As many of you know, my upcoming Bliss Project event is only months away and hundreds of you have already registered to join us. But I know that for some, you’re still on the fence for various reasons… Perhaps this would be your first self-development/empowerment retreat. For others, you’ve never left your family for a whole weekend. For others, there is a fear that you’re not “far enough” or knowledgeable enough to attend such an event.
Whatever the reason, I can assure you that if you’re being called to attend, it’s the perfect event for you to attend. But don’t take my word on it. Listen in to today’s conversation as I interview five women about their Bliss Project experiences. You will notice many overlapping answers and that’s because we are all way more alike than we are different.
Whether you come along or bring a friend, the weekend WILL change your life. I cannot wait for you to hear all about it (and hopefully experience it in the near future) and join our INCREDIBLE Bliss Project tribe.
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Questions Asked in This Episode:
In This Episode We Talk about:
Quotes:
“My breakthrough happened because I showed up.” – Kelly Soto
“I knew I was meant for more, but didn’t believe it. But when I left Bliss, I believed it.” – Kelly Soto
“Leave what’s familiar and go into what’s not, because that’s where the gifts are – that’s where the beauty is.” – Marlo Ellis
“Bliss is like rolling out the red carpet for your soul.” – Marlo Ellis
“I can create my world.” – Jordan Candelaria
“Remember your happiness.” – Jordan Candelaria
“Every single person that you talked to was going through the same things.” – Mandy Demetsky
“Bliss is 2.5 days in the biggest, warmest, most welcoming hug.” – Mandy Demetsky
“What sets Bliss apart is that you have hundreds of epic soul sisters who are going to check in with you, have your back and help hold you accountable.” – Steph Gold
“It’s impossible to stay stuck with hundreds of women who support you.” – Steph Gold
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Resources:
The Bliss Project 2018
March 2-4, 2018 • Newport Beach, CA
TheBlissProject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Up until very recently, I felt like I had a handle on facing my fears and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, but I’ve come to realize that I haven’t even scratched the surface!
This weekend, I’m speaking at an event (THRIVE), and while I’m speaking to like-minded people, it’s not my usual audience. It’s got me stepping outside of my comfort zone and feeling all sorts of butterflies. It’s super beautiful and exciting but scary – all at the same time.
This quote I posted on Instagram sums up this fear, excitement and growth that I’m feeling and who I need to become to get through it:
“You’ll never grow into the woman you know you’re meant to be until she’s forced to come out. It’s your job to create a life she can’t hide from.”
So what does this mean? It’s our job to create a life based on not our current selves, but instead our future selves. You have to do the things, go to the places and let that woman out!
“You will rise to the occasion when your butt is on the line.”
Sounds scary, I know, but that’s the point. We all have “alter egos” that only come out when called upon, but you must have faith that it will appear. If you create these places when you have so much riding on your performance your higher self will come out. And if it doesn’t happen the way you think and you fall flat on your face…GOOD! You didn’t die, your learned from it and you know how to change it for next time.
“I’d rather be failing left and right and feeling alive and growing as a human being than walking around bored and half dead.”
There is no magic potion. We are ALL created the same, some just have more faith that things will work out and their higher self won’t let them down.
“Choose and create things that you have to show up for bigger than you ever have before.”
Stop waiting and create those places and situations where your higher self can come alive! It will scare the crap out of you, but that’s when you know you’re living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
THRIVE Event
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
I am so excited for you to hear my conversation with successful serial entrepreneur, Mike Zeller. From real estate and men’s fashion to digital marketing and sustainable home goods, he’s committed to serving others (in a variety of businesses) and sharing the shifts he makes along the way.
Always an ambitious person, Mike used to once run himself ragged to the point of near burnout. However, throughout his experiences, he came to realize that taking time off from the “hustle” is needed and now actually increases his fulfillment levels in both business and his quality of life. If you’re looking to kick up the fulfillment levels in your life, I highly recommend tuning in to hear Mike’s valuable insights and knowledge bombs.
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Questions Asked in This Episode:
In This Episode We Talk about:
Quotes:
“The best idea doesn’t always win.”
“I create businesses that enrich the world and make it a better place.”
“You should be able to increase your business but also increase your freedom and your quality of life.”
“It’s not as much about time management as it is energy management.”
“If you choose a job for comfort and convenience, you’re sacrificing your soul.”
“I’m responsible for creating the opportunity for fulfillment.”
“I’m not here for intellectual entertainment. I’m here to make a difference.”
“Quit hiding in the shadows, step into your greatness and love and serve at an extraordinary level.”
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Mike Zeller is a socially minded entrepreneur currently based in Nashville. Philosophically, Mike believes that business exists first to serve the world and make it a better place. Profit is secondary but necessary for sustainability.
He has launched and developed 9 businesses in 5 different industries, bringing in more than 100 million in total sales revenue and he once was a hand model. He enrolled himself under the mentorship of world-renowned leaders such as Tony Robbin, Peter Diamandis, Jay Abraham and many others. Mike inspires people to invest in themselves and big ideas and coaches and mentors them through his mastermind and with his online course. To learn more about Mike visit mikezeller.com or email him at mike@mikezeller.com
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Resources:
MikeZeller.com
Course: Entrepreneur’s Roadmap to Freedom
Visit MikeZeller.com for more information
Mastermind group (by application): Visit MikeZeller.com and go to the Rising Stars Mastermind tab or go to RisingStarsMastermind.com
Books referenced:
Four-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss http://a.co/fsOj7tY
Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz http://a.co/ejjeo5q
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The Bliss Project 2018
TheBlissProject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
This past week, I’ve been feeling the importance of my tribe on a whole new level. If you listened to my podcast with Mastin Kipp last week, you’ll understand what I mean when I say, “With every new level there’s a new devil.” This could not be more true!
With my recent 14-Day Challenge wrapping up at the beginning of this week, I had a few instances come up that reminded me of the fact that the more challenges I do and the more people who join my tribe, the more diverse group of people I’m going to attract. And guess what? Even those these people are a part of my larger tribe, we all have different backgrounds and I’m not going to please everyone. It’s also a given that we’re not always going to understand one another.
It seems so simple when you write it out like that, but I didn’t get there as easily. As a verbal processor, I depended on the support of my own personal tribe to get me there. This is a group of people who I’ve collected over time and who I know hold space for me when I need it. And let’s just say I sent out the Bat Signal for them this week!
“Your tribe gives you feedback, but they’re also there just to hear you.”
Feedback is always welcome, however sometimes it doesn’t help. This is why all relationships must be two-sided. There must be agreements in place and space held for the other party to process as well.
