Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

In honor of women’s history month, today’s guest is here to teach us to stop listening to the voices of other people! They force us to do or be certain things that aren’t authentic with who we are. It’s only when we get real about who we are and why we are here in this world----and listen to the voices within us---that we can truly function with compassion and self-love.

Akosua Dardaine Edwards is happy to share the lessons she has learned on her journey, based on the foundation of self-love and self-belief. Akosua loves working on the ground level with people of all ages, seeing the transformation firsthand. She is an author, TED talk speaker, and a fantastic truth-speaker. I’m thrilled to meet up with my new friend Akosua today and introduce her to you!

YOU have a story to tell

Have you ever felt alone and like a failure? Akosua was going through a rough patch in life, and her definition of success was linked to material things and a certain lifestyle. When she “lost it all,” in the human sense, she was left with just herself---a situation that she found difficult to navigate. To deal with this, she ran away to Uganda. It was there that she realized who she really was and why she was here. This led her to the realization that we all have a story to tell, which became the basis for her wildly inspirational TED talk, “There is power in your story.”

TWEET: At the end of it all, WE have to define what makes us joyful. #chasingdreams @akosuadedwards

“Not enoughness”

Have you encountered those moments of “not enoughness?” Fighting against it takes work every day, doing the work faithfully, and being courageous. Akosua says, “You have to be willing to fail, because failure is just an opportunity for you to know that this is not where you are supposed to be.” You have to know WHO you are----not who you THINK you are. Akosua’s message is that you can’t define yourself by what you do for a living or what you own, and don’t ever let your life revolve around things that are fleeting.

TWEET: “Not enoughness” will mash you up! #chasingdreams @akosuadedwards

If people lived in their truth . . .

What if we all lived in our truth? The potential is mind-blowing! Here we are, forcing each other to do certain things and live in certain ways, which only causes people to hide themselves in addictions and so many other things. If we all lived in our truth, social ills would change, people would change, and SO many issues would be eliminated. Besides all of those reasons, whether or not you live in YOUR truth affects your mental health. Akosua shares how she finally learned to honor the voices within herself.

TWEET: Do not be afraid of yourself and spending time with yourself. #chasingdreams @akosuadedwards

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Start it. Stop talking about it. Just start anywhere and stop making excuses----say YES.”

Become a Patreon supporter of Chasing Dreams to see an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with Akosua!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:32] Akosua’s TED talk topic
• [4:39] “Not enoughness”
• [9:22] How to fight against “not enoughness”
• [11:57] Losing everything----and being OK
• [15:22] Why you can’t let TV tell you what to value
• [18:47] Defining what makes you joyful
• [21:44] If people lived their truth . . .
• [24:17] No limits on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
• [25:32] How moments of failure make us feel
• [27:07] How living your truth affects your mental health
• [33:37] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

www.aimeej21.com/episode183

In honor of women’s history month, today’s show features a previous guest who’s still hard at work chasing her dreams and helping others chase theirs. You can catch her first appearance on Chasing Dreams back in Episode 97.

Elaine Williams has helped hundreds of people with their confidence in front of the camera and in front of audiences. She takes people who are overcome with fear and turns them into confident public speakers, whether they are addressing 5 or 5000. She has 40+ years’ experience in professional performing and TV appearances on shows such as SNL, America’s Got Talent, and HBO. Elaine uses her two degrees in drama to help train her students and clients in their own media appearances. Spots are filling up fast for her next training program, Captivate the Crowd. 

That little voice

Have you heard it? We all have it---”that little voice.” It’s the voice of fear that stops us from moving forward, chasing the dream, and taking the leap. That voice never really goes away, but Elaine can teach people how to manage it. She teaches her clients how to “navigate the critic” by coming from the inside out. Elaine’s focus for performers and public speakers is on the preparation and rehearsal. She says that even veterans have nervousness, but a professional learns to manage it well.

