Welcome to the final installment of our four-part series, Don’t Quit in the Rut. If you’ve been journeying with me through the last few episodes, thank you for sticking with it. Today, we’re not just talking about the rut—we’re declaring our exit from it.

In this episode, I share why being “stuck” is often just a signal, not a sentence. I explain how to reframe your mindset (your posture) even when your circumstances (your path) haven’t changed. You’ll learn how to take back your motivation, even if the feelings aren’t there yet, and how a few intentional shifts in your environment and community can reignite your progress. I’ll also walk you through three reflection questions and offer simple, actionable steps to prove to yourself—and the world—that you’re not staying stuck. Let’s move forward. Faithfully.

• [1:44] – “The rut is not your identity”—recognizing that you’re not stuck, you’re invited to move forward
• [6:02] – Why waiting for motivation doesn’t work—and what to do instead
• [10:18] – “If you can’t change the path, change your posture”: How to shift your mindset in the dip
• [13:27] – Three powerful lifestyle changes: change your scenery, your schedule, and your circle
• [18:42] – How isolation whispers lies and why community is essential for lasting change
• [21:03] – Make your declaration: “I’m not stuck anymore”—claim it before you feel it
• [23:16] – The three reflection questions to re-engage with your purpose
• [24:40] – A final challenge: take one visible, tangible action to prove you’re not staying where you are

At the end of the episode, I challenge you to dig deep with these three questions:

1. What has this series revealed to you about your patterns or mindset?
2. What step have you been afraid to take, but now feel ready for?
3. Who can you invite into your journey so you don’t slip back into the rut?

Sit with these. Journal them. Talk about them with someone who speaks life into your future.

If you’re serious about making a move, here are a few real-world actions I recommend in this episode:

• Change your scenery – Rearrange your space, step outside, or go somewhere new to reset your mind.
• Change your schedule – Add life-giving activities and cut out energy-draining habits.
• Change your circle – Surround yourself with people who speak vision and believe in your future.
• End something that drains you – Cancel that subscription, drop the bad habit, walk away from what’s stealing your focus.
• Start something you’ve been avoiding – Write the first page, make the phone call, open the door to progress.
• Ask for help or say yes (or no) to something important – These are visible signs of growth.

• Join the Uphill Community: https://www.uphill.community
• Follow Tim on Instagram: @timpecoraro
• Connect on LinkedIn: Tim Pecoraro
• Subscribe to the Newsletter: Find the link in Tim’s Instagram bio or at theuphill.community

You don’t have to wait to feel ready. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to move—faithfully. This rut is not the end of your story. Declare your exit, take one step today, and keep choosing the uphill climb.

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps others find encouragement and clarity too.

Until next time, friends—you’re not stuck. You’re moving. Let’s go.

This week, we ask: “What’s actually worth fighting for?”

Not everything deserves your time, energy, or attention. But some things? They’re worth pressing through the hard moments for. In this episode, we explore how to rethink the ruts you’re in—not always as a sign to quit, but sometimes as a sign to adjust your posture.

We’ll unpack the idea that:

Your posture—your mindset, your presence, your approach—can change how you experience difficulty and help you keep moving when quitting feels easier

• Why not every rut means it’s time to quit
• How adjusting your posture can change your experience
• The power of remembering your ‘why’ when you feel stuck
• Why breakthroughs are built in boring, repetitive places
• How to stack small wins that lead to real progress

1. What is something you’re still passionate about—even if it’s hard right now?
2. What’s one small thing you can do this week to move forward?
3. Who can you ask for help, feedback, or encouragement?

• Write down your “why.”
• Put it somewhere visible—your desk, mirror, or phone lock screen.
• Let it remind you what’s worth fighting for, especially when your posture needs lifting.

We’ll wrap up the series with practical steps to build momentum and stay out of the ruts you’ve outgrown. You won’t want to miss it.

