So Glad You Asked

Welcome back to So Glad You Asked! This week, I'm Jean Madison, your Gallup Global Strengths Coach and founder of Whole Human Co, diving into the essential topic of productivity and creativity cycles. After navigating a personal "slow period" in May, I'm sharing candid insights on how to accept, lean into, and understand these natural ebbs and flows in your work and life. Discover how building self-trust is key to navigating the highs and lows, celebrating imperfect progress, and recognizing what truly works for you.

Key Talking Points:

• Understanding Productivity & Creativity Cycles: Why recognizing your natural rhythms is crucial for sustainable work.
• My Recent Experience with a "Slow Period": A transparent look at navigating a dip in energy and motivation after a highly productive Q1.
• The Power of Self-Trust: Learning to trust that highs won't last forever, and lows will always pass.
• Challenging Instant Gratification: Moving beyond the "all or nothing" mindset to appreciate gradual progress, like a garden growing.
• Navigating Self-Doubt: Acknowledging the internal voice that questions success when things slow down.
• Embracing Imperfection: Why showing up authentically, even when not at your peak, is vital for growth and impact.
• Key Practices for Trusting Your Cycles:
  • Observe: Journaling and reflecting on past highs and lows to identify patterns without judgment.
  • Focus on What Works: Identifying specific actions and environments that genuinely bring energy and connection, even during low periods.
  • Use Reminders & Mantras: Powerful phrases to reinforce the cyclical nature of energy and remind yourself that challenges are temporary.
• Relevance for Everyone: Whether you're an entrepreneur, a 9-5 professional, or simply navigating life, these insights apply to managing your energy and expectations.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• My previous Goal Update episode (Episode 12 & 13)
• Human Work's Groundwork Program - Learn more here 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start observing your own energy cycles without judgment. When are you high? When are you low?
• Identify actions that truly support and energize you during different phases of your cycle.
• Develop personal reminders and mantras to reinforce self-trust during both highs and lows.

Connect with Me:

• Have questions about self-trust, productivity, or cycles? Comment on this episode or email me directly (link in show notes) – I'd love to discuss your questions in a future episode!

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

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Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Have you ever felt like you're constantly working toward your goals but never quite seeing results? In this candid exploration of productivity and goal achievement, I dive deep into the systems that have transformed my relationship with progress tracking.

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful realization: most of us focus exclusively on outcomes we can't directly control, then beat ourselves up when those outcomes don't materialize as quickly as we'd like. This leads to a perpetual cycle of stress, disappointment, and the nagging feeling that we're never doing enough.

Drawing from my personal experience as both a coach and entrepreneur, I share the two practices that have helped me break this cycle. The first is writing down my goals every single day—not as a rigid to-do list, but as an evolving document that naturally generates aligned action items. What began as intentionally high level "follow what feels good" intentions gradually refined themselves into clearer targets through this daily practice.

The second is a simple but revolutionary tracking system that documents both the seeds you plant (actions) and the fruits they eventually bear (wins). This dual tracking approach trains your brain to trust the process rather than demand instant gratification, while providing concrete evidence that you're actually making progress even when it doesn't feel like it.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, perfectionists, and anyone who struggles with all-or-nothing thinking, these practical systems create a more honest, compassionate relationship with productivity. I've included a link to my personal tracking spreadsheet in the show notes, along with information on how to work with me if you'd like support developing systems tailored to your specific strengths.

Ready to transform how you pursue your goals? Listen now to discover a more sustainable, satisfying approach to achievement that honors both your ambitions and your well-being.

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Mentioned in this Episode:

• Last week's goal update episode 
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) / Tapping - Check out Brad Yates
• Human Work and the Groundwork program - Learn More Here
• My goal tracking spreadsheet - Make a Copy here

Actionable Takeaways:

• Try writing down your goals daily, even if they feel broad initially.
• Track actions daily, no matter how small 
• Track wins daily, no matter how small
• Focus on the inputs and actions you have control over.
• Celebrate progress to build momentum 

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Welcome back to So Glad You Asked! In this episode, I'm Jean Madison, your host, Certified Gallup Global Strengths Coach and founder of Whole Human Co. I'm taking a personal dive into my 2025 goals, sharing how my initial approach of "following what feels good" has unfolded in the first quarter. I'm getting honest about the shifts I'm making, the permission I'm giving myself to change course, and the practical strategies I've been implementing for a more aligned and sustainable way of working and living. If you've ever felt stuck with your goals or wondered if it's okay to change your mind, this episode is for you.

