The Power of Experimentation

My Not-So-Glamorous Start on Social Media

I’m not gonna pretend I was some kind of social media savant. I wasn’t. In fact, when I first started posting online, I had no clue what I was doing. I just knew one thing — I had something to say. And I believed somebody out there might need to hear it.

So I started with blog posts. I put together what I hoped were thoughtful, helpful, well-researched pieces — and I still write them weekly. But eventually, I realized I needed to show up differently. I got in front of the camera. I started making videos for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, you name it. And let me tell you — that first video? Butterflies. Sweaty palms. Major second-guessing.

But I pressed publish anyway.

Some videos flopped. Some hit. But I kept experimenting — and slowly, I started to find my rhythm. Some of you are already showing up online, and maybe you know exactly what I’m talking about. That little voice that says, “Is this gonna work?” You won’t always know — and that’s where this strategy comes in.

Treat Your Goals Like Experiments

You want to make progress? Then you’ve got to start treating your work, your habits, and your routines like experiments.

Here’s the truth: we don’t always know what’s going to work. And that’s okay.

Think of it like this: if you wanted to lose weight, and your plan was to hit the gym for an hour five days a week, that might sound great on paper. But what if week two hits and life gets chaotic? What if you only make it once in week three?

Most people give up. But an experimenter? An experimenter learns. They say, “That didn’t work — let’s tweak it.”

You scale back. You try 30 minutes, three times a week. That goes better. Now you’ve got a system you can build on. That’s experimentation. That’s growth.

This is the approach I want you to take:

• Start small.
• Take low-risk action.
• Learn from what doesn’t work.
• Keep iterating.

That’s how real, sustainable progress is made.

Netflix Didn’t Start as Netflix

Let’s talk about one of my favorite stories of experimentation: Netflix.

Today, they’re one of the biggest streaming platforms on the planet. But they didn’t start there. Nope. Netflix started as a mail-order DVD rental service. Remember DVDs? If not, just know they were shiny little discs we used to watch movies on.

Streaming wasn’t even a thing yet. But the founders saw the shift coming. So they tried something new. They experimented. And when it worked? They leaned all the way in — first into streaming, then into original content. Now they’re an entertainment powerhouse.

They didn’t wait until it was safe. They tried something. They watched what worked. And they iterated.

So here’s my question to you:

How are you going to experiment this week?

What’s one thing you’ve been afraid to try that could just be the key to your next breakthrough?

Try it. Learn from it. And iterate.

Because the people who make the most progress aren’t always the ones with the perfect plan — they’re the ones willing to try something new.

What Seth Hudson’s Journey Teaches Us About Grit and Growth

Setup Story: 21 Rejections and a Dream That Didn’t Pan Out

Seth Hudson and I go way back. We went to high school together, and I’ve always known him as a guy with a heart to help people and the kind of work ethic you don’t teach—you just have it.

After college, he had one clear goal: get into physical therapy school. He applied to not one, not five, but 21 PT programs. He poured in time, effort, passion—everything he had. And every single one of those schools said no.

Imagine that for a second. Twenty-one times he got the message: You’re not good enough. You don’t belong here. That kind of rejection can crush people. And honestly? No one would’ve blamed him if he’d walked away discouraged and done something safe, something small.

But that’s not what Seth did.

The Strategy: Keep Showing Up (Even When the Door Slams Shut)

There’s a powerful truth here, one I’ve seen play out again and again in coaching and in my own life: You don’t always get what you thought you wanted—but if you keep showing up, you just might find what you were made for.

Seth didn’t let those rejections define him. He didn’t stop showing up. But he did something even more powerful—he pivoted.

This strategy isn’t just about persistence for persistence’s sake. It’s about staying in the game long enough to recognize when it’s time to adjust your path without abandoning your purpose. Seth still wanted to help people heal. That core calling didn’t change. What changed was the route.

We tend to think grit means banging on the same locked door until it magically opens. But sometimes, grit means finding the side door—or building a whole new door yourself.

Application Story: Pivoting into Purpose

Seth shifted gears and applied to nursing school. This time, he got in. And that yes opened up a brand new world. He became a nurse, then a travel nurse, and eventually started his own travel nurse business—a business that took off like wildfire.

He went from being rejected over and over again to running a thriving company that helps nurses find freedom and flexibility. The thing that looked like failure—the rejections, the closed doors—was actually a redirection toward something even bigger than he imagined.

That’s the magic of this strategy. It’s not about forcing things to go your way. It’s about trusting that if you keep showing up with courage, humility, and a willingness to pivot, you’ll eventually find a path that fits you better than the one you started on.

Final Thought

When life tells you “no” 21 times, it’s easy to think the dream is dead. But maybe—just maybe—it’s being rerouted. Seth’s story is proof that what looks like rejection can actually be preparation for something greater.

