By Rocky Garza
Welcome to the Rocky Garza show, where we explore the collision of a deeply meaningful life and a wildly impactful career. Rocky Garza, a trusted speaker, coach, and consultant with over a
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The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.
In this episode, I’m joined by guest Deanna Privette, a life insurance agent and financial coach who shares the unexpected insights she gained from pursuing a $100,000 target premium in a single month. Deanna and I dive deep into the lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of balancing ambition with personal values and why she ultimately realized that hitting a high revenue goal wasn’t aligned with her true purpose. We explore how to set goals that honor the life you actually want while staying true to the people and values that matter most.
Deanna is a dedicated life insurance agent/financial coach who specializes in tax-free retirement strategies through cash value life insurance. With a holistic approach, Deanna always puts clients first, focusing on their immediate needs and long-term security. As a lifelong partner in their financial journey, Deanna is committed to providing personalized solutions that ensure financial stability both now and in the future. In addition to helping clients, she has a passion for teaching other agents how to provide the same level of expertise and care, empowering them to build long-term relationships with their clients.
When Deanna set out to write $100,000 in target premium for August, it was no small feat—her best month previously had been around $50,000. She took on this ambitious challenge to create momentum, build new systems, and inspire other agents with what was possible.
In the beginning, everything seemed to be going well, but as the month progressed, Deanna started to feel the strain. She quickly realized that the pursuit of this goal was taking her away from the things she truly valued—time with family, thorough client connections, and quality over quantity. By pushing herself to such a high target, she risked losing some of what made her life meaningful in the first place.
Journaling and self-reflection helped Deanna see that she was already living a dream life. While financial success is important, she discovered it’s not worth sacrificing personal values or relationships. This journey taught her to evaluate goals and achievements through a lens of what truly matters.
As Deanna pursued this ambitious goal, she found that her true joy came from building meaningful connections and spending quality time with loved ones—not just hitting numbers. She came to appreciate that sometimes we chase big goals without fully realizing that we may already have what we’re looking for.
For those who feel they need big financial milestones to gain credibility or attract followers, Deanna recommends going for it—but with intention. Take on a challenging goal to see if it aligns with what you truly want. Whether or not you reach it, the journey will provide clarity and direction for what genuinely fulfills you.
At the end of the day, Deanna highlights that family and close relationships are her true measure of success. The experience reminded her to stay grounded and recognize the value of the life she has, even while striving for growth.
Deanna’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t only about revenue—it’s about building a life that feels authentic and aligned with your values. I encourage listeners to reflect on their own goals and ask themselves if they’re building something they genuinely want or just chasing numbers.
00:00 Introduction to the Rocky Garza Show
00:20 Meet Deanna: Life Insurance Agent and Financial Coach
02:25 Deanna's Challenge: Writing $100,000 in Target Premium
04:10 The Journey: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizations
06:53 Reflecting on Success and Lessons Learned
08:27 The Importance of Repeatable Systems in Business
10:02 Balancing Goals and Personal Values
14:34 The True Cost of Achieving Financial Goals
15:09 Realizing the True Goal
16:38 The Impact of Public Goals
17:39 Reflecting on Personal Values
18:36 Balancing Ambition and Contentment
22:32 Advice for Aspiring Achievers
27:30 The Importance of Family and Friends
29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, I explore the power of vulnerability as a critical tool for personal growth and effective leadership. Often misunderstood as mere disclosure, true vulnerability is about creating genuine opportunities for connection and growth. I discuss how leaders can leverage vulnerability to build trust within their teams, scale their businesses, and unlock their fullest potential. Vulnerability isn’t about weakness; it’s about strength, openness, and the courage to be seen.
Many leaders mistake vulnerability for disclosure, equating openness with weakness. I introduce a working definition of vulnerability: creating the opportunity to see and be seen by others. This perspective shifts vulnerability from being about simply “sharing” to building intentional connections that foster trust and growth within a team or organization.
Leaders often face challenges when it comes to fostering vulnerability. Telling someone to be vulnerable rarely works; instead, leaders need to create experiences where team members feel safe to open up. I emphasize that vulnerability requires both proximity and an invitation—making space for others to see and be seen.
