Episode 2: The Second Practice: Intention

Choosing Where Your Energy Goes

What if the way you spend your energy is shaping your life more than you realize?

In this episode of The Growth Practice, Ruth explores the second foundational practice of growth: intention. Building on the work of awareness, this conversation focuses on how choosing where your energy goes helps bridge the gap between knowing what matters and living in alignment with it.

Through reflection, lived experience, and research-backed insight, this episode looks at why strong intentions don’t always lead to action, how distractions and expectations can pull us off course, and how small, intentional choices help us stay connected to our values.

Rather than striving for perfection, this practice invites you to commit to your intentions with honesty, flexibility, and compassion.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• The difference between attention and intention
 • Why intention alone is not always enough
 • How alignment protects your energy
 • What it means to practice commitment in real life
 • A simple daily practice to strengthen intentional living

If you’ve ever felt busy but disconnected, motivated but scattered, or capable but exhausted, this episode is for you.

We are capable. Let’s grow together.

References

Conner, M. (2022). Understanding the intention–behavior gap: The role of intention strength and moderators. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923198

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. The content reflects personal experiences and perspectives. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your individual situation.

 🌱💛  If this episode supported you in any way, I’d love for you to stay connected.

You can follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and if it feels right,  share this episode with someone who might need it.

Your support helps this space grow. Every listen and share truly matters.
Thank you for practicing growth with me.  💛🌿 

Episode 1: The First Practice: Awareness

Why the Thoughts You Repeat Matter More Than You Think

What if growth doesn’t start with doing more… but with noticing more?

In this first episode of The Growth Practice, we begin with the most foundational practice of all: awareness. The thoughts you repeat quietly — especially when things feel hard — are not neutral. They shape how you show up, what you attempt, and how you grow.

In this episode, Ruth explores how repeated thought patterns influence behavior and motivation, why awareness gives us leverage, and how small moments of noticing can begin to shift long-standing patterns. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, this episode invites you to slow down and reflect without pressure or perfection.

Rather than fixing or forcing change, this practice is about learning to notice with compassion.

In This Episode, You’ll Explore:

• Why the thoughts you repeat matter more than you think
• How awareness creates choice
• What it means to practice growth in real life
• A simple, supportive practice you can try this week

If you’re in a season of becoming, this is where we begin.

We are capable — so let’s grow together.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. The content reflects personal experiences and perspectives. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your individual situation.

References

Kross, E., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., Park, J., Burson, A., Dougherty, A., Shablack, H., Bremner, R., Moser, J., & Ayduk, O. (2021). Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you do it matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 121(5), 1058–1079.

Moser, J. S., Moran, T. P., Schroder, H. S., Donnellan, M. B., & Yeung, N. (2019). On the relationship between anxiety and error monitoring. Emotion, 19(5), 885–896.

Tang, Y. Y., Hölzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213–225.

Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2014). Searching for the principles of brain plasticity. Cortex, 58, 251–260.

Dweck, C. S. (2017). Mindset: The new psychology of success (Updated ed.). Ballantine Books.

 🌱💛  If this episode supported you in any way, I’d love for you to stay connected.

You can follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and if it feels right,  share this episode with someone who might need it.

Your support helps this space grow. Every listen and share truly matters.
Thank you for practicing growth with me.  💛🌿