways we can improve, if we have people in our lives who are willing to level with us, that's a true gift. 

It's not always easy to welcome it with open arms, but if it can help you fill in your gaps and level up, consider feedback a gift.

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us for our next cycle.

Nice mantra, but I rarely live it.

In fact, I find it hard to to play hard - but working hard comes easy. 

Maybe you can relate? As a high achiever especially, you may be able to get into your work groove easily, but relaxing your self to play? Not always so easy.

I'm working on being more intentional when it comes to playing hard. What's all the work for after all if I'm not able to enjoy the fruits of my labor?

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us.

Sometimes it can feel demoralizing when others don't seem to take notice of all you do at work or at home.

I recently realized how much of my hard work is getting noticed - even when I don't feel think it is. It made me think of how much of what we do is likely more noticed than we realize...

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us in July.

Whether they depend on you being youthful, a relevant technology, or your own level of personal freedom, there are periods in all of our lives when it's easier to do certain things than others. 

That's why you should strike while the iron is hot. Don't wait to feel ready, don't wait to leap; if you wait too long, you may miss your moment.

As a good friend and PR expert shared with me when discussing one of my brand ideas, "the window for this opportunity will close soon...so if you want to make a mark on this issue, do it soon..."

I share the same idea with you. None of us are getting any younger. Technology changes at rapid speed. The pace of business is dizzying.

If you have an idea that is marketable now, launch it.

If you have always dreamed of living abroad and a job opportunity opens up overseas, take it.

If you have a book idea and the topic is hot right now, write it.

Strike while the iron is hot. Nothing stays hot forever. 

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us in July.

By that I mean, I don't let content go to waste - as much as possible, I create shareable nuggets from whatever I have to say.

No one does this better than Gary V - his entire life is content, and he approaches it as such. 

But for you or me, how can we start building a brand library, and how can it help us?

For me, making sure to create content that creates a hyperlink has been key to growing my searchability over the years. If you google my name, there's a lot to find, and that's by design.

I may not have one million followers, but I have million dollar SEO. 

Being searchable online helps clients find me, and has helped corporations begin the process to bring me into speak.

But it's because I don't "throw away" my best ideas on Instagram stories or Snapchat. I create a record and a library by putting them here, on the podcast or on the blog. Whenever I can, I'm looking for ways to create a hyperlink so my best ideas are instantly sharable.

What about you?

Are you giving your best content away on platforms that don't serve your searchability?

Brand food for thought.

***

If you're looking for more media exposure for your personal brand, check out Maximum Exposure my PR mastermind for established personal brands, and apply to join us in July.

My childhood friend Koya has a new book and it's now available wherever books are sold. Let Your Fears Make You Fierce by Koya Webb

When addressing a room full of junior leaders, many of whom were concerned about "work-life balance" (or more fashionably, "work-life integration") she mentioned that she didn't think she or any of her fellow panelists believed they 'had it all'.

"I don't think any of us up here believes that we have it all," she said before pausing. "But then again, maybe we do..."

Have you ever considered that you already 'have it all' in this very moment - or at least all that you dreamed of one year ago, or ten years ago? Are you present to the absolute miracles that are unfolding in your personal life, at work, in your business, in your relationships?

We tend to tune out the everyday evolutions, the incremental signs of growth -while making sure not to miss that important email, or phone call or text. And in doing so, we're blind to the many miracles we're ironically setting ourselves up to miss,

I pondered this leading up to a trip to California and shared my musings from the beach. 

***

I was recently quoted as a personal branding expert in the Washington Post article  - How defining and honing a personal brand can help you stand out. Thank you to Beth Luberecki and the Washington Post for the opportunity to share.

But are you aware of what your process is? Most people aren't aware of it, but we typically have a way we go about getting results for others. 

If you can outline step-by-step how you make the magic so to speak, your genius will be much easier to communicate and to sell.

And by that I don't just mean a process to sign people up for your service, or a process to accept payments while those are also important processes to have. 

What I mean by a process is the actual process you take yourself through whenever you're doing what you do best.

It's easy to not even notice your personal process for results when you work within a larger organization - you may confuse your personal process with the organization's process, and the two may be very similar.

But more often than not, you bring a degree of personalization and specialization to everything you tackle, due to the fact that you are you.

Some of the benefits of having a process for your genius?

1. Your current and future clients will know what to expect

2. Having a process makes you feel more confident in what you have to offer - you know there are specific steps to take, so you'll be able to see when things are "off".

3. A process is easier to sell, both for you and to your potential customers. It's easier for you to sell because you can create additional systems - to market, deliver, process payments - and then outsource parts of those systems to other people/technology. It's easier to sell to customers because having a process is just plain sexy. It screams "I've done this before."

4. A process positions you as an expert. When you're able to communicate that you have a specific way of doing things, you step into trusted advisor status - and trusted advisors are more revered, more respected, and better paid. When you can show you have a process to deliver results, you put your clients at ease; they can rest easy knowing you know what you're doing and you aren't just 'winging it'.

What process do you have for your genius? In the next episode I'll share how to identify your process. And trust me, if you're getting consistent results for people, you have one. So let's nail it down.

***

Package Your Genius - 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon. Check out the new personal branding book today. 

But humility won't sell you.

Think about the opportunities you're up for - you're likely competing with others. And while you shouldn't view your life as a competition, to a degree it is. When you have to make the case for why you over someone else, your humility can be a liability.

Many people fear that they come off as "obnoxious" when they describe why they're the best fit. But if you're telling the truth, there's nothing obnoxious about your truth.

It is what it is.

Check out the June 10, 2019 issue of Washington Post Express for a quote by yours truly!

But in retrospect, they could have been far worse.

I'm holding onto that nugget as I process the past and attempt to move forward, but quite honestly, earlier today I hit an emotional wall. It is taking some serious self-coaching to get myself back into a good headspace, and I'm not even completely there yet.