TWEET: Don’t let your fear keep you from chasing your dreams. #chasingdreams

Influencing others

Are you even aware of the effect that living YOUR dream can have on others? Elaine explains why it’s super important to be authentic in your structure and creativity and to celebrate your wins. Elaine learned early on to take the time to journal after every set, show, or speech. She listed three things that worked well and what she could do better next time. This practice helps active learning and maximizes your time and energy. Journaling allows you to see the growth in yourself over time. 

TWEET: Journaling allows you to see the growth in yourself over time. Celebrate yourself! #chasingdreams

Fighting fear

We’ve all felt it---the fear that comes from trying something new or stepping boldly outside our comfort zone. Fear comes in many forms and with many faces, and its companion, limiting beliefs, can work together with fear to trip you up big time. Being really authentic means giving of yourself fully. Elaine says that she would rather work with 8-10 deeply committed people who are ready to work, than with 100 people who are afraid to be authentic. It takes courage in the face of fear to go deeper, but chasing YOUR dreams serves to inspire so many other people.

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Get an accountability buddy who will call you on your stuff. Set up a weekly appointment however your schedule allows.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:20] Elaine’s life since Episode 97
• [2:37] How fear freezes people up
• [6:18] Why the “critic voice” won’t go away
• [9:06] Nerves---why we always have them
• [10:34] Living your dreams and influencing others
• [14:40] How journaling helps your focus
• [16:49] What holds people back
• [22:00] Making friends with fear
• [28:15] Being a conduit for healing
• [29:45] The dangers of comparison
• [32:20] No such thing as overnight success
• [36:05] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

www.aimeej21.com/episode182  

Visit www.aimeej21.com/fundathon  to find out more about Fundathon, coming soon on March 18-21. Find out how you can help fund the podcast for the coming year!

What are the “wins” you can look back on in your life? Can you see how to use those for motivation today? Join us for today’s show that focuses on empowerment, career development, and claiming your best life.

Regine Roy is a mental health consultant, speaker, and the president and founder of Queen Geniuses, Inc. Regine delivers a life-changing message to students and professionals about the power of choice on topics like self-assessment, friendships, family, and careers. She is an astute specialist with deep and insightful knowledge on how to create a life on your own terms.

A clear vision

How has your background factored into your life decisions? For Regine, her life path put her on the course to make a difference and be impactful in the world. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY, in a poor family of Caribbean immigrants. A social worker by trade, it was having incredible teachers and mentors in her life that helped her realize that she wanted to work with young women of color to be a positive representation, because so many are growing up in poverty without the resources they need to succeed. 

TWEET: Being a positive representation for young women of color can help them succeed with resources I never had! #chasingdreams

Benefits of having “wins”

What are your “wins”? Regine teaches that the wins over the course of your life can greatly impact your mindset. Those little moments of applause, recognition, and praise give you the acceleration to do MORE. On the flip side, when a young person hasn’t experienced those wins, then it becomes more difficult to push yourself as you get older. Regine recounts how applying for--and securing--her first college scholarship played a big role in her future success.

TWEET: Every win that you celebrate can propel you on to more wins and further acceleration. Praise someone. You have no idea what it will do for them. #chasingdreams

Use the “wins” for motivation today

Can you think back to some of your “wins” in early childhood? Regine can remember some of hers when she was a young girl in school--and people around her believed in her. The problem is that some people have trouble identifying the wins that can push them forward. This is one reason Regine created the Reclaiming Your Throne curriculum for training professionals and students. You never know the impact that just ONE teacher can have on students and their futures. Of course, we know that dreams and discipline are necessary for the future, but are you willing to do the work?

TWEET: You never know the impact that just ONE teacher can have on students and their futures. #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Allow yourself to dream and think about the things that are important to you. Allow your mind to wander as far as you possible can.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:06} Regine’s undergraduate and Master’s degree years at Stony Brook University
• [1:50] Queen Geniuses
• [3:55] What Regine faces in teaching young girls and professionals
• [5:40] Awareness of resources for young black women
• [7:55] Regine’s observations about getting that first “win”
• [12:50] Using wins for motivation now
• [14:07] Why some don’t let small wins push them forward
• [16:02] Taking the step to work with professionals
• [20:35] The effect of ONE teacher
• [23:13] Regine’s next plan
• [25:05] How Regine is impacted
• [28:38] Why people may not aim for their dreams
• [31:20] Young people today and their dreams of money
• [33:45] Skillsets needed to chase dreams
• [36:30] How social media plays into how girls feel about their dreams
• [39:22] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Regine’s

Have you fallen into the trap of saying, “I’ll give my dream a TRY”? Today’s show will expose the negative mindset in that statement and SO many others that keep us from becoming fully committed to chasing the dream that lives within us. Join us to learn more!

