DREAM THINK DO I Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

Mitch interviews Neighbors Apparel Founder - Tessa Reeves. In the interview, they discuss how Tessa had thought she scored her dream job in New York City. But in a short time, she figured out it was a bad fit and she had to start all over. So through a series of experiments, she was able to uncover a career that she was passionate about. And to Tessa’s surprise… it was right in her backyard. Listen To The Podcast:                           What happens when the job you think will be your dream job… turns out to be a bad fit?   That’s what happened with my DREAM THINK DO podcast guest, Tessa Reeves. She scored her dream position with Vogue Magazine in New York City.   But within weeks, she started to realize that it wasn’t what she thought.   So… she quit. She started over. She started from scratch to find a “great fit” career. After a series of intentional experiments… she found it.   Surprisingly… it was in her own backyard. Here's a video interview with Tessa too from when we brought the BIG Dream Gathering to Kent State University: If you’ve ever found yourself in a “bad fit” job, you’re going to want to hear Tessa’s story.   Plus, you’re going to want to hear the specific steps she took to launch a career she now loves. Enjoy and interview and be sure to comment below on something that stood out to you from Tessa’s story.  I’d love to hear from YOU! Mitch TESSA’s CONTACT INFO: WEBSITE: http://www.neighborsapparel.com Here are the show notes from today’s DREAM THINK DO Episode:   Summary Sometimes that great job or career you always imagined is truly perfect. For someone else, that is. Not for you. When that happens, do you keep trying, hoping that one day you will settle into this awkward, new space, or do you go in search of something that fits not only your creative heart, but your spirit as well? Tessa Reeves found herself in this situation and decided to pivot and find meaningful work that encompassed all of who she is. This Kent State grad shares the story of moving from her parents’ Akron, Ohio home to New York City for a glamorous job at Vogue Magazine, and moving back home to find that her perfect fit was unexpectedly right in her own backyard.     Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Reeves’ backstory. [04:03] What happened at Vogue Magazine? [07:02] That gut feeling that won’t go away. [11:00] Wearing different hats and trying to find a good fit. [16:25] Running away from a fashion career, but not fast enough. [19:05] Reeves is in over her head, but Neighbors Apparel begins to take shape. [21:50] Everything's a learning curve when you are new to management. [24:20] Business forced Reeves to be courageous, and she earned confidence with each step. [28:01] Words of wisdom for someone just starting out. [30:41] New ideas and plans for expansion. [36:16] Contact Information for Tessa Reeves and Neighbors Apparel. Tessa Reeves: Finding Fulfillment, Meaning, and Passion New York City Dreaming Tessa Reeves has always been a big dreamer, and one of her longest-held dreams was to work in the New York City fashion industry. Before she even finished her final year at college, she landed an internship with Vogue Magazine and moved from Akron to New York City. The first week, everything was new and she felt both nervous and excited. But after a couple of weeks, everything seemed mundane. No one seemed enthusiastic about what they were doing, and they worked excessively long hours. Reeves began to see it as working for materialism and celebrity, with no substance behind it. “What am I really doing here, or giving my life to,” she asked herself, “if this is the kind of career I’m starting?” Certain she was in the wrong place, within three weeks Reeves resigned, and returned home to Akron. What’s Next? “Everyone in my life was cheering me on from afar, and I was apprehensive to tell people that I quit.

