School of Self-Image

Reclaim Your Time, Avoid Distractions, and Boost Productivity.

Distraction is often viewed as an external issue, something that occurs due to our environment, technology, or other people. However, as discussed in the podcast episode, the reality is that distraction is primarily a mental challenge. In fact, it is stated that 90% of distractions stem from our own thoughts rather than external factors. This insight is crucial for anyone looking to improve their focus and productivity.

Host and Master Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh delves into the pervasive issue of distraction and its impact on productivity. Research indicates that the average person loses nearly four hours each day to interruptions, but Tonya shares her insights on how distraction can be managed rather than succumbed to. She introduces five effective strategies she practices to enhance focus, derived from her personal journey of transformation from a scattered individual to someone who achieves remarkable results. As we approach the holidays, Tonya reflects on her experiences in 2024, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth achieved, emphasizing the profound influence of self-image on all areas of life. 

Tune in for valuable insights that can help you navigate distractions and elevate your self-image for a more fulfilling life.

Talking Points:

00:49 - Holiday Greetings and Reflections 01:10 - Gratitude for 2024 and Excitement for 2025 02:31 - Self-Image and Humanity 03:46 - Observations and Commands to the Brain 11:20 - The Value of Attention 12:14 - The Real Cost of Distractions 14:03 - What Could You Do with 1500 Hours? 16:14 - Reclaiming Lost Time 19:03 - Breaking Down Plans into Actionable Results 22:22 - Emotional Responses to Distractions 25:08 - Understanding the Root of Distractions 26:26 - Examining the Cost of Distractions 30:04 - Personal Power and Focus 34:08 - Handling Distractions When They Occur

Quotes:

"It's the failures that teach us the most."

"Attention in this day and age is our most valuable commodity, and yet it's something that we do not guard often enough."

"What could you do with 1500 hours?"

"The question isn't whether you have the time, the question is, what are you going to do to reclaim it?"

"What do we need to feel in order to put our phones away and be present with each other?"

"Every focused moment is a vote for who I'm becoming."

"Those moments are meant to teach you, they're meant to grow you, and they're meant to help you become less distracted."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE for the Week of Calm Workshop

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Calm, Cool, and Connected: Embracing a New State of Being

One of the most crucial decisions we make daily is what she refers to as the "B decision." This decision centers on consciously choosing who we want to be in any given moment, regardless of the external circumstances we face.

Host Tonya Leigh dives into the concept of the "B decision," which focuses on the essential question we should ask ourselves: "Who do I want to be right now?" Tonya highlights the importance of this decision in shaping our experiences and handling life's challenges. She reflects on the anxiety and frustration many people feel when they rely on external circumstances to dictate their state of being. Using a personal story from her recent trip to New York City, she illustrates how life’s unpredictability can impact our emotions but emphasizes that we have the power to choose our responses. Tune in to explore how embracing the B decision can transform your mindset and lead to a more fulfilling life.

Talking Points:

01:09 - The Importance of the B Decision 02:02 - Life's Unpredictability 03:06 - Conscious Choice of Emotions 04:10 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life 05:02 - Energy and Thoughts 05:45 - Trapped by External Changes 06:37 - Default Settings and Triggers 08:44 - Responding to Crisis 10:09 - Energy Shifts and Influence 11:56 - The Self-Image Pause 13:48 - Purposeful Emotional Choices 16:29 - Ripple Effect of Being 20:05 - Curiosity vs. Judgment 24:00 - Life Improvements Through Being 25:04 - Benefits of Calmness 25:36 - Calm, Cool, and Connected

Quotes:

"I asked myself, who do I want to be in this moment with nothing outside of me changing?"

"Your beingness is the energy, the predominant energy that you are embodying in any given moment."

"But you tell your brain, here's what we're doing. This is who we're being."

 "I am becoming someone who takes immediate action."

"Every thought you think and every action that you take is a vote for who you want to be."