Remember:

In this powerful second part of our 4-week series, we dig into the experience of feeling stuck—not just in a situation, but in the Dip and the Lull, two invisible traps that can derail your progress if you’re not careful. You’ll hear the real-life story of R.U. Darby and how being “three feet from gold” taught him a lesson that could change how you approach your stuck seasons.

Whether you’re thinking, “This just isn’t working anymore,” or wondering if it’s time to quit, this episode will help you pause, discern, and decide your next move.

• Based on Seth Godin’s book The Dip
• The Dip is the difficult stretch between starting something and seeing results
• Most people quit here—but the best push through and succeed
• Don’t confuse difficulty with a dead-end

• The emotional flatline: not burnout, not fired-up
• Feels like silence, disengagement, or going through the motions
• The Lull is often the pause before momentum returns

• R.U. Darby gave up mining just three feet from one of the richest gold veins
• His mistake? Quitting during the Dip
• But he turned the lesson into a new career—and found success in insurance

• Could you be just one step from the breakthrough?
• Most people feel the strongest urge to quit right before the shift happens

Ask:

• Did I start this with purpose?
• Am I fatigued or misaligned?
• Would quitting bring regret—or peace?

1. Where in your life do you feel like you’re in the Dip or the Lull?
2. What is one area you’ve been tempted to walk away from recently?
3. Is there a moment in your past when you may have quit too soon?
4. What if your next step is only “three feet” from the result you’ve been hoping for?

Revisit something you’ve considered quitting.

Ask yourself honestly:

Am I just in the Dip? Or did I misread the Lull?

Write down one action you’re willing to take this week instead of walking away.

We’re going deeper into how to fight through the right ruts.

You’ll learn how to dig deeper, not just harder—and how to reconnect with your “why” when you feel like giving up.

You don’t want to miss it.

Have you ever wondered, “How did I end up here?” You’re busy, going through the motions, but deep down, you feel stuck, drained, or disconnected. In today’s episode, I kick off a brand-new series, Don’t Quit in the Rut, and we’re starting with a powerful truth—you can’t change what you don’t recognize. That’s why we’re diving into the five most common ruts we all face, the subtle statements we tell ourselves when we’re stuck, and how to start waking up to the patterns silently limiting our growth.

I’ll help you spot your rut, reflect on how long you’ve been in it, and challenge you to get honest about what it’s costing you. This conversation isn’t about shame but awareness, movement, and hope. Because you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not too far gone. Let’s name the rut and start climbing out—together.

[4:15] - Defining a “rut”: what it is—and what it’s not

[7:22] - The Career Rut – “You’re stuck in a job that pays the bills but starves your purpose.”

[9:45] - The Relationship Rut – “When conversation turns to convenience, connection starts to decay.”

[12:33] - The Personal Growth Rut – “Growth doesn’t happen by accident.”

[15:09] - The Faith or Purpose Rut – “Even when you’re disconnected, God hasn’t stopped calling you.”

[17:42] - The Health and Energy Rut – “Your body and mind aren’t your enemies—they’re trying to alert you.”

[21:01] - How we drift into ruts without even realizing it

[24:05] - Four reasons we stay stuck (and how to break free)

[26:48] - Your 3 questions for reflection: It’s time to write this down.

[28:50] - A preview of next week’s episode: The Dip

1. The Career Rut

👉 “You’re stuck in a job that pays the bills but starves your purpose.”

You’re good at what you do, but the passion is gone. You’ve “lost that loving feeling,” and it shows. You’re clocking in and out, maybe even succeeding externally—but deep down, you were made for more than a paycheck.

2. The Relationship Rut

👉 “When conversation turns to convenience, connection starts to decay.”

Whether it’s a disconnected marriage or a one-sided friendship, the spark is missing. You’re going through the motions, and relationships that once brought joy now feel transactional, hollow, or strained.

3. The Personal Growth Rut

👉 “Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because you pursue it.”

You’ve stopped stretching, stopped learning. Life may look “fine,” but inside, you’re stagnant. You’re not thriving, just surviving, and deep down, you’ve lost your hunger for becoming better.