Thankfully, life has a funny way of giving you perspective when you're too wrapped up in yourself to see how inconsequential the small things really are.

What do you do when you hit an emotional or mental wall?

How do you bring yourself back?

How do you refocus yourself?

I'd love to hear how you process.

But are you leveraging all the work you’ve done and ideas you’ve shared up to this point?

I was reviewing one of my websites and realized I have accumulated 6 years of regular content.

Yet when people encounter me TODAY, they may only be aware of a small snapshot of what I’ve done.

I will be the first to say I could do a better job of sharing stuff from my archives to those who may have missed it the first time.

What about you?

Remember - good ideas are worth repeating.

When you eat, breathe ,and live what you care about the most, people take notice. They'll think of your topic and then think of you.

When you stay on message,  you stay top of mind.

You don’t have to be featured in a major publication for people to understand what you’re passionate about. Your passion for what you do should ooze through you at home and at work whether you're delivering a talk on stage or making small talk with colleagues.

3 Ways to stay on message when it comes to what you care about?

1. Rant about what bothers you in the industry
2. Tell personal stories about what has happened to you in relation to your topic of expertise
3. Let your wider network know whenever you get the chance to speak or do formal media on your topic

If people don’t understand what you do, that’s a messaging problem you can fix. My program and others are designed to tackle that.

But if people don’t know what you’re passionate about, that’s on you.

Stay on message and they'll know what you're about - and they'll think of you when that topic comes up.

How many times have you made up your mind about a restaurant, a company, or a city after only having experienced it one time, or reading one bad review?

Do you tell yourself a story based on only 1-2 pieces of evidence?

And when it comes to going after clients, pitching yourself for media opportunities, or leveling up in your career - have you ever decided to give up after hearing one no?

We're all guilty of having done this at least once or twice.

But my message for you today?

Cast a wider net before you call it quits.

This is a wide and vast planet, with over  7 billion people at my last check. While you may not have been able to sell the last person you pitched on your idea, your business or yourself - you have likely not exhausted all of your options.

It's impossible to exhaust the option in most things, especially when there are new ones popping up that you may not even be aware of.

Here's your reminder of that - before you go making up stories about why you can't do or have what you want, ask yourself if you've cast your net as wide as possible.

If the answer is no, think outside of the box you've put yourself in.

In the past, when feelings of imposter syndrome made me anxious, I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night. If it hit me during waking hours, my stomach would turn somersaults whenever my stress point was triggered.

In recent years, I've learned a powerful reframe that I use whenever I start to veer toward anxiety. And that simple mantra?

"I've already done the work."

Shout out to my friend Dr. Reisha Moxley who gave me that excellent mantra. It's come in handy more times than I can count.

If you struggle with imposter syndrome - face it, we all feel like imposters at one point or another - try that mantra on and see how it helps you.

Then think if you're letting one failure cripple you indefinitely as I discussed in episode 80.

If you find that you are, make a list of every single reason you're ready for this opportunity. And keep referring back to it. When you find yourself overthinking your next move, or succumbing to anxiety, picture yourself doing everything on that list.

As I mentioned in the episode:

Congratulations to PYG Academy Maximum Exposure's Amber Cabral who was featured in Fast Company today! Check out the article - and please share:

Fast Company - I've Trained 5,000 Leaders. Here's how 1-Day Diversity Trainings Are Not Enough

My gift to you - save $$$ on my signature personal branding toolkit the Branding Box with the secret code you heard on the podcast. Enter the code after clicking checkout at www.thebrandingbox.com 

But they probably wanted me to fit in more than anything else. And as a parent now who is in charge of shaping young people, I can relate to the instinct to want your child to fit in at all costs.

But some of us were just born to be different.

Some of us were born to stand out.

Some of us have to do the most - it's just our natural speed.

Leaning into this daily podcast challenge has helped me see that doing a little extra is my normal. And while I may not keep the daily episodes going forever, it's certainly easier to pull off than I thought it would be.

In part because, I thrive when I'm given a big challenge. I like to be stretched a little more than usual. I'm in my bag when I've got something absurd to achieve. 

"Regular" doesn't keep my attention.

Reflection questions for you - what were you doing as a young person when you were told you were doing the most? Or maybe your experiences are more recent, and others think you go overboard at work, in your marriage, or in your parenting.

Whatever gets you side-eyes from the world may be a clue to your brand magic. Instead of dialing that part of yourself down, try turning it up. 

Let me know what happens.

As Mentioned in the Episode

Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Personal Brand is available on Amazon. Get it.

The Package Your Genius Companion Personal Branding Workbook - a book full of introspective prompts - is there too. Grab yours now.

And it's an easy assumption to make.

Think about it - if you routinely offer up your life-changing, career-catapulting, business-building skills to friends and family for free, you'll subconsciously get the message that your skills aren't worth anything.

So be mindful when you offer up freebies to those you love.

Help friends and family out with your gifts. But don't make the mistake of assuming that just because people don't pay they're not getting massive value from what you're serving up.

You're not fulfilling a passion or hobby - you're operating a pro bono business that is already generating value for the world.

You just haven't figured out how to extract compensation for the value you provide yet.

More on that in a future episode :)

I was reminded of that on a coaching call earlier when a client recalled a painful memory about a business venture she abandoned years ago after receiving a single negative review.

And the negative review ended up being fake news! The client recanted shortly thereafter, but the damage had been done.

The sting of "you're not good enough" forced my client to shut down any dreams she had of pursuing the business, even after hearing that the client was actually happy with her work!

It's the subconscious mind that grabs an idea and holds on to it for dear life. It's why so many people allow a failure - real or perceived - to cripple them indefinitely.

But these are stories you're unknowingly telling yourself about why you can't do what has been put on your heart to do.

And stories are just that - stories. They're not always true.

What stories are you telling yourself about why you can't do, go, or be what you desire most? 

I recently had what felt like life ministering to me when I bought a new bicycle for my son.

He had aged out of his kiddie big box store bike, and I wanted to get him a new set of wheels from the bike shop.