Many CEOs and founders face a common challenge: wanting to scale their business while keeping control. But true scalability requires repeatability, and that demands trust and vulnerability. Leaders must acknowledge where they excel and where they need help. By allowing others to step into roles, leaders can create a repeatable system, enabling their business to grow sustainably.
I share a success story from a client in the insurance industry who transformed her approach to leadership by embracing vulnerability. Through our work together, she was able to see her team members for who they are, allow them to step up, and recognize her own strengths and limitations. As a result, her business saw increased revenue in just nine weeks—a powerful testament to the vulnerability advantage.
I encourage you to ask yourself whether you’re leading with true vulnerability or simply disclosing information without depth. Are you creating genuine connections, or are you just sharing content? This reflection is crucial for leaders who wish to inspire loyalty and drive meaningful change within their organizations.
Vulnerability isn’t about exposing your weaknesses; it’s about using your strengths to foster connection and growth. By embracing the vulnerability advantage, you’re not only building stronger teams but also unlocking your own potential as a leader. Ask yourself today: Are you ready to see vulnerability as your greatest opportunity for growth?
00:00 Introduction to Vulnerability
00:36 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
01:24 The Vulnerability Advantage
02:52 Defining Vulnerability
04:05 Creating Opportunities for Vulnerability
05:07 Vulnerability in Leadership
07:12 Scaling Your Business with Vulnerability
08:55 Real-Life Example: The Insurance Business
10:30 Self-Reflection and Vulnerability
15:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, I dive into some of the most meaningful questions from our Tell Me About That card deck—a set of 50 questions designed to spark curiosity and foster deeper connections. Today, I answer a few of these questions myself, reflecting on the people who raised me, my natural instincts in challenging situations, and the personal gifts I value most. This episode offers a unique opportunity to get to know me on a more personal level, while also inspiring you to consider your own answers to these powerful questions.
In the first question, I reflect on the many people who contributed to raising me—my mom, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and family friends. Their willingness to invite me into their lives taught me values that have shaped who I am today. I share memories and gratitude for their love and resilience, each one playing a unique role in my life.
I introduce the Tell Me About That deck, a card game designed to encourage meaningful conversations. With 50 thoughtfully crafted questions, this tool is perfect for family gatherings, team-building activities, or simply connecting more deeply with those around you. I use it to answer questions about myself and offer a glimpse into my story.
One question I answer is about my default reaction in high-pressure situations. My natural instinct, I’ve discovered, is to "fight." Whether it’s jumping into action in an emergency or standing up for others, this response has been a consistent part of who I am. I reflect on how this instinct impacts my personal and professional life.
Another question prompts me to consider what occupies my thoughts most of the time. For me, it’s about being fully present. I work hard to stay focused on the moment at hand, something I see as essential for building authentic connections and living intentionally.
Lastly, I explore one of my core gifts: creating an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable. I’ve seen this gift in action during high-stakes meetings, workshops, and even podcast interviews. It’s a skill I cherish, as it allows others to put their guard down, share openly, and connect on a deeper level.
As we move forward, I’ll continue using Tell Me About That questions to learn more about my guests and bring more personal insights into the show. If you’re interested, you can grab a deck at tellmeaboutthat.com and explore these questions with your own friends, family, or team.
00:00 Introduction: The People Who Raised Me
00:58 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
01:40 Introducing Tell Me About That
03:07 Answering Tell Me About That Questions
08:56 Exploring Personal Gifts and Vulnerability
11:06 Conclusion and Future Plans
In this episode, I address a common struggle among leaders: the tendency to delay important decisions that could improve their lives. Whether it's waiting until the next month or the new year, many leaders and CEOs fall into the trap of hesitation when it comes to creating meaningful change. I challenge you to stop waiting and take action now, as the change you're looking for begins the moment you decide to ask for help.
Many leaders struggle with taking decisive action when they know change is needed. Instead of seizing the moment, they push it off to a future date, hoping circumstances will magically change. In this episode, I explore the mindset behind waiting and the ways it can prevent you from reaching your full potential. I encourage you to stop waiting for the “right” time and start asking: What are you waiting for?
One of the biggest barriers to taking action is the reluctance to ask for help. Many leaders believe that seeking support is a sign of weakness, yet they forget that they didn’t achieve their current success alone. I challenge the notion that you have to go it alone and explain how asking for help can be the key to unlocking the next level of your personal and professional growth.