4. The Faith or Purpose Rut

👉 “Even when you’re disconnected, God hasn’t stopped calling you.”

You believe in something greater, but it feels distant. You might go through the motions spiritually, but your soul feels dry. Whether it’s a purpose lull or a spiritual drought, it’s time to reconnect.

5. The Health & Energy Rut

👉 “Your body and mind aren’t enemies—they’re trying to alert you.”

You’re tired all the time—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maybe your habits have slipped, or you’re doing all the right things but still feel drained. This rut sneaks in when we ignore the signals and feel depleted.

Take a moment to journal or talk through these prompts:

1. What rut or ruts are you currently in? (Career, Relationship, Personal Growth, Faith/Purpose, or Health/Energy)
2. How long have you been there?
3. What has it cost you to stay in this rut?

These questions are your first step out.

• Join the Uphill Community: theuphill.community
• Connect with me on Instagram: @TimPecoraro
• Let’s connect on LinkedIn: Tim Pecoraro on LinkedIn

Thanks for tuning in, friend. If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who needs it. And if you haven’t already, hit that Follow button, leave a quick rating or review, and let’s keep climbing together.

Next week, I’ll dive into The Dip—that moment when progress disappears, and people usually quit right before the breakthrough. You won’t want to miss it.

Until then, stay honest, stay hopeful, and don’t quit in the rut.

This is the final installment in our five-part series on putting your dream to the test. If you’ve been on this journey with me, you know we’ve been digging deep into what it takes to identify your dream, clarify it, strategize around it, strengthen your support system, and build resilience. But none of that means anything unless we take action. In today’s episode, we cross the line from thinking about your dream to living it.

I’m challenging you to reflect on three big ideas that will move your dream from concept to reality. Are you ready to live it? Do you have what it takes to not only chase your dream but carry it when it shows up? This conversation will stretch you, but I believe it will activate something powerful in your life. Let’s go!

1. Clarity Without Action = Stuck
2. You can have all the clarity in the world, but without movement, it means nothing. Action is what breaks the cycle of overthinking and hesitation.
3. Fear Behind Commitment
4. Sometimes, it’s not failure we fear—it’s success. Success changes everything and requires more of you. Are you holding back because of what success will require?
5. Take One Bold, Irreversible Step
6. Momentum is a gift—don’t waste it. What’s one action you can take this week that is visible, irreversible, and says, “I’m in”?

[1:40] - Kicking off with March Madness energy and life lessons from the game

[4:30] - Why clarity must be backed by movement to matter

[7:05] - The gold rush analogy: Don’t stop digging 12 feet from your breakthrough

[11:20] - Reflecting on readiness: Would you be ready if your dream came true today?

[14:10] - The fear of success and why it keeps us from committing

[17:35] - The cost of playing it safe and staying in “prep mode”

[20:20] - One courageous, visible step to activate your dream—what’s yours?

• Join the Uphill Community: https://theuphill.community
• Follow me on Instagram: @TimPecoraro
• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Tim Pecoraro

This is your moment. You’ve done the inner work—now it’s time to let your outer life reflect that. Your dream doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs a yes. So if this episode spoke to you, I’d love for you to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. And, of course, share it with someone ready to activate their dream.

Until next time—remember: the best things in life are uphill. Keep climbing.

Part four of our dream series discusses the grit and resilience it takes to keep pushing when things get tough. You’ve clarified your dream, built a strategy, and evaluated your community—but what happens when resistance shows up? That’s what we dig into in this episode.

If your dream is starting to feel heavier than expected, or if you’re facing setbacks making you question your journey, this one’s for you. I’m sharing real talk on the cost of pursuing your purpose, the power of resilience, and the mindset you need when your dream demands more than you thought it would. Let’s get real about what it takes to keep going—and why it’s worth it.

[1:35] – A quick recap of the dream series so far: personal ownership, strategy, and community.

