In today’s episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I sit down with prolific author and leadership coach LS Kirkpatrick, who has either written or contributed to more than 45 books in just a few years.

But this conversation isn’t about numbers. It’s about having the right attitude.
 It’s about perseverance. And working with intention.
 Boldly taking the first step, even when you feel unsure.

LS shares how writing stories for her grandchildren sparked a creative journey she never expected, how she overcame early publishing mistakes, and why having a coach changed everything.

If you’ve ever doubted whether your story matters…
 If you’ve struggled with comparison…
 If you’ve started too many projects and felt overwhelmed…

And if you think you are starting too late, this episode will speak directly to you.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How to stay creative and productive without burning out
• Why having a clear objective fuels creativity more than motivation
• The power of focusing on ONE project at a time
• How to define success on your own terms
• Why listening is the most important leadership skill
• How to handle overwhelm without quitting
• The importance of self-compassion, if you don’t do this, no one else will!
• How to know when it’s time to pivot or pause.

Key Takeaways

• Failure is not failure, it’s feedback.
• You don’t need perfect grammar to be a writer,  you need courage.
• One focused project creates momentum.
• Listening deeply is leadership.
• Structure doesn’t kill creativity, it protects it.
• Perspective changes everything.

Check out Mama's Daycare : https://amzn.to/3fVilJy

Join The Bedtime to Bookshelf Waitlist: https://www.ngoziedema.com/

Ready to start taking action? Join the Delay to Daily Action Course: https://shop.beacons.ai/ngoziedema/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680

About LS Kirkpatrick

LS Kirkpatrick is an author, speaker, and leadership coach passionate about helping others lead well and live with purpose. With contributions to over 45 books, including children’s literature and collaborative anthologies, she brings creativity, discipline, and heart to everything she creates.

Website: lskirkpatrick.com

Podcast: Wisdom on the Front Porch

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

How are your New Year goals really going?

February has a way of revealing the truth. It’s the month when many well-intentioned resolutions quietly fade , not because we don’t care, but because we never gave them a place on the calendar.

In this solo episode, Ngozi Edema speaks directly to women over 40 who feel called to write a children’s book but struggle to find the time, confidence, or clarity to begin. Drawing from her own journey as a first-time children’s book author in her late 40s, Ngozi shares what she would do differently if she were launching her very first children’s book today.

This episode is a practical, honest roadmap for turning a long-held dream into a real, published book, without overwhelm, perfectionism, or waiting for “someday.”

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why February is the real test of your goals (and what to do about it)
• The truth about motivation vs. scheduling
• Why confidence comes after visibility, not before
• How marketing your book early builds momentum, not pressure
• Why pre-orders are a form of accountability, not stress
• How to write and launch a children’s book in 90 days, even with limited time
• The 4-phase framework Ngozi uses to guide first-time authors
• Why sharing your story is stewardship, not self-promotion
• How books become legacy, not just products

 Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

00:06 – February: the month that tells the truth about your goals
01:20 – “If it’s not on your calendar, it won’t get done”
02:26 – Ngozi’s origin story: motherhood, transition, and Mama’s Day Care
04:51 – Why marketing is not evil (and why your story deserves to be found)
07:18 – Confidence comes after visibility, not before
09:41 – Phase 1 (Weeks 1–2): Decide the book & start the conversation
11:54 – Phase 2 (Weeks 3–6): Write without performing
13:10 – Phase 3 (Weeks 7–10): Build a team, not burnout
14:15 – Phase 4 (Weeks 11–13): Launch with integrity
15:30 – Books as legacy: why unshared stories are lost stories
16:00 – Invitation to the Bedtime to Bookshelf journey

Check out Mama's Daycare : https://amzn.to/3fVilJy

Join The Bedtime to Bookshelf Waitlist: https://www.ngoziedema.com/

 Why New Year Resolutions Fail : https://youtu.be/952uNCzo6Xk

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In today’s episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I’m joined by Shanti Hershenson Singh, a young author who published her first novellas while still in sixth grade.