Ash Cash is one of the nation’s top personal finance experts. Dubbed “The Hip-Hop Financial Motivator,” he uses a culturally responsive approach in teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Ash is a speaker and the author of seven books. He’s best known for helping people maximize their full potential by giving them the inspiration, tools, and resources needed to live their best life.

Change your money mindset

How important is perspective? It’s the most important factor in determining your mindset, and your mindset will determine your success! Ash grew up in the projects of NYC, witnessing drugs and murders on a regular basis. He rose above all of that to find a career in banking, but he still had a negative attitude about what he could do with his life. The time came when he knew he needed to “switch things up,” so he read books and started practicing how he could change his mindset and his perspective. He learned that you can create any circumstance you want through your mindset, and he’s on a mission to help people change their money mindset and live better lives.

TWEET: If you’re working for praise or criticism, then you’re at the mercy of other people. #chasingdreams @iamashcash

The big misconception about money

Do you think that you “work hard for money”? Ash explains why this is exactly THE WRONG thing to say, because the key is to have your money work for YOU. It’s important to change your perception and be the employer of your money, by creating multiple income streams and residual income. Ash says to allow your money to work for you, and don’t chase after it. There is a direct correlation between serving and doing what you love and financial abundance.

TWEET:  RICH - Realizing I Create Happiness #chasingdreams @iamashcash

Don’t put conditions on your dreams

You might think saying, “I’ll give my dream a shot,” is a good thing to say, but Ash says NO! You were built and designed for your dream. It has to be attainable if it’s something you envisioned, because it’s the essence of who you are. Many people are too afraid of failure to even begin! The key word in dream-chasing is UNTIL. Decide that you’ll chase your dream UNTIL. Be committed and keep going.

TWEET: You’re not a failure if you fail; you’re a failure if you quit. #chasingdreams @iamashcash

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take: “Make the commitment. Don’t ‘test’ or ‘try it out.’ Leave no doubt. There is no other option. Keep going until that dream becomes reality.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:05] Ash’s high energy personality and positive message
• [2:45] A moment of realization
• [5:32] A living example of change
• [7:02] Why Ash shifted from banking
• [9:39] How “Little Cash” would laugh at where Ash is today
• [11:39] An awesome representation and common misconceptions
• [17:50] Why some people fall short
• [23:37] When people chase someone else’s dream
• [28:03] Ash’s books
• [30:50] What’s next for Ash
• [36:09] Understanding happiness
• [39:53] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Find books by Ash Cash on www.amazon.com  

Ash on Facebook

Ash on Twitter

Ash on Instagram

Ash on

What’s your perception of the HR department at your job? For most of us, we don’t think of HR as a place we want to go or the people we trust and want to build relationships with. My guest today seeks to change that as she shows us the human side of Human Resources.

Diana George is the founder and president of By George HR Solutions. She has worked with global companies with an international presence, such as Bose and the luxury watch brand, Omega. With her leadership, she was able to put together winning teams that contributed positively to their organizations. Diana maintains that integrity is the most vital and strongest trait of any organization. With over three decades of experience in a career that has encompassed leadership in retail, non-profit, health and wellness, and the private sector, Diana works with companies to realize and strengthen the resources they have in their employees. 

How HR can help

Do you think of the HR department when you need help with something at work? HR can bring people together when it’s done effectively. The real job of HR is to find solutions that fit both employee AND employer---with fairness and justice. Human Resources done right is about taking the side of what’s right and should be done, and NOT taking sides. HR starts in the very beginning of the interview and hiring process and touches all aspects of an employee’s life cycle. “The exciting part of HR is getting to know people.” 