“We have to create boundaries and we have to set clear ideas of what the relationship is.”
This is, of course, different for every relationship and that is why you must communicate or one person may turn resentful. For me personally, I have a variety of tribe members. There are those that allow me to process, hold me accountable, support me, strategize, execute and celebrate. These lines do blend every now and then, but at the end of the day, I know who I can go to when I need it.
So out of the above categories, which would help you the most right now? And which is the easiest to implement? If you’re having trouble choosing one, you must work on focusing your attention to that.
“If you haven’t found what you want yet, it’s simply because you haven’t applied focus consistently.”
I know this is hard to hear, but as a person who has (and still can) struggle with this, I know it will change your life and help you tackle each new challenge that comes your way.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
The Bliss Project 2018
Theblissproject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
As a long-time follower of Mastin Kipp’s work, I am beyond thrilled to share our conversation with you. Not only does he talk about his journey (business and spiritual) up to this point, but he also touches on how his purpose seemed to evade him until recently and how he turned that experience into his new book, Claim Your Power. I’m currently reading it and it’s so amazing that he offers a practical step-by-step process to help you find your purpose, bring it to life and get out of your own way.
I love that Mastin is so transparent when it comes to his journey and I’m honored that he shares what he’s learned and experienced firsthand. There are so many powerful takeaways that can help you return to your natural state of happiness. If you’re willing and ready to work on finding your purpose this podcast is a must listen.
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Questions Asked in This Episode:
In This Episode We Talk about:
Quotes:
“Make your nervous system your ally instead of your enemy.”
“Live in preparedness.”
“The breakthrough – or a-ha moment – is when the work begins.”
“The emotional state of the body is what produces the thoughts in the first place.”
“When you change the emotional state, you don’t have to worry about changing your thinking. When you feel good, you think good thoughts.”
“Chemical solutions can’t solve a spiritual problem.”
“Between stimulus and response is a choice – and that’s where your power is.”
“The more direct languaging you can use, the more emotional response is produced.”
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Mastin Kipp is an American entrepreneur, best-selling author, and renowned public speaker. Mastin is the creator of Functional Life Coaching™, an innovative, unique and accelerated approach to creating lasting personal and business change.
Mastin is recognized by coaching industry contemporaries and luminaries like Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, Caroline Myss, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Aviva Romm, M.D. (Yale Integrative Medicine) and Georgetown Professor Cal Newport as a thought leader in accelerated life transformations and personal development.
Mastin’s company, under his own name, is a successful international personal development company that helps people create rapid change, discover and connect to their life’s purpose, and live their lives to their fullest potential.
Mastin’s methodology, Functional Life Coaching™, differs from his peers and predecessors in that it focuses not just on rapid behavioral change, but uses a systems approach to efficiently identify and dissolve the root cause that is impeding optimal human progress and success.
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Resources:
Mastin’s New Book: Claim Your Power
Get your copy (and bonuses) by visiting:
ClaimYourPowerBook.com
mastinkipp.com
IG: @mastinkipp
FB: facebook.com/mastinkipp
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The Bliss Project 2018
TheBlissProject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Today’s quickie is all about the word (and thing) justification. I once was a pro at justifying why I was the way I was (fearful, anxious etc.). I spent SO much time, energy and efforts on the excuses as to why I couldn’t do x-y-z when I could have been investing my time into my dreams!
So let’s try a little exercise… Let’s replace the word justification with excuses. Let’s call out those excuses and see them for what they truly are – false glass ceilings – because that’s all they really are no matter what you might think.
“Human beings can do whatever we believe we can do.”
So look for the justifications/excuses in your life right now and write them down.
“If your thoughts are going toward your justifications and excuses, you’re actually living for them.”
So which is it for you? Are you living to keep your dreams alive or are you choosing to fan the flames that keep the fires of justification and excuses burning? Take a deep look and discover what you’re really living for. Hint: If your time is spent making excuses and justifying, you’re never going to give the power to your presence to be able to move forward into your dreams.
“Give the power to your presence.”
Your family, friends and the world need your gift right NOW. Of course there will always be a dose of fear that comes along with it, but embrace it knowing that it feels a whole lot better than never stepping into your full potential.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
The Bliss Project 2018
Theblissproject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
EYH – Ep. 165 – Danika Brysha – Surrender your way to success and become a magnet for your dreams
Today’s guest, Model Meals Founder and CEO, Danika Brysha, may look a little familiar to some of you as she’s been a part of several campaigns as a plus-size/curve model for big names such as Target and Old Navy. While she has a successful modeling career now, it was winding road to get there.
From a young age, Danika continually struggled to feel that she was enough when it came to her body. Growing up in the era of the size double-zero, she focused on her weight for more than a decade of her life. This fixation eventually reached its breaking point when it led to bulimia and dental issues.
Wanting to take care of her body better, Danika stopped throwing up but turned to drugs to keep the weight at bay. This went on for quite some time until she graduated college in the television industry and had had it with her body image struggle. She let go and let herself settle into where her body naturally fell (about a size 12/14). She was soon approached by an agent who suggested that she get into plus-size modeling. After signing with an agency and moving out to New York, her modeling career took off, but she soon hit another snag.
Wanting to start off the New Year (a new career and move, too) renewed, she tried the Whole30 meal plan. She was blown away by her results and not only did she lose 15 pounds, but she was amazed at how much clarity she had and how amazing she felt. Her plus-size modelings clients didn’t agree and she started to lose modeling gigs. As a way to earn money, Danika offered to help people in New York City eat cleaner by making meals for them. This side-business went well, but she still wasn’t able to make ends meet.
It wasn’t long before Danika moved back to California where she grew up and moved into her parents’ garage. This was a serendipitous moment, however as it led to the eventual launch pf Model Meals with a friend and Danika has since signed with a new modeling agency.
Danika’s journey of self-love is one of several ups and downs, but instead of fighting against them she’s learned to surrender and use her own feelings as a guide through them. Her story is so relatable and there’s something that everyone can take away from it. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much I did.
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Questions Asked in This Episode:
In This Episode We Talk about:
Quotes:
“I get to do what I love every day and that’s all that matters.”
“Food wasn’t the problem. It was that I used it as my drug.”
“We get so used to eating our normal diet that we never know there’s an alternative.”
“It’s selfish if we don’t do the self-work to tune in and figure out what our gift is.”
“The way to manifest your life is to feel the feelings first and the physical catches up.”
“A series of great days equals a great life.”
“Trust your feelings, not your surroundings.”