So if you’re in that space—discouraged, stuck, wondering if it’s time to quit—I want to challenge you: Keep showing up. Stay open. Pivot when you need to. And trust that just like Seth, your redemption story might be closer than you think.

How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Start Making Progress

The Weight of Perfectionism

I’ve been a perfectionist for as long as I can remember. And if I’m being honest, I don’t think you ever really beat perfectionism—you just learn how to live with it.

I remember being in third or fourth grade when I completely forgot about an assignment that was due. I have no idea if it was for math, English—honestly, it doesn’t matter. What I do remember is that gut-wrenching feeling of failure. It was first thing in the morning, and there was no time to scramble and finish it.

I wasn’t perfect. And that wrecked me.

That moment was just one of many. For most of my life, I felt like if I couldn’t do something perfectly, then why bother doing it at all? It held me back from starting things, from taking risks, from putting myself out there.

And even years later, that mindset still creeps in.

I saw it firsthand when I made one of my most successful videos.

It was a freezing December morning. I had just come inside after taking my dog Harley out, and my fingers were still numb. I had some talking points jotted down, but no full script—just an idea I believed in and a gut feeling that I needed to share it.

I wasn’t sure about the background music.
The subtitles felt off.
The video was longer than usual.

Normally, my perfectionist brain would have kept tweaking, delaying, waiting for it to feel “just right.”

But I didn’t.

I hit publish.

And then something strange happened.

This video blew my average performance out of the water. It kept climbing, day after day—more views, more likes, more comments. It resonated with people in a way I never expected.

And the only reason it reached anyone at all?

Because I didn’t let perfection stop me.

Why This Matters

Perfectionism feels like a strength, but in reality, it’s a trap.

We tell ourselves:

• I just need to tweak it a little more.
• I’ll put it out when it’s ready.
• It’s not quite perfect yet.

But what we’re really saying is:
🚨 I’m afraid to put this out there.
🚨 I don’t want to fail.
🚨 I don’t want to be judged.

And that’s exactly why perfectionism is the enemy of progress.

Instead of moving forward, we get stuck waiting for a moment that never comes.

How to Break Free from Perfectionism

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to let perfectionism control you. You can take back control with these simple strategies.

1. Failure is Your Greatest Teacher

Most of us are terrified of failure, but the truth is—failure teaches you more than success ever will.

The times you mess up? The times things don’t go the way you wanted? That’s where the best lessons live.

So instead of fearing failure, ask yourself:
💡 What can I learn from this?

2. Create a Checklist, Not a Moving Target

One of the best ways I’ve fought perfectionism is by using checklists instead of vague expectations.

For example, when I make a social media video, my checklist looks like this:
✅ Jot down talking points
✅ Record the video
✅ Trim the weird gaps at the beginning and end
✅ Add music & subtitles
✅ Write the social copy
✅ Publish

That’s it.

I give myself a set amount of time for each step (hello, Parkinson’s Law), and once it’s done—it’s done. No overthinking. No endless tweaking.

3. Perfect is the Enemy of Good Enough

Here’s a hard truth: 80% done and published beats 100% perfect but never shared.

Think about it—how many times have you delayed something for days, weeks, or even months because you wanted it to be perfect?

If something is 70-80% ready, it’s probably more than good enough to go out into the world.

4. Practice Self-Compassion (Be As Kind to Yourself as You Are to Others)

I’ll bet you have no problem giving grace to others.

“Oh, they made a mistake? No big deal. It happens.”

But when it comes to yourself? No grace. No room for error.

Start treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. Journaling has helped me with this—at the end of the day, I write down:
✅ What went well today?
✅ What am I proud of?

Perfectionists tend to focus on what’s wrong. This flips that script.

5. Experiment Without Attachment

One of my favorite strategies is something I call A.B.E. – Always Be Experimenting.

Think of your work like a science experiment.

A scientist doesn’t get emotionally attached to a hypothesis—they test, observe, adjust, and test again.

💡 What happens if I publish this post today instead of next week?
💡 What if I try a different hook for my cold outreach?
💡 What if I change my morning routine and see how I feel?

There’s no failure in an experiment—only data.

The J.K. Rowling Mindset

If anyone had a reason to give up in the face of imperfection, it was J.K. Rowling.

Before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon, she was a single mom in Scotland, scribbling down ideas in cafés while her baby slept beside her.

She was rejected 12 times before finally landing a publisher.

Can you imagine?

Twelve times, someone told her this book isn’t good enough.

But instead of letting perfectionism win, she kept going.

And the result? A book series that changed millions of lives.

So ask yourself:

Are you going to let perfectionism keep your best ideas from ever seeing the light of day?

Or are you going to put them out there and let them grow?