Episode Focus:

• Reflecting, Reviewing, Revising Q1: 
  • Stepping into Q2 - Where I started & Where I am now
  • My Initial Approach: Focusing on Feeling Good
  • The Insight from My Ideal Life Visualization
  • Setting Broad Intentions
  • Revisiting My Direction in April
• What's Evolved in the First Quarter:
  • New Opportunities Emerging
  • Learning to Trust the "Invitation"
  • Saying "No" to Create Space.
  • A Shift in Business Focus
  • Embracing a Longer-Term Vision
  • Shifting My Mindset
• Practices I've Implemented for Greater Alignment:
  • Writing Down My Goals Daily
  • Using Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)
  • Prioritizing Actions Over Outcomes
  • Activating My Network
  • Trusting My Natural Rhythms
• Practices You Might Find Helpful:
  • Start with What You Truly Want: Release the pressure of needing perfectly structured or number-driven goals.
  • (More practices were shared in the episode - tune in to hear them!)

Mentioned in this Episode:

• My previous episode on goal setting - Click here to listen

Let's Connect:

• I'd love to hear your thoughts on revisiting your own goals! Share your insights in the comments.
• Do you have a question or topic you'd like me to discuss on the podcast? Send it my way via Instagram DM (@JeanMadison_) or email (link in show notes).
• If you're curious about intentional coaching for your career, life, or relationships, or about organizational and team development, you can find more information at WholeHuman.Co.

Hashtags: #goalsetting #careergoals #leadershipdevelopment #intentionality #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #businesscoaching #humandesign #EFT #tapping #networking #trusttheprocess #wholehumanco #jeanmadison

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Most of us have a skewed vision of what "financial freedom" actually means. We picture wealthy individuals lounging on private islands, completely disconnected from responsibility. But what if true financial freedom looks completely different for you?

Financial freedom, at its core, means having your money work for you rather than exclusively exchanging your time for money. It's about having sufficient assets to cover your expenses without depending on traditional employment. The problem? Many of us are killing ourselves to reach someone else's version of financial freedom.

I've watched too many clients sacrifice their present well-being—their health, relationships, and joy—for a future state that may not even align with their authentic desires. They reach "financial freedom" only to discover they actually enjoy working, creating, and contributing. They didn't need to make themselves miserable for years to reach a point where they wouldn't need to work because they never actually wanted to stop working!

This is why I always ask: "If money were no object, how would you spend your time?" When people truly reflect on this question, most discover they would still engage in productive activities—just different ones than their current job. They would volunteer, create, teach, or pursue passion projects that bring genuine fulfillment.

The crucial first step is getting crystal clear on what YOUR ideal life looks like—not someone else's Instagram version. Map out your vision and put actual numbers to it. You might be surprised that your dream life costs less than you thought. Financial freedom doesn't necessarily require millions; it requires knowing your real number and creating aligned plans to reach it.

Don't sacrifice everything in your present for some elusive future state. Start experimenting with aspects of your ideal life now, even in small ways. Your definition of financial freedom can and should evolve as you grow. Write it in pencil, not stone, and consider bringing in support to help clarify your goals and create a path that honors both your present needs and future dreams.

What would your life look like if money were no longer a concern? How could you start building aspects of that life into your reality today? The journey to financial freedom begins with these questions, not with sacrifice.

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

In this weeks #MoneyMindsetMarch Episode of the So Glad You Asked Podcast we are discussing how the "$10K month" and "$100K year" benchmarks have become gospel in entrepreneurial circles and career development conversations, but these arbitrary financial targets often lead to frustration, burnout, or surprising emptiness when achieved. In this revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on these money myths to help you establish financial goals that actually matter.

Drawing from my experience coaching countless clients through major financial decisions, I share why most people pursue income goals without ever asking the most crucial question: "Why that number?" This simple inquiry often reveals that we're chasing figures someone else told us represented success, rather than numbers that support the life we truly want to live.

The conversation explores a more intentional approach to money goals that starts with your ideal life vision and works backward to determine what financial resources you actually need. I vulnerably share my own income target of $75,000 for this year—a number some might consider surprisingly modest for a business owner—and explain why it perfectly aligns with my current life priorities, particularly spending time with my daughter.

Through practical examples like the "cabin in the woods" visualization exercise, we examine how to calculate the real costs of your dreams and find creative ways to experience the feelings you're seeking without waiting decades to afford them. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on the balance between planning for tomorrow while living meaningfully today.