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Danika Brysha is an IMG Curve Model and the founder and CEO of Model Meals, a healthy meal delivery business. With a passion for personal growth and positive transformation, Danika sees food as the most valuable medicine available, and as an essential tool in fueling the body, mind, and soul, to build our best possible life. After nearly two decades of disordered eating, Danika used nutritious food, mindfulness, and an essential daily self-care routine, to heal herself and to build the business and life of her dreams. Danika helps others to do the same by providing resources like Model Meals that make a healthy diet easy and accessible, and through the sharing of knowledge and experience provided in her coaching practice, retreats, digital media, and more. Danika also uses her platform as a curve model to help women rethink the traditional notion that beauty has only one shape and size.
Resources:
modelmeals.com
Use code EARNYOURHAPPY and new clients will receive $25 off on their first order. There is an order minimum of $40. The discount applies to all “meals,” but not the add-ons.
IG: @modelmeals
FB: facebook.com/modelmeals
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
How many of you scroll through social media more often than you’d like to admit? Hand raised here! But check this out… My friend, Michael Zeller, just informed me the other day that when you’re distracted from a task, it takes 13 minutes for your mind to get back on track. So just think, if you’re sidetracked even four times a day, that’s a WHOLE hour of floundering trying to get back on track. This is why we must…
“Get fierce with eliminating distractions.”
These days our thoughts and social media are the winners when it comes to time-wasting. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s always bad to spend time on social media, but it is when all you’re doing is comparing or numbing out. For instance, are you really just checking in on Jane, or do you immediately start comparing her life to yours when you look at her pictures? If the latter sounds familiar, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone, and you CAN stop comparing yourself to others, But first, you have to beat the addiction to comparison (and the other common addictions such as judgment, blame and numbing out). Below is a chart of the common saboteurs and alternative practices you can implement to help rid yourself of those addictions and keep your happiness and productivity high!
“You are NOT stuck with who you think you are right now. Don’t believe everything you think – it’s probably not even your through.”
Recognize your honest truth (as hard and uncomfortable as that may be) and CHOOSE to see things differently and choose better thoughts.
“Your life will manifest around the things you think the most.”
Check out my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
I am so excited to have my husband, Chris, on again! We’ve been asked a lot of questions such as: how do we work together day in and day out? How do we live our lives and what makes us happy? These conversations are so much fun for us and we love sharing the highs and lows of our lives so far.
As you’ll soon realize, while we have our “dream” lives now, it didn’t start out that way. Let’s just say I didn’t even want to give Chris the time of day when we first met! We obviously worked things out there, but be sure to listen in as we share some of our other ups, downs and lesson-learning moments in our lives.
This episode is jam-packed with information about the fundamentals of our success and happiness (and so much in between) and we hope you’re able to leave with some helpful takeaways. Please feel free to let us know what other questions you have for us! We look forward to continuing our conversation on another future episode. Happy listening! --
• Where Chris and Lori started from and what their daily routine is
• Working through times of unfulfillment
• If there’s a right time to call your partner out when you know they have a larger calling they’re not doing anything about
• How small decisions are HUGE in the long run
• Why it’s so important to be open and connect with more people
• How to deal with people who are cutting you down or holding you back
• The definition of positive propaganda and why you need it to support your goals
• The benefits of having a healthy habits routine
• How Chris and Lori incorporate meditation and visualization into their daily lives
• How to effectively communicate with your spouse or partner
• Why it’s so important to find self-development activities that you enjoy
• What to do if your spouse/partner isn’t into self-development
• And so much more…
“Be more open and less attached than you are to the things you’re so attached to.”
“Find positive propaganda to support where you want to go and to reinforce your beliefs.”
“Even if it doesn’t feel like it, the timing is perfect.”
“You will always find what you’re looking for.”
“We are constantly chipping away at the things that will make us happy and productive in the long run – even when we don’t feel like it.”
“Our routine-driven life has absolutely 10x’d all areas of our lives.”
“I’m happier, healthier, wealthier and more fit than I was yesterday.”
“By taking inventory of all the good stuff in my life, I’m dictating the thoughts that will dictate my day instead of letting my day dictate my thoughts.”
“If you’re not doing self-development in a modality that you like, then you absolutely won’t do it.”
“You set the pace for your relationship.”
“You are responsible for your own happiness.”
“Find joy in the journey.”
“Find your happiness in the pursuit every day.” --
“Find your happiness in the pursuit every day.”
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Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
In light of the devastation that’s happening in Texas right now with Hurricane Harvey, I wanted to help in the best way I know how – and that’s through the reach of my amazing communities. As some of you may know, I’ve launched my FREE 14-Day Challenge (starts Sept. 5) and I’ve decided to link it to a donation to the Disaster Relief Fun for Houston.
Here’s how I would love for you to help… For every five people that sign up for the challenge, we will donate $1 – up to $20,000. To put this in perspective, our dream number to equal that would be 100,000.
The added bonus, you GET TO move your bodies for yourself – and for a cause. There’s nothing like getting a big dose of perspective when you realize that there are thousands and thousands of people right now who CAN’T go for a walk or play with their kids outside right now. We all have days where we don’t want to work out, but when you realize just how blessed we are to move our bodies, it definitely reframes it. And it’s not just fitness, it’s everything in life.
“We make time for the things that mean the most to us.”
Whether it’s working out, having coffee with a friend or doing extra work, take ownership of your thoughts and actions. Sometimes it’s a matter of getting really honest with yourself and switching the phrase, “I get to…” becomes “I have to…” Or instead of “I can’t…”, reframe it to “I won’t.” Pretty powerful, huh?
“The beautiful and harsh truths free us.”
Once you can acknowledge this, reframe and forgive yourself.
“Don’t beat yourself up for the things you enjoyed.”
Catch yourself, reframe, forgive and love yourself. Again, I would love if you would go right now to loriharder.com/challenge to join my FREE 14-Day Challenge. Not only will you be working out for YOU, but for thousands upon thousands of others who can’t right now. Thank you so much in advance for your help!
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Have you ever wished you were a better speaker or more at ease when talking with new people? Perhaps you’re an introvert who desperately wants to tap into their extrovert side? It may be easier than you think with a little practice and coaching.
Today’s episode is with my dear friend, David Norrie (yes, guest Angelike Norrie’s hubby), and I’m thrilled for him to share his expertise on all of the above. As a former journalist and now master networker and business coach, David shares the importance of improving on all forms of communication – from speaking or social interactions to relationships (family, friends and business). He shares so many impactful stories and we had so much fun during our conversation. I can’t wait for you to listen!
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Questions Asked in This Episode
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Quotes:
“Get turned on.”
