Episode Summary:

In this premiere episode, the host dives into the importance of self-discovery and understanding who you truly are beyond societal expectations. Drawing from personal experiences transitioning from high school to college, this episode explores the challenges of following predetermined paths versus forging your own. Learn why identifying your core values is essential for creating a stable fulfilling life aligned with your authentic self.

Key Topics:

- The gap created by living according to others' expectations

- College as a catalyst for self-discovery

- Navigating friendships as an introvert and the risks of being with the wrong crowd

- Recognizing when friend groups may be holding you back

- The importance of periodically evaluating your relationships and life direction

Key Takeaway:

You can't build a stable life without a strong foundation. Your core values are that foundation and will guide your decisions across all areas of life, including family, relationships, career, hobbies, and travel.

Personal Values Assessment Toolkit

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About the Podcast

This marks the beginning of Season 5 of the Create Your Own Reality Podcast, focusing on personal growth, self-discovery, and intentional living.

Special thanks to all listeners, especially those who have been here since Season 1!

Episode Summary

In this episode, we share practical strategies to help you start the New Year strong and maintain momentum throughout Q1. Learn how to choose the right planner, set achievable goals, and build habits that stick.

Key Topics

Finding Your Perfect Planner

There's a planner out there for everyone regardless is whether you consider yourself a "planner person." Before choosing one, consider whether you need daily or weekly planning emphasis, and select a format that matches how you break down your time.

Setting Q1 Goals

Rather than vague New Year's resolutions, focus on specific goals for the first three months of the year. This approach provides accountability and adequate time to achieve your objectives. Setting meaningful, intentional goals increases your likelihood of success.

Building Supporting Habits

After establishing your Q1 goals, identify habits that will help you stay on track. Using a habit tracker makes your progress visible and rewarding. Seeing your completed checkboxes can provide motivation to continue.

Action Items

• Choose and purchase a planner that fits your planning style (daily vs. weekly)
• Set specific goals for the first quarter of the year
• Identify habits that support your goals
• Implement a habit tracker system

Episode Quote

"Actions speak louder than words!"

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Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, we explore the powerful relationship between you and your dreams, and why persistence is essential to making them a reality. Your dreams were placed in your heart for a reason--they're uniquely yours, and only you can bring them to life in the way you envision.

Key Takeaways

Your Dreams Are Uniquely Yours

The dreams in your heart and mind were given to you for a specific reason. They're not random--they're meant for you to pursue with everything you've got.

No One Else Will Complete Them

If you don't chase your dreams, they won't completed, especially not in the way you envision them. You are the only one who can make them happen.

There's No Road Map (And That's Okay)

While traditional career paths may have clear requirement,s

entrepreneurial dreams come without instructions. This means you get to decide how far you'll go and what you'll implement. This is your time to shine!

The Beginning Is Intimidating-But Powerful

Figuring out the details and getting everything together can feel overwhelming at first. However, once you have your idea set and create a plan, the possibilities become endless.

Expect Highs And Lows

The journey won't always be easy. There will be struggles and setbacks. The first low will hurt more than usual, but it teaches you how to handle future challenges.

Don't Get Discouraged

One struggle or low point doesn't mean failure. Each challenge you overcome prepares you for the next one.

Your Dream Won't Give Up On You

Just as your dream was given to you for a reason, it's not going to run away or abandon you. It's waiting for you to embrace it and take action.

It Will Be Worth It

The journey may not always be easy, but it will be extremely worth it in the end.

Quote To Remember

"Don't give up on your dreams. After all, your dreams haven't given up on you!"

Action Steps

- Identify the dream that's been placed on your heart

- Create a plan, even if you don't have all the answer yet

- Embrace the uncertainty of the entrepreneurial journey

- When you hit a low point, remind yourself why you started

- Keep moving forward, knowing that each struggle makes you stronger

Final Thought

Your dream is a gift and an opportunity. Embrace it, nurture it, and remember that it's waiting patiently for you to bring it to life. The relationship between you and your dreams is a partnership--don't break that bond.

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Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between uncertainty, discomfort, and personal growth. While feeling uncomfortable is something most of us try to avoid, it's actually the catalyst for meaningful change in our lives. Learn why embracing uncertainty--rather than staying stuck in familiar but unfulfilling situations--is essential for growth and transformation.

Key Topics Discussed

The Discomfort-Uncertainty Connection

- How uncertainty creates feelings of discomfort

- Why we naturally resist being uncomfortable

- The paradox: discomfort is where true growth happens

Where People Get Stuck

When facing uncertainty in relationships, careers, or living situations, we need to consider two critical questions:

1. What is making us feel uncertain about the situation?

2. What can we do or need to do to change it?

Many people recognize their uncomfortable situations but choose to stay stuck rather than take action.