Whether you're an entrepreneur feeling pressure to hit certain revenue targets, a career professional eyeing that next promotion, or simply someone wanting a healthier relationship with money, you'll walk away with a framework for establishing financial goals that truly serve your whole life—not just your bank account. Ready to redefine what financial success means on your own terms? This conversation is your starting point.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @Jeanmadison_ or email your questions through the link in the show notes!

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

In this episode of So Glad You Asked, Jean Madison dives deep into her personal journey with money mindset. She explores the beliefs and experiences that have shaped her relationship with money, from her early career in the non-profit world to building her own coaching business and navigating the financial realities of motherhood.

Jean shares candidly about:

• Overcoming limiting beliefs about money: Discover how Jean challenged the narratives that held her back, such as "money is evil" and "you can't do good in the world and make money."
• The power of manifestation: Learn how Jean incorporates manifestation practices into her life and business, and how these practices have helped her achieve her goals.
• Balancing income goals with ideal life vision: Jean discusses the importance of aligning your financial goals with your desired lifestyle, and how to avoid compromising your ideal life in pursuit of arbitrary income targets.
• Navigating the financial challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood: Hear Jean's honest reflections on the ups and downs of building a business while raising a family, and how she prioritizes flexibility and time freedom.
• Recognizing the importance of your current life stage: Jean emphasizes the value of aligning your financial goals with your current life stage, whether it's raising young children, pursuing specific passions, or preparing for future aspirations.
• Understanding money as a reflection of self-trust and self-esteem: Jean explores how our feelings about money often mirror our internal beliefs about ourselves and our capabilities.
• The importance of self-trust in achieving your goals: Jean shares how building self-trust is essential for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world.
• Prioritizing time, space, and freedom: Jean discusses how she has prioritized time, space, and freedom over high income during the current phase of her life.

This episode is for you if:

• You're interested in exploring your own money mindset and identifying limiting beliefs.
• You're curious about manifestation and how it can be used to achieve your goals.
• You're an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur looking to balance income goals with your ideal life vision.
• You're a parent navigating the financial challenges of raising a family.
• You are interested in how self trust and self esteem relates to your financial situation.

Resources mentioned:

• Denise Duffield-Thomas's Money Bootcamp: denisedt.com

Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own money mindset journey!

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Tired of traditional networking that feels forced and inauthentic? Join Jean Madison as she shares her personal journey and practical tips for building and utilizing your network from a human-centered approach. Perfect for introverts and anyone who dreads the "icky" feeling of traditional networking events. Learn how to leverage your strengths, overcome barriers, and build genuine connections that support your career and business goals.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jean Madison challenges the conventional view of networking, emphasizing a more human and authentic approach. She addresses the common discomfort many feel with traditional networking and offers strategies for building and utilizing your network, especially if you're an introvert or find networking daunting. Jean highlights the importance of understanding your personal networking style, leveraging your strengths, and recognizing the untapped potential of your inner circle.

What We'll Cover:

• The "Icky" Feeling of Traditional Networking: Understanding why traditional networking can feel inauthentic and how to overcome it.
• Introvert-Friendly Networking: Strategies for introverts to build and utilize their network effectively.
• Accepting Your Networking Style: Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses in networking and tailoring your approach accordingly.
• Building Your Network Authentically: Tips for creating genuine connections and building a supportive community.
• Utilizing Your Network Effectively: How to lean on your community for support without feeling salesy or burdensome.
• Overcoming Barriers to Networking: Addressing common fears and misconceptions about reaching out to your network, including the belief that close contacts can't help.
• The Importance of Community: Shifting the mindset from "networking" to "building and relying on your community."
• The Importance of Boundaries: Understanding your own boundaries and respecting those of others.
• The Power of Your Inner Circle: Why your closest friends and family are often the most valuable part of your network.
• Communicating Your Needs Clearly: How to effectively articulate what you need from your network, whether you're a job seeker or an entrepreneur.
• Overcoming the "They Can't Help Me" Mindset: Why assuming your network can't help is a major barrier and how to change that.
• Specific Asks and Actionable Items: The importance of providing concrete examples, job descriptions, or one-pagers to guide your network.
• The importance of personalized networking: How your personal strengths impact your networking style.