When I ended up purchasing said new wheels, I immediately had buyer's remorse.

Because of his long legs, the salesperson had advised me to go with an adult-sized bike instead of the older youth bikes.

But when the new bike came in and we went to pick it up, I immediately felt it was too big. Knowing my child - and his reckless, careless tendencies - it felt like a recipe for disaster.

But disaster wasn't exactly what was on the menu for him. His ability to grow quickly taught me a lesson about how poised for growth we all are.

Listen in and chime in. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

If you want a tangible toolkit full of fun worksheets and exercises to help you get clear on your personal brand, check out The Branding Box.

Applications are open for the next round of Package Your Genius Academy that starts in early May. To learn more about the program and submit your preliminary application, please visit Package Your Genius Academy.

I'm excited to work with a few more high achievers who have a track record of professional success and need help framing their story, articulating their value to the clients who need them, and becoming more visible through media and speaking.

If you:

• have had some success in one area, but want to make a shift and do something you’ve never done before,
• don’t know how to clearly describe what you do, package who you are, or sell yourself to others, or
• have had on the job successes and are often praised for your work but now want to translate that into more consulting opportunities, apply here.

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

The idea of going slow, taking baby step and waiting for permission to start is a syndrome that holds so many of us back. When you know your stuff and are a genius in your own right, your gift is likely more ready for the world than you think. It's up to you to stop overthinking it.

I'm excited to share this conversation with a powerful woman who did just that. I met this tremendous being when she was on the cusp of a major life change and she enrolled in the Package Your Genius Academy fall 2018 cohort.

Rebecca Thompson is a Clarity + Career Coach for bold, politically minded women. After losing her election for State Representative by just 6 votes on Election Day, she has made it her personal mission to help other women of color run for office and to create the life and career of their dreams.

She is the Founder of the Live In Your Light Bootcamp, a personal development intensive that is inspiring a new generation of high achieving women to live authentically, purposefully, and in their light.

Rebecca says she was burned out after the 2016 election and knew that she was being called to more. While she loved the training and leadership development components of her work, she wanted to phase out of the nastiness of politics.

That's how the bootcamp was born.

According to Rebecca, the timing for high achieving women of color to live in their light is year round. No matter what you see women achieving on the outside, inside they still struggle with limiting beliefs, negative self talk, and self doubt. This is what's keeping so many amazing women from walking in their purpose. Rebecca now helps her clients overcome imposter syndrome, create morning routines that start with powerful affirmations, get crystal clear about what they want their future to look and feel like, and surround themselves with people who light them up.

On this episode we discuss:

• How Rebecca turned a losing political race into the fuel to start a new career path 
• Her struggle with depression and anxiety and how she nurtured herself back to wholeness
• How she shifted how she works
• How naming what you do aloud can give you permission to claim your new path
• The tell-tale signs that you need to do inner work
• How to re-ignite your hobbies and passions

You can learn more about Rebecca, her Live in Your Light Bootcamp and her free 30 day affirmation challenge at RebeccaMThompson.com

***

Applications are open for the next round of Package Your Genius Academy that starts in early May. To learn more about the program and submit your preliminary application, please visit Package Your Genius Academy.

What makes you unique?

How is your approach different from that of everyone else?

What makes you, you?

When it comes time to package a message around one's personal brand, clarity on those distinguishing factors seems to be where most people struggle.

But I've found that our pivotal life moments - the moments that are forever etched in our memories - tell the story of who we really are.

Because more often than not, who we are is who we've always been.

The life moments, our first or earliest memories of feeing disappointed, torn, devastated...

Our first recollections of feeling powerful, exhilarated, energized...

Those first memories of feeling confused, furious, or that life was unfair...

What do you remember?

What sticks out to you, even now?

How did those life events change you? 

***

I have a vivid memory of playing on the playground in elementary school. My elementary school was pretty racially diverse, but socially segregated. Yet somehow I always found myself straddling the line.

Back then your 'cool quotient' was calculated by how fast you could run on the playground at recess. The 3-4 other Black girls in my grade were fast; and as the only Black girl lacking speed, I felt cursed. But I was cool enough, just not as cool as the girls who came in first and second place in every foot race.

I remember one day another speed-less girl - a little White girl - was accused of having the dreaded 'cooties' during recess. The playground suddenly cleared out after this accusation, and the little girl was left dangling on her swing, all alone.

I can remember as the crowd sped away, one reluctant classmate turned back and asked me "Aren't you coming? She has cooties, you can't stay with her..." and there I was, torn between going with the crowd, and doing what I felt was right.

I knew then that I couldn't leave her, that the rest of the students would be alright, that I may have to pay a price for being in such close proximity to her cooties. But it was a price I was willing to pay.

At the end of the day, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving her there all alone with no one to play with. It just wasn't in me to do it.

And it still isn't.

Years later, I don't like leaving people behind. It's who I've always been. I have attended expensive conferences only to go home and blog about everything I learned so others could learn, too. When I was a journalist, I dedicated my beat to giving voice to those who didn't have a microphone. And as a PR woman and a coach I've used my skills to amplify the voices of others. I've built a business around unlocking the gifts of people who may not have felt they fit anywhere else. 

And every time I do that, every time I make a choice that may not necessarily be the most popular or profitable, it speaks volumes for my brand on my behalf.

And better yet, it attracts people who are also on that same frequency. 

What are some of the pivotal life moments that you remember?

What memories are etched in your brain and heart, years later, even now?

And what story are those memories - the ones you've held on for decades - telling about you today?

Applications are open for the next round of Package Your Genius Academy

I'm excited to work with a few more high achievers who have a track record of professional success and need help framing their story, articulating their value to the clients who need them, and becoming more visible through media and speaking.

If you:

• have had some success in one area, but want to make a shift and do something you’ve never done before,
• don’t know how to clearly describe what you do, package who you are, or sell yourself to others, or
• have had on the job successes and are often praised for your work but now want to translate that into more consulting opportunities, apply here.

