You know those people in your life who, no matter what dream or goal you share with them, are the first to say 'that's not realistic' or 'come back down to planet Earth.' Those are the dream squashers, and let me tell you something - you don't want to be one of those. It's said that it takes 2 people believing in us for us to truly believe in ourselves, so instead, be THAT person - a Dream Supporter. In today's episode, I tell a story about a dream squasher and a dream supporter in my life and discuss how to handle the naysayers, who often times are the people that we love the most.

Resources:

Scrapbook from my Dream Supporters: https://www.firstleadyou.com/uploads/9/0/3/5/9035940/episode49.pdf

Link to GT Talk Where I Talk About Dream Squashers and Supporters:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV94JjNV67M&t=5s

In episode 44 we talked about self-mastery and what that entails. Afterwards I got a message from a listener who wanted to know how to make decisions that are best for her AND for her family/kids because this is one of the most challenging things to do as a parent. In today's episode, we unwind the parent conundrum of doing what's best for self and what's best for their family/kids. If you stay true to your values and maintain good boundaries, you can get it right most of the time.

All great leadership starts on the inside, and as I read Brene Brown's new book Dare to Lead I'm reminded of this. We tend to think that leadership is more about what we know than how much we care; however, research out of Harvard University shows the opposite it true. In today's episode, we explore knowing and managing ourselves to be the best leaders we can be and learn the two things we must juggle as we dare to lead.

Resources:

Connect, Then Lead: https://hbr.org/2013/07/connect-then-lead

Infographic for Warmth v. Competence: https://tinyurl.com/yd9dx2sq

Brene Brown's Dare to Lead: https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/

Because we are all imperfect humans who overreact sometimes under stress and pressure, we will all, at some point, lose it with our kids, partners, co-workers, family members etc. In order to do this less, there are certain practices you can use as your go-tos to proactively prepare for these situations. When you get caught in the moment, and start to lose it, there are also practices you can apply to soften the blow, and when you lose it and it's over, there are ways to ease the shame and embarrassment you feel. In today's episode, we explore how to gracefully combat 'losing it' and what to do if you slip up.

At a women's career networking event that I was hostessing recently (Sharpheels.com), I was asked the question, "What leader made a great impact on your life and why?" My response was my 11th grade high school teacher Mrs. Mulwee, not only because she influenced me to be a writer, but also because she was a person of substance and gave me a mantra that I still reference today "Don't be like cotton candy." In today's episode, I talk about how to be a person of impact in both short and longer interactions, and give you tools, questions and tips on how to go beyond the surface to create deeper, more meaningful interactions with others.

Resources:

Giftology by John Ruhlin: https://tinyurl.com/yb8og9j4

As we aim to be the greatest version of ourselves, to craft our lives intentionally and master our own destinies, we are on a journey of self-mastery. This journey has no destination; instead, it's a continuous exploration of who we are, what we want and what we practice every single day to get there. In today's episode, we talk about the formula to self-mastery, what it requires and what leads us astray.

Know Thyself Resources:

Strengthsfinders: https://tinyurl.com/yd764hwc

Emotional Intelligence 2.0: https://tinyurl.com/ybq55zce

The Answer: https://tinyurl.com/yb4rbo4a

Article on Self-Mastery: https://tinyurl.com/y8f4mwax

Often times on this journey to self-mastery, we get conflicting messages, like BE BOLD and BE HUMBLE. Which do you choose and when? There's a difference between being bold from ego and being bold from heart, and in today's episode, we unravel boldness to better integrate the right dose of it in your life.

Because of the upcoming holidays, cooling weather, shorter days etc etc etc, it's tempting at this time of year to put off goals and new habits until January. In this episode, I urge you to finish out your 2018 goals strong and implement new habits that you want to start in 2019 NOW to set yourself up for massive success in 2019.

Use this document to reflect on your year and set goals for 2019:

https://www.firstleadyou.com/2018-wrap-up.html

Striking a balance between action and allowing on our path to lead the life we love can be tricky. First off, because balance is bogus and depending on our natural way of being and where we are in our lives, we may need more of one than the other. In this episode, we unravel the mystery of doing v. being and leave you with tips to know when to GO and when to FLOW.

If you'd like to schedule a FREE Discovery call with me, go here: https://www.firstleadyou.com/schedule.html

Today you get the treat of a Future Self Meditation led by my dear friend and co-retreat facilitator Lauren Taylor. Find a quiet place, relax and enjoy this time for inner reflection and peace. Be sure to have a journal and pen handy to write down any insights you have.