Mitch interviews Robert Dickie, author of Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career.     If you’ve had the inkling that there might be a change on the horizon for you and your career, you’re going to want to listen to this interview. My guest on the DREAM THINK DO podcast is Robert Dickie.   We talk about his newest book, “Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career.” You know I LOVE this subject… and we dive deep into specific strategies you can use to get clear and find more of the work that you were created to do. Listen To The Podcast:                         Robert Dickie was a decorated Air Force officer and a successful executive, but then he found himself in a “bad fit” job.  He needed to change.  He needed to be intentional about it.  He started to experiment.   That lead him to work that is fulfilling, rewarding and profitable.    Over the past few years, Robert has started to teach others these strategies and people have benefited from them too.  They have used them to redesign their careers and/or find entirely new ones that we’re a better fit! So, I wanted to bring him on the show so we could share some of these concepts with you! If you’ve been thinking that you might need a change... listen in for some real world strategies that will help! Plus, I’d love to hear from you!  What’s a story or a strategy that stands out to you?  Leave a comment and let me know. In the meantime, keep bringing your awesome,   Mitch IMPORTANT LINKS: Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career Robert’s website:  http://robertdickie.com/ Here are the show notes... Summary You can’t underestimate the importance of not just settling for a job, but finding your best and most fulfilling work. Robert Dickie, author of Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career had a career that was anything but linear. He was a decorated air force officer, an executive for hire, and now, with Crown Financial Ministries, he helps people in over one hundred countries. Time-Stamped Show Notes [03:22] Introduction of Robert Dickie and his book, Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career. [05:02] Discussing Career Pivots, how he has used them, and how you can use them too. [10:05] Why facing your fears and adding new skills are crucial to your success. [15:40] Examining the Four Career Quadrants, from Dickie’s latest book. [22:10] Crafting your plan, and who can help. [28:09] How to approach your boss for a win/win situation where you will both benefit. [37:15] Strategies to reinvent yourself and take advantage of the newest high-growth industries. [44:30] What that gnawing feeling in your gut really is, and how to cure it. [47:07] Reach out to Robert Dickie, read his blog, and pick up a copy of his latest book. Robert Dickie and the Reinvented Career A Non-Linear Career In his newest book, Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career, Robert Dickie explores how you can find your best and most fulfilling work. He was a decorated Air Force officer, an executive for hire, author, coach, mentor, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. Now, with Crown Financial Ministries, he is privileged to help people in over one hundred countries around the world. Dickie is married and lives with his wife, six children, and two dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Two Signs That It Is Time for a Pivot in Your Career Dickie has implemented pivots on his career path. The first was when he terminated a successful military career. In late 2000, he left his job as CEO in Flint, Michigan. He felt stagnant in his career, and knew he had to take a radical leap. In that pivot, he launched a start-up, and people thought he was crazy for leaving such a successful career. But others who had gone before him helped him craft a plan of intentional design which ...

Recognized social media and branding expert, Drew McLellan talks with Mitch Matthews about the secrets of growing your influence, audience, and impact. One of the most common questions we hear from DREAM THINK DO Listeners is: “I’ve got an important message.   How can I reach more people and have more of an impact?”   Today… if you want to influence people, grow your audience and make more of an impact… you need to understand social media. On this episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch interviews Drew McLellan about this very topic! Listen To The Podcast:                         McLellan has been on AdAge’s Top 150 list since it started and The Wall Street Journal calls him one of the “top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read.” During their conversation, Mitch and Drew talk about: Advice for growing your audience whether you’re starting with 1 or 100,000 followers How to attract followers to your website and give them a reason to stay The key thing to avoid if you want to grow your influence Tips that any entrepreneur can use to create useful content. Whether you have a product, service, book or big idea… you can learn from Drew and his practical strategies and start to apply them immediately! Which of his ideas stood out to you?   Leave a comment.  We’d love to hear from YOU!   HERE’s some show notes from today’s show.  Enjoy -------------   Summary One of the top requests Mitch Matthews receives is for information on social media for entrepreneurs. Everyone with a website, product, or blog needs to know how best to use it to reach their target market. Recognized expert Drew McLellan of The McLellan Marketing Group and The Agency Management Institute has some advice on this topic. Starting his network blog in 2006, McLellan has been on AdAge’s Top 150 list ever since, while The Wall Street Journal calls him one of the “top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read.” Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Introduction to social media for entrepreneurs and expert, Drew McLellan. [06:07] McLellan discusses the pleasure of spending time with the people and things that matter the most. [11:01] Advice for growing an audience on social media. [18:45] Is social media an appropriate place to share your political opinions? [22:55] How to attract followers to your website and give them a reason to stay. [28:09] If you are desperate for a sale, your followers will sense that. Play hard to get and they will want you even more. [35:08] Tips that any entrepreneur can use to create useful content. [42:10] Don’t undervalue your ideas; people need the information you have. Drew McLellan and the Art of Leveraging Social Media One of the most-asked questions from entrepreneurs is, How can I use social media to enhance my customer base? Drew McLellan, who has been in advertising for more than twenty-five years, founded The McLellan Marketing Group in 1995, and also operates The Agency Management Institute, offering management training, consulting, and peer networking to his clients. In addition to his own network blog, he writes for Entrepreneur Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, Business Week, and others. The Wall Street Journal lists him as one of the “top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read.” The Spoils of Hard Work McLellan works with agencies and clients across the country. He has worked long hours and devoted himself to growing his businesses. As a result, he says it is wonderful “getting to do what you love, serving the people that you love, in places that you love. It doesn’t get any better than that. But, I’m fifty-four years old,” McLellan says. “This didn’t happen overnight.” He has a twenty-three-year-old daughter working on her Master’s degree, and they set goals to visit a different continent together every year. He was able to free up the time to care for his mother,

Lindsay Palmer has made it a habit to create opportunities where none seem to exist. She did this throughout college and it got her a dream mentor and a position with the Pittsburgh Steelers. She did it after college to land her dream job. In this interview, Lindsay talks with Mitch about the strategies you can use to create opportunities and live more of the life you want to live. Listen To The Podcast:                         In college, she couldn’t find an internship matching with her passions, so she created one.That’s right.She created her own internship. (That effort helped her to eventually land a coveted position with the Pittsburgh Steelers.) She couldn’t find a mentor locally, so she searched the country for people who were the best of the best in her chosen field.She reached out.She connected. Those efforts enabled Lindsay to meet with one of the industry’s top leaders and then be invited to fly across the country to attend a series of events as her new mentor’s special guest. Her “dream job” didn’t exist right out of college, so she worked a “side-hustle” to build up her skills and make some extra money. Now… just a few years later… she’s in her dream job.And, I’m wildly blessed to say… that it’s with me and the team behind the BIG Dream Gathering. I wanted to bring Lindsay on DREAM THINK DO, because she has some great stories and some powerful insights to share when it comes to creating opportunities… especially when none seem to exist. If you’ve ever felt a little stuck... If you’ve ever needed to make a change, but you just weren’t sure where to start… I think you’re going to love this interview. Oh and let me know what stood out to you from Lindsay’s story.Leave a comment below.I’d love to hear from YOU! Enjoy. Mitch   FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG DREAM GATHERING: Lindsay and I talked about working together on the BIG Dream Gathering. Click here to find out more about these inspiring, powerful and fun events. Here’s a Podcast Summary for those who enjoy those types of things: Summary Did you ever wonder why attendees of the Big Dream Gatherings rave about the experience? The idea behind the gatherings and the Dream Think Do podcasts is to help people connect with their dreams and live their best lives. In 2011, host Mitch Matthews met a Duquesne student Lindsay Palmer at one of his Big Dream Gatherings. This is her story, which she shares candidly, with humor and passion, just like she lives her life. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Mitch Matthews talks about recent podcasts on Higher Purpose and why this one falls into the same series. [05:40] Introduction of Lindsay Palmer, who attended her first Big Dream Gathering when she was still a student at Duquesne University, and her light-bulb moment that changed the course of her life. [10:21] The Big Dream Gathering opened doors for Palmer, who was happy to run right through them in pursuit of her dream. She wanted to share what she got from the gathering with fellow students and arranged for Mitch Matthews to speak at her school. [15:15] What happened when Palmer found someone in Florida who was walking out her big dream as an event planner [16:30] Mitch Matthews’ definition of what a Dream Job is, and is not. [20:48] How “bridge jobs” and side hustles helped Palmer, and many others like her, pave the way to their dream job. [26:25] Through school, Palmer worked side jobs, convinced that they would help her get to her dream job sooner. Her peers thought she was overdoing it, but she was on a mission. [29:25] The payoff, and the joy of giving back. [32:45] Words of Wisdom for someone listening to the podcast from their dorm, their car, or their cubicle. Your Dream Job and What a Big Dream Gathering Can Do When Mitch Matthews met Lindsay Palmer at a Big Dream Gathering in 2011, he had no idea that their paths would cross repeatedly over the next few years.