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

And how can you figure out what you're supposed to be doing when you're feeling stuck, drained, or uninspired? I have a clue for you. If you're searching for work that you love, start paying attention to what LIGHTS YOU UP. Are you aware of what energizes you?  What about what drains you? What people are always a joy? What people are always a pain? If you're ready to find your life's work and bring purpose front and center, first you need to assess your ENERGY. And I have a free tool to help.  Get the process of inquiry my clients use to understand their energy and plan a pivot towards more fulfilling work.  Download the Package Your Genius Brand Energy Assessment here 

Applications are open for the next round of Package Your Genius Academy

I'm excited to work with a few more high achievers who have a track record of professional success and need help framing their story, articulating their value to the clients who need them, and becoming more visible through media and speaking.

If you:

• have had some success in one area, but want to make a shift and do something you’ve never done before,
• don’t know how to clearly describe what you do, package who you are, or sell yourself to others, or
• have had on the job successes and are often praised for your work but now want to translate that into more consulting opportunities, apply here.

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

Visibility does not have to be as hard as we're making it. 

After countless conversations with students, clients and friends, I wanted to establish once and for all how easy it is take what you're already doing and repurpose it for visibility and even revenue, if you're so inclined.

Regardless of where you are in the personal branding process, you can repurpose your advice - the thoughts you have and expertise you share - into more tangible ways to support infinitely scalable more people.

Want to reach more people?

Here are 5 types of advice you can repurpose:

1) 1:1 Client Sessions - Do you have coaching, consulting or strategy sessions with your clients? Do you frequently brainstorm with work colleagues one on one?

If you're frequently giving the same advice over and over again, maybe it's time for you to repurpose that into something bigger. You can repurpose the advice you've given during your 1:1 client conversations into:

• media interviews - sessions provide great fodder for talking points and soundbites 
• podcast episodes - you can tell a great story using what you worked on in your sessions
• newsletter articles and blog posts - mine client sessions for "stories" that can bring what you do to life in your newsletter or blog posts
• guest post submissions to larger sites - share the results your clients received in a teachable moment for others

2) Session Notes - Do you take detailed session notes for your individual or group clients? Do you keep seeing the same themes pop up over and over again? Why not repurpose them into:

• Blank worksheets  - you can give these away to build your email list or use them with new clients
• Workbooks - if you notice multiple themes towards one big goal, i.e. how to get media interviews, how to get speaking engagements, and how to grow your social media following - maybe all of those can be packaged together into a workbook
• Workshop or Conference Curriculum - I frequently reflect on my client session notes to pull out what makes most sense to share during events and retreats
• A book - depending on how many themes you can find, your book may be inside of these notes
• A course - similarly, if courses are more your speed, there's likely a bank of videos you can create simply from the roadmap of your client session notes. Don't reinvent the wheel if you don't have to!

3) Your Speaking Opportunities - Do you do a ton of paid talks? Do you create several slide decks each year to correspond with your workshops? Why not repurpose those into more content like:

• Media Segments/Interview Pitches - if you've prepared a good deck, those talking points are done.
• Book outlines and books - My book Package Your Genius 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand started from my notes and speaking decks. I used my signature presentation content as the outline for the book and filled in the blanks from there.
• Course Modules - the deck is the hardest part. If you have a few SOLID presentation decks on a similar theme, all they need is your voiceover to turn them into video course modules. You can record them using a tool like Screenflow or Camtasia, OR you can teach live masterclass and turn the video recordings into your course.

4) Content series - I recently discovered the power of creating video content during an event. You can use your own telesummit or virtual conference to help you develop a massive amount of content for 

• a podcast launch - this is an easy way to create a bank of interviews you can use to launch your new show. 
• Course videos - Once the virtual event is done, repurpose those videos into the modules for your online course.
• Membership site content - another smart way to develop a bank of content for a new membership site

5) Frequently asked questions and general advice - We all give it. Why not repurpose it? Furthermore, why not monetize it?

• a blog post - the most basic format to repurpose your FAQs; you can even write the most epic blog post and submit it to a larger site like Business Insider if you want to use it to grow your email list
• a media pitch - This is where I typically start with PR for experts. I have them take their most frequently asked questions and position that advice as the basis for a media interview. You're already giving out this advice - why not capture your gems on tv or radio?
• a keynote presentation or book - Again, if you're always giving out the same gems, perhaps they're the basis for your signature talk or keynote presentation, your book - or both.
• a paid signature consulting session - If people are getting get results from your free advice, why not package what you're telling people into a paid consulting session? That was one of the first ways I monetized my ideas and it's been amazing.

 Applications are open for the next round of

Package Your Genius Academy

I'm ready to work with a few more high achievers who have a track record of professional success and need help framing their story, articulating their value to the clients who need them, and becoming more visible through media and speaking.

If you:

• have had some success in one area, but want to make a shift and do something you’ve never done before,
• don’t know how to clearly describe what you do, package who you are, or sell yourself to others, or
• have had on the job successes and are often praised for your work but now want to translate that into more consulting opportunities, apply here.

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

If you owned a farm and were preparing for the spring planting season, what would you be doing?

Likely assessing last year's harvest to determine what worked and what didn't.

You may talk to your customers to find out which crops were most in demand, and which ones you could plant less of.

You'd be spending time making the decisions that would impact your season of growth.

The same can be true for your brand. At this point in the year, you likely know about the major speaking engagements that are on the calendar. You know about most of your major travel. If you're an entrepreneur, you have an idea of the major service or program launches happening soon or later in the fall. 

How are you preparing?

Better yet, how are you planning to make a record of the success you're going to create in the upcoming growth months of the year?

I spoke with a current Package Your Genius Academy student who has a number of big speaking engagements on her calendar this spring. Some of these talks occur at major annual conferences for her industry. I asked her to consider preparing for the opportunities coming her way - not simply by preparing her remarks and shaping her deck; I challenged her to think about how could she be intentional about snagging other visibility opportunities to coincide with her talks.