TWEET: HR touches an employee’s career from beginning to end. @ByGeorgeHR #chasingdreams

Solving problems--at work and home

Can HR help you solve problems? HR is not supposed to have all the answers, but to give employees the tools to solve problems for themselves. People will be the same person at home and work, AND they will manifest the same problems in both places. If HR can help you solve a problem at work, then it will be solved in your personal life as well. A growing trend that successful companies are paying attention to is offering resources to help employees be well-adjusted and thriving in ALL areas of life, because “happy employees make productive employees.”

TWEET: HR is your moral compass in business and life. @ByGeorgeHR #chasingdreams

Interview go-to questions

Would you know the right questions to ask in an interview? Diana has had vast experience in this area, and she has two things she asks everyone in an interview to answer: “Tell me about an achievement you are really proud of,” and “If I were to ask your previous supervisor about an area of improvement for you, what would they say?” The answers to these will help an employer know how they can help that person best, and whether they will be a good fit. Employers aren’t looking for perfection, but they want those who can communicate and ask for help when they need it---not those who know everything already.

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take: “Write down your dreams. Putting things in writing makes them more real and puts a plan in place to reach those dreams.”

OUTLINE OF THE EPISODE:

• [:50] Diana’s background in HR
• [1:54] How HR can help the employee
• [3:13] The biggest misconception about HR
• [4:39] The path to HR for Diana
• [7:18] How to help an employee who comes to HR
• [10:21] Resources to help people
• [13:26] How people change their perception of their company
• [14:36] How remote employees perform
• [17:35] The recommended approach to an interview
• [22:16] The key to a cultural fit for an employee
• [23:49] Why people won’t pursue their dreams
• [25:17] How people learn to chase dreams because of job experience
• [26:41] How Diana followed her heart and passion
• [28:01] Why we value the wrong kind of money
• [29:12] The common mistake...

Are you sitting on your dream, waiting for things to be “just perfect” before you give it to the world? Today’s show will give you inspiration and motivation to get things moving and put the fear aside. The time is NOW, and the world may waiting anxiously for what YOU have to offer!

Stephen A. Hart is here today. In honor of Black History Month, Stephen returns as a former guest and friend of mine and friend of the show. He is the Chief Creative Officer of Isles Media, LLC. His creations include Brand You Academy and Trailblazers FM. Stephen is also a dynamic speaker on the topics of personal branding, entrepreneurship, and podcasting. His mission is to guide 10,000 people through creating an amazing personal brand over the next 5 years.

How Stephen handles his busy life

Have you ever launched out into something completely brand new? Stephen was brand new at podcasting when he appeared back in Episode 56 in August 2016. He shared with us the tools he used back then that he still relies on today, like Evernote. The need for organization is greater than ever before. Stephen and his wife both work full-time jobs and have two young kids. Being busy, making time for family, and prioritizing mental health are everyday challenges for Stephen. He shares with us why he took an extended break from the podcast last summer and how God’s design for him includes his listening more closely to his body. 

TWEET: Sometimes you have to listen to your body and take a break when you need to. @stephenahart #chasingdreams

Your nugget of wisdom

What have you shared with the world? Stephen’s Brand You Academy was born from the feedback he received as people reached out to him for more each week. He then developed and created the Trailblazers brand, a platform that’s engaging and has built an amazing community. He then saw the need of personal branding help for leaders and entrepreneurs. When he spoke at Podcast Movement on, “Build, Market, and Grow Your Amazing Brand While Still Working a Full-Time Job,” he saw tremendous interest. Stephen realized that his nugget of wisdom was an idea that he needed to give life to and share with the world--without waiting on perfection.

TWEET: You can’t wait on perfection until you execute your dreams. @stephenahart #chasingdreams

The important thing to remember

If you’re launching an online course, then you probably wouldn’t jump in before the course is complete. Stephen had to do just that, when he knew he couldn’t wait. He realized his level of understanding of branding and marketing was somewhere between 8-10, and the average person who takes the course is around 0-2. His revelation was that he didn’t have to take people all the way to 10, but needed to get them to 4-5. Sometimes, the most important thing is to jump in and see the progression.