Final Thought: It’s Time to Let Go of Perfect

At the end of the day, perfectionism is just fear wearing a fancy disguise.

But here’s the truth:
🚀 You don’t need to be perfect to make an impact.
🚀 You don’t need to be perfect to start.
🚀 You don’t need to be perfect to be successful.

So take a deep breath.
Take the pressure off.
And just get it out there.

Because the world doesn’t need perfect.

It needs you.

“You’re an idiot.”

Not exactly the morning motivation I was looking for.

Like many, I was in a stage of growth with my business. I was doing a lot of reaching out to people in an effort to make new connections, create new relationships, and generate new business.

I came across a profile of someone who had been in business themselves for a while. Based on what they were posting, I thought coaching might help them drive towards their goals. Why not send them a quick message and see if it could make sense? The answer is always no until you ask, right?

I decided to put myself out there and send him a message. Didn’t think twice about it. Next morning, kitchen table, bagel in hand. I open my messages. And….

“You’re an idiot.”

I blinked

Read it again.

Again.

And again.

Reading this felt like a punch to the gut. Maybe you’ve been there too. Where you are shocked by someone’s response to you and you read it.

Then, read it again.

And again.

And again.

Then self-doubt starts to creep in. Maybe you start asking yourself questions like,

“Am I an idiot, really?”

“Maybe I am.”

“Maybe I’m just fooling myself.”

“Why did I think I could actually help people?”

“I should just stop.”

At least that’s how I was feeling and some of the questions that were running through my mind. I felt my confidence start to drain away. My mood took a DIVE. Why bother continuing to work if I’m just an idiot that couldn’t help people anyway?

The Delete & Dominate Method (D and D)

I felt the weight of it. That sinking feeling in my gut. The frustration. The doubt. And then… I took a deep breath.

In and

Out

I couldn’t let this one thing derail me. I just couldn’t!!! So first, I had to shift the energy. I got up and started moving.

Step 1 – Interrupt the Spiral

When something crappy happens to us, you have to shake things up. You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t take that lying down”? Same logic here.

Don’t sit and stew. Don’t stare at the words. Don’t give them space to take root.

While walking around, I started thinking about what I’d actually done so far. I had helped so many people. I could name them—every single one. I remembered the comments people had left on my videos. Like this one:

“My ADHD is raging right now, and I’ve been on the couch all morning. This helped me get up and get off the couch today. 💕Not sure about the focus part, but I (chaotically) got things done.”

I told myself these things over and over again.

Step 2 – Reclaim The Facts

Answer these:

What is one win you have had recently? Doesn’t matter how small

What’s one moment that proves you’re NOT what they said?

Say them out loud! Write them down!! RECLAIM the facts.

This really helped. I started to breathe a little easier. My power walking around my apartment settled down. My heart rate slowed. Then, I had to decide what to do next.

Step 3 – Take Your power back

Not for them. For you.

Do you need to take a short break? A quick win? A reset? Should you respond?

For me, I deleted the message. Not because I was avoiding it—but because it wasn’t worth my time.

This guy? Not my person. Not my audience. Not someone who defines my purpose.

And my purpose? It’s bigger than one comment from a stranger.

And so is yours.

Step 4 – Visualize Your Victory*

*This step is best used after the emotions have calmed.

Picture this: You’re on a talk show, sitting across from a host who’s just asked about the hardest moments in your journey. And you get to tell the story of that one hater—the one who doubted you, insulted you, wrote you off.

And then you smile.

Because now? You’ve made it. You built the business. You achieved the dream. You turned their words into fuel that pushed you forward. And instead of holding onto resentment, you get to say… “Honestly, I should thank them. They fired me up in a way nothing else could.”

Close your eyes and picture that moment.
Because it’s coming—if you keep going.

The Resolution

After deleting that message, I realized something:

That guy had unknowingly given me a gift– FUEL.

It pushed me to write this post. To double down on my goals. To help even MORE people.

If I had let his words get in my head, who knows where I would be today? Maybe I wouldn’t have written this post. Maybe I wouldn’t have helped the people I have. Maybe I wouldn’t have built my business.

But I didn’t let it stop me. And you don’t have to either.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Use my strategy, Delete and Dominate, immediately. No overthinking. No dwelling
2. Remember: Haters don’t punch down – They ONLY punch up. Their words say more about them than you. Ask yourself: Would I take advice from this person? No? Then why take their criticism?)
3. Turn their negativity into fuel. Let it drive you straight to your next big win.

So, to the person who called me an idiot…. thank you.

You just helped me create something impactful. And for that, I’ll give you my best wishes—while I keep dominating.

And so can you.

Build Your Second Brain: The System That Saved Me from Overwhelm

Finals week in college. You know the scene: caffeine-fueled panic, students buzzing around campus, typing frantically, and reciting notes under their breath. I was right there with them—five finals, three essays, and two group projects.