Lise Cartwright is the “Queen of the Side Hustle.”  She created her dream job and has helped countless others do the same through her 24 best selling books.  Listen in to Lise’s story and get practical strategies so you can do the same! Listen To The Podcast:                         Have you ever been curious about trying something different as a career… but you just weren’t sure how to start… or if you even should? That’s where Lise Cartwright found herself a few years ago. She was in a job that wasn’t fulfilling.  A little part of her was dying every day.  She knew there had to be better for her.  BUT… she wasn’t in a place where she could just quit and start all over. Instead, she launched a side hustle. That is… she started to experiment with different kinds of work on her own time.   Writing. Organizing. Planning. All the stuff she loved. But now she was doing it for other people.  And she was getting paid. Things started to take off and she quit her “bad fit” job.  Now, she’s doing work that she enjoys… while getting paid well to do it.  It’s not easy… but it sure is satisfying. I love Lise’s story.  How about you?  What’s something that stood out to you from the ideas that Lise shared?   I’d love to hear from YOU!  Leave a comment and let me know. LISE’S CONTACT INFO: Cartwright has many bestselling books, including the popular Side Hustle Blueprint: How to Make an Extra $1,000 in 30 Days Without Leaving Your Day Job, all of which are available on Amazon. As well, she offers business-building courses and workshops, The 7 Day Challenge, and some useful freebies on her website, Hustle and Groove.  HERE ARE SOME SHOW NOTES IF YOU’RE INTO THAT SORT OF THING:   Summary When New Zealand's Lise Cartwright first appeared on the Dream Think Do podcast in March of 2015, she was a successful indie author with six Amazon bestsellers to her credit. Impressive, right? Now she returns as a guest less than two years later, and that bestseller number has grown to twenty-four. How does she do it? That is exactly what she shares with readers and followers in her books and courses. Known as “the queen of the side hustle,” Cartwright has built a highly successful business helping ordinary people turn their side passions or sidelines into full-time careers. She does this through coaching on her websites, in her books and audiobooks, through courses and workshops, and on her blog. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00]  Introduction to Lise Cartwright, bestselling author and success coach from Auckland, New Zealand [02:06]  Cartwright has been busy creating the exciting new course to go along with The Side Hustle [05:20]  Definition of the side hustle [07:00]  How Cartwright began her own side hustle and why [09:58]  With no background in writing and no experience, Cartwright became a relative expert, working in her spare time and on weekends [14:30]  The Side Hustle Blueprint series is born with titles such as How To Make an Extra $1,000 in 30 Days Without Leaving Your Day Job [18:09]  Revamping and updating her series to keep pace with changes in the industry, Cartwright works to make sure her information is cutting edge [21:25]  Cartwright shows that she can help the artist or artisan who wants to market her products online, by helping her find her market and client base [30:00]  The steps Cartwright reveals for an artist growing their business are the same steps you will need to build any type of online business [31:45]  Contact information and social media presence   The Side Hustle Queen of the side hustle, Lise Cartwright from Auckland, New Zealand, teaches others how to create this in their own lives because she successfully did it in her own. She defines the side hustle as "something you can do in your spare time, which is neither time nor financially intensive." Most of Cartwright's prior business life was spent in jobs where she w...

A few years ago, my DREAM THINK DO guest, Tom Pietras, asked himself a simple but profound question: “What would I regret if I got run over by a beer truck on the way home from work?“ (Hey… he lives in Madison, Wisconsin… so it’s not a crazy question!)  His answer (and his next steps) changed everything for the better. Listen To The Podcast:                         By all outward appearances, Tom had everything going for him. He was a successful executive doing challenging work he enjoyed. Plus, he had a happy marriage and was surrounded by some great friends. What more could a guy want? Here’s the thing. When he answered his “beer truck” question, he got hit with a surprise. The surprise… was that he wanted to dig back into a former passion. Music. Drumming to be more specific. He had drummed as a kid.  His dad had taught him.  He was good too.  But then a disagreement made him put down the sticks. They stayed down… for 29 years! But the “beer truck” question and a chance encounter at a dinner party changed everything… for the better. During our convo, we dig into Tom’s story but we also talk through some of the specific strategies he used to set a new course for his life and career. It hasn’t been easy… but the journey has been amazing. Whether you’re 25 or 75… or