How often do you begin an important task and you suddenly find yourself standing in front of the coffee machine five minutes later? Are you feeling as though you're are going nowhere fast because you simply can’t get started on that one task you keep putting off? Instead of moving forward, it feels like you’re stagnating and could be doing more with your life. It could be that you are guilty of procrastination.  When we talk about procrastination, it is the act of delaying or postponing an important task and what we end up doing instead is that we focus on less urgent, more enjoyable, and far easier activities instead. The problem with procrastination is that it can restrict your potential in life and undermine your career.  In today’s episode, we are going to figure out what is causing you to procrastinate and diverting your attention to other unproductive activities. I will share some simple ideas that you can use to manage your day, have you feeling more motivated, productive, creative and inspired to get you started on that very thing you have been putting off. You have one life and you have the potential for greatness. Let us help you beat procrastination today! If you like this episode, please leave a review here – even a few words will help. Please post a screenshot of this episode on your social media account and be sure to tag us so we can thank you personally. 
 In this episode 00:59 - Introduction 03:48 - The problem with procrastination 07:13 - The hard facts 09:15 - The science of procrastination 13:23 - Communicating our Goals 17:44 - Lack of mental focus 18:25 - How to overcome procrastination  24:37 - Check your Environment 29:25 - Making the task more achievable 33:52 - Taking time out & setting an intention 36:37 - Conclusion


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#22. Procrastination: It's a Waste of Time

Welcome to A Voice and Beyond. This podcast is dedicated to self-care, professional development and personal growth. Our brilliant lineup of international guests include healthcare practitioners, voice educators and other professionals who will share their stories, knowledge and experiences within their specialized fields to empower you to live your best life every day. In the solo round episodes, my goal is to help you increase your levels of focus, productivity, confidence & energy. Now is the time for you to discover your voice in life, develop a positive mindset and become the best and most authentic version of yourself so you can create greater impact.

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In our modern, fast-paced world, the struggle to maintain focus has become increasingly difficult for all of us, impacting various aspects of our lives. One reason for this challenge is the constant bombardment of information competing for our attention. From our smartphones buzzing with notifications to endless streams of information on social media platforms, our attention is constantly being pulled in multiple directions, making sustained focus a daunting task. Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue further hinder our ability to concentrate on those important tasks at hand.

Ultimately, the inability to focus not only undermines our performance and well-being but also diminishes our capacity to fully engage with the world around us, limiting our potential for growth and fulfilment. Today’s show is a masterclass on how to increase your level of focus as we explore five key areas that can transform our lives when given the attention and focus they deserve. By keeping these key building blocks of achievement on our mental dashboard, we can unlock a life of joy, significance, and abundance.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.

In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Institute09:19 - Desire: The Starting Point of Achievement18:27 - Direction: Planning Your Path25:55 - Discipline: The Key to Consistency32:22 - Distraction Detachment: Managing Interruptions41:29 - Destructive Self Talk: Changing Negative Patterns53:25 - Conclusion and Encouragement for Personal GrowthFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/160. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.

#160. A Masterclass in the Art of Focus

The internet is a minefield of information, but it is also rife with misinformation, and when it comes to voice teaching, as an industry, we are not excluded from the bombardment of information. Whether it’s a YouTube video, an Instagram post, a TikTok video, or a post on a social media forum, there is an inundation of misinformation regarding how to sing, voice training techniques, and singing teachers and coaches themselves showing us how they believe it should be done. We are in an unregulated industry, and anyone can claim to have discovered the holy grail of vocal greatness. Therefore, this week on A Voice and Beyond, I asked Chris Johnson to return to the show as our special guest and voice geek, to spill the tea and shed the truth about some of the most widely spread myths that apply to singing. Chris Johnson is an internationally acclaimed singing teacher and highly experienced vocal coach, who has been trained in vocal manual therapy, massage, and myofascial release, and his training perspective respects the whole self. He is the founder of the singing teacher training organization 'Teach Voice’, and co-founder of one of the most popular podcasts for singers, 'The Naked Vocalist’. Chris has also had a professional performance career and truly understands the demands on today’s singers, and the vital role voice training plays in developing and sustaining healthy vocal production. This is a two-part episode, and in this Part 1 episode, Chris is going to address myths around the role of a singing teacher versus a vocal coach, tension, placement, and the role of the breath in the hierarchy of singing. It is a fascinating and informative episode, and Part 2 will be released in three weeks. 
  This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more. 
 In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute03:00 - Navigating the Sea of Misinformation in Voice Teaching06:22 - Myth 1: Singing Teacher vs. Vocal Coach – Understanding the Difference10:19 - Myth 2: The Role and Reality of Tension in Singing17:10 - The Evolution of Musical Styles and Singers’ Adaptations23:26 - Myth 3: Is Shouting Really Unhealthy for Singers?28:57 - Debunking Vocal Myths: Breathiness and Whispering in Singing34:29 - Myth 4: Does Singing Truly Start with the Breath?Find Chris Johnson OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/159. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.