“Become a student of observation.”
“A smile can break down barriers.”
“Turn up the best part of yourself.”
“Personality counts.”
“We’re really in the business of connecting.”
“Don’t be vanilla.”
“If you fill your life with rich and meaningful experiences, you’re going to have a lot more things to talk about.”
“Take some chances, say yes, get butterflies and figure it out along the way.”
“It’s never too late to be the person you want to be.”
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David Norrie is a Transformational Coach specializing in helping individuals tap into their personality in a way that helps them excel in both their professional and personal lives.
For the past four years, he has worked as a business coach for one of the largest network marking companies in the world. While that he saw a need for more intensive training in helping people market themselves in a social media-driven marketplace. That led to the creation of Speak Up, an 8-week interactive virtual training course which takes groups of men and women from different fields and helps them develop their stories to become better listeners as well as more influential speakers.
David has spoken to large audiences all over the country and is most passionate about God, marriage, family and capitalism.
He spent more than 20 years in journalism, most of which came as a columnist, penning articles on how to have a healthier body and relationship. He draws on humor and his experience as a husband and father to get across his message that God is indeed laying out a path for each of us and it’s our responsibility to be stewards of His message and creat a better future for the next generation.
He and his wife, Angelike, run their home-based business out of Arizona and believe that their ministry includes reaching out to couples who want to work together and coaching them on how to make their marriage coincide with their business.
Resources:
SociallySpeaking.com
IG: @davidnorrie.sociallyspeaking
Speak Up Course
http://sociallyspeaking.com/speak-up/
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Fear. Yes, it’s one of my favorite topics and I often feel like I should talk about it more because it’s seriously something that’s there every day. Heck, it’s with us is most moments, am I right? But it’s in these moments where some of our biggest breakthroughs are made. It’s that something that you know you need, but you’re scared as hell to do it.
“What you are afraid of is a clear indication of the things you need to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Personally, one of the biggest breakthroughs for me came with the fear I had after making a significant investment in a course with Jack Canfield. My soul was kicking and screaming, nudging, okay, shoving me, toward it. Every fear that could possibly come up did and I almost bailed on my flight…but I didn’t. I joined an amazing group of people, some who were far more successful than me and realized that they had some of the exact same fears as me. What?! It gave me the power to question,
“If I can do this, what else can I do?”
Fear is just there to remind us of where we need to go. It lets us know what we’re capable of. It shows us how strong we are. It’s always there in some way, shape or form.
“I have fear present in my life at all times – I just have a great relationship with it.”
Without fear, life just doesn’t feel quite as exciting. After all, how would we ever appreciate what it feels like to accomplish our dreams without it? Hint: pretty lame.
So today, do fear a favor and say, “Thank you, fear. I don’t know what my life would be like without you.”
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
The Bliss Project
For more information, visit TheBlissProject.info
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
I am so excited to have my soul sister, Angelike Norrie, back on my podcast! Having gone through so many challenging life events in the last couple of years, she’s here to share how her Six Guiding Principles helped carry her through them all.
If you feel out of control, this episode is a must listen. I suggest taking notes and perhaps listening twice (if you’re able) to get all the juicy goodness out of it.
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Questions Asked in This Episode
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Faith, Family, Fitness, Financial Freedom, Fellowship and Play.
Quotes:
“The pain is inevitable; the suffering is a choice.”
“If I can find order in the physical, I can find order in the spiritual.”
“If the world is moving forward and you’re sitting still, you’re going to be left behind.”
“Do at least one thing every day to move the needle forward.”
“We must make a conscious decision to create sacred space for our family.”
“If the queen doesn’t eat, the kingdom won’t either.”
“If you have a bad day, have three good ones after that.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of 15 minutes.”
“Your why is a command on your life.”
“Don’t make it so you have to carve out fun like it’s an obligation.”
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Angelike Norrie is a happily married, working mother of two adorable girls and a five-time cover model. Prior to taking a leap of faith to control her own destiny, she worked in corporate America as a sales executive, managing fortunes and people. After escaping 60-hour workweeks with extensive travel, she became an entrepreneur with a passion for nutrition, fitness, philosophy, and business coaching.
These days, instead of stressing about quotas, day care and commutes, she helps women flex both their physical and spiritual muscles through Soulutions, a multi-faceted coaching program that helps women bare their souls and regain dominion in all areas of their life. A world martial arts champion and believer in daily discipline, Angelike is the author of Life Lines, a four-part journal series for women that provides weekly inspiration, daily reflection and goal setting, all combined with tools for daily meal and exercise tracking. Using the power of technology, Angelike developed Body Soulutions, a free online monthly membership club for women who want to be mentored and coached with cutting-edge health information, fun recipes, laughter and goofiness, and strategies for building happy, balanced lives and financial stability.
Resources:
Previous Earn Your Happy podcast with Angelike:
https://www.loriharder.com/episode3/
Angelikenorrie.com
IG: @angelikenorrie
FB: facebook.com/LadyBossLiving/
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
As many of you know, I’m in the final days of writing my book (due this week) and the act of even doing this quickie podcast was painful. It’s not that I didn’t want to record a message for all of you, it’s just that I kept thinking about all the other things I should be doing. On top of that, I wanted to make sure I was delivering an impactful message to all of you.
I was so attached to how I was going to get there that I made it way more difficult than it needed to be. So, I took a deep breath, let go of that resistance and focused on what was at the forefront of my mind...and here I am!
“When you stop living in the resistance and actually just do the thing, it’s amazing what gets done.”
It was totally the same way before my workout today as well. Gah! Just do it already (and I did)! Anyone else? Resistance pops up everywhere, but it’s up to us to use it to our benefit. I’ve realized recently that I’ve had to let go of the idea that things should come to me in a certain form. When I have set expectations and thoughts that say it has to go one way, opportunities arrived to me in a very slow trickle. But once I surrendered and let go – BAM! Tedx Talk, my book, etc. And I know because I’ve fought to remain so open, much more is on the horizon.
“Surrender to life and watch things happen.”
I hope you join me for a short resistance-releasing exercise in this episode. Even 2-3 minutes of focus can turn things around for you. When you can create a space of surrender, you will make your decisions from a much more powerful, connected place. Are you ready? Trick question – do it anyway.
What feelings do you want? What can you let go of to get you to that place? What can the resistance you’re feeling offer you? I understand that this may make you feel a touch out of control, but be open and know you’re not letting go of the good things.
“You’re not losing control; you’re gaining your power back."
How much can you let go of today to gain that power back?
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
The Bliss Habit 12-Week eCourse
For more information, visit theblisshabit.com.