I thought I had everything under control until I sat down at a table in the library. The hard, uncomfortable chair beneath me, the faint smell of burnt coffee in the air, and the carved name “John” under the table reminded me of the mountain of work ahead. My mind raced. I felt like I was drowning in tasks, and I was certain I would drop something important.

Then, I did the one thing that always brings me back from the brink—I wrote everything down. Every final, every essay, every micro-task: draft the outline, research the sources, even schedule breaks.

And suddenly, I could breathe again.

That was the first time I experienced the power of what I now call my “second brain.”

Why This Is Important

That moment in college showed me something critical: You can’t carry everything in your head. When life piles up, your mental capacity hits a ceiling fast.

Our brains are built for creativity and problem-solving—not for juggling endless to-do lists. When we push them to do both, we lose more than productivity. We lose clarity. We lose calm. We lose momentum.

But when you build a second brain—a system that holds your tasks and responsibilities—you free up mental space to focus on what matters most. You get to work with purpose, instead of scrambling just to stay afloat.

What You Can Do

For me, my second brain became Todoist. Over the last decade, it evolved from a finals week survival tool into the backbone of both my personal and professional life.

Here’s how you can build your own second brain:

1. Pick Your System: Apps like Todoist, Notion, or even a simple notebook can work. I swear by Todoist because it syncs across my laptop and phone seamlessly.
2. Dump Everything Out of Your Head: Write it all down. Every project, every task, every tiny step. Get it out of your brain and onto the page.
3. Automate Recurring Tasks: Set reminders for the non-negotiables. I review my finances on the first of every month—Todoist reminds me without fail.
4. Break Big Tasks into Subtasks: Cleaning on Saturdays becomes “dust surfaces,” “sweep floors,” “disinfect counters.” Small wins build momentum.
5. Make It Visible: Keep your system in front of you. I use the Todoist widget on my phone so my daily priorities are staring at me every time I unlock it.
6. Tweak as You Go: No system is perfect on day one. Experiment. Adjust. Build what works for you.

Sales Power Move

A second brain keeps your tasks on track—but what about your mindset?

Years after college, I landed in a job that felt all wrong. Leadership was disconnected. The culture pushed profits over people. By Sunday afternoon, my stomach knotted up just thinking about Monday. That dread started creeping into every evening.

I realized I needed more than a task system—I needed a perspective shift.

So, I added a simple daily task: “Write down one reason I’m grateful for this job.”

Some days it was easy. Other days, I was scraping the bottom of the barrel: “Grateful for a paycheck.” “Grateful for lunch breaks.” “Grateful I’m learning what kind of company I don’t want to work for.”

But that simple habit reshaped my mindset. The job didn’t change, but I did. I endured. I stayed focused until I found something better.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It’s a discipline that rewires your brain for resilience.

The Moment It All Clicked

I’ll never forget the call. The new job offer.

I stepped outside into the sun. The weight lifted. Heart racing, I knew the gratitude practice and my second brain system had gotten me through. They carried me through the hard days and set me up for the breakthrough.

That’s when I knew: Productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about helping you survive the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small:

• Build your second brain. Write it all down.
• Automate the essentials. Set recurring tasks.
• Anchor your mindset. Practice daily gratitude.

The fog will lift. You’ll breathe easier. You’ll start moving forward again.

And you might just find yourself further along than you ever imagined.

The Power of Purpose: What Desmond Doss Can Teach You About Finding Your Why

We all hit moments in life when we feel lost, stuck, or unsure of our direction. Maybe it’s in our career, our relationships, or just in the day-to-day grind of life. That’s why knowing your why—the deep reason that fuels everything you do—is so important.

But how do you actually find it?

Let’s start with a story.

The Unlikely Hero: Desmond Doss

Desmond Doss was a Marine Corps medic in World War II, but what made him remarkable was that he was a conscientious objector—a soldier who refused to carry a weapon.

Imagine that.

You’re in the middle of one of the most brutal wars in history, and the one guy in your unit responsible for saving your life won’t even carry a gun.

It’s hard to imagine the level of distrust he must have faced from his fellow soldiers. But despite that, he stood by his conviction. He believed that his purpose wasn’t to take lives—it was to save them.

Doss served in the Pacific, fighting in the brutal Battle of Okinawa at a place called Hacksaw Ridge. This wasn’t just a small hill—it was a sheer 400-foot cliff. To even reach the battlefield, soldiers had to climb cargo nets hand over hand. The top of the ridge was nothing but smoke, shattered trees, and enemy bunkers.

And when the battle turned against them, his fellow Marines were forced to retreat—scrambling back down those same cargo nets for safety.

But Doss didn’t leave.