For example, could she write an op ed and pitch it to either a major national newspaper or an industry publication all her peers read? Could she look at the cities where she'll be speaking and research local news outlets where she could potentially book a segment while she's in town? How can she leverage the hard work she's already doing to deliver an amazing talk and create a way for others in her industry to learn from her? 

How could she plan to make sure there's a record of her being there, saying what she said and delivering her genius?

That's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about media. Say what you will about it, media coverage creates a record of what happened. It reminds the world of what you did, what you said, and that you were there. 

In an era of disappearing media as Dr. Richardson discussed on episode 69, it's all the more important in today's digital age to make sure your story is being recorded permanently.

What's coming up on your agenda? What do you want to add to the historical record? What op ed can you write? What coverage can you go after to make a record that you said what you said, did what you did and made the contribution you made?

As Mentioned During the Episode

During the recent Virtual PR Conference I announced a new PR program we're launching specifically for experts who are building their personal brands. Maximum Exposure is an opportunity for you to work with my team of experts to meet with journalists, brainstorm story ideas, fine tune your message and pitch the media every single month. We're accepting applications, so if PR is on your agenda for this year, submit your application and plan to join us. Submit your application

Allissa trains youth to use only smartphones, MP3 players and tablets to report news. She calls her students mobile journalists, or MOJOs. At age 25, she joined the faculty of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She served as coordinator of its journalism program, and launched and directed the Morgan MOJO Lab in 2010. Under her leadership, Morgan State became the first and only historically black college in the country to offer mobile journalism courses. 

The National Association of Black Journalists said Richardson empowered her students around the globe “to speak truth to power using new media.” In spring 2012, NABJ recognized her as its Journalism Educator of the Year for her international work. In 2013, Apple, Inc. inducted Richardson into its elite Distinguished Educator program for her innovative uses of its products. 

Richardson is the founder of MOJO MediaWorks. Her firm designs mobile journalism workshops for youth, educators and working journalists. Her clients include The Washington Post, PBS, Black Girls Code, GlobalGirl Media, Journalism Educators Association, and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Black Enterprise has called Richardson’s fast-growing company a “feel-good tech firm on the rise.”

Richardson’s writing has appeared in Oprah Magazine, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, JET Magazine, Baltimore Sun.com, the Miami Herald and the Chicago Tribune. She earned the Weinstein-Luby Outstanding Young Journalist Award in 2002, and the Freedom Forum’s Chips Quinn Scholars award that same year. And Harvard University selected her for its prestigious Nieman Foundation Journalism Fellowship to work on a project that advances the industry.

Richardson holds a Ph.D. in Journalism Studies from the University of Maryland College Park, a Master's Degree in Magazine Publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Our conversation touched on

• Personal branding in academia and how Dr. Richardson used her brand to get on the tenure track. 
• How positioning herself as an expert helped her snag a Harvard fellowship and international teaching opportunities
• Why she loves the freedom and schedule of academia
• Her forthcoming book Bearing Witness While Black and how she landed a book deal at the top academic press
• Why writing and authorship are important to her
• How visibility combats erasure and why it's important for people of color to tell their stories

As mentioned on the episode

On Wednesday March 6, I'm excited to my first ever all day virtual conference. Maximum Exposure is a daylong online event where I'll be speaking with host journalists and experts about how you can gain valuable media exposure for your personal brand. 

Join us for the conference by registering on Crowdcast: http://www.crowdcast.io/e/PYGAMaximumExposure/register

I'm passionate about visibility because I know how POWERFUL it can be, and what it can do for your life.

Sharing and becoming visible POSITIONS YOU AS THE EXPERT in other peoples' minds. It makes you visible to your industry and your network. You're already doing the work. Visibility enhances the perception of how valuable you are.

Sharing and becoming visible STRETCHES YOU AND DEMOLISHES YOUR OWN MENTAL WALLS. It disputes the false stories you're telling yourself about yourself. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "The mind once stretched by a new idea will never regain its original dimensions." Once you see yourself and are seen for who you truly are by others, you can never go back. 

Sharing your message and becoming visible BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO YOURSELF because you're staying true to yourself. You're being "more loyal to your dreams than to your fears" as author Tara Mohr puts it. It seems counterintuitive to think that you grow closer to yourself by connecting with many others, but it's true. 

I am dogged about visibility because it helps combat erasure. We have to tell our stories, lest history be revised.

I'm dogged about visibility because I know how painful it is to never be seen for who you really are, and what you have to offer. 

I am dogged about visibility because traditionally only certain people have been allowed to be seen. Visibility is about justice, equality and parity.

I was given a gift of storytelling, promotion, packaging and translating people's messages so they can be understood. One of the most powerful ways I know of to turn the volume up on your message and help you be seen, heard, and understood more widely is MEDIA.

That's why I'm hosting a free one day virtual conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Maximum Exposure - Land Media for Your Personal Brand 

It’s a virtual (read: online) conference – and it’s all about how to land valuable media for your personal brand.

I’ve invited friends of the academy – working journalists, a top podcaster, and a communications exec – to be your thought partners for the day.

Together, we’ll be pulling back the curtain on what it takes to get the MAXIMUM EXPOSURE your mission and message deserve.

Check out the schedule, review the speaker lineup, and REGISTER here >> Maximum Exposure: A Virtual Conference

And do me a huge favor – please invite your friends who are doing big, world-changing things, too!

This event is free, but space is limited.

So if getting your mission out there in a bigger way – even if it’s a little scary – is something you know you need to work on, I invite you to join us. 

Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/PYGAMaximumExposure/register

I love the actual process of what I do - not just outcome. It makes me happy.

So even when results aren't immediately evident, (you mean I didn't make the NYTimes Bestseller list on the first day??? *flips over a table*) it's okay, because I honestly love the work.

The work energizes me, gives me a sense of purpose, and fills my days with meaning in a way that few other things do.