This conversation is an inspiring reminder that creativity has no age limit and that big dreams can grow in small pockets of time. We talk about writing habits, publishing at a young age, overcoming self-doubt, and how students can balance school, homework, and creative passions without burning out.

Whether you’re a young writer, a parent supporting one, or an adult trying to make time for what matters most, this episode will leave you encouraged and motivated.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Shanti started writing before she ever thought about publishing
• Why writing became her creative outlet during the pandemic
• How to build confidence when sharing your work feels scary
• The daily writing habit that helps her finish books consistently
• What surprised her most about the publishing process
• Why marketing matters before a book is released
• How to recognize when your book is ready, and stop over-editing
• Where story ideas really come from
• How to balance school, homework, and writing
• What to do when you feel like you don’t have time for your passion

Key Takeaway

You don’t have to choose between your responsibilities and your passion.
 When you manage your time with intention, even a few minutes a day can lead to meaningful progress.

Consistency will always take you further than perfection.

About the Guest

Shanti Hershenson Singh is a young author whose writing journey began as soon as she could hold a pencil. She has published multiple books and continues to inspire young writers through her disciplined writing habits, creativity, and willingness to share her process.

Where to Find Shanti

• Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Waterstones, and independent bookstores
• Instagram: @ShantiHershenson
• TikTok: @ShantiWhoWrites

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Share it with a student, parent, teacher, or young writer
• Subscribe to the Minute Mastery Podcast so you never miss an episode
• Leave a review to help more listeners discover the show

Remember: You are in control of your time, and you’ve got this.

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

What if the reason you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and less productive isn’t a lack of discipline — but a nervous system that never gets a chance to recover?

In this powerful episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema sits down with Tony Iezzi to explore the hidden connection between chronic stress, trauma responses, and productivity.

This conversation is especially for women who are balancing work, caregiving, business, and creative goals,  and feel like they’re constantly pushing just to keep up.

Tony explains why everyday stress can quietly turn into trauma when recovery is missing, how this affects focus and decision-making, and why rest is not a reward but a requirement for sustainable productivity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between everyday stress and trauma, and why the line is often invisible
• How chronic stress without recovery impacts the body, mind, and long-term health
• Why pushing through stress eventually reduces productivity instead of improving it
• The role of the nervous system in focus, creativity, and motivation
• Why sleep is the foundation of all physical and emotional recovery
• Simple somatic resets you can use during the day to restore calm and clarity
• How to build a personal process for managing stress while meeting real-life demands
• One compassionate step you can take today if stress feels overwhelming

Key Takeaway

Productivity doesn’t start with a planner. It starts with your nervous system.

When recovery is missing, stress accumulates, and the cost shows up in your energy, health, creativity, and ability to focus. Sustainable productivity requires listening to the body, not overriding it.

Also, in this episode I mentioned the Bedtime to Bookshelf System to help women 40 plus launch their first children's book in 90 days. We start February 23rd for a May 31st launch join the waitlist as doors open soon: https://www.ngoziedema.com/

 Connect with the Guest

You can learn more about Tony and his work at:
 https://tonyiezzi.com

On his website, you’ll find resources, blogs, and his latest book exploring stress, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

 Loved This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you:

• Subscribe to The Minute Mastery Podcast
• Leave a review to help more listeners find the show
• Share this episode with someone who’s been pushing through stress

And remember, you are not lazy, broken, or failing. Your body may simply be

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Ngozi Edema sits down with writer, strategist, and former therapist Laura Nicholls to explore the connection between meaning, message, and marketing. Laura shares why your message is more than a sales tool, it’s a reflection of your lived experience, values, and purpose.

They discussed how creators, authors, and entrepreneurs can clarify their voice, reconnect with authenticity, and market their work without burnout, manipulation, or losing themselves in the process.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed showing up online, unsure how to articulate what you do, or afraid of being misunderstood, this episode is your reset.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why lived experience is the foundation of meaningful messaging
• The warning signs that your message and meaning are out of alignment
• How burnout and audience disconnect often point to a deeper messaging issue
• The difference between transformation stories and the messy middle people relate to most
• How to use templates and trends without losing your authentic voice
• What marketing with integrity looks like in real, everyday business decisions
• How to be visible and strategic without pressure, manipulation, or hype
• Where overwhelmed or invisible entrepreneurs should start communicating again
• One powerful mindset shift to help you speak with clarity and confidence

Memorable Quotes

“Your message isn’t just marketing, it’s a mirror of your meaning.”
 “People don’t connect to perfection; they connect to the messy middle.”
 “When messaging feels heavy, forced, or draining, something deeper is out of alignment.”

