What if I told you that managing time isn’t the secret to a fulfilling, high-performing life—but managing your energy is? All this time, I was aiming to create more time when maybe I’ve had it wrong.

In today’s episode, we break down key takeaways from The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz and explore how your energy—not your time—is your most precious resource. Learn how aligning your Performance Pyramid of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy can unlock performance, health, and happiness like never before.

⚡ Segment 1: Energy Management vs. Time Management

• Energy Management: Focuses on optimizing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy for sustained performance.
• Time Management: Centers on scheduling and prioritizing tasks without considering energy fluctuations.
• Why Energy Wins: Prevents burnout, leverages natural energy peaks, and ensures long-term sustainability.

🌿 Segment 2: The Four Dimensions of Energy (The Performance Pyramid)

1. Physical Energy: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and recovery cycles.
2. Emotional Energy: Self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive connections, and gratitude practices.
3. Mental Energy: Single-tasking, prioritization, mental flexibility, and mindfulness.
4. Spiritual Energy: Aligning actions with purpose and core values.

🔄 Segment 3: Identifying Personal Energy Sources & Drains

📝 Energy Audit Exercise:

• Invigorating: Exercise, fresh air, podcast interviews.
• Draining: Grading, small talk, emails.

💡 Ultradian Rhythms:

• Work in 90-minute focused blocks, followed by 15–20 minute renewal breaks to maximize energy and performance.

🌟 Segment 4: Real-Life Success Stories

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Conduct a personal energy audit.
• Implement one energy-enhancing habit this week.
• Align tasks with natural energy peaks.

🌟 Final Thoughts:

Managing energy—not just time—is essential for boosting productivity and well-being. Share your strategies for energy management using #LifesNextLessonPlan.

💖 Special Offer: The Reading Guide for The Power of Full Engagement is FREE for monthly Live & Learn Patreon subscribers or available for purchase on Patreon or Etsy.

🔗 Connect with Me:

• 🎧 Subscribe to Life’s Next Lesson Plan on your favorite podcast platform.
• 💬 Follow and share on social media with #LifesNextLessonPlan
• ✉️ Support on Patreon for exclusive resources and bonus content.

🎉 Thanks for Listening! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Let’s fuel the life you want—one energized moment at a time.

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, host Rachel sits down with award-winning educator, author, and speaker Michael Hernandez to explore innovative strategies for fostering authentic learning experiences in today's AI-driven educational landscape. Michael shares insights from his latest book, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity, and discusses his online course, Uncheatable Assessments, which aim to enhance student engagement and integrity in the classroom.

Key Discussion Points:

• Michael's Journey in Education: Discover Michael's path to becoming a leading voice in digital and civic literacy, social justice, and student-centered learning.
• Memorable Teaching Moments: Hear an inspiring story about a former student who, despite academic struggles, found success and attributed part of his journey to Michael's impactful teaching.
• Global Educational Experiences: Learn about Michael's transformative trips to Asia, where he guided students in creating documentaries, enriching their learning through real-world storytelling.
• Innovative Assessment Strategies: Dive into the concept of "uncheatable assessments" and how they leverage student passions to combat challenges like low engagement and the rise of artificial intelligence in education.
• Empathy Interviews: Explore the "empathy interview" technique from Michael's book, designed to help students develop deeper understanding and connection through storytelling.

Actionable Takeaway:

Michael encourages listeners to engage with others' stories, fostering empathy and community connection. He suggests initiating conversations, actively listening, and embracing the role of a compassionate neighbor and citizen.

Connect with Michael Hernandez:

• Website: Michael Hernandez's Official Site
• Book: Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity
• Online Course: Uncheatable Assessments

Join the Conversation:

For more inspiring stories and lessons, follow Life’s Next Lesson Plan on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to stay updated on new episodes.

This week I am sharing and exclusive look into my first episode of my Live & Learn Patreon podcast designed to share more intimate stories, deeper discussions, and actionable lessons. In this episode, I’m following up on one of the most powerful writing lessons I taught during my 29 years in the classroom as a follow-up to the lesson on "The Danger of a Single Story" TED Talk and Malcolm Gladwell's book Blink that I taught in Episode 3 of Life's Next Lesson Plan. This lesson opens the door to some deeply personal details from my childhood and highlights the importance of perseverance and understanding others’ stories.

🎧 Episode Highlights

• The origin of the 300-word story format and how it became a transformative writing exercise.
• Emotional student stories that will tug at your heartstrings.
• My own 300-word story—sharing the unseen parts of my journey and how it shaped who I am today.
• The impact of assumptions and the importance of looking beyond a single story.