It's easy to plant seeds day after day, week after week, and month after month because - to extend the planting metaphor - I love the feeling of the earth between my fingers.

I love the process of showing up every day to nurture an idea and help it grow.

I love waking up with the sun, running to the window and surveying the land to see what small changes may have taken place overnight, while the rest of the world was sleeping.

But the downside of loving the work this way is this: it can become easy to get so used to planting, that you forget the harvest is coming eventually.

And reaping that harvest feels almost...unfamiliar.

You get so in the weeds of doing the work, making tiny tweaks, and fighting off threats that you tend to forget what all your maneuvering is adding up to.

But I got a clear reminder last week. Last week was all about harvesting:

• I found out that after two arduous years of pep talks, practice tests, applications, wait lists, and interviews, my children were accepted into our family's dream educational institution - an independent school that will allow them to continue studying Mandarin and even possibly study abroad at sister campuses as middle and high school students.
• A subsidiary company of Johnson & Johnson placed a bulk order of my book for an upcoming event.
• Two other corporations invited me to deliver paid talks based on the content of Package Your Genius - a book I wrote and self-published only a few short months ago.
• After pouring into my Package Your Genius Academy students since 2016, last week I invited one of my former students to deliver a guest lecture on the topic of his expertise to our academy's newly enrolled cohort. He nailed it! I was so proud.
• I spoke with three separate PYGA alum who are all doing inspiring things - from doubling their salaries, to landing prestigious book deals, to signing their first 12 paid coaching clients in 30 days - all because of the work we did together.

At first, I was almost in disbelief at the abundance that kept showing up in my inbox. It was overwhelming.

Because quite honestly, I had gotten used to the grind. The pep talks and practice tests and applications had become my fall routine (whoever thought they'd actually get in, lol).

I'd told myself that sitting down and writing the book had been the real work (you mean people want to buy why what I wrote???)

And I'd so fully poured myself into teaching my students that I hadn't given much thought to how those lessons would continue to pay dividends for them.

But it finally dawned on me that *this* is the glorious morning I'd been dreaming about.

This is the ample harvest I had tilled and watered and worked my fingers to the bone for.

So while I may find joy in doing the work, I need to also learn to find joy in the harvest - to expect it, to rejoice in it, to be present to the magic of it.

Firstly because with all the seeds I've planted, it's inevitable, right?

But also because what else, if not this, have I been working towards?

If you've put years into becoming great at what you do, you may have also adopted the identity of 'diligent workhorse' and given little thought to where all of your hard work is taking you.

You may have shown up consistently every day and done your best.

You engrossed yourself in the work.

You hit a major milestone, and then moved on to the next big project.

You told yourself that you weren't doing it for the applause, but still..the applause may be in order.

And when the applause comes, if you're uncomfortable or even caught off guard like I was, ask yourself why.

Standing ovations shouldn't freak you out - you should expect them at this point.

A bountiful harvest shouldn't be a shock when you've been planting, watering and nurturing the seeds day in and day out.

Success shouldn't catch you by surprise when you've put in the work.

I'm still learning that lesson, with each new level.

Elsewhere in PYG-Land...

Get the Books

Order your copy of Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand and/or the Companion Personal Branding Workbook

An expert on early accountability, an educator, and a psychologist who personally changed her life by losing over 100 pounds, Kimi has learned what it takes to take new, scary actions and create an environment that encourages our new habits to stick.

With a background in school psychology Kimi regularly conducts psychological evaluations, and is the go-to person when dealing with cases that require behavior change.

The parallels between working in schools and working with adults who are trying to spark a new behavior are many. As Kimi shares during our interview, everyone responds differently to stimuli, so she works hard to assess each client and figure out what each person needs to succeed. She customizes solutions for students and coaching clients alike using her philosophy of "Results, Not Resolutions."

Kimi’s Steps for Sticking to New Goals

1. Know what you're working toward. Set a big goal. Remind yourself of your goal often.

2. Know your achievement style and what works best for you to achieve. What do you need in order to be able to execute?

3. Find something fun you like to do, or a milestone you can work towards that supports that new goal (i.e. Goal - weight loss, Milestone - train for a marathon).

4. Be intentional about getting support and accountability. Find a coach or other expert who can cut your learning curve.

As mentioned in the episode

Get Kimi’s Level Up and Launch Checklist by texting HELPMELAUNCH to 44222

As always, grab Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

I work with a lot of burned-out corporate high achievers who have been successful in that space for years, but have finally decided to do something new - sometimes personal development centered, since we often want to heal our own wounds by helping others who were in the place we used to be.

But a common theme I’m noticing is a tendency for high achievers to adopt a mindset from the bottom of the ladder. They decide that since they’re essentially starting over and are new to coaching or running their own business or online marketing or being independent - they mentally put themselves at the bottom of this new ladder.

Sound familiar? If so, stay with me.

I want you to imagine two ladders side by side. How will you get from ladder one (your old path) to ladder two (your new path)?

Your first thought, especially if you're a high achiever, may be to step your way back down all the steps, retracing your steps on all the previous rungs of ladder one, to get to the ground so that you can then climb up the second ladder.

But instead of stepping your way down, I want you to imagine yourself  at the top of ladder one,  reaching your hand out to grab ahold and step over to the top of ladder two. From the top of one ladder, the top of another ladder.

Because you’re not starting from zero.

Your credibility transfers.

We are all a constellation of our career and life experiences, our relationships, our networks, our access and our opportunities.

Instead of thinking of yourself as a newbie, as a beginner, or as an ingenue, I want you to ask yourself how can you put all that you’ve done in the past - all of the past work, all of your relationships, all of your political capital - how can you put all of that to work in service of your new dream?

As Mentioned in the Episode

Thank you to LaQuentin Cathey for Your Rave Review of Package Your Genius:

From Amazon:

LaQuintin Cathey  | 5.0 out of 5 stars  |  "Great book, definitely recommend."