I share how working with clients who are willing to ask for help can dramatically condense time and produce results faster. When you have someone to guide you, growth becomes more intentional, and you’re able to solve problems before they escalate. By dedicating just an hour of time to personal growth each week, you can see immense change, as demonstrated by a client who transformed her life and business after asking for help.
I recount a powerful success story of a client in the creative space whose business had plateaued after a decade. Through coaching, she was able to break through the stagnation, increase her revenue by 111%, build a stronger team, and create new opportunities. Her life began to change the moment she admitted she needed help. This story illustrates the power of action and clarity in driving transformation.
What area of your life are you waiting to change? Whether it’s personal, professional, financial, emotional, or relational, identifying where you want to grow is the first step. The EPS Matrix I use with clients helps provide a snapshot of where you are today and where you want to be, giving you clarity and direction for the journey ahead.
The moment of clarity you are seeking might be as simple as acknowledging that it’s time to ask for help. The waiting game ends when you take the first step toward change. Today, I challenge you to ask yourself: What are you waiting for? And is today the day you finally take action?
00:00 Introduction: The Waiting Game
01:05 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
02:18 The Cost of Waiting
03:42 The Struggle to Ask for Help
04:37 The Reality of Self-Sufficiency
06:30 Condensing Time by Asking for Help
06:45 Finding Time for Personal Growth
07:17 Client Success Story: Overcoming Stagnation
07:50 The Power of Asking for Help
08:48 Transformative Results and New Beginnings
10:23 Identifying Areas for Change
10:44 Utilizing the EPS Matrix
11:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this episode, I confront a common mistake I see among 8 and 9-figure CEOs: using authenticity as an excuse to avoid personal growth and responsibility. I discuss how leaders often claim "this is just who I am" to defend behavior that could be harmful to their organizations and teams. Instead of seeing authenticity as a shield, I challenge leaders to view it as a responsibility—to take ownership of who they are and how they lead. Authenticity should never be used as an excuse for irresponsibility.
Many leaders of large organizations fall into the trap of using authenticity to justify their unwillingness to change. Phrases like, "This is just who I am" or "I lead this way because it's always worked" are often used to avoid making adjustments that could improve their leadership. I’ve seen this repeatedly in both founder-led businesses and larger corporations. When authenticity becomes a barrier to personal development, it turns into a liability, stalling the growth of both the leader and the organization.
I argue that authenticity in leadership should be redefined. Authenticity is not about sticking rigidly to who you are, but rather about taking full responsibility for yourself as a leader. True authentic leaders constantly evaluate their behaviors and make necessary changes to better serve their teams and organizations. Leaders who embody this are not afraid to adjust their approach or admit when they need help.
Too often, leaders use their authenticity as a defense mechanism, which ultimately leads to irresponsibility. I share examples from organizations where leaders refuse to adjust their behavior or train others because they claim their way is the only way. These leaders may seem authentic, but their refusal to change creates a toxic environment and limits the growth of those around them.
I challenge you to reflect on your own leadership. Are there areas where you claim to be acting out of authenticity, but in reality, you're avoiding responsibility? Authentic leadership means taking accountability for your actions and how they impact others. It’s about recognizing where change is necessary and leading by example.
Authenticity ties into the 365 Formula I discussed in a previous episode. Leaders who commit to proactive daily steps—small, consistent actions—can better align themselves with the personal responsibility that comes with being an authentic leader. I encourage you to adopt a similar approach to your leadership: look for ways to take responsibility, rather than making excuses for your behavior.
00:00 The Number 1 Mistake of CEOs
00:37 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
01:39 The Common Pitfall of Leaders
04:19 Authenticity vs. Irresponsibility
06:05 A Real-World Example
07:57 Challenge to Leaders
10:40 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In this episode, I delve into the challenges many high achievers face: accomplishing massive goals yet struggling with the smaller daily activities needed to build the life they truly desire. The 3-6-5 Formula is designed to create proactive, small daily steps that lead to lasting, profound change. Through my personal experience as a coach and consultant, I explain how embracing a daily framework helps prevent reactive living and instead fosters a life of intentionality. By incorporating the 3-6-5 Formula, you can set a clear path for your everyday life and avoid getting lost in the pursuit of the next big goal.