✍️ Episode Activity

Try the 300-word story writing exercise yourself! Access the creation template here and craft a powerful story from your own life. Share your reflections with me at [email protected] if you’re comfortable!

📚 Homework & Reflection

• Reflect on how assumptions influence your understanding of others.
• Write your own 300-word story using the template provided.
• Consider sharing your story or discussing it with someone close to you.

💡 Want More? Join Live & Learn on Patreon!

Subscribing is simple—just $5 a month gives you:

• Full access to all exclusive episodes
• Themed collections like:
  • January: Sunday Scaries Series—end-of-weekend anxiety tips
  • February: Self-Love Series—nurturing mind, body & spirit
  • March: Heart & Hormone Health—featuring Mayo Clinic Health & Wellness Coach Traci Danielson Mitchell

➡️ Join now at patreon.com/liveandlearnpodcast. You can also purchase individual episodes or collections, or gift a membership to someone who would love this content!

🌟 Exclusive Upcoming Content

• Q&A session with Traci Danielson Mitchell on heart and hormone health.
• How I balanced my hormones in my 50s—tests, supplements, and lifestyle swaps that made a difference.

💬 Connect With Me

• Instagram & Facebook: Life’s Next Lesson Plan
• Email: [email protected]

✨ Don’t forget to download the 300-word story creation template and try this transformative exercise for yourself!

In this inspiring episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, host Rachel sits down with former student Blake Leeson—a professional volleyball player whose journey is as remarkable as it is motivational. From his early days at Homestead High School to walking on to the men’s volleyball program at Ohio State University, Blake shares how his path has been defined by daring to do the things that scare him the most.

Episode Highlights:

• High School & College Beginnings: Blake reflects on his time at Homestead High School, graduating in 2014, and his unexpected transition from football to volleyball during junior year. He recounts overcoming challenges, including facing ridicule and a severe Achilles injury, to eventually secure partial and full scholarships at OSU. His perseverance helped him become a key player on a team that won 2 national championships and 3 conference championships.
• Overseas Adventures & Professional Play: After graduating from OSU in 2019, Blake’s career took an international turn. He discusses the thrill and lessons learned from playing professional volleyball across 14 different countries. His story reinforces the idea that embracing the challenges that scare us can lead to the most rewarding experiences in life.
• Life Lessons & Future Goals: Drawing inspiration from Jay Shetty’s words—"Open every door that you possibly can! The doors that close let them close and keep walking through the ones that remain open"—Blake emphasizes the importance of following your gut and taking risks. He explains how these decisions have not only enriched his career but have also profoundly shaped his personal growth. Looking ahead, Blake plans to stay involved in coaching, aiming to help future athletes and students gain the same life-changing experiences he has enjoyed.
• A Teacher’s Perspective: Rachel, a former high school teacher and current podcast host, shares her heartfelt gratitude for being able to extend her classroom’s impact to a wider audience. Her mission with Life’s Next Lesson Plan and the Live and Learn Patreon community is to create a space where everyone can learn from each other’s experiences. Today’s conversation with Blake is a testament to the power of stepping outside of your comfort zone and living a life with no regrets.

Homework for Listeners: Take a moment to reflect—what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do or experience but haven’t because fear held you back? Challenge yourself to take that step. Remember, sometimes the riskiest paths lead to the most rewarding adventures.

Connect with Us: If Blake’s story inspired you, follow him on Instagram @blake_leeson. For more lessons and personal content, join our Live & Learn Patreon community. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify and be sure to subscribe to the pod to share your thoughts for more episodes and updates.

Contact: Have suggestions or know a great guest for the podcast? Reach out at [email protected].

Tune in and let Blake’s journey inspire you to open every door—even the ones that seem a little scary. Enjoy the episode!

Imagine if the world's greatest innovators had waited for the perfect moment to act. In today's episode, we'll explore how embracing action over hesitation can lead to remarkable achievements.

Segment 1: Small Wins Build Momentum

Segment 2: The Power of Action Over Perfection

Segment 3: Practical Confidence-Building Exercises

• Key Takeaways:
  • Confidence is a skill developed through practice.
  • Competence fuels confidence.
  • Risk-taking and embracing challenges are essential.
  • Acting confident can lead to genuine self-assurance.
  • Building a supportive network is crucial.
  • Challenging self-limiting beliefs fosters growth.

Action Steps

• Take One Small Step Today:
  • Choose a manageable goal related to your next step, such as researching a company or sharing your service online.
• Write an “I’ve Done This Before” List:
  • Reflect on and display past achievements as reminders of resilience.
• Practice Confidence-Boosting Exercises:
  • Dedicate time each morning to visualize success and adopt power poses before significant tasks.
• Try the 5-Second Rule:
  • Utilize the countdown technique to overcome hesitation and initiate action

Stay connected!