TWEET: Sometimes, the most important thing is to jump in first and then see the progression. @stephenahart #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Take time to write out what you hope to accomplish 30 years from now, and reverse-engineer your way to it.”

For a bonus behind-the-scenes interview with Stephen, visit www.aimeej21.com/patreon and become a donor.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:48] The evolution of Stephen’s dream
• [3:22] Juggling family, the podcast, and a day job
• [5:19] Stephen’s Summer Master Class
• [6:59] Make time for your priorities
• [8:41] Adding another vertical
• [13:03] The reception of this topic
• [17:14] God’s timing and unfolding ideas
• [18:49] What Stephen thought when he left Podcast Movement in 2018
• [20:13] The launch of Stephen’s course
• [24:24] Doing things...

What’s the greatest gift you can give to someone else? It’s a debatable subject, but what could possibly be more valuable to someone with kidney disease than to receive a kidney from a living donor? Today’s show introduces you to an amazing person with a truly amazing story.

Jason Nothdurft is a friend of mine and a true superhero. He’s a married, 32-year-old police dispatcher with a 2-year-old puppy and his first child due in April. Jason donated his kidney in 2014, and has dedicated much of his free time to advocating on behalf of kidney patients and living organ donors. The saying is true: “Not all superheroes wear capes.” Jason is a remarkable person with a spirit of compassion and sacrifice, and I’m thrilled to share his journey of being an organ donor to highlight this important cause.

Learning from mistakes

What did you want to be as a kid? Police dispatcher is probably not a profession that many people aspire to, and even though it’s not a glamorous job, the dispatchers are the ultimate first responders. They are the first point of contact when people need help in emergency situations. When Jason started out, he admits that he was intimidated by parts of the job and doubted his ability to respond correctly to emergencies. How did he learn? By making mistakes. His lessons to others are that there are always things to learn and ways to improve.

TWEET: We all learn by making mistakes. It’s one of the best ways to improve! @j_nothdurft #chasingdreams

Saying YES and NO

How do you handle the age-old dilemma of when to say YES and when to say NO? For Jason, he learned that he couldn’t focus on all the things he wanted to do--and do them well. In reducing his stress levels, he chose instead to focus on 1-2 things, and even went to his boss and explained that he needed to scale back. These brave decisions can be selfish AND selfless at the same time. Mental health is not openly discussed among law enforcement, but we need to improve on this, remove the stigma, and provide resources.

TWEET: We need to remove the stigma of mental health issues for those in the law enforcement field. @j_nothdurft #chasingdreams

The best sacrifice

Have you ever considered being a living organ donor? Jason stepped in when the stepfather of one of his best friends needed a kidney. Jason was 27 when he made the decision to be tested, along with a small group of seven friends. Jason was the one who matched, so the donation was made in 2014. Jason attributes his willingness to volunteer to growing up in a family of public servants, always learning to help and serve others in the community. To this day, Jason and the recipient remain great friends who celebrate together each January as the anniversary of the surgery rolls around.

TWEET: ”Don’t give up. You’ll face roadblocks. Your dream today may not be the same dream tomorrow.” @j_nothdurft #chasingdreams

ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Don’t give up. You’ll face roadblocks. Your dream today may not be the same dream tomorrow.”

For a bonus behind-the-scenes interview with Jason, visit www.aimeej21.com/patreon and become a donor.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:35] How Jason envisioned his life when he was young
• [1:50] How people are satisfied to arrive at atypical jobs
• [2:55] The intimidation factor of being a dispatcher
• [4:40] Saying YES and saying NO
• [7:05] The mental health of first responders
• [8:17] Having insight to priorities and struggles
• [10:15] Why we’re harder on ourselves
• [11:30] How you can give someone else a chance
• [12:30] The most selfless act of all
• [13:50] Deciding to donate a kidney
• [18:20] How Jason hesitated in his

How do you show up in your life? Are you living your best life every day? Today’s show is full of inspiration to help you leave the mundane behind and push yourself to never again accept mediocrity as your normal. 