[4:12] – What happens when your dream feels harder than expected?

[7:40] – Two essential questions to ask yourself: Am I willing to pay the price? How do I handle obstacles?

[11:26] – Stories of grit: J.K. Rowling, Michael Jordan, and the power of pushing through rejection.

[16:50] – Turning your setbacks into fuel and lessons instead of roadblocks.

[20:44] – The real cost of a dream—time, energy, discomfort—and why it’s worth it.

[24:03] – How to develop a resilient mindset and keep moving, one step at a time.

• Book recommendation: Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell

• Book recommendation: What Should I Do with My Life? by Po Bronson

• Join the Uphill Community: theuphill.community

• Follow me on Instagram: @timpecoraro

• Sign up for my newsletter: Link in Instagram bio

• Learn more about my leadership coaching and team development work: LinkedIn - Tim Pecoraro

What if the success of your dreams isn’t just about clarity, plans, or passion — but about people? In this episode of the Uphill Community Podcast, I unpack your relationships' powerful role in pursuing your dreams. Whether building a business, pursuing a calling, or pushing yourself to the next level, one truth holds steady: you can’t do it alone.

I reflect on a recent experience at Walmart HQ and how it reminded me that even the “small-town” dreamers can play big in rooms that matter — when they show up, step up, and surround themselves with the right people. We also look back at where we’ve been in this dream-defining journey and dive into the importance of your inner circle, the different roles people play in your growth, and how to honestly evaluate which relationships to hold close… and which to let go of.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsupported, or unsure about the team around your dream, this one’s for you.

[0:00] - Opening thoughts on March Madness, Cinderella stories, and showing up to play at your level

[4:45] - A small-town guy in big rooms: My experience at Walmart HQ

[9:20] - Reminder to connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter

[12:08] - Recap of previous episodes in the dream series: Ownership, Clarity, Strategy

[15:55] - Why hope isn’t a strategy and passion without a plan won’t cut it

[18:50] - Intro to this week’s focus: The people around your dream

[20:34] - The power of your inner circle and how they shape your beliefs, energy, and habits

[26:10] - Who are your five? Evaluating the people you spend the most time with

[28:18] - Identifying the right people: Mentors, Peers, and Supporters

[34:45] - Recognizing who you may need to let go of—and why it matters

[41:00] - Reflection questions and one simple challenge for this week

• Follow me on Instagram: @timpecoraro

• Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

• Join the Uphill Community Newsletter via my IG bio

• Visit: theuphill.community

Remember, the people around you can either fuel your dreams or drain them. Choose wisely. And don’t forget to do the inner work too — are you someone who uplifts others?

If this episode challenged or inspired you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the show. Share it with someone who’s walking their own uphill journey. Your support helps us grow this community of dreamers choosing the hard best over the easy good.

Until next time… keep climbing.

Welcome back to the Uphill Community Podcast! This is Part 2 of our five-part series on proving and testing your dreams. Last week, we focused on personal ownership—defining and truly owning your dream. Today, we shift gears to strategy: Is your dream within reach? Do you have a plan to get there?

A dream without a strategy is just wishful thinking. This episode is about moving from passion to execution—breaking your big vision into smaller, tangible steps and creating a roadmap to success. I share real-life examples, including how I built the Uphill Community, to show you exactly how to go from idea to action.

Episode Highlights:

[2:00] – The difference between a dream and a goal: why strategy is essential.

[6:20] – Passion vs. Strategy: Fuel vs. Map – you need both!

[10:45] – Four essential questions to assess if your dream is realistic.

[14:30] – How I built an online leadership academy—breaking a big vision into small steps.

[19:55] – Four steps to creating a winning strategy for your dream.

[25:10] – Reflection questions to help you take action today.

[27:30] – Next week’s topic: Who’s on your team? Are they pushing you forward or holding you back?