• Follow my classroom countdown at Life's Next Lesson Plan on YouTube!
• Live and Learn with me as we focus on living fully and feeling our best. Visit hughandgrace.com/lessonplan to see how easy it is to start making some healthy swaps on the way to non-toxic living.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of small, consistent actions in achieving significant health improvements. Our guest, Traci D. Mitchell, a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach and author of the national bestseller, The Belly Burn Plan, shares her frightening personal journey and professional insights into health, nutrition, and wellness.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Journey: Traci recounts her memorable college experiences, emphasizing the importance of community and personal growth during formative years.
• Path to Coaching: After earning degrees in Psychology and Broadcast Journalism, followed by a Master's in Communication focusing on media perceptions of the female body, Traci faced significant health challenges, including a stroke and necrotizing fasciitis. These experiences prompted a profound reflection on her lifestyle, leading her to become a personal trainer and later a health and wellness coach.
• Professional Milestones: Traci discusses the rewarding moments in her coaching career, particularly the positive health transformations her clients experience, such as improved medical reports and sustainable weight loss.
• March Focus – Hormones and Heart Health: An overview of the upcoming sessions dedicated to women's heart and hormone health on Patreon in March, with a special Q&A segment featuring Traci.
• Key Takeaway: Traci emphasizes that the body is resilient and capable of remarkable healing. She encourages listeners to prioritize their health through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental well-being, adequate sleep, and supportive social connections.
• Action Steps: Listeners are advised to implement small, manageable changes to improve their health, such as reducing added sugars, increasing fruit intake, limiting screen time before bed, and incorporating short exercise sessions into their daily routine.

Connect with Traci D. Mitchell:

Download Traci's free menopause meal plan on her website!

• Website: tracidmitchell.com.
• YouTube: Traci D Mitchell | Healthy, Happy Hormones

In this episode, we build upon the foundation laid in Episode 11, exploring advanced strategies to elevate your side hustle using social media. We'll discuss crafting compelling content, selecting effective platforms, and utilizing analytics to drive growth.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Identifying Your Audience and Brand Voice:
   • Define your ideal customer profile.
   • Develop a consistent tone and visual style that resonates with your target audience.
2. Choosing the Right Platforms:
   • Instagram and Pinterest: Ideal for visually-driven businesses like art, fashion, or food.
   • Facebook: Great for building community and engaging with customers through groups, events, and targeted ads.
   • LinkedIn: Perfect for B2B services or professional consulting.
   • Twitter: Useful for quick updates, industry news, and connecting with influencers.
   • TikTok: A creative platform for short, engaging videos, especially if your side hustle appeals to a younger demographic.
3. Creating High-Quality, Engaging Content:
   • Develop a content strategy that includes educational posts, behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions.
   • Maintain consistency in posting and utilize features like stories, live streams, and reels to keep your audience engaged.
4. Engaging with Your Community:
   • Respond promptly to comments and messages to build relationships.
   • Encourage user-generated content by asking your audience to share photos or reviews of your product/service and tag you.
   • Reshare user-generated content to your feed or stories to build trust and social proof.
5. Collaborating and Networking:
   • Partner with influencers, other small businesses, or even customers who align with your brand.
   • Engage with communities by joining relevant Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or Reddit forums.
   • Participate by offering value, not just promoting your hustle.
6. Scaling Your Side Hustle:
   • Reinvest profits into tools or marketing to grow your business.
   • Automate repetitive tasks using tools like email autoresponders, scheduling apps, or social media planners to save time.
   • Consider transitioning your side hustle into a full-time venture when the time is right.

Community Engagement: We'd love to hear about your side hustle ideas! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment on our website. Your story might inspire someone else to take the leap!

Stay Connected: Access free resources from past episodes on our website, lifesnextlessonplan.com, and find behind-the-scenes content on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Keep submitting your "Ask the Teacher Anything" questions for future discussions!