Amid the explosions, gunfire, and chaos, he could still hear the cries of wounded soldiers who had been left behind.

So he stayed.

One by one, he dragged his fellow Marines to the edge of the cliff, tied them up, and lowered them down to safety—by himself. Each time he saved a man, he whispered a simple prayer:

“Please, Lord, let me get one more.”

By the time he was done, he had saved 75 men.

Seventy-five lives saved because one man refused to walk away.

What’s Your Why?

Now, most of us aren’t dodging bullets on a battlefield. But we are facing battles—at work, in our personal lives, and within ourselves.

And when things get tough, when the obstacles seem too big, when quitting feels like the only option, your why is what keeps you going.

Your why is the thing that fuels your ambition, your resilience, and your ability to push forward when everything else tells you to stop.

But here’s the thing—most people don’t know their why.

And if you don’t know your why, it’s easy to get stuck chasing the wrong things.

I know because I’ve been there.

The Danger of a “Soft Why”

For years, my why was…well, weak.

I call it a soft why. It wasn’t a deep sense of purpose. It wasn’t about making a real impact. It was just about getting ahead, making more money, and climbing the next rung of the ladder.

And let me tell you—when things got tough, that kind of why wasn’t strong enough to keep me in the game.

A soft why will let you quit the moment things get inconvenient.

A real why? That’s what keeps you fighting.

How to Find Your Why

Finding your why doesn’t happen in a 10-minute journaling session. It’s a process. It takes reflection, trial and error, and real introspection.

But you can start today with these steps:

1. Reflect on What Excites You

What gets you fired up? What’s something you’d wake up early for, stay up late for, or do even if you weren’t getting paid? The things that light you up often point to your deeper purpose.

2. Identify Your Core Values

Think about a pivotal moment in your life—good or bad. What did it teach you? What values surfaced from that experience? Your values often act as a compass for your why.

3. Recognize Your Strengths

What are you naturally good at? What do people come to you for advice on? The things that come easily to you might be the key to how you can serve the world.

4. Consider How You Serve Others

A powerful why isn’t just about you—it’s about impact. How does what you do make life better for others? This could be through your career, your relationships, or even small daily interactions.

5. Craft a Why Statement

Take everything you’ve reflected on and turn it into a simple, powerful statement.

For example, my why is:
“Please, Lord, let me help just one more.”

That’s what drives me—helping people break through their own barriers, find clarity, and take action.

What’s yours?

Your Why Is Your Fuel

The truth is, there will be days when you want to quit. When it feels like the obstacles are too big.

But when you have a deep, unshakable why—something bigger than yourself—you’ll keep going.

Just like Desmond Doss did, one more time.

What’s Next?

If this post resonated with you, take some time to start exploring your why. And if you want to dive deeper, check out these resources:

📖 Start with Why by Simon Sinek (linked in show notes)
🎥 Hacksaw Ridge – A powerful film about Desmond Doss’s story

And if you want help finding your why, let’s talk. I work with individuals and teams to help them uncover their purpose and create real momentum.

Let’s make sure when life gets tough, you’ve got a why strong enough to keep you moving forward.

Chaos-Proof Your Day: The Strategy That Saves Your Schedule

No matter how well you plan your day, chaos has a way of creeping in. A client calls with an emergency. A last-minute request from your boss derails your afternoon. Suddenly, the to-do list you started with is out the window, and you’re scrambling to keep up.

For most people, interruptions feel like an unavoidable part of life. And let’s be real—sometimes they are. But what if you could build a system that keeps you productive and flexible, no matter what comes your way? That’s where Chaos Time comes in.

The Problem: When the Day Blows Up

A while back, I was coaching a client who had recently started her own business. She was wearing all the hats—handling sales, marketing, customer service, and everything in between. She was getting clients, but she was also drowning in the daily chaos.

Every day, she’d start with a solid plan. But by noon, her schedule was in shambles. Clients would call with urgent requests, emails piled up, and her carefully laid-out day would spiral into putting out fires. By the time she sat down to do her actual work, she was exhausted. She told me, “I feel like I need an extra day in the week just to get everything done.”

Sound familiar?

This is what happens when we don’t account for the unexpected. If every minute of your day is planned with no margin for surprises, one unexpected interruption can throw off your entire schedule.

The Solution: Build Chaos Time Into Your Day

Instead of letting chaos run your day, plan for it.

Chaos Time is a simple but powerful strategy:

💡 Set aside 30-60 minutes every day specifically for dealing with unexpected issues.

This time is only for handling urgent, unplanned tasks. That way, when chaos inevitably strikes, you don’t have to reshuffle your entire day—you already have time set aside to deal with it.

How to Use Chaos Time Effectively

1. Identify When Chaos Strikes

Think about your typical workday. When do interruptions tend to happen most? Mornings? Afternoons? Late in the day?