February 3, 2019

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon - Order Your Personal Branding Bible Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is also available for order - Order Your Personal Branding Workbook

It was only when Amber was asked to sit on a diversity council at her job that she uncovered her passion for diversity and inclusion work. Later, when she switched jobs and the diversity council was no longer present, Amber had an aha moment that the diversity work was what actually lit her up about her job.

How does someone end up working in diversity and inclusion? Timing is everything. Before D & I became the career field du jour, Amber knew she wanted to do something, but the opportunities weren’t readily available. Moving to the Fortune 1 Company - Walmart Stores - she took on a major mentoring initiative for the company, which taught her many professional lessons before she exited the company and ultimately, the corporate world completely from an employee standpoint.

In the interview Amber shares how a “voluntold” opportunity put her on the path to a full-fledged consulting company, and how being open to new assignments can open up your career path.

Hear:

• how she built relationships while working remotely
• how she landed a role at the Fortune 1 and how she came to the ultimate decision to pivot from corporate to start her consulting business 
• how we’re all constellations of our personal networks, how we’re not alone, how there’s a net that many of us aren’t accessing to get our side hustles or consulting gigs going
• how she turned the trait she was criticized for during her corporate tenure  into the superpower that powers her training business

“Always be evolving and be willing to do the work of change.” - Amber Cabral

Amber’s Lessons Learned:

1. You do not have to live the life you've been told to. You get to decide the kind of life and career you want.

2. Always be evolving. Doing something is better than thinking about everything, be open and eager for change.

3. Bring authenticity to every part of your life: relationships, work, family and everything in between. When someone connects to the authenticity in you, it opens up doors you would otherwise have never known existed.

Find Amber online:

Amber’s Website Cabral Co - Cabral Co

Amber on Instagram @BamCabral

Amber on Twitter @BamCabral

Amber on LinkedIn - Amber Cabral

What I’m reading and listening to this week

Golf Home Owners Find Themselves in a Hole  on the WSJ

Three Brothers Launch Eco-Friendly Candle Company - on BlackNews.com

As mentioned in the episode

Last call for Package Your Genius Academy

It’s the last week to apply for this round of Package Your Genius Academy. I’m so excited about the amazing group that’s already coming together for our February 5 start date! Such brilliant minds. Among the current roster, we have a scientific research funding consultant, a therapist in private practice, and a life coach who is pioneering a new coaching style based on her stage time as an actor.

I still have some room for a few more high achievers who have a track record of professional success and need help framing their story, articulating their value to the clients who need them, and becoming more visible through media and speaking.

If you:

• have had some success in one area, but want to make a shift and do something you’ve never done before,
• don’t know how to clearly describe what you do, package who you are, or sell yourself to others, or
• have had on the job successes and are often praised for your work but now want to translate that into more consulting opportunities, apply here.

As always, Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

What is your life mission? What is your life vision? Why is mission and vision so important? As our guest says, it’s the key to why we should be showing up.

Meico Whitlock specializes in helping purpose driven high achieving professionals find work life balance and carve out a life of meaning. He works with clients on finding balance, eliminating technology distraction and developing personal mission and vision. In his experience, so many professionals are clear on the mission of the organization or clients they’re serving, but they are unclear on their own life personal missions.

Why is that?

For one, Meico says, most of us are suffering from a case of IDD - Intention Deficit Disorder: we’re on autopilot going through life without clear intention of why we’re showing up in the world.

When you lack intention, it’s easy to accept whatever “falls into your lap” - both personally and professionally. So the price is high.

Meico shares a list powerful questions that help get closer to our personal mission and purpose. I found his questions to be thought-provoking and powerful.

1. How can I be of service

2. If you knew that you couldn’t fail, what would you be doing with your life?

Take Advantage of Meico’s Resources:

Meico’s website - Mindful Techie

Download the Free Life Planning Guide

Life Visioning Program Reboot Your Life Course

Meico's Planner - The Intention Planner

What I’m reading and listening to this week

Employers Need to Address Caregiving Crisis Study Finds - WSJ

19 Books to Help You Live Your Best Life - Kailei Carr

Clean up your social media profile and use it to your advantage - WUSA

4 Smart Strategies to Survive a Market Cool-Off - Inc

If Your Friends Don’t Talk About Money , You Need New Friends - Business Insider

As mentioned in the episode

Learn more and apply for Package Your Genius Academy - Apply Here

Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon - My Personal Branding Book

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon - My Personal Branding Workbook

What is your personal success profile?

Whatever actions, people, places or activities that always make you feel your best shouldn't be optional; they should be non-negotiable aspects of your routine.

Are you prioritizing the source of your magic?

Whatever you’re doing that helps you show up in your very best form, are you intentional about doing that on a daily, weekly  or monthly basis?

I’ve learned over the past few years that we have to prioritize the activities that bring us focus, joy and energy in order to show up as our best selves and therefore reach our most important goals.

I learned the hard way that we have to hold ourselves accountable and meet our own basic requirements if we want to feel fulfilled.

Here's a breakdown of how to do that:

Step 1 - Think about a key activity that brings you joy, energy, and helps you to focus. This is one of your basic requirements for optimal performance.

Note - typically when you’re not able to experience a basic requirement regularly enough, you may feel cranky, overwhelmed, irritated, frustrated, confused or indecisive.

Step 2 - Assess how often you’re experiencing your basic requirement for optimal performance. How often are you doing it or getting it? Are you making it a priority, or are you being like I was and leaving it to chance because you take your ability to access this basic requirement for granted. Be honest.

Step 3 - Make your basic requirement a priority, and put it on your calendar. I’ve started with a daily window for thinking and writing in the morning. My goal is to spend 30 minutes, but as long as I’m doing it regularly, I’m excited to see how the re-introduction of daily writing improved the quality of my life.

Questions to Consider:

What are the key ingredients for your very best day, and for your very best week? For you to show up as your very best self?

What actions evoke the feelings that are priceless to you?