In this heartfelt episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, Rachel sits down with Ann Cook, a former educator turned mindfulness advocate, to explore the art of transitioning gracefully into the next chapter of life. Ann shares her journey from teacher to nomad, her discovery of mindfulness after a panic attack post-retirement, and how being present in the moment has helped her embrace change. Whether you're contemplating your next steps or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Ann Cook's inspiring career as an educator in Illinois and Georgia, and her adventures post-retirement.
• The surprising way mindfulness helped Ann overcome retirement anxiety and embrace life’s changes.
• The principles of mindfulness, based on Jon Kabat-Zinn's teachings, and practical steps to get started.
• How mindfulness isn’t just meditation—it’s a way of living in awareness and embracing the present.
• A step-by-step guide for using poetry by Rumi and Mary Oliver as tools for mindfulness and personal reflection.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Jon Kabat-Zinn Resources Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program 9 Attitudes of Mindfulness
• Mindfulness Poetry
  • The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
  • Mindful by Mary Oliver
  • The Guest House by Rumi
• Other Experts to Explore
  • Thich Nhat Hanh: Vietnamese monk, Zen master, and mindfulness teacher.
  • Judson Brewer: Expert on addressing anxiety and habits like overeating or smoking.

Connect with Rachel

Stay connected and inspired by following Life’s Next Lesson Plan:

• Instagram: @LifesNextLessonPlan
• Facebook: Life’s Next Lesson Plan
• YouTube: Life’s Next Lesson Plan Channel
• Website: www.lifesnextlessonplan.com

Want more in-depth lessons and personal content? Join Rachel’s Patreon: Live and Learn.

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more people discover Life’s Next Lesson Plan. See you next week!

Welcome to today’s episode where we explore how artificial intelligence can transform your daily decision-making, freeing up mental space and time for what truly matters. If you’re tired of drowning in to-do lists and endless choices, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we dive into practical ways AI can simplify your life—from planning your meals and organizing your household to inspiring creative solutions for parenting and travel.

Segment 1: Simplifying Parenting and Educational Activities with AI We begin with a look at how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are becoming invaluable assets for parents and babysitters. I recount personal experiences—from spending endless hours on Pinterest planning my daughter’s birthday parties to organizing educational zoo trips—and illustrate how AI can quickly generate creative ideas. For example, AI can provide:

Segment 2: Conquering Meal Prep and Daily Adult Decisions with AI Next, I address the notorious decision fatigue that comes with adulting—especially when it comes to meal planning and recipe selection. I share how AI-powered recipe generators and meal planning tools can:

Segment 3: AI-Enhanced Travel Planning and Vacation Prep In our final segment, I explore how AI is reshaping the way we plan vacations. Learn how AI can help you:

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaim Your Time: Use AI tools to reduce decision fatigue in daily life, from parenting to meal prepping and travel planning.
• Creative Ingenuity: Leverage AI to unlock creative, practical solutions that simplify your routines and elevate your lifestyle.
• Actionable Challenge: Pick one area in your life—be it planning a meal, organizing an event, or even vacation prep—and give AI a try. Experiment, refine, and see how these tools can transform your everyday tasks.

Action Step: I challenge you to choose one facet of your routine where decision fatigue hits hardest. Use ChatGPT or Google Gemini to generate ideas and solutions for that area, and see how a little AI assistance can go a long way.

💬 Ask the Teacher Anything: I’m answering YOUR questions this week. Submit more questions on our website: lifesnextlessonplan.com

📣 Support the Podcast: Love the show? Help us keep creating by joining us on my Live and Learn Patreon. Every contribution supports the resources we share to help lifelong learners like you.

📲 Follow Along:

• YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @lifesnextlessonplan

Welcome to another episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan Podcast! Today, I’m joined by a special guest—former student Kelly Allen, a talented writer and editor who now calls New York City home.

Kelly pursued her passion for journalism at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. With six years of post-graduate experience, she’s worked for big names like Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, and Delish. From design to culture to travel, Kelly shares her journey to landing her dream job and her insights on building a successful career in media.

In This Episode, We Cover:

🌟 Kelly’s journey from high school journalism to the bright lights of NYC

🌟 How early goal-setting and networking helped her break into the media industry

🌟 Behind-the-scenes stories from her career, including glamorous events and unforgettable interviews

🌟 Tips on effective networking and why it’s crucial for career growth

🌟 Valuable life advice for chasing dreams on your terms

Life Lessons: Kelly reminds us that while networking may not always get you in the door, it can propel your career once you’re inside. Hear her inspiring examples, from freelancing for Cosmopolitan to attending a Cinco de Mayo party at Martha Stewart’s estate!

Resources & Links:

• Kelly Allen’s published work: https://www.bykellyallen.com/published-work
• Instagram: @bykellyallen
• Episode-specific resources: Kelly’s Ulimate Guide to Networking

🎧 Listen Now: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.

Let’s Connect! Follow Life’s Next Lesson Plan Podcast for more inspiring stories and actionable life lessons:

• Instagram: @lifesnextlessonplan
• Facebook: Life’s Next Lesson Plan Podcast
• Patreon: Live & Learn for $5/month

🎉 Thanks for tuning in—join us next week for more inspiring conversations and life lessons!