"I don't need the world to be different in order for me to be different. But when I be different, the world does change."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE for the Week of Calm Workshop

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Transforming Your Life with Intentional Language

Words have more power than we give them credit for, not only in copywritting but in our everyday lives.  This discussion revolves around the profound impact that words have on our mindset and actions. One of the key takeaways is the transformative power of shifting our language from "I want" to "I am." This simple change can significantly alter how we perceive our aspirations and ultimately influence our behaviors.

Host Tonya Leigh welcomes special guest Jamie Palko, the behind-the-scenes copywriter for the School of Self-Image. Jamie shares her journey back to copywriting, highlighting the power of setting clear goals and the excitement of reconnecting with her passion. The conversation reflects on the serendipitous moments that brought Jamie to the podcast, where she first learned about the School of Self-Image. Join them as they explore the magic of wordsmithing and how it has brought them together in this full circle moment.

Talking Points:

00:10 - Jamie's Full Circle Moment 01:32 - Jamie's Journey Back to Copywriting 02:23 - The Power of Words 04:55 - Transitioning Between Projects 05:16 - The Role of a Copywriter in Content Creation 05:47 - The Impact of Words on Personal Life 08:35 - The Shift from "I Want" to "I Am" 10:35 - The Energy of Words 12:17 - Words Carry Energy and Meaning 13:00 - The Pygmalion Effect and Setting Expectations 14:47 - Reframing Nervousness as Excitement 16:47 - Teaching Mindset to Children 19:05 - Speaking from Your Future Self 20:02 - Overused Words: Should and Overwhelmed 23:19 - Shifitng "Have to" to "Get to" 28:38 - Practicing New Ways of Speaking 32:47 - The Power of Words in Creating Your Life

Quotes:

"I really do feel like those words that I spoke to myself and wrote that down and really sort of lived and breathed those for those couple of months made this happen."

 "Two little words, so much just deleting them gave me so much relief."

 "You've planted her in this small pot. And you need to plant her in the forest and let her grow with the words you use."

"Stop "should-ing" all over yourself."

"Your words are creating your life and they're very, very powerful."

"It was lovely to have this time talking to you and introducing myself to the world."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Vote for Yourself: Five Ways to Champion Your Dreams

To truly champion yourself, it is essential to have a clear vision of what you want in life, much like political candidates who articulate their visions during campaigns. A well-defined vision serves as a guiding light, helping you navigate the complexities of your personal and professional journey.

Host Tonya Leigh poses a thought-provoking question: What if you applied the same passion and conviction seen in political campaigns to your own dreams and aspirations? Tonya explores five powerful ways to become your own champion, encouraging listeners to "vote for yourself" with enthusiasm. She shares her recent experiences from the SOSI tour in Europe and expresses excitement for the final stop in New York, emphasizing the importance of community and setting intentions for the upcoming year.

Tune in to discover how to champion your own goals and dreams!

Talking Points:

01:29 - The Elephant in the Room: U.S. Election  02:24 - Cognitive Bias and Personal Growth 03:19 - Campaigning for Yourself 05:07 - Championing Your Own Vision 07:04 - Vision Questions and Exercises 10:07 - Avoiding Vision Shame 13:10 - Strong Beliefs and Convictions 18:09 - Finding Belief in Yourself 19:12 - Being Your Loudest Supporter 22:04 - Overcoming External Doubts 24:00 - The Power of Environment 25:47 - Writing Your Victory Speech

Quotes:

 "What if you brought the same passion, conviction, and unwavering belief that you often see in political campaigns to your own dreams and aspirations?"

"Just allow yourself to dream."

"Coaching is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself. And I stand by that 1000%."

"If you have to get up and look in that mirror every morning and be like, listen girl, here we go. Today's gonna be an amazing day. You know why? Because you are amazing."

"What I've noticed is that when I just go within and I bet on myself, I evolve to the next level."