High achievers often find it easier to achieve big, strategic goals while getting caught up in the minutiae of daily life. Without a clear plan for how we want our daily life to look, we end up spending our energy on larger projects, leaving little room for personal growth or satisfaction. I share a conversation with a successful business owner who recognized his struggle to set up his day-to-day life to maximize his efforts on what matters most, including family and self-care.
The 3-6-5 Formula was created to help you establish proactive daily steps. It involves three simple commitments you make within the first five minutes of waking up, six days a week. It’s designed to ensure that you start your day with intentionality, focusing on what truly matters to you rather than getting swept away by external demands.
One of the biggest hurdles to living proactively is what I call the "snooze effect." Hitting the snooze button in the morning reflects how we approach other areas of life, often leading to hesitation and a lack of focus. By eliminating the snooze effect, you begin each day with the confidence to do what you say you will, setting a tone of integrity and intentionality.
Life is unpredictable, and we’re all human. The 3-6-5 Formula accounts for this by promoting six days of proactive living, allowing for grace and flexibility on the seventh day. This approach encourages consistency over perfection, understanding that sometimes taking a day to rest is crucial for maintaining long-term success.
The first five minutes of your day are pivotal. What you commit to during this time sets the tone for how you respond to everything else. Instead of allowing external circumstances to dictate your actions, the 3-6-5 Formula puts you in control, empowering you to navigate the day with intention and purpose.
Many of us pride ourselves on being problem solvers, but living reactively can prevent us from building the life we want. The 3-6-5 Formula shifts the focus from reacting to problems to proactively creating the life you desire. It’s about choosing three simple, proactive steps that align with your goals and values, repeated consistently.
00:00 Introduction to The 3-6-5 Formula
02:15 The Challenge of Daily Proactivity
05:50 Breaking Down the 3-6-5 Formula
10:30 The Snooze Effect: A Metaphor for Life
15:20 The Power of Six Days a Week
18:45 Why the First Five Minutes Matter
22:10 Moving from Reactive to Proactive Living
28:00 Conclusion and Next Steps
In this episode, I break down the myth of work-life balance and explain why it’s a misconception that often sets work and life up as opposing forces. I dive into the idea of embracing life’s natural tensions and explore how we can find harmony among our various responsibilities. Through personal stories and insights from over a decade of coaching and consulting experience, I introduce a new framework for managing responsibilities by categorizing them into three key areas: accountable, responsible, and chosen. I also explore the benefits of holding onto life’s tensions, such as anxiety, rather than trying to eliminate them, aiming for a more integrated and peaceful existence.
Work-life balance is something many people strive for, yet I believe it's fundamentally flawed. It's often framed as a one-way street, only coming up when we feel overwhelmed by work, never when life itself seems to take over. This mindset puts work and life in constant opposition, leaving us searching for a harmony that seems just out of reach. I argue that, instead of balancing these two aspects, we need to acknowledge the complexity of life as it pulls us in different directions.
Here’s what I’ve learned: life is not just about work and life as two separate forces. There are multiple elements in play—family, relationships, personal growth, career goals, and much more. Each aspect pulls us in different directions, creating a natural tension. I suggest that the goal isn’t to find a perfect balance but to recognize and live with this tension, integrating all areas of life into a cohesive whole.
I introduce my three-bucket framework for categorizing responsibilities into three key areas:
This framework provides a clearer picture of where our energy and focus should go, helping us navigate life's natural tensions more effectively.
Now, let's talk about anxiety. It’s easy to want to push it away or see it as something to eliminate. But what if anxiety serves a purpose? It makes you detail-oriented, thoughtful, and caring. Instead of fighting against it, what if you embraced it and held that tension alongside other aspects of your life? The idea is not to eliminate anxiety but to allow it to coexist with peace, recognizing it as part of life’s tensions.
I challenge you to stop seeing rest and work, productivity and relaxation as opposites. They aren’t. They can coexist if we allow them to. It’s about holding the space where both can exist. When you’re at home after a long day, wanting to work out but also wanting to rest, ask yourself: why can’t both happen? Maybe you can do a quick 15-minute workout and then relax. It’s about living in the tension rather than trying to strike an impossible balance.