#159. The Truth about Singing: Mythbusting with Chris Johnson Part 1

This week on "A Voice and Beyond," we're thrilled to introduce our inspiring guest, Veronica Karaman who wears many hats as the founder of True Champion Coaching, a performance coach, speaker, and author of "The Champion’s Way." Not only is Veronica a seasoned professional golfer, having competed in the US Open and achieved the title of TN Senior Women's Open Champion, but she also firmly believes that each one of us harbours a champion within us. Over the past four decades, Veronica has dedicated herself to helping others unlock their full potential and perform at their best. In today’s episode, Veronica shares invaluable insights on overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of our success. She emphasizes that whether we're singing or swinging a golf club, there is a champion residing within us. I love Veronica’s perspective that the only difference between singing and swinging is the "w" in between, and that singing and golf have much more in common than we realize. According to Veronica, true greatness emanates from embracing our whole selves, and understanding that our worth is more than trophies or performance outcomes. True victory lies in the freedom to embrace both success and failure, recognizing that our value isn't based on our achievements. It demands superior passion and focus. Veronica describes her 12-week coaching program, offering insights into her strategies for empowering individuals to silence their inner critic and unleash their inner champion. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's authentic voice and pursuing one's dreams with unwavering determination, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way. This is a beautiful and inspiring interview with Veronica Karaman, one that I’m sure will unleash the champion within you. 
 This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more. 
 In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute01:49 - Introduction to Today's Episode06:10 - Welcoming Veronica Karaman11:07 - Veronica's Journey in Golf and Coaching20:45 - The True Traits of a Champion33:42 - Developing the Champion Mindset47:20 - Exploring the Champion Zones
 Find Veronica Karaman OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter
 For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/158. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.



#158. Unleashing the Inner Champion Within with Veronica Karaman

In a world where productivity is often equated with completing tasks on a to-do list, it's crucial to redefine what true productivity means. Productivity isn't just about ticking off items; it's about efficiently achieving desired outcomes. It's measured not only by the quantity of work completed but also by its quality and the effectiveness of achieving goals within a given timeframe.

Some may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive, while others excel effortlessly in all aspects of life. Time management plays a pivotal role in productivity and success across personal and professional spheres. Effective time management brings order, control, and reduces stress, ultimately enhancing our overall sense of well-being.

Considering time as a finite resource, it's essential to distinguish between spending and investing it. Unlike spending, which yields no future value, investing time in meaningful pursuits creates long-term benefits. Shockingly, the average person spends significant portions of their life pursuing meaningless activities, leaving only a fraction of time for personal growth and fulfilment.

To maximize the limited time available, it's important to invest it wisely. This involves adopting effective time management strategies to prioritize essential tasks and activities aligned with personal goals. By doing so, we can create the life we desire and make the most of our time. Throughout this episode, five key time management skills, tips, tricks, and hacks will be shared to empower you to invest your time wisely so you too can achieve your dreams and aspirations.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.

In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute02:54 - The True Essence of Productivity09:12 - Investing Time Wisely10:27 - Energy vs. Time Management21:56 - Handling Time Bullies and Self-Care27:37 - Maximizing Gap Time32:37 - Removing Distractions for Better Focus
For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/157. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.

#157. 5 Ways to Stop Wasting Time

This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am very excited to introduce this week’s very special guest, Jeannette LoVetri, who, by the way, needs little introduction as she is one of the most recognised and highly acclaimed voice teachers from around the world. Jeanie is my CCM inspiration, and I wanted to honour her and the work that she continues to do, not only in sharing her knowledge and skills in the CCM sector but also in legitimising CCM from a pedagogical standpoint in our teaching community. Jeanie is a true pioneer, and her success has come about because of her remarkable resilience, curiosity for learning, and sheer tenacity. Jeanie has certainly paved the way for the rest of us who teach singers across the broad range of CCM styles, so we too can be respected and acknowledged alongside our classical colleagues for the work that we do in the singing voice field. 
 This episode is a recap of sections of a two-part interview I did with Jeanie in 2022, and I wanted to replay this interview as I feel it is important right now, more than ever, to be advocating for the training of CCM singers. Let’s create a movement and see if we can create change in academic music programs to accommodate singers who want to pursue a career in the CCM music market. To listen to the full interview, please refer to episodes 66 and 67.


In this Episode00:00 - Introduction02:35 - Jeannette LoVetri's Introduction and CCM Advocacy24:46 - Reflecting on Personal Experience and Vocal Health33:33 - A Transformative Gala Performance45:56 - Expanding the Teaching Program and Faculty52:37 - The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Singing1:06:39 - Upcoming Plans and Reflections on Legacy
Find Jeannette OnlineWebsiteInstagram
 For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/156. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.



#22. Procrastination: It's a Waste of Time

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