Resources & Links

•  Laura Nicholls’ Website: https://lauranicholls.com/
•  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-m-nicholls/
•  Free Resource: 7-Day Sprint Workbook  Gain momentum in small, doable steps:  https://ngoziedema.store/shop/b9521a56-2b70-4457-b45d-7c095e497b03

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow creator, author, or entrepreneur who’s struggling to find clarity in their message.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review The Minute Mastery Podcast.
Until next time, you are in control of your time, and you’ve got this.

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Are you running your business, or is your business running you? In this episode of Minute Mastery, Ngozi Edema sits down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to discuss how founders can stop "running around like a chook with its head cut off" and start building systems that work for them. From overcoming the trap of perfectionism to leveraging AI without losing your humanity, Wes shares a roadmap for creating genuine time freedom.

Key Takeaways

• The Clarity Factor: Success hinges on having clarity of vision. Without it, you are simply busy, not productive.
• The Perfectionism Trap: Many founders become the "bottleneck" because they believe they can do it better than everyone else. Real growth happens when you hire people who are better than you in their specific field.
• Real Beats Perfect: In the age of AI-generated content, authenticity is your greatest competitive advantage. People resonate with humans, not avatars.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Even if you are a solopreneur, start documenting your processes today so you can delegate tomorrow.
• Small Steps for Big Impact: Wes suggests a "Time Audit", writing down every task you do for 30 days to identify what can be delegated or deleted.

Resources Mentioned

• Book Recommendation: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber:                                               https://ngoziedema.bcns.link/emyth
• Ngozi’s Gift:  Your plan to break procrastination:                                                              https://ngoziedema.store/shop/b9521a56-2b70-4457-b45d-7c095e497b03
• The Proud Sunflower:  https://ngoziedema.bcns.link/proud_sunflower

Connect with Wes Towers

• Website: uplift360.com.au
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/
• Wes Book:  https://ngoziedema.bcns.link/simplemanifesto

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

As women, many of us have been taught directly or indirectly to put everyone else first. We care, we serve, we juggle responsibilities, and we keep going… often at the expense of ourselves. While caring for others is not a flaw, consistently neglecting your own needs comes at a cost.

In this episode, we’re shifting the productivity conversation away from doing more and managing time better and toward something far more foundational: energy management.

Because here’s the truth:
 You can’t show up fully for your work, your family, or the things you love if you’re constantly running on empty.

We’ll talk about:

• Why energy not time is your most valuable resource
• How ignoring your energy impacts focus, creativity, patience, and joy
• The difference between being productive and being sustainable
• Why managing yourself must come before managing everything else
• Simple awareness shifts that help you protect and restore your energy

This episode is especially for women who:

• Feel tired even when they’re “doing everything right”
• Love caring for others but feel depleted
• Want a calmer, more sustainable way to stay productive
• Are ready to stop pushing and start preserving their energy

As we step into a new year, this is your permission slip to do things differently. Not by adding more to your plate but by learning how to protect the energy that fuels everything you do.

Energy management isn’t selfish. It’s essential.

If today’s conversation resonated with you, I want you to pause and ask yourself this: Where is my energy leaking and what would change if I protected it?

If you’re ready to stop running on empty and start creating progress in a way that feels sustainable, I’ve created a simple framework to help you do just that.

The Delay to Daily Action system is designed to help you move forward using small, focused steps without burnout. You don’t need more hours in the day. You need a better way to use the energy you already have.

You can learn more and take the next step at ngoziedema.com. Take a short quiz here: https://www.ngoziedema.com/the_mom_reset_quiz.html

Join Delay to Daily Action at founders price, as price is going up soon : https://ngoziedema.store/shop/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Why do habits feel so hard to maintain, even when we know exactly what to do?