Website: Rocky Garza
Upcoming Virtual Event: https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess
00:00 Debunking the Myth of Work-Life Balance
00:28 Introduction to the Rocky Garza Show
01:40 The One-Way Street of Work-Life Balance
04:38 Life's Tensions: Beyond Work and Life
06:12 Three Buckets of Life Responsibilities
10:37 Embracing Anxiety and Tension
12:41 Combining Rest and Activity
14:10 Living in Life's Tensions
15:20 Conclusion and Next Steps
In this episode of The Rocky Garza Show, I continue to explore the intersection of a meaningful life and a successful career. With my vast experience as a coach and keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies, I share my insights on how to gain clarity, build confidence, and live life on your own terms. Whether you're striving for professional success or seeking a more fulfilling personal life, this podcast episode is for you.
I challenge the traditional definition of success, which focuses on achieving one lofty goal after another. I encourage you to reconsider your perspective, highlighting that success can be found in everyday moments and incremental progress. From the midway points on the mountain to the days spent in the valley, each step is a vital part of the journey.
I discuss the “gap mentality,” where the vast distance between where we are and where we want to be overwhelms us. This mentality often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. I introduce the idea of focusing on daily actions and smaller, more manageable goals that will eventually compound into success over time.
I dive into practical steps to close the gap between where you are now and where you aspire to be. By breaking down massive goals into smaller daily activities—like saving money a little at a time—success becomes achievable. The key is in understanding and controlling the daily habits that fuel long-term progress.
True success is not just about achieving external accolades or financial goals. It’s about knowing what you truly want in life and committing to the daily actions that align with those desires. Write down 20 things you want and then narrow that list to the top five priorities that will guide your life.
I explain the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and committing to the daily habits that reflect those priorities. I encourage you to “schedule your priorities,” putting important life goals like family time or personal growth on the calendar before other obligations.
I introduce the EPS (Eight Points of Success) Matrix, a tool to help assess success across different areas of life. This holistic approach allows you to track your progress and understand how various aspects of your life—personal and professional—intersect and influence each other.
Website: Rocky Garza
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza
00:00 – Introduction: Redefining Success
00:30 – Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
01:16 – Moving Beyond the Mountaintop
04:44 – Exploring the Valley of Success
07:30 – Bridging the Gap Mentality
13:21 – Redefining Daily Habits
16:58 – Introducing the EPS Matrix
18:14 – Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
The Confidence Method is a systematic way to unpack and understand the stories we have been told and those we tell ourselves. These narratives often fuel our insecurities and lack of self-confidence.
Reflect on the stories told to you about you, particularly those that start with phrases like, "You are too..." or "You always..." These narratives can deeply influence self-perception and confidence.
We shift the focus to the internal dialogue, the self-imposed stories that align with or mirror the external narratives received. These self-told stories contribute to the feeling of being an imposter.
Where these external and internal stories meet, a significant impact is created. They are a collision, leading to deep-seated beliefs that can undermine confidence.
I outline my method to convert negative self-talk into affirmed truths. By identifying and confronting lies, confirming actual truths, and affirming goodness, individuals can build genuine self-confidence.
Website: Rocky Garza
Book: Be Confident
The Confidence Method is designed to remind individuals of their innate goodness and potential. Put in the effort to change your narrative, which can lead to transformative results in both your personal and professional spheres.
Stay connected, visit my website for upcoming events, and engage with the show's content to continue your journey toward confidence and self-belief.
00:00 Introduction: Unraveling the Stories
00:30 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show
01:16 The Imposter Within: Part Two
01:32 Understanding the Confidence Method
04:44 Exploring Stories Told to You
07:30 Reflecting on Personal Stories
13:21 The Impact of Colliding Stories
16:58 Transforming Self-Dialogue
18:14 Conclusion: Embracing Your Goodness
Have you ever felt like an imposter in your own life? Join Rocky Garza in this transformative episode as he dives deep into the origin of the imposter within us all. Learn about the 'confidence method' and explore the two vital elements that are needed today: space and grace. Through personal stories and insightful teachings, Rocky explains how to navigate and reconcile the stories told to us about ourselves and the stories we tell ourselves. Discover how these narratives intersect and the impact they have on our self-identity. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt or seeking to understand the imposter syndrome, this episode of 'The Imposter Within' offers valuable insights and practical steps to change your inner narrative and embrace your true self. Tune in, and as always, visit rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess to stay connected and explore upcoming events. Let's keep going together.
The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.