Lori’s Tedx Talk: Turn Your Struggle into Strengths
Loriharder.com/tedx
The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Are you looking to find more happiness in life – especially in the present moment? Well, you’re in luck because, in this episode, Rob Mack shares some serious knowledge on how you can add more happiness into not only your life, but your relationships and career, too. Not always the happiness coach and author he is now, tune in as he also shares how his journey of unhappiness and insecurity shifted into one of peace and happiness. There are so many happiness hacks and practices in this episode – and they’re all things you can do yourself – NOW. You don’t want to miss it! --
• What’s the first step to get someone to elevate their happiness from where they are?
• What are your daily happiness hacks?
• What do you say to people who seem to repeat the same cycle over and over?
• What do you find works for people in terms of happiness?
• How do we transfer from hell (that gives us pleasure) to heaven (that gives us pain in the beginning)?
• What is your practice around self-grace?
• How do you practice being present more?
• How every relationship can enhance your happiness
• That you are already self-complete
• Why achieving future moments can happen in an easier, more enjoyable, effortless way if you’re enjoying the present moments now.
• Daily happiness hacks
• Why happiness matters and is critical in life
• The importance of listening to your own intuition and moving away from suffering toward peace and happiness
• How relaxing will give you better results
• Why letting your mind go quiet is so helpful • And so much more…
“Your happiness is your job – not someone else’s.”
“Happiness is something that’s in your hands now.”
“If you’re not controlling your present now, you’re not putting yourself in a position to control moments in your future.”
“Happiness is the most important goal in your life.”
“Happiness now makes your life better later.”
“Happiness is the highest currency.”
“Take it easy on yourself, but be consistent.”
“Through ease and effortlessness, I can achieve my goals.”
“Life isn’t about fighting the current. It’s not about making it hard on yourself. Everything you want to achieve in your life can be accomplished more quickly, more easily and more enjoyably if you just let go and relax a little.”
“Being fully present is like a master key to creating anything you want.”
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Robert Mack is a happiness coach, speaker, and author. His first book, Happiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment, has been translated into various languages, including Chinese. Robert is also the Celebrity Dating & Relationship Coach for the television show, Famously Single on E! He has been a featured guest expert on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, Self, Health, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Upscale Magazine and many others. His work has been endorsed by Oprah and Vanessa Williams, among many others. Robert received his Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (M.A.P.P.), an ivy-league degree held by only a few dozen people in the world, from the University of Pennsylvania. He currently splits his time between Miami and Los Angeles.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
If you’re human (you all are, right?), you’ve likely had several dances with disappointment. And often those disappointments are because someone has let you down (or at least they’ve let your expectations down) at one time or another.
I know this may be difficult to hear, but the truth is that when you set expectations of others, you’re always going to be let down, and you’re never going to see the good in that person. So how do you get around this?
A recent realization I’ve made is that each person is meant to play a particular role. For example, maybe your friend, Sally, is hilarious, but she always bails on your get-togethers. But then you have another friend, who always has your back and can hold space for you when you’re upset. See how they both fulfill different roles in your life?
“Let people show up in the roles that they are best at.”
Once you realize that all friends don’t have to be ALL things you can free yourself and enjoy ALL of your relationships. Let go of your expectations!
Have you ever connected with someone only to never hear from them again? Of course you question why that is (was it something I said?), but most times it has nothing to do with you! Sometimes it’s just too much pressure for that person and they don’t want to let you down.
Go into all relationships with ZERO expectations. Don’t hold them to anything and just let them be their authentic selves.
“Release them. Free them. Free yourself.”
Instead of expecting, allow yourself to surprised. We all like a good surprise, right?
In This Episode You Will Learn:
• Why expectations lead to disappointment
• The importance of figuring out the role that different people play in your life
• How to let go of expectations
• Why having zero expectations in any relationship makes it easier
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
If you feel the need or calling to spend more time and connect with your soul, today’s heart-warming conversation with author and soulful teacher, Rebecca Campbell, is just the ticket. With an early fascination around the world of spirituality, souls and past lives, Rebecca had always felt a little “weird.” Not because she enjoyed these things, but because others were uncomfortable with it. And so from that young age, she seemingly led a double life – one that was “normal” with her school-aged friends and the other with a group of older, wise women who taught her about the healing arts and the power of intuitive arts. Rebecca always knew she wanted to create (writing, designing etc.), so following that path, she pursued the “normal” career in advertising. She had a very successful career as a creative director, but after experiencing a great period of loss, Rebecca knew she wanted to do more with all those little “soul whispers” that tugged at her heart. With the pipes and structures literally crumbling around her and navigating through her grief, Rebecca began to finally answer this calling and began to write what soon became her first book, Light Is the New Black, followed by Rise Sister Rise. She is grateful for all the life events that led her to where she is today and truly believes that this is the exact path she was meant to take. It is her hope that her story encourages you all to follow the “different path” if you feel so called – even if it happens in baby steps to reach your goals.
“The dots always join in the end and nothing is ever wasted.” --
• How did you get in touch with your inner wild woman to be who you are now? • Did you have to reframe while you were going through that journey? • What did surrendering to your soul look like? • Is there a way to answer the soul’s calling without hitting rock-bottom? • What do you say to someone who doesn’t know who they are? • How do you feel about women and sisterhood, and why is it important? • What do you when you feel like you’ve been put in a box as a “good girl?” • What has been the toughest thing you’ve had to let go of in order to step into your authentic self?
• About the importance of listening to your head vs. your heart
• How to develop a devotional and spiritual practice
• How to surrender to your soul’s calling
• Why you need to listen to your “soul whispers” and the importance of connecting to them
• The commonalities between the seasons of life and nature
• About doing work with other women in sync with monthly cycles
• The importance of ancestral roots and why you must trust your own power/intuition
• Why you don’t have to be a “good girl”
• And so much more…
“Often our soul’s calling is scary, but it was more uncomfortable and scary to stay where I was than it was to throw my life up in the air.”
“Sometimes rock-bottom moments are beautiful opportunities to just do it.”
“Alright, soul, you’re running the shop now.”
“The voice of our soul/intuition is the part of us that is linked to the entire universe.”
“Follow what lights you up.”
“When we’re inspired, when we’re lit up, we’re in our spirit and in that rhythmic flow and in that surrendered space.”
“When we connect in with our spirit, then we don’t have to work out every step of the way – we just have to move our feet.”
“In order for something to rise within us, something needs to fall away to clear that space.”
“When things are blooming, it’s just as good as when the leaves are falling.”