For most people, chaos happens in the afternoon when emails pile up and last-minute requests come in. If that’s the case, block off time from 2:00-2:30 PM or 3:00-4:00 PM specifically for handling those unexpected tasks.

2. Block It in Your Calendar

Treat Chaos Time like any other important appointment. Put it in your calendar so it’s protected time.

When someone calls with an emergency at 10 AM? Instead of dropping everything, write it down and say, “I’ll take care of this during my Chaos Time.”

3. Stay Disciplined

The biggest mistake people make is using Chaos Time for random work or procrastination.

🚫 Do not check emails, scroll social media, or work on non-urgent tasks.
✅ Do handle time-sensitive issues that would otherwise derail your day.

4. What If No Chaos Happens?

Here’s the beauty of Chaos Time—if no emergencies pop up, you suddenly have 30-60 minutes of free time. Use it to:
✔️ Catch up on other important work
✔️ Get ahead on tomorrow’s tasks
✔️ Take a well-deserved break

The Results: A Game-Changer for My Client

When my client started implementing Chaos Time, she was skeptical. “I don’t have time to block out a whole hour!” she told me.

But after just one week, everything changed.

• She no longer felt like she was in constant crisis mode.
• She stopped working late just to catch up.
• She had more energy because she wasn’t mentally exhausted from constant interruptions.

By planning for chaos, she had taken control of her schedule instead of letting it control her.

Your Turn: Try Chaos Time This Week

Want to chaos-proof your day? Here’s your challenge:

📅 Pick a 30-60 minute block each day for Chaos Time.
📝 When an interruption happens, schedule it for your Chaos Time instead of handling it immediately.
⚡ Notice how much more in control you feel.

Try it for one week and let me know—did Chaos Time save your schedule?

Building the Moat: How to Set Boundaries That Actually Work

Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re bridges to better balance. Yet, for so many of us, setting and maintaining them feels like an uphill battle. I learned this firsthand during my early days in outside sales, where long hours and unpredictable schedules made it easy to let work consume my life. But as I discovered, boundaries aren’t just about saying “no”—they’re about making space for what truly matters.

The Night That Changed Everything

One evening, I sat alone in an open house I had scheduled on a weeknight—an unusual experiment to see if I could attract more serious buyers. The house had a split-level layout, meaning I walked in to be greeted by two sets of stairs. I made my way to the living room, settling onto the least comfortable couch I had ever encountered—a beige monstrosity with zero nap potential. The air was thick with the overpowering scent of a lemon plug-in, and I sat there, twiddling my thumbs, waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

Not a single person showed up.

At the end of the night, I went home feeling exhausted, defeated, and, worst of all, buried in work that didn’t need to be done immediately. I finally wrapped up around 10 p.m., realizing that nothing I did after hours that night was urgent. I had let work seep into every corner of my life. Enough was enough—I needed to build a moat.

The Strategy: Building the Moat

I call my approach to boundaries Building the Moat because that’s exactly what it is: creating a protective space around what truly matters. If you’re tired of feeling like work, responsibilities, or even other people’s expectations are running your life, it’s time to put some intentional structure in place.

Step 1: Define Your Priorities

Before you can set boundaries, you need to know what you’re protecting. What matters most to you? Is it making it home for dinner with your family? Is it carving out time to work on your side business? Is it prioritizing your mental and physical health? Whatever it is, define it clearly. If you don’t set your priorities, someone else will set them for you.

Step 2: Communicate Clearly and Kindly

A boundary that isn’t communicated is just a wish. Let people know what your limits are—whether it’s telling your boss that you won’t check emails after 6 p.m. or explaining to friends that you won’t be available for last-minute plans every weekend. The key is to be firm but kind. Use I statements like, “I need to prioritize my family time in the evenings, so I won’t be available after work hours.” This makes it about your needs, not their behavior.

Step 3: Stay Consistent

Setting a boundary once isn’t enough—you have to enforce it. If you tell people you’re unavailable after a certain time, but then you still respond to every text, call, or email, you’re sending mixed messages. Boundaries only work when they’re maintained.

Step 4: Expect (and Overcome) Pushback

When you set boundaries, people may push back—not necessarily because they’re trying to be difficult, but because they’re used to you operating a certain way. If you’ve always been the person who says yes to everything, your new approach might surprise them. Stay firm and remind yourself why these boundaries matter to you.

Step 5: Work Hard, Rest Hard

There are seasons for hustle, and there are seasons for rest. If you’re in a period of intense work, make sure you’re also scheduling time to recharge. Set intentional rest periods—not just aimless scrolling on your phone, but real, fulfilling rest like spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply doing nothing. If you can’t take an entire day off, start with a few hours and build from there.