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi Edema breaks down the real reason habits fail, why willpower isn’t the problem, and how to build habits that actually stick. You’ll learn the truth about habits, the 10 simple but powerful habits that can make 2026 your most productive year, and practical strategies to cultivate consistency without burnout.

This episode is for busy women, writers, and entrepreneurs who are tired of starting over and ready to build sustainable systems that work in real life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why habits fail (and why it’s not a discipline issue)
• The truth about motivation vs. systems
• How habits really form and why autopilot matters
• 10 habits that support focus, clarity, and momentum in 2026
• How to cultivate habits that stick, even when life gets busy
• What to do when you fall off track and how to restart quickly

Episode Breakdown / Timestamps

• 00:00 – The thing about habits (and why we misunderstand them)
• 05:10 – Why motivation alone doesn’t work
• 08:30 – 10 habits that will make 2026 your most productive year
• 24:15 – How habits are formed and why small steps matter
• 30:40 – How to build habits that stick without burnout
• 36:20 – Restarting quickly when you fall off track

Key Takeaways

• Habits are not about willpower, they’re about systems
• Consistency beats intensity every time
• Finishing matters more than starting
• Progress is built through small, repeatable actions
• The most powerful habit is learning how to restart without guilt

Action Step

Choose one habit from today’s episode and commit to practicing it this week — not perfectly, but consistently.

Small daily actions compound into big results.

Ready to start taking action? Join the Delay to Daily Action Course using code ACTION15 to get 15% off until December 31st: https://shop.beacons.ai/ngoziedema/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680

Grab my 7-day sprint workbook to help you build momentum in just 20 minutes a day : https://ngoziedema.store/shop/b9521a56-2b70-4457-b45d-7c095e497b03

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Decision-making can feel exhausting. Even the smallest choices can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt. In this episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi Edema explores why decision fatigue keeps so many of us stuck and breaks down Jeff Bezos’ One-Hour Rule, a simple framework that helps you decide faster without stress.

If you’ve ever delayed a project, overthought a small choice, or felt overwhelmed by “what ifs,” this episode will help you shift from hesitation to momentum.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why even simple decisions can feel emotionally heavy
• How procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt are connected
• The difference between reversible and irreversible decisions
• What Jeff Bezos’ One-Hour Rule really is, and why it works
• How to get the right facts without over-researching
• A practical way to stop delaying and start taking action

This episode is especially helpful for busy moms, entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives who want clarity without burnout.

Listener Challenge:

Think of one decision you’ve been avoiding.
 Ask yourself: Is this reversible?
If yes, give yourself one hour to decide, then move forward and adjust as needed.

Resources Mentioned:

• 7-Day Sprint Workbook: Build momentum in just 20 minutes a day
  Link in the show notes / description

Connect with Ngozi:

• Website: ngoziedema.com
• Podcast: The Minute Mastery Podcast
• Follow for more tips on time management, productivity, and daily action

 Remember: You don’t need perfect clarity to move forward, you just need a system that helps you decide.

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this conversation, Cinda Gault discusses the importance of storytelling in personal narratives and the distinctions between being an author and simply writing a book. She emphasizes the significance of crafting one's life story and the different paths one can take in the writing journey.

Takeaways

• Everyone has a unique story to tell.
• Crafting a story involves more than just writing.
• Consider your motivations for writing a book.
• Being an author is a long-term commitment.
• Your life story can be a powerful narrative.
• The process of writing can shape your identity.
• Understanding your audience is crucial in storytelling.
• Writing a book can be a solitary journey.
• The technicalities of storytelling matter.
• Reflecting on your story can lead to personal growth.
  
  
  Resources/Tools
• Boost your focus and productivity with my favorite task manager, Todoist. Use my special link to start a two months free trial today https://get.todoist.io/l4vxuvmks6qh-perks
• Join The Delay to Daily Action:
  https://shop.beacons.ai/ngoziedema/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680
  Use Code ACTION15 to get 15% off.
• Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
•  Connect with my guest, Cinda Gault, through her website, https://cindagault.com/

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.