Reflection Questions:

1. What skills, knowledge, or connections are missing that will help you achieve your dream?

2. What is one small action you can take today to move forward?

3. Are you willing to adjust your plan but stay committed to your dream?

Links & Resources:

• Join the Uphill Community: theuphill.community

• Follow Tim on Instagram: @TimPecoraro

• Connect on LinkedIn: Tim Pecoraro

If you found this episode valuable, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Please share it with someone who needs a strategy to bring their dream to life. See you next week—keep climbing! 🚀

Welcome to the Uphill Community Podcast! Today, we’re kicking off an exciting new series all about dreams—how to identify them, own them, and bring them to life. Over the next several weeks, we’ll dive into a powerful five-step framework designed to challenge, refine, and strengthen your dreams so you can stop hoping and start living them.

In this episode, we set the foundation with the Dream Checkpoint—a moment of deep reflection to ask yourself: Is this my dream, or am I chasing someone else’s expectations? We’ll explore why personal ownership of your dream is essential, how to gain clarity, and what steps you can take today to start confidently moving forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed your path, or wondered if your dream is even attainable, this series is for you. Get ready to clarify your vision, build momentum, and take action!

[2:10] – Introduction to the new series: Five steps to refining and strengthening your dream.

[6:45] – The importance of teamwork and community in pursuing your goals.

[10:30] – Understanding personal ownership: Are you chasing your dream or someone else’s?

[16:55] – How to clarify your dream in one powerful sentence.

[22:40] – Reflection questions to help define your vision and take action.

[26:15] – Next week’s topic: Is your dream attainable? Do you have a real plan?

1. What would you pursue if no one else’s opinion mattered?

2. When you think of your dream, does it excite you or drain you?

3. Can you describe your dream in one clear sentence?

• Join the Uphill Community: theuphill.community

• Follow Tim on Instagram: @TimPecoraro

• Connect on LinkedIn: Tim Pecoraro

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And don’t forget to share it with someone who needs encouragement on their dream journey. Until next time—keep climbing! 🚀

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into what it truly means to own your role instead of just holding a title. If your title disappeared tomorrow, would your work and impact still speak for itself? We explore the hidden costs of misalignment, why credibility comes from function—not position—and how to bridge the gap between who you are and what you actually do.

You'll also take The Role vs. Function Test to assess whether you're truly leading or just holding a position. Plus, we break down real-life examples of leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Rosa Parks, who functioned at the highest level long before they had any official title.

If you're looking to future-proof your career, stand out, and lead effectively—no matter your position—this episode is for you.

⏳ Timestamps:

0:00 – Opening Hook: What happens if your title disappears?

2:00 – Recap from Part 1: The difference between title vs. function

5:00 – The Hidden Costs of Misalignment: What happens when you don’t truly function in your role

10:30 – How to Own Your Role: Function-first mindset, continuous development, and proactive contribution

17:00 – The Role vs. Function Test: Three key questions to assess where you stand

22:00 – Case Studies: How Abraham Lincoln and Rosa Parks proved that function matters more than title

28:00 – Future-Proofing Your Career: Why function is the key to long-term success

33:00 – Final Challenge & Call to Action

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Titles fade, but function remains. If you’re not delivering results, your title won’t save you.
• Misalignment has costs —to you, your team, and your long-term career growth.
• Credibility isn’t given—it’s earned. You don’t need permission to lead; function at the highest level, and recognition will follow.
• Real leadership is displayed through action, not position.

📝 The Role vs. Function Test – Ask Yourself:

1️⃣ If my title was removed today, would my impact remain?

2️⃣ Do people follow me because of my function, or just because of my title?

3️⃣ Am I actively developing my skills, or relying on my title to validate me?

🚀 Call to Action:

• Take The Role vs. Function Test and commit to improving just one area this week.
• Share your thoughts using #FunctionOverTitle and tag us on social media.
• Focus on what you do, not just what you’re called.

🎙 Final Thought: “Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a function. The people who rise are the ones who act, not just those who wait for recognition. So ask yourself—are you functioning at the highest level?”