The Case For Embracing Change

- Change can be scary because it opens us to new experiences, possibilities, and unfamiliar challenges

- Staying in repeating cycles, especially when they're harmful, prevents growth

- Taking that first step can lead to wonderful transformations you'd never discover otherwise

Main Takeaway

Don't let fear keep you trapped in situations that aren't serving you. Embrace the uncertainty, lean into the discomfort, and make the changes you need to make. Growth requires stepping into the unknown.

Call-To-Action

Take that step you've been holding off on and see how much will change for you.

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Episode Overview

In this episode we explore the profound difference between knowledge and wisdom through the lens of daily practice: knowledge is learning something new every day, while wisdom is letting go of something every day.

Key Themes

The Nature of Knowledge

• Knowledge comes from continuous learning and curiosity
• There's always something new to discover, which makes learning exciting
• Building knowledge is an ongoing, accessible process

The Challenge of Wisdom

• Letting go is inherently more difficult than acquiring new information
• Wisdom requires both strength and time to develop
• True wisdom involves understanding what's worth holding onto and what isn't

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Wisdom

• Neither exists in isolation - they're interconnected and interdependent
• Knowledge helps us understand people and situations better
• Understanding (knowledge) enables acceptance (wisdom)

Key Takeaways

1. Wisdom is earned, not innate - very few people are born with the natural ability to let things go; it's a skill developed through experience
2. Knowledge fuels wisdom - the more we learn about people and situations, the better equipped we are to make decisions about what to release
3. Both require patience - neither knowledge nor wisdom happen overnight; they coexist and evolve together in our consciousness
4. Strength in letting go - the ability to release things, especially when difficult, demonstrates both wisdom and personal strength

Action Item

Take time today to learn something new AND identify something you can leave behind - practice both knowledge and wisdom simultaneously.

Episode Quote

"Knowledge is learning something new every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day."

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Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore the powerful distinction between pursuing purpose versus chasing praise. Learn why passion-driven work leads to more fulfilling outcomes than validation-seeking behavior, and discover practical insights for navigating your creative journey in the social media age.

Key Takeaways

The Core Message: Do things that matter to you, not for external validation. When you pursue genuine purpose, praise becomes a natural byproduct rather than an elusive goal.

The Praise Trap: Chasing validation can lead to an empty, unfulfilling journey. When praise becomes the primary motivator, you risk misery if that recognition never materializes.

Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: While platforms make it easier to build followings and receive validation, most successful creators started by sharing their genuine passions, not by chasing fame or money.

The Niche Dilemma: Content creators can become trapped in specific niches even after outgrowing them. Don't limit yourself to one thing--allow yourself room to evolve and expand.

The Reality Check: Success requires significant planning and intentionality. It's not easy which is exactly why passion must be your foundation. Without genuine interest in what you're sharing, the work becomes unsustainable.

Time Is Precious: We have limited time on this planet. Spending it on unfulfilling work or content that doesn't matter to you wastes your precious resource.

Action Steps

Take time to identify what you're truly passionate about. Understanding your core values will help clarify your purpose and guide both your professional endeavors and personal relationships.

Resourced Mentioned

Personal Values Assessment Tool: A guided workbook featuring exercises designed to help you determine what areas of your life matter most to you.

Get yours here: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/personal-values-assessment-toolkit?variant=46853228101881

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Episode Overview

This episode explores the critical differences between entitlement and earned success, emphasizing why personal growth must come before expecting better outcomes in life.

Key Topics Covered

• ​The Competition Analogy
• ​The Entitlement Trap
• ​ Respect and Human Dignity
• ​The Path of Continuous Improvement
• ​Improvement Over Competition
• ​The Humility Factor

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​Main Takeaway

Before demanding better results, demanding respect, or expecting success, commit to the work of improving yourself first. Training precedes winning. Growth precedes results. Humility precedes excellence.

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You can't create a new life off of old habits. You must get yourself outside your comfort zone and implement habits that are aligned with this updated version of yourself!

Gratitude Practice Workbook: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/gratitude-practice-workbook?variant=47023207022841

Personal Values Assessment Tool: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/personal-values-assessment-toolkit?variant=46853228101881

Emotional Intelligence Workbook: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/emotional-intelligence-workbook?variant=46863752593657

Public Speaking Confidence Workbook: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/public-speaking-confidence-workbook?variant=46877088350457

Gratitude has so many benefits that are often overlooked. By simply adding it as a part of your daily routine, you will truly notice a difference!

If you are ready to begin - or become more consistent - with your gratitude journey, download the Gratitude Worksheet:

https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/pages/gratitude-worksheet

Words are powerful! Whether they are just in our thoughts or words we choose to share with others, they can have a big impact on how we think about ourselves, how we view others, and what our beliefs and actions may be.

Always take your words into consideration before sharing them with others or thinking them of yourself.

If you are someone who struggles with their words/speaking, get my Public Speaking Confidence Workbook here: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/products/public-speaking-confidence-workbook?variant=46877088350457

If you need more structure throughout your day, get my FREE Dream Discipline Blueprint: https://www.cyorealitymedia.com/pages/dream-discipline-blueprint