Scott Mulvaney channels his health-nut, adrenaline-junkie energy into everything he influences. That same energy comes through on his LIVETHEFUEL podcast, which helps fuel your health, business, and lifestyle. Scott focuses on sales and marketing growth, brand strategy, coaching, and consulting solutions to help you control how you exist online. There are very few people as passionate as Scott about living his best life every day. 

Wanting something “different”

Can you look back at specific circumstances in your life and see the lessons learned? For Scott, the life lessons are everywhere as he contemplates his life journey. He was raised in a farm family in NJ that relocated later to PA, where Scott’s family still lives and works in farming today. Scott, however, wanted something different. He never thought he would go to college because school was never easy or comfortable, but then he discovered vocational tech school. He interned at an electronics lab at 17 years old and then learned a tough lesson when he was let go from the lab he built so an adult could be hired to run the lab. 

TWEET: Life lessons are everywhere, so don’t be afraid to look for them in your successes and failures. #chasingdreams

A two-year detour

Scott went on to achieve college degrees in marketing AND psychology, but then something changed. He met a girl from the west coast who aspired to be a Hotshot firefighter. He thought that sounded like an interesting challenge, and said to himself, “What if this is the next phase of my dream?” The training and the concept blew his mind, so in 2010, he went out west and proved himself for two years. Since the Hotshot “season” was only a few months of the year, he spent the other months traveling and making some crazy connections with all kinds of people.

TWEET: What they taught me in school, I don’t use. #chasingdreams

Why LIVETHEFUEL?

If you’ve ever contemplated doing a podcast, you’ve probably toyed with what you would name your show. Scott had listened to a lot of podcasts as he was busy helping a friend grow her company, but he knew there was something more he was meant to do. For inspiration, he covered a wall with Post-It notes of every keyword that meant something to him. He took the mantra, “Live life to the fullest” and altered it to “Live the fired-up epic life”-----and the acronym FUEL was born. Now, Scott is busy writing a book, for which he plans to donate his proceeds to the families of fallen firefighters. 

TWEET: What if I could write a book and NOT make money from it? #chasingdreams

**For a bonus behind-the-scenes conversation with Scott, visit http://ww.aimeej21/patreon and become a Patreon Donor.

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Kick yourself in your ass. It’s easy to pass the buck, but this is YOUR life, and you have to own it.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:24] How Scott and I met
• [2:10] What young Scott wanted to be
• [11:25] Scott’s college journey--any regrets?
• [13:40] How psychology and marketing are intertwined
• [14:17] An interesting detour into firefighting
• [21:07] How Scott ended up in marketing
• [26:30] How the wheels of life turned for Scott
• [27:40] Why LIVETHEFUEL
• [33:14] Writing a book
• [38:02] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

What’s the key to making your dream happen?  My guest today explains that the most important part is just to GET STARTED. Jump in and start failing today!

Mathew Passy is a podcast producer consultant at ThePodcastConsultant.com. He helps individuals, brands, and small businesses develop, launch, produce, promote, and monetize their podcasts. Mathew hosts the Causepods podcast.

“Why can’t I do this for a job?”

Are you in the same career in which you started? Mathew thought he would have an amazing career in radio, since he started way back in the early 2000’s. He launched his first podcast for the radio station, but podcasts back then weren’t like they are today. When he got laid off from his job, he decided to produce some podcasts, and thought, “Why can’t I do this for a job?” Even though he felt stuck for awhile, he stayed with it and worked hard to grind it out. 

TWEET: If it’s your dream, then it’s YOUR dream, because you know it better than the back of your hand. @mathewpassy #chasingdreams

Podcasting as a career

Entrepreneurship is always risky, and podcasting is not necessarily stable as a career. Mathew had a tough decision to make and it took him awhile to go all in. He wasn’t sure he wanted the rollercoaster ride, but just 1-½ years ago, he focused on podcasting solely. He’s been able to pivot and keep going, even though he’s had his share of panic moments. Ironically, he was able to work part-time as a social media and digital marketing expert for a non-profit---to earn money on the side and build up his podcasting skills.