“If we’re trying to fit in a box, the people who ARE your people won’t be able to see you.” “Trust the wisdom of your soul.”
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Rebecca Campbell is a best-selling author, spiritual teacher, grounded spiritual mentor and soulful guide. Bestselling author of Light Is The New Black, Rebecca has guided thousands of women to listen to the callings of their soul and create a life that is completely aligned to them.
Her second book is Rise Sister Rise. In 2015, she was awarded the ‘Promising New Talent’ award by the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London. In 2016 Rebecca received ‘Emerging Voice’ by Kindred Spirit Magazine and was honoured to receive the ‘100 Women of Spirit’ award by Dadi Janki of the Brahama Kumaris for feminine leadership and spiritual service.
Drawing on her unique experience as an award-winning advertising creative director, Rebecca loves helping people tap into their creativity and lead from a place that is authentic and light up the world in a way that only they can.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Getting 100% real with you today as I discovered that I was the recent object of someone’s gossip. Doesn’t the word alone just give you an icky feeling? Ugh, me too. And it made me want to gossip right back (which would have made me feel worse), but I didn’t.
It’s our first reaction when someone says something bad about ourselves or someone else, but it never leads to anything productive. So instead, I talked it over with my husband. Because I knew I was in a safe zone to express my feelings and talk things through, I was able to determine that I didn’t need to worry about what this person chose to say about me. I was able to let it go.
Now, this isn’t always the case, but because I’m not close with this person I knew there was nothing I could do that would change anything about the situation. And perhaps they didn’t even mean what they said in a bad way.
If, however, this was a close relationship I would have more than likely confronted this person if I wanted the relationship to remain intact.
“Gossip blocks your blessings.”
Words carry so much energy – both positive and negative – so don’t spend those precious words tearing someone else apart when you likely don’t know the full story.
“Words are either life-giving or death-giving.”
If you’re around gossip, “be the person who gossip dies with.” And if you find yourself around those who tend to gossip, realize it’s only a matter of time before you’re the subject of his or her talks. It’s up to YOU to take the high road.
“Be a gossip killer.”
Be the person who expresses their feelings and talks things out instead of building a wall or speaking untruths about others. Be the person who others can talk to and know that your words are safe with them.
I know you are all going to love today’s guest, Dave Asprey. Not only will you be in awe of his transformation story, but he shares so many useful tips and tools to help you gain more energy AND boost both the health of your mind and body.
A successful Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur and the founder of Bulletproof Coffee, Dave once weighed 300 lbs. and even though he spent 1.5 hours at the gym daily and ate a super low-calorie diet, he couldn’t budge the scale. He felt old in his young body. It wasn’t until he decided to cut sugar from his diet (and inadvertently lower his carb intake) that he lost 50 lbs. It took him another 7-8 years while biohacking and figuring out his body to lose the other 50.
Since that time and with an innate sense of curiosity, Dave has discovered and created techniques, and keys to taking control of and improving a person’s biochemistry, body and mind so they work in unison, helping one execute at levels far beyond what is expected without burning out, getting sick, or allowing stress to control decisions.
I learned and related to so much of this amazingly educational conversation and I hope you do as well. Dave’s determination and drive to discover more and more about the human body is so inspiring. I’m giddy just thinking about where his work will take us in the years to come.
Happy Listening!
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“I wanted to help a few people who were stuck like I was.”
“My brain changed and I needed new pants.”
“Eat enough food and eat the right kinds of non-inflammatory fats, and when you eat the right foods your cravings should be gone.”
“Low calorie means low energy.”
“You can be lean and look pretty good just from what you put on your plate and it’s not about eating less. It’s about eating the right things so you have enough energy and less cravings and stable hormones and less inflammation in your body.”
“Find out what the bare minimum you can do is – then do that.”
“Stop making so many decisions.”
“Any upgrade in energy = an upgrade in willpower = more energy to improve yourself.”
“Make happy, healthy, strong and powerful mitochondria and they will cause the best genes to be expressed.”
“You are not a slave to your genes.”
“Struggling is different than working hard.”
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Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof and author of New York Times bestseller The Bulletproof Diet, is a Silicon Valley investor and technology entrepreneur who spent two decades and over $1 Million to hack his own biology.
Dave lost 100 pounds without counting calories or excessive exercise, used techniques to upgrade his brain and lift his IQ by 20 points, and lowered his biological age while learning to sleep more efficiently in less time. Dave is the creator of the widely popular Bulletproof Coffee, host of the #1 health podcast, Bulletproof Radio, and author of the New York Times bestselling books, The Bulletproof Diet and Head Strong.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/loriharder/151_Why_Community_Helps_You_Through_Lifes_Transitions_with_Almost_30_Hosts_Linsey_and_Krista.mp3"]
Do you ever wake up and feel like you’ve just experienced spiritual amnesia? You know, when you take classes, listen to podcasts or do something else that lights your soul on fire only to wake up the next morning feeling…not so soulful, barely recognizing who you were the day before.
I’m here to tell you that this is normal. As one of my favorite quotes says:
“Every day is day one.”
It’s one of my favorites because it’s so true. You change on a daily basis and what happened yesterday has no bearing on today. So what made you happy yesterday, doesn’t necessarily make you happy today. And many days you won’t even know who you are…red flag!
“If you’ve forgotten who you are, you may want to reassess.”
Ask yourself, “what’s working for me. What’s not?” Are you continuing to do something because you think you should or because you think you’re going to get a certain result? Sometimes we’re so caught up in what we should do that we forget what we enjoy doing.
To ensure that I stay in this constant state of evaluation and questioning (and happiness), it’s imperative that I pray, meditate and get grateful (this is often only 5-6 minutes a day).
“Do the thing that makes you find peace.”
Get present, become aware and make time for what truly makes you happy – regardless of what’s happening that day (crazy work day, family visiting, running kids all over town). Play your favorite music that helps you get in flow. Drink that favorite cup of coffee even if you only have five minutes to have a few sips in a locked bathroom. ;-) You will find that every little bit helps to make this experience of life just a little more joyful.
What keeps you joyful and in the present?
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Resources:
The Bliss Habit
For more information, visit theblisshabit.com.
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Time to get comfortable, take your pants off (be sure to tune in to get this reference) and get ready to listen as I talk with two best friends (and podcasters), Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams, who you will soon feel like yours too.