Lessons from My Father

My dad was larger than life. He showed up for every school event, every tennis match (even though my tennis career was… let’s just say, brief), and every important moment. I don’t know if he ever sat down with a boss or my mom to formally discuss boundaries, but he knew what kind of father he wanted to be. He made sure that work was never the most important thing in his life.

Of course, he wasn’t perfect. There were times he got caught up at work and ran late picking me up from school. But I don’t remember the late pickups as much as I remember that he was always there when it really counted.

That’s the point.

Boundaries aren’t about perfection. They’re about intention.

Your Turn: Build Your Moat

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, overwhelmed, or like your time is no longer your own, take this as your sign to start building your moat.

• What are the most important things in your life?
• What boundaries do you need to set to protect them?
• How will you communicate and enforce them?

Start small. Test things out. And remember—boundaries aren’t selfish. They allow you to show up better in every area of your life.

Thanks for reading! If this resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a gentle reminder that boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re the key to balance.

Motivation at the start of any goal is like a spark—it burns bright and fast. But what happens when that initial excitement fizzles out? Staying motivated during the grind is where real progress happens. This post will explore practical, research-backed strategies to help you stay on track, even when the enthusiasm wanes.

1. Reconnect with Your Why

Why This Is Important

Your “why” is the driving force behind your goals. When the initial excitement fades, reconnecting with the deeper reason you started can reignite your motivation. Research from Forbes highlights that people who tie their goals to personal values are more likely to persist through challenges.

What You Can Do

Take 10 minutes to reflect on why you started. Write it down and keep it visible—a sticky note on your mirror, a note in your phone, or even a photo that represents your goal. Revisit it often to stay grounded.

Sales Power Move

For sales professionals, your “why” might be providing for your family, achieving financial independence, or helping clients solve problems. When deals stall or leads dry up, reconnect with the purpose behind your work to stay driven.

2. Break It Down (Again)

Why This Is Important

Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially when progress is slow. Breaking them into smaller, bite-sized milestones can help you maintain momentum. According to the Harvard Business Review, small wins are proven to boost motivation and increase engagement.

What You Can Do

Revisit your goals and chunk them into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone—no matter how small—to keep the momentum going.

Sales Power Move

If your quarterly sales target feels out of reach, focus on closing one deal or securing one meeting this week. By narrowing your focus, you’ll feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed.

3. Lean Into Discipline, Not Feelings

Why This Is Important

Motivation ebbs and flows, but discipline keeps you moving forward. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” Discipline bridges the gap when motivation fades.

What You Can Do

Create routines that make taking action automatic. Whether it’s working out first thing in the morning or dedicating an hour to prospecting calls, build habits that don’t rely on how you feel that day.

Sales Power Move

In sales, consistency is key. Even when you’re not “feeling it,” stick to your routine—make the calls, send the emails, and keep building your pipeline. Over time, discipline will deliver results.

4. Find Your Accountability Crew

Why This Is Important

Accountability is a game-changer for staying motivated. Knowing someone is rooting for you—or watching—can give you the push you need to keep going. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that accountability increases the likelihood of goal achievement by 65%.

What You Can Do

Share your goals with a trusted friend, coach, or colleague. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. Knowing someone’s in your corner can make all the difference.

Sales Power Move

Partner with a sales buddy or mentor. Share weekly updates, track your progress, and celebrate each other’s wins. The camaraderie and mutual accountability will help you stay focused and motivated.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Why This Is Important

Celebrating progress—even the little victories—keeps you motivated for the long haul. Research from the University of California shows that rewarding small successes triggers dopamine release, reinforcing positive behaviors and boosting your mood.

What You Can Do

Create a reward system for your milestones. Maybe it’s a coffee break after finishing a tough task or treating yourself to a fun outing after a big win. These moments of celebration will keep your spirits high.

Sales Power Move

In sales, recognize the small victories: landing a meeting, getting positive feedback from a client, or simply finishing your prospecting list for the day. These wins build confidence and keep you motivated.

Staying motivated when the initial excitement fades isn’t about willpower—it’s about having a plan. Reconnect with your why, break your goals into manageable steps, lean into discipline, seek accountability, and celebrate the journey. These strategies will keep you moving forward, even on the toughest days.

Start today: pick one strategy from this list and commit to trying it for a week. Let’s keep the momentum going and make progress together!

The new year brings fresh opportunities and renewed motivation. But let’s be real—how many times have you set a goal, only to lose steam within a few weeks? It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Goals are more than wishes; they need to be clear, actionable, and aligned with your long-term vision. In this post, I’m breaking down five actionable steps to help you set goals that actually stick. Let’s make 2025 your most productive and rewarding year yet!