TWEET: Entrepreneurship is always risky. @mathewpassy #chasingdreams

How you showcase your value

How do you know how to price your services? At first, Mathew was worried about how to price his skills, talents, and time. It turned out, though, that every time he raised his prices, he saw increased business, not less. He believes that people saw how little he was charging and thought he didn’t know what he was doing and wasn’t very good. Very few people said they wouldn’t use his services because they are too expensive. Valuing your services gives credibility to your reputation and lets people know you are serious about your business.

TWEET: Valuing your services gives credibility to your reputation. @mathewpassy #chasingdreams

**For a bonus behind-the-scenes conversation with Mathew, visit www.aimeej21.com/patreon and become a Patreon Donor.

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”If this is something you want to do, start today.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:45] Our common interest--podcasting
• [3:45] What young Matt wanted to be
• [6:21] Why he stayed with his radio job
• [8:30] Staying with something to explore and try it out
• [12:06] How podcasting has evolved as a medium
• [15:30] Making the jump to make a living with podcasting
• [18:20] A part-time job in social media and digital marketing
• [21:55] One surprising thing
• [25:30] Following a dream---regardless
• [29:36] Don’t forget your people skills!
• [30:35] There is room for everyone
• [32:01] Being fearless and “intelligently cautious”
• [33:40] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

www.aimeej21.com/patreon

Mathew on Facebook 

Mathew on LinkedIn 

Mathew on Twitter

Mathew on

What were your New Year’s resolutions? Have you kept them? It’s easy to make resolutions, but without a plan, you won’t make it out of January. Perhaps you’ve already failed your resolution, and that’s OK! It’s OK if you’ve given up; just try again with a different mindset in place. Let’s talk about three practices to take with you into 2019.

Change your perspective/change your life

Are you a negative person by nature? If you are, then try being a “glass half-full” person. Don’t let your gut reaction be negative. Think about the positives and be grateful---even for the smallest and simplest things. Be grateful for the mistakes and failures you encounter, because those are the things that teach us to do better!

TWEET: Be grateful for the mistakes and failures you encounter, because those are the things that teach us to do better! #chasingdreams

Embrace your fears

What are your biggest fears, and how do they hold you back? I’m setting some personal goals to face and embrace two of my biggest fears this year. For me, a big fear is being in front of a video camera, so I’m doing a 31-day video challenge in which I’m sharing 31 lessons that I’ve learned and want to give back. Check out my one minute videos at #31vidchallenge! I’m finding that being the face in front of the camera is very different than being the voice behind the mic! I’m also embracing my fear of heights this year, in very specific and terrifying ways. Imagine what’s possible if you don’t let fear stop your progress!

TWEET:  Imagine what’s possible if you don’t let fear stop your progress! #chasingdreams

Don’t chase the money

Do you know WHY you’re doing what you’re doing? You don’t if you’re chasing the money. Your WHY is the most important thing---not the money. Some people live their best life on a $12K salary, and some live their worst life on a six-figure salary. Chase your WHY and figure out your happy place. You have to be happy for YOU---not for others. You are enough!

TWEET: Your WHY is the most important thing---not the money. #chasingdreams

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:13] Welcome to 2019!
• [1:05] It’s OK if you’ve failed; change your perspective
• [4:37] Embrace your fears
• [7:03] 2019--your behind-the-scenes look at Chasing Dreams recordings
• [7:29] Embracing the fear of heights
• [10:47] Don’t chase the money!
• [14:37] Life isn’t defined by your job
• [17:01] If you struggle with “enough-ness” . . . .

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#31vidchallenge  Find my videos on Instagram

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: Fear holds us back from living our best life. #chasingdreams

TWEET: Being a voice behind the mic is one thing; being the face in front of the camera is another. #chasingdreams

TWEET: Chase what makes you happy, and the money will follow. #chasingdreams

TWEET: Change your impossible to probable! #chasingdreams

https://youtu.be/2XFabo0iX6g