With Lindsey originally from the East Coast and Krista from the Midwest, life brought them both out to California by way of New York. They met a couple years ago when a mutual friend suggested that Krista reach out to Lindsey for advice on auditioning for SoulCycle. They immediately clicked and felt that there would be an even bigger connection later on. They were right! Even though Krista didn’t become a SoulCycle instructor, she and Lindsey did create the hilarious and tell-it-like-it-is podcast, Almost 30. During this podcast, they share the life transitions they’re going through in real-time, where they’ve been and what tools they’ve used to help them get there – all while keeping it authentic to who they are and with a lot of laughs. I hope you love listening to these ladies as much as I did and that it encourages you to find those people who get you and allow you to be unapologetically who you are.
“Small decisions and small actions lead to something great.” – Krista
“We must try to be the best versions of ourselves for each transition that comes along.” – Lindsey
“Just because it’s not perfect doesn’t mean I shouldn’t put it out there.” – Lindsey
“There isn’t a better feeling than knowing people accept you for who you are.” – Krista
“I’m most free when I’m not focused on the end result.” – Lindsey
“If you’re wanting what someone else has, then you’re not being grateful for what you have.” – Krista
“The process becomes who you are.” – Lori
“Appreciate your potential and just do it.” – Lindsey
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The Almost 30 Podcast is a weekly podcast filled with interviews and conversation about navigating big changes and transitions in life. It’s more than being almost 30, it’s about equipping yourself with the tools, insights and inspiration to be your best self! We keep it light, we keep it funny, and we keep it real.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Penny for your thoughts? What have you been thinking in the last week or so? List the top three feelings you’ve felt, keeping in mind it could be a combination and vary by the hour! ;) That’s how I’ve felt lately anyway.
“How you feel is how you view the world around you.”
Let’s say you’re happy. When you have a hectic day, you don’t get angry, you choose gratitude and feel blessed to be so busy. If you’re anxious or feeling angry, you can likely guess that ANYTHING will set you off (why are they chew SO LOUDLY?) and things don’t look as rosy.
Emotions don’t just appear; they need our thoughts to fuel them. So if you’re pouring gasoline on a fire, you’re going to get bigger flames or an explosion. Same with your thoughts. If your thoughts are literally raging, your emotion (and actions for that matter) will follow suit.
So how can control this whiplash of emotions on a day-to-day basis? First off, take a minute and reflect: What emotions am I feeling? Then, what are the thoughts that are fueling that emotion? Once you’ve figured that out, INSERT NEW THOUGHT(S).
Recently, I’ve had to use this reframing practice along with a little help from a mastermind friend who steered me in the right direction. I wanted to hold onto that feeling of overwhelm – book, travel, programs etc. – and darn it, I wanted to be validated for it. My lovely friend, Lindsay, wasn’t going to give me an inch though. Instead, she encouraged me to “find presence in the busier schedule.”
“Don’t rob other experiences because of one emotion.”
So since then, I’ve been super mindful of these overwhelming thoughts. And I’ve used a special piece of jewelry to keep me aware and remind me to SLOW DOWN and get in the present when those feelings come creeping back. And I encourage you to do the same.
“Make your world instead of destroying it with your thoughts.”
Is it hard? Heck yes! It does NOT always feel awesome, but we must choose to get out of victim mode. Think the most peaceful, loving thoughts, forgive for the other thoughts and move on.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
I’m so excited for you to listen and get to know green juice junkie (and so much more), Drew Canole. We could have talked for hours! He’s so connected and open with his spirituality that I felt like I was talking to a long-lost friend. Seriously, we’re both from Michigan (now in California), we’re experienced snowmobile drivers and we both take guitar lessons! And our journeys are quite similar as well. Drew had always been into fitness, but after consistently working out two or more hours a day he wasn’t getting the results/body he wanted. He soon realized it was likely the food he was putting into his body (Michigan diet = burgers, pizza and Hamburger Helper).
So it was six and half years ago, after a friend suggested that Drew try a green juice, that he decided to eliminate the junk/processed foods and also drink “copious amounts” of green juice for seven days. Loving the effects, he decided to continue on for 90 days while incorporating intermittent fasting and also documenting his journey on YouTube. He lost 40 pounds! And while his physical appearance was amazing, what’s more is that he FELT so much better. He had more energy, he felt more creative, productive and experienced more clarity in his life. Drew felt in tune with his most authentic self.
“When you get in that flow state, that energy, it radically shifts your viewpoint of every human being.”
After all, when you’re in this state, there’s no time for lack or scarcity – you just see abundance. Realizing that for some, it’s difficult to get to this state, Drew explains that adjusting your nutrition is the perfect hack to reaching this when your mindset hasn’t quite reached this point. He offers the following tips to get started on your own transformation:
Developing certain daily rituals or daily practices are also an important key to your success. It’s what grounds us and keeps us in that state of flow. Personally, I know when my sleep isn’t quality or I’m not moving my body, my creativity and motivation comes to a halt. The same goes for Drew. Below are some of his important morning visualization/meditation practices.
Now, I get it… So often a person doesn’t feel like they have the time to build in such rituals. But we both Drew and I believe you can. If you constantly think you don’t have time, guess what? That’s how it’s always going to feel. Drew himself believes that time is just an illusion. He likes to view all time as “the unfoldment of good.” He likes to frame it as constantly being in a state of bliss – tracking how much good can be done in ONE moment. When you’re in this place, time is no longer a question. Instead it seems to expand exponentially.
“The universe is like water and wants to get out of your way when you know where you’re going.”
When time (and life) is approached this way, people and opportunities are magnetically drawn to you. So take time to focus on the times you feel stress or like you have no time. Take a time out. Breathe in and as Drew suggests, “breathe out with a smile.” Notice how much lighter you feel after.
“Time slows down when you’re living in the moment.”
With this approach, it’s no wonder that Drew has attracted 80+ team members to join his team. Ideal boss alert! He encourages people to explore their spiritual gifts daily whether it’s reading a new book a week as a company or attending his team’s daily 9 a.m. meeting. He also ensures that he’s connected and creating a healthy work environment. When it comes to staying personally grounded and connected, Drew finds writing therapeutic as well as frequent spa treatments (acupuncture, cryo-saunas etc.). But it’s also been about is overall vision for his life. When he began to see that what he does every single day makes a difference, he was able to bring that vision to life. Drew wants everyone to know that a person’s vision for what they want to create in their lives is so huge and it CAN be created.
“It’s the consistent action, every single day, that’s going to be the guiding light in your life.”