"You have a vision for your life, you build your campaign promises, you become your own rally, you invest in your victory, and you build your dream team."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Finding Peace: Techniques to Release Attachments and Anxiety

In the journey of personal growth and freedom, awareness serves as the foundational step. Becoming aware of our thoughts, emotions, and attachments is crucial for breaking free from the cycles of worry and anxiety that often trap us.

Host Tonya Leigh dives into the transformative art of letting go, a topic she has passionately coached and personally navigated. Drawing from her own experiences and insights, Tonya emphasizes the importance of releasing attachments to ideas, people, and things, which can often lead to suffering and anxiety. She shares a pivotal moment during a vacation in Paris, where a friend's advice and the book "Awareness" by Anthony de Mello sparked a profound realization about the roots of unhappiness.

Tune in to discover powerful techniques and wisdom from spiritual teachers and psychologists that can help you cultivate calm and break free from the cycle of worry.

Talking Points:

01:19 - The Concept of Letting Go 01:39 - Awareness by Anthony DeMello 02:02 - Attachment Causes Suffering 03:29 - Happiness and External Factors 05:37 - Embrace Reality as It Is 06:19 - Importance of Self-Observation 07:34 - Love Without Attachment 09:10 - Letting Go of the Ego 10:19 - Letting Go of the Need for Approval 14:15 - Embracing Uncertainty 18:16 - Dedication vs. Attachment 20:55 - Fall in Love with the Practice 21:59 - Let Go of the Rope

Quotes:

"All of my suffering was because of attachment."

"Happiness doesn't come from things outside of you."

"I want everything for you. I need nothing from you."

"All I need to do is let go. Just let go. And yet it's so hard."

"The ability to just show up in the world as you truly are, sharing the things that you truly love, expressing yourself in a way that feels true to you, is the most freeing thing in the world."

"The reason why you're suffering right now is most likely because you are attached to something or you fear losing something, which is also an attachment."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Mastering Productivity: Signature Work Habits with My Executive Assistant

Beginning and concluding your day effectively are essential practices that can significantly influence your productivity and overall mindset throughout the workday. Tonya Leigh and her executive assistant, Abigail Schroeder, explore the importance of these two bookends of the day and how they contribute to a more effective and fulfilling work experience.

Tonya opens the conversation by addressing a common question she receives: how she manages to get so much done. Tonya shares the story of how she found Abigail amidst over 500 applicants and highlights the importance of having a supportive team. Together, they explore effective work strategies, insights on collaboration, and the value of intuition in hiring. 

Tune in to discover how to enhance your productivity and learn from Abigail's expertise in managing tasks and supporting a busy, thriving  executive by creating a positive, effective work environment.

Talking Points:

01:53 - Role of an Executive Assistant

02:27 - Abigail's Responsibilities

07:04 - The Four Ds Framework

09:16 - Abigail's Signature Work Habits 

10:51 - Starting Your Day Well

13:26 - Self-Awareness and Acceptance

16:01 - Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

20:10 - Writing Everything Down

25:08 - Prioritize with Focus and Rest

31:14 - Diffuse Mode of Thinking

37:58 - Most Impactful Work Habit

39:33 - Company Culture 

Quotes:

 "My two main goals in my role is to optimize your time and to support the overall vision you have for the company."

"If you're going to do it, don't do something and then be struggling and arguing with it."

 "At any moment, you can do a U-turn and recommit, do whatever you need to do to get yourself back on track."

 "It's just part of the human experience. We're not supposed to be great at everything."

"You wouldn't expect yourself to be able to run a marathon without training for it, you know? And so we have to treat our brain the same way."

"Ending your day well can look like, I don't know, cooking, hanging out with friends, going on a walk, playing a game."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Transform Your Workspace: Tools and Techniques for Enhanced Focus and Creativity

Creating a productive environment involves establishing "micro-environments" tailored to different types of work, such as deep creative tasks or administrative duties. This concept is based on the understanding that our surroundings can significantly impact our ability to focus and produce high-quality work.