1. Start with the end in mind

This one might seem a little evident in a post about setting goals. “Come on, Jacob, the end is the goal. What are you even talking about?” I get it. But this is a critical point. This ties back to your WHY. You need to step back and understand what achieving this particular goal will mean to you overall. So, take an honest step back and decide the end goal.

Why This Is Important: Stephen Covey emphasizes in his iconic book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, one of my favorites, that starting with the end in mind ensures that your actions align with your desired outcomes. So, without that clarity, you risk wasting time on goals that don’t serve your bigger picture.

What You Can Do: Write down your ultimate vision for the year. Ask yourself what success will look like for you in December of 2025. Break this into your life, career, health, relationships, and personal growth.

Sales Power Move: As a salesperson, define what success looks like in numbers and beyond. Hitting revenue goals, improving client retention, or expanding your network? Get specific and align your efforts with this vision. And don’t forget to include things beyond professional success, like your family, friends and the life you want to lead.

2. Get SMART

It wouldn’t be a post on goal setting if we didn’t talk about SMART goals, right? We’ve all heard of them – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Are you using them, though? This is the framework that is your road map to success. It transforms vague ideas into something clear and actionable. Remember, goals are dreams with boots on. These are our boots.

Why This Is Important: Research from the American Psychological Association shows that setting specific goals boosts performance by focusing attention and effort. SMART goals eliminate ambiguity and provide measurable benchmarks to track your progress.

What You Can Do: Reframe the goals you have now that might be vague, like “get healthier” or “lose weight” into SMART goals, like “exercise three times a week for 30 minutes and lose 10 lbs by June.” The more specific you are, the easier it is to stay on track and know if things might fall off the rails.

Sales Power Move: Set smart goals for your sales pipeline. So instead of closing more deals, aim to close 3 deals worth $5000 each by the end of quarter one. This makes your efforts targeted and measurable.

3. “Break It Down” – MC Hammer

Thanks for the intro, MC Hammer. I always love it when he guests on one of my blogs. This is just a fun reminder. As something we all know, big goals can be crazy overwhelming. And I don’t know about you, but when I feel overwhelmed sometimes, I’ll start to procrastinate. So, when you break them down into smaller, manageable milestones with clear, actionable steps, they can feel much less intimidating and will keep you moving forward.

Why This Is Important: Harvard Business Review highlights that breaking goals into actionable steps increases the likelihood of success by creating a sense of progress and achievement. This means your action step isn’t completing your goal; your action step is completing the smaller daily or weekly tasks that will lead to your goal.

What You Can Do: Identify your big goals and then break them down. Monthly, weekly, and even daily tasks. Use Trello, Asana, or Simple Notebook to track those milestones.

Sales Power Move: Divide your annual sales targets into quarterly, monthly, and weekly goals. For example, if you need 12 new clients this year, aim for one per month and break that into weekly prospecting activities, keeping in mind your typical conversion rates.

4. Create Accountability

Accountability is my most favorite and least favorite thing. It gets me where I want to go, but it means I have to be held accountable. Gross sometimes but needed in the long term. Accountability turns your actual intentions into actions. You’re much more likely to follow through when someone else is aware of your goals.

Why This Is Important: A study published in The Association of Psychological Science found that sharing your goals with someone increases your chances of success by 65%. Having that accountability partner adds motivation and keeps you focused.

What You Can Do: Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach. Better yet, schedule regular check-ins to track progress and celebrate wins together.

Sales Power Move: Team up with a sales buddy to track progress. Share weekly updates on prospecting activities, deal closures, or follow-ups. Mutual accountability keeps you both sharp and on track. Remember, this isn’t a game of comparison, it’s accountability.

5. Celebrate Your Small Wins

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1000 times. Celebrate the small wins. Don’t wait until the finish line to celebrate. Find those small victories along the way. They’ll keep you motivated and reinforce those positive habits. Find just the tiny things, like going for a walk Or a half-hour off, where you watch your favorite show or listen to a podcast. to remind yourself that you are winning.

Why This Is Important: Research from the University of California shows that celebrating progress triggers dopamine release, making you feel good and encouraging you to keep going. Meaning celebrating your wins motivates you through the hard times.

What You Can Do: Create a reward system for milestones. Whether it’s just a coffee break, a dinner out, treating yourself to something special, a movie, or going for a walk with a significant other or a friend. These little celebrations can keep your spirits high. And give you a break in the middle of the day.

Sales Power Move: Celebrate those small sales milestones – getting a meeting, nailing a presentation, or just getting a promising referral. This keeps you energized.

Your goals aren’t just about sheer willpower. It’s about having the right tools and strategies in place. Start with a clear vision. Make your goals SMART, break them down, create accountability, and celebrate every step along the way. Let’s make 2025 the year your goals turn into reality. Take the first step today by writing down one big goal and breaking it into actionable steps. What’s your first move gonna be?