What situations and people evoke the feelings that are priceless to you?

What work would you do for free because the sensation of doing the work is priceless to you and core to your life purpose?

What I’m reading and listening to

Myleik Teele’s MyTaught You Podcast - Marathon Mindset

Burned Out Millennials Need Careers Not Jobs on Bloomberg

Dark Horse - Achieving Success by the Pursuit of Fulfillment - Dark Horse by Todd Rose

Boyhood at 11 and 12: Navigating a social system that prizes alpha males over quirky kids - Washington Post

PYG Episode 39 -  Package Your Childhood Genius - Discovering Passions Early with DJ Connor B

As mentioned in the episode

Learn more and apply for Package Your Genius Academy

Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon

Package Your Genius Personal Branding Companion Workbook is available on Amazon

Throughout time, geniuses have been known for eliminating unnecessary decisions.

Albert Einstein and more recently, Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs adopted a "uniform" to eliminate the daily choice of what to wear.

In doing so, they preserved their mental energy for the projects and breakthrough innovations that mattered most to them.

You don't have to be an Einstein or Jobs to adopt this idea. This is a great time of year to assess what decisions you can eliminate in order to preserve your precious mental energy.

Are too many decisions, clutter or a lack of organization keeping you from full potential? What can you remove in 2019 in order to be more effective?

To help us answer that question, and to give us some New Year strategies to make better decisions, I sat down with Kimberly Boyd Lewis - an executive coach at Evre Little Detail, and a 2018 student of Package Your Genius Academy.

Kimberly started her career as an emergency room social worker, where her ability to quickly make decisions could make the difference between life and death. 

Now as an executive coach, she uses that same decisive authority from her time in social work to help busy executive women cut through the noise, quickly make decisions, and move their lives forward. Women seek out Kimberly when they feel overwhelmed by their choices and stuck in their current situations.  She helps them remove the clutter, organize their thoughts and things, and connect with key information or people in order to take the next best step.

I ask because so often we become attached to an outdated narrative that has dominated a definitive period in our lives. 

For example, 

"We never have enough resources to go around, so I need to sacrifice personal comforts to ensure my family's needs are met..."

or 

"I'm not a true leader in my organization yet, so I can't ask for  face time with senior leaders..."

or even 

"Landing clients has historically been difficult for me, so it will probably take months to build up a solid client base..."

But the problem arises when we unknowingly outgrow our prevailing story, and the narrative no longer serves us.

Have you outgrown your old idea of who you are? 

In the months and years since you first devised your current idea of yourself, you've likely evolved.

You may have gotten stronger, more accomplished, more connected, and more respected in your field - yet you're only giving yourself credit for the person you USED to be.

It didn't work then, so what if it doesn’t work now?

I wasn't qualified for the role and was rejected five years ago. What if I’m not as good as I think I am now?

My relationships always seem to fall apart after six months. We're five months in, what if it all falls apart?

These are some of the potential questions that plague us when we’re on the cusp of something new.

But sometimes in the interim, while we’ve been waiting on things to fall apart, they've actually been working out in our favor, and we've been blind to our good fortune.

Sound familiar?

Have you been so tied to your past identity, your past failures and who you used to be that you’ve been asleep to your new reality?

Are you actually ALREADY living the dream you always held for yourself, but instead of celebrating it, you’re living in the past?

It may be time to let go of your old ideas about who you used to be.

Think about the different things on your dream list.

Is what you say you want showing up already for you, but perhaps in a format you didn’t expect? What does success need to look like for you to be able to see it?

To be sure, first make a list of what you’ve always said you wanted.

Is that a loving relationship?

A new roster of clients for your own business?

Financial independence?

Next, examine your current reality and be honest with yourself.

Do you already have some of those things on some level? Is there any evidence to support that you already have what you want?

Last, intentionally think through the narrative you can change internally.

As we know, what you focus on will grow.

The new year is the perfect time to explore these ideas.

Join me for episode 60 of Package Your Genius - my first episode of 2019!

https://packageyourgenius.podbean.com/e/ep-60-let-go-of-who-you-used-to-be/

Mentioned in this episode:

Package Your Genius Academy - Apply for January 2019 Cohort http://www.packageyourgeniusacademy.com

Package Your Genius - 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand - http://bit.ly/pygbook

Package Your Genius Companion Personal Branding Workbook - http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

Question 2: What is one thing that could make everything else work? For me this year, the big thing that made everything else work was writing Package Your Genius

The books I mentioned

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804137382/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

The One Thing by Gary Keller https://www.the1thing.com

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026772QU/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Question 3: What do you want more of?

Me? I want more travel, adventure, and income - hello 7 figures! I want more support in my home!

Question 4: What do you want less of? Me? I want less administration in my life!

Question 5: What are you grateful for? I am grateful for my family, my relationship, my health and creativity.

As Mentioned in the Episode

Are You in a Money Making Space https://redefiningwealth.podbean.com/e/are-you-in-a-money-making-space/

Tag, You’re It Series on Amazon http://www.connorlittlejohn.com

Package Your Genius - the book http://bit.ly/pygbook and the Companion workbook http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

Package Your Genius Academy http://www.packageyourgeniusacademy.com

Download the free PR Planning Worksheet https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/12929

Apply for Package Your Genius Academy's Upcoming Cohort http://www.packageyourgeniusacademy.com

Order Package Your Genius 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand on Amazon http://bit.ly/pygbook

Order Package Your Genius Companion Personal Branding Workbook on Amazon http://bit.ly/pygworkbook

Whatever you want more of, you can create through your personal brand. As human beings, we are born to CREATE, so especially if you're in a position where you want to create more revenue in your business or income from your skills outside of your day job, you have everything you need to make that happen.

As mentioned on the episode:

Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand is available on Amazon here http://bit.ly/pygbook

Learn more and submit your application for Package Your Genius Academy http://www.packageyourgeniusacademy.com

Get the book - Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Personal Brand http://bit.ly/pygbook