Resources Mentioned:

• Human Design Readings (Eliza - ) - 
• SheMoney (https://www.shemoney.com & @_shemoney_ )
• Strengths based development - Schedule a discovery call 

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Episode Summary:

Feeling stuck is a common experience, but it doesn't have to be permanent. In this episode of So Glad You Asked, Jean Madison explores the meaning of feeling stuck and provides actionable strategies to help you get unstuck and moving towards your goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize that feeling stuck is often temporary.
• Identify what "stuck" means for you. Are you unsure of your direction, afraid to leave your comfort zone, or facing mental barriers?
• Define what you want. Start with small, achievable goals and clarify your vision for the future.
• Focus on what you can control. Don't let external factors or fear paralyze you.
• Take action! Even small steps can create momentum and break the cycle of feeling stuck.
• Build a support system. Share your goals with others and seek help when needed.

Actionable Steps:

• Pause the episode and reflect on these questions:
  • What does "stuck" look like for you?
  • What do you want right now?
  • What obstacles are in your way (real or imagined)?
  • What are small steps you can take today to move forward?
• Brainstorm a list of actions you can take to achieve your goals.
• Identify and let go of factors outside of your control.
• Reach out to your network for support and accountability.
• Consider scheduling a discovery call with Jean Madison for personalized coaching.

Resources:

• Connect with Jean Madison:
  • Instagram: @JeanMadison_
• Join the Whole Human Co email list: Here

Keywords: feeling stuck, unstuck, motivation, taking action, achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, career change, life coaching, Gallup Strengths, Jean Madison, Whole Human Co, podcast

Call to Action:

• Share this episode with someone who might be feeling stuck.
• Leave a review and share your thoughts on the episode.
• Submit your questions for future episodes.
• Visit Whole Human Co's website for more resources and information.

Remember: You have the power to get unstuck and create the life you want!

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

Rethinking Productivity: Beyond the Grind, Towards Fulfillment

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive? This episode of "So Glad You Asked," with Jean Madison, offers a refreshing perspective on productivity, moving away from the traditional capitalist framework and towards a more intentional and fulfilling approach. Discover how to align productivity with your personal strengths, set healthy boundaries, and create a system that truly works for you.

This episode explores how productivity impacts every aspect of life – from work and hobbies to relationships and personal growth. Instead of feeling "less than" because you're not meeting external standards, you'll learn to define productivity on your own terms.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Redefining Productivity: We challenge the traditional view of productivity and explore what it means to live a productive and fulfilling life, aligned with your values.
• Understanding Your Strengths: Discover how the CliftonStrengths assessment can help you identify your top talents and leverage them for greater happiness & productivity. Learn how to align tasks with what naturally energizes you.
• The Impact of People-Pleasing: Explore how people-pleasing behaviors can sabotage your productivity and discover strategies for setting boundaries that support your priorities and personal growth.
• Rocks, Gravel, and Sand: Learn a powerful analogy for prioritizing tasks and managing your energy. Identify your "rocks" (essential tasks aligned with core goals) and fill your time with what truly matters.
• Creating Your Ideal Life Vision: We discuss the importance of defining your ideal life vision to guide your productivity and ensure you're working towards what truly matters to you.
• Granting Yourself Permission: Explore the concept of "permissions" and how giving yourself the "green light" can unlock your potential and free you from self-imposed limitations.
• Building Your Unique Productivity System: This episode encourages you to question societal pressures and ingrained habits, empowering you to create a personalized productivity path that resonates with your individual needs and aspirations.

Who this is for:

This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive, anyone seeking a more balanced and fulfilling approach to work and life, and anyone who wants to learn how to leverage their strengths for greater effectiveness.

Tune in to discover how to:

• Rethink productivity through the lens of personal values.
• Define your ideal life vision.
• Leverage your personal strengths for enhanced productivity.
• Grant yourself permission to pursue your goals.
• Overcome the impact of people-pleasing on productivity.
• Set effective personal boundaries.
• Prioritize tasks using the "rocks, gravel, and sand" analogy.
• Align your productivity with your personal goals.

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!

This episode explores the feeling of inadequacy professionals experience while job hunting, especially those from niche industries. Through personal stories and practical strategies, we discuss how to build confidence, translate unique skills, and effectively market them for broader opportunities. 

• Addressing feelings of inadequacy in niche roles 
• The impact of burnout on career transitions 
• Strategies to articulate your unique experience 
• Overcoming language barriers in job descriptions 
• Recognizing the value in being a generalist 
• The importance of strengths in job searching 
• Practical advice for navigating the job market 
• Reframing job search vocabulary for a better mindset

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

Find me on Instagram: @JeanMadison_

Explore intentional career, life, & relationship coaching or organizational & team development Here

____

Take your CliftonStrenghts Assessment here

Book Your Whole Human Strengths Session Today!