Tonya Leigh shares her personal journey of navigating a busy season filled with travel, program launches, and the joy of productivity. After a summer of significant changes and commitments, including the SOSI tour and the launch of the style experience, Tonya reflects on the importance of creating a productive environment to enhance focus and effectiveness. She introduces the concept of "productive surroundings" and discusses strategies that have helped her manage her workload and achieve her goals.

Tune in to discover how you can set yourself up for success and engage in deep, quality work amidst the distractions of the digital age.

Talking Points:

00:39 - Life Update: Busy Season and Achievements 02:04 - Concept of Productive Surroundings 04:00 - Personalizing Productivity Strategies 04:43 - World of Constant Distractions 05:57 - Deep Work and Distractions 07:02 - Specific Goals for Deep Work Sessions 09:11 - Micro-Environments for Different Tasks 11:01 - Office as CEO Time 13:09 - Creative Brainstorming at Breakfast Table 16:00 - Asana for Project Management 18:29 - Power of Routine and Music 19:24 - Getting Dressed for Productivity 22:04 - Collaborative Work for Productivity 24:46 - Importance of Downtime

Quotes:

"There are seasons where you may work more, there may be seasons where you work less, but there is a harmony that I feel like we're all seeking."

"I used to jump from task to task, always busy, but never really accomplishing anything substantial."

"I went from being completely unproductive to being the most productive I've ever been and creating the most results I've ever created from the process that you teach."

"Put your downtime on the calendar first, because if you don't, you will continuously push it to the back burner."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Finding Your Place: The True Meaning of Belonging

True belonging begins with the acceptance and love of oneself, enabling you to show up authentically in any situation. This concept is central to the podcast episode, where Tonya Leigh emphasizes that belonging is not merely about fitting in or conforming to the expectations of others. Instead, it is about embracing your true self and cultivating a profound sense of acceptance from within.

Tonya shares her recent experiences at the SOSI tour stop in L.A., highlighting the joy of connecting with a supportive community. She reflects on the common feelings of insecurity and social anxiety many of us face, especially when entering new environments. The episode is inspired by her journey to cultivate a sense of belonging and acceptance, starting from within. 

Tune in to discover valuable insights on overcoming feelings of isolation and building genuine connections with yourself and others.

Talking Points:

00:01:48 - The Essence of Belonging

00:03:25 - Need for Confidence and Connection

00:05:13 - Misconceptions About Belonging

00:05:45 - Authenticity and Confidence

00:08:47 - Vulnerability and Connection

00:10:04 - Embracing All Parts of Yourself

00:13:00 - Rejection is God's Protection

00:16:26 - Thoughts That Nurture Belonging

00:17:32 - Developing a Belonging Mindset

00:19:08 - Belonging in Luxurious Environments

00:20:26 - Taking Responsibility for Your Own Belonging

00:23:35 - Cultivating Belonging in Daily Life

00:25:09 - Celebrating Differences

00:26:13 - Challenge for the Week

Quotes:

 "It's like this is the essence of what we are all about. Women celebrating each other, sharing and supporting."

"You will never belong in a group of people if you don't first belong to yourself."

 "When you show up in that fullness of who you are, that's what really creates connection and true belonging."

"You belong because you exist."

"True belonging starts with you accepting yourself exactly as you are."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the 5-Day Style Challenge 

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

From Ruts to Renaissance: How Style Can Change Your Life

A style renaissance is not merely about updating your wardrobe or following the latest fashion trends; it is a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. In her podcast episode, Tonya Leigh emphasizes that true style comes from within and reflects who you are at your core. A style renaissance can help you rediscover your true self and use style as a powerful tool for self-expression.

Tonya invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey through their style. She introduces the Style Experience, an annual program designed to help women redefine their approach to fashion and personal expression. Tonya shares her own struggles with understanding style, highlighting a common experience of trying to mimic trends without a true sense of self. The episode emphasizes the importance of an inside-out approach to style, encouraging listeners to explore how their wardrobe can empower and elevate their lives. Tune in to discover how this unique experience can facilitate personal growth and unlock your authentic style.

