The Intentional Advantage

This season, we've been discussing our big dreams, fear of failing, how to take action, and more. Now, I want to tell you about an episode of The Great British Baking Show that actually has an insightful lesson hidden in there. Listen and learn how someone's first time baking Dampfnudel (with no instructions!) leads to adopting a good attitude about opportunities we encounter throughout life.

Today I'm hosting an Ask Tonya episode, where I'll be answering listener questions. I talk through actionable strategies to create order when you feel inundated by all that you have to do on the path to your dreams. I'll be giving advice on how to keep yourself moving forward when you feel like you are juggling too many projects and tasks in order to push through those stumbling blocks to get to your goals.

What's In This Episode:

• Tips to make progress with a big, daunting goal when you feel like you don't have time.
• How to let go of guilt, cushion your time, and fill your 'personal' bucket so that your life has harmony.
• Steps to combat analysis paralysis so you can make your big dream a reality.
• The key to managing your many projects, deadlines, tasks, and goals so that they are achievable and not overwhelming.

Let's DO, not just THINK, when it comes to our dreams and goals. In episode 043, I talked about Analysis Paralysis… and that's all about being a doer, not just a thinker. I know it feels difficult, but learning to build momentum with a series of small actions will always beat intentions. I'll give you the single question you should ask yourself so that you can start taking action today.

Today, I'm discussing analysis paralysis. Overthinking our goals and our progress towards them can actually get in the way of success. I'm giving you 5 different tips for how you can overcome analysis paralysis… instead of letting it keep you stuck and acting as a roadblock between you and your big goals. I know it can be hard to take the first step (and even the next one after that!) but after today's episode, you'll feel more comfortable and ready to take real action.

What's In This Episode:

• Why we overanalyze and overthink our situations, causing us to feel confused and waste time. • How your working memory impacts your performance and creativity during work. • Find out which of the two types of decision-makers you are and how it affects you. • 5 ways you can stop the analysis paralysis cycle right away. • Learn how to become comfortable with taking action - big or small - so you can accomplish your goals.

I know it's hard to let go of our expectations of a 'perfect' holiday. Today, I'm sharing a personal story from Thanksgiving years ago when I was struggling. We all have times when we need to call in the reinforcements and give ourselves the grace to do so. That's one of the reasons I created the 'No-Stress November' challenge... full of tips, advice and planning for the month of November so that you can spend your Thanksgiving feeling a little more thankful

Fear of failure can feel overwhelming and scary, so today I want to share with you how we can 'fail' successfully. As you're navigating the path towards your dreams and goals, you may hit some bumps along the way. It's important to know how to shift your mindset and pick yourself back up when you've fallen down. I'm giving you my best advice & tips on how we can do this, along with examples of how other big names and companies have taken action… instead of staying stuck.

What's In This Episode:

• Navigating your path toward a goal and understanding the opportunities it gives. • Elizabeth Gilbert's story of how success can be just as blinding as failure. • How to let your North Star guide you to where you truly want to go. • Examples of how other people and companies have failed and picked themselves back up. • Ways you can reflect & learn from failures, and take action instead of staying stuck.

Today I want to talk with you about being fearless vs. being brave. I'm sharing why fear is a necessary feeling, even though it can be an issue we struggle with. It's often about how we think about fear and deal with it from there. When setting our goals and looking forward, we need to live bravely and overcome fear so those goals can become reality.

Fear… we've all had to face that feeling of uncertainty and insecurity throughout our lives. But I'm talking with you today about how we can understand fear, deal with it and then use it as a motivational tool to propel us toward that goal or dream we want most. When you're aware of which type of fear you're experiencing, and the steps to take next, you'll be able to achieve great things.

What's In This Episode:

• What fear really is in today's society and how to understand & accept it.
• Two types of fears to be aware of and how to deal with them in daily life.
• Steps and examples for overcoming your fears and easing anxiety.
• How to use fear as a motivator to push you forward.

This season is about big goals, so I want to share quick story of how I accomplished a big dream myself. In October of 2013, I had lost all the passion and drive for my business. While it put food on the table and a roof over our family's head, the business wasn't fulfilling. I didn't let that get in the way and, in fact, let it inspire me to open up my dream business. I hope this mini-episode is a reminder of where many of us have been (or may currently be) and instill a bit of motivation that you can always start again.

Today we start season 4, and I'm discussing BIG Goals & Dreams. Your dreams and goals can bring feelings of motivation and excitement, along with thoughts of fear and failure.I'll guide you through the questions you should ask yourself before and during your journey toward whatever it is you want most. Learn why your mindset is a powerful tool when shifting your path and plans toward your big dream.

What's In This Episode:

• The important question to ask yourself to help propel you toward your big dream.
• Why negative experiences are pertinent to finding & achieving your passion.
• The key to changing your mindset for the journey ahead as you work for your end result.
• Examples of how others have shifted their paths and plans to make the journey more ideal for their lifestyle.