How’s that for motivation? What actions could you take to today to make your vision a reality? As always I would love to hear! -- Drew Canole is a rockstar in the world of fitness, nutrition and mindset, with a huge heart for others and doing his part to transform the world, one person at a time. Drew is the founder and CEO of FitLife.TV, an online health and wellness media channel where he shares educational, inspirational and entertaining videos and articles about health, fitness and healing and longevity. He is also the founder of Organifi, an organic line of superfood products that was created to make healthy living easy and accessible on the go. With a community of over 3 million people, he continues to inspire and empower others to live their best life in their healthiest body through delivering daily content online.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Are you happy right NOW in this moment? Or do you have certain contingencies that it hinges on? Are you waiting or relying on someone or something to make you happy? Whether it’s a spouse, best friend, job or goal are you depending on something other than yourself to FINALLY bring you happiness? Here’s where that gets a little tricky…
“Happiness is a choice in each moment.”
We must understand that the “thing” you’re waiting on is NOT going to make you any happier in the long term than you are right now in this moment. And that’s why happiness can be a little sticky at times. If you are relying on anyone other than yourself, your happiness level will average out to be where you are now until you decide to be happy all the time. OK, I’m realistic. I don’t expect you to be happy ALL the time. If something bad happens, feel those feelings, but don’t let them hang around too long. Often it’s as simple as waking up and CHOOSING the mood you’re going to be in. It’s all about adjusting your “default mood.” Sure, there may be some things in your life right now that plain suck. But you know what? That doesn’t mean YOUR LIFE sucks!
“Start becoming really grateful and experiencing deep gratitude for all the little things.”
If you’re looking for the good, you’ll find it. The same goes for the opposite. Instead of looking for what’s missing, look at what you do have. I still have times where I need to remind myself to get in the present and stop blaming others – unfortunately we blame those closest to us first (sorry, Chris!). And this is usually when my daily practices/rituals are off kilter (not meditating, not enough sleep etc.). Most importantly, if you find that you’re relying (blaming) on someone/something to be complete, don’t judge yourself too harshly. Recognize it and forgive quickly – you’re human! So what is it that YOU desire? What could you shift your thoughts to right now and get really grateful for? I promise that when you can step into gratitude and learn lessons along the way, the happiness will follow (and so many other great things).
“Your happiness is what attracts amazing people and things.”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Four years ago, teaching English in Japan, Melyssa Griffin decided to start a blog to connect with more people. She soon realized, however, that this blog was becoming less of a hobby and more of something she felt called to monetize and turn into a career. She left teaching and decided to offer web design services. After a couple of years, she had created a profitable business, but she still felt a touch restless… she still felt the pull to teach and do more with MORE people.
Melyssa decided to return to teaching, but this time in a different realm. She now teaches online workshops and courses to those who want to start their own business. And one of the things she’s most passionate about is managing the online communities that go along with them.
Community has always been an important and intriguing part of Melyssa’s life and I love that she had the opportunity to compare Japanese culture/community with American culture. While she found that Japanese culture, in general, tended to be more reserved (opinions and personalities) there was still a sense of community. It was a concept that wasn’t questioned – it just was. Originally from California, Melyssa found that while the culture varied (more outgoing, more flexibility), there was one universal truth. It became clear one day as she watched a Japanese man and his child play in the park. She noticed that even though she couldn’t understand what they were saying, she could still understand the “conversation” through their body language, intonation and facial expressions. It was a deeper human connection that we ALL have.
“We all have this intimate connection that we all have to each other that has nothing to do with the languages we speak.”
With a focus on this connection and sense of community, Melyssa went on to open and close several businesses – a greeting card shop, a web design shop and blogging. While one could have felt a sense of failure around the ups and downs of these businesses, it was through this process that Melyssa made a huge realization.
“Maybe the fun of it is knowing that it will change in the future and that means you’re still growing and learning new things.”
I couldn’t agree more, and I full-heartedly believe that if you’re not changing, you’re not growing – even if that means failing full force along the way. After all, when things are uncertain you might as well explore new things, am I right? Similarly, Melyssa encourages hopeful entrepreneurs to do the same.
“Move in the direction of what feels good. Don’t overanalyze it. Don’t try to calculate it. If something stops feeling good and you know that something is going to feel better, do that and start moving in that direction.”
Melyssa hasn’t always had such a great relationship with failure. Like many, she was raised to believe that she needed to be successful and wealthy. And admittedly, those are ALL great things, but it also implied that failure wasn’t an option. Today, she’s undone most of these beliefs, but she often has to consciously spin the negatives into a positive light.
“Failure is either going to lead you in a direction to something you will enjoy or that will turn out well, or you’re going to learn something massive from that failure and that will lead to something else that’s going to be that next step for you.”
So this is all good and great, but now you may be wondering how you actually even begin to turn your passion into a career you love? For many, there’s the common excuse of not having enough time. While both Melyssa and I agree that this is often the case, we also know that there are tiny spaces of time and small sacrifices you can make to just start. Melyssa suggests to start super small, but get super clear on how and who you want to serve. From there, begin by sharing your knowledge for free. This can lead to collaborations with other entrepreneurs – and you’ll be getting your stuff out there! More tips on getting your business out there
“The more you can have your audience know you, the more you’re able to grow your business and affect people.”
One tip from Melyssa… Don’t get bogged down with the thought that it’s all been done before. Yes, it probably has, but not by YOU! When people follow you, they’ll LOVE all facets of who you are. And they’ll love your story and where you’re coming from.
“We need more voices because we need people who can deeply connect to each type of person out there.”
Of course, you’ll always have those that don’t resonate with you, but guess what? It’s OK! They’ll just find someone else who does, and you will allow room for another to follow you. But what if you get someone who just can’t keep their thoughts or dislike for your message to themselves? Although difficult and sometimes hurtful, Melyssa suggests taking a day to process what’s been said if you need to while keeping the following thought in mind:
“Happy, secure people don’t go out of their way to hurt other people.”
With this in mind, assume that all people are good. That way when you’re ready, you can respond in the most loving way possible without judgment or anger. I love that Melyssa stresses the importance of coming from a place of love and community in all that you do. If your intent is to create a business that can grow, be sure to focus on Melyssa’s three Cs – Connection, Content and Collaboration. Focus on who you can serve and what valuable content you can provide and the community will follow. -- Melyssa Griffin teaches online courses and live workshops for entrepreneurs and bloggers who want to turn their after-work hobbies into full-time businesses. A few of her specialties include list-building, webinars, using Pinterest to get organic traffic, and content marketing. She also leads an active Facebook group of 60,000 members and helps almost 150,000 entrepreneurs with her weekly emails. But most importantly, she's the mom to one wacky corgi, an expert at laughing, and a green smoothie aficionado.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/loriharder/145_Social_Media_Strategies_with_an_Accidental_Entreprenuer_Jasmine_Star.mp3"]