Talking Points:

01:08 - Style Experience Transformation Journey

02:24 - The Deeper Questions of Style

04:10 - The Importance of Style in Personal Development

05:33 - Defining a Style Renaissance

06:16 - Rediscovering Your True Self Through Style

06:49 - Sign 1: Major Life Transition

08:14 - Sign 2: Being in a Rut

11:16 - Sign 3: Getting Dressed is a Chore

13:00 - Finding Joy in Getting Dressed

14:14 - Sign 4: Envy of Other Women's Style

15:30 - Sign 5: Hitting an Upper Limit

24:00 - No More Waiting for the Perfect Time

29:20 - Speeding Up Your Style Journey

Quotes:

"It never answered the deeper questions that come with a style journey, which is, who are you really?"

"A style renaissance is a personal awakening, a rejuvenation, a rebirth of who you are in relationship to style."

"Getting dressed is a form of self-care and self-expression. It shouldn't be a burden."

 "I literally crawled out of my hole. I overcame an upper limit with style as one of the major tools in doing so."

"I can look back and see how style has been responsible for so many of the opportunities that I have been blessed with."

 "A style journey really is a journey back home to yourself."

Useful  Resources:

Click HERE to join the 5-Day Style Challenge 

Click HERE to join the Membership 

Click HERE for a FREE download 

Click HERE to sign up for our newsletter, The Edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Click HERE to follow our Instagram

Click HERE to visit our website

Click HERE to visit our Facebook group

Click HERE to follow our TikTok

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Dressing for You: How to Break Free from Style Myths and Embrace Authenticity

Many individuals find themselves standing in front of a closet full of clothes, yet feeling as though they have nothing to wear. This common frustration often arises from a mindset that prioritizes an ideal body weight or shape over the current self. The belief that one must wait until they achieve a certain physical state before investing in their style is not only limiting but also counterproductive.

Tonya Leigh discusses her own experience with what she describbes as the "waiting game." She recalls how she spent years convincing herself that she would invest in her style once she lost a certain amount of weight or reached a specific body shape. This mindset creates a cycle of negativity, where individuals continuously reinforce a narrative rooted in self-doubt and dissatisfaction.  As she explores her past and the lessons learned, Tonya encourages listeners to consider their own style choices and what they may have outgrown. 

Join her for an inspiring discussion on embracing your unique style and stepping into your authentic self.

Talking Points:

00:00:37 - Tonya's Morning Motivation and Style Journey

00:01:43 - The Deep Connection Between Style and Self-Image

00:02:59 - The Style Experience: A Unique Approach

00:04:05 - Enrollment for The Style Experience

00:05:08 - Style Mistake #1: The Waiting Game

00:09:23 - Style Mistake #2: The Numbers Game

00:13:25 - Style Mistake #3: The Label Trap

00:18:25 - Style Mistake #4: Trapped by a Self-Image

00:22:40 - Style Mistake #5: The Knowledge Gap

00:28:18 - Conclusion: Embrace Your Style Journey

Quotes:

"Style may seem superficial on the surface, but in reality, it's so deep."

"Everything you choose is confirming a story about yourself."

"Waiting for the perfect body is like waiting for a train that never arrives."

"The moment you stand up and you say, I'm no longer waiting to feel beautiful, to live the life that I want to live, that's when you get all of your power back."

"Your style isn't defined by the quantity of your clothes, but how well they reflect and serve you."

"Style is a skill. Like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved upon."

"True style is about being comfortable in your own skin and your life, not in someone else's expectations."

Useful  Resources:

Join the 5 Day Style Challenge: https://schoolofselfimage.com/stylechallenge/ 

Join the Membership: https://schoolofselfimage.com/join

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/

Sign up for the Weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:

Instagram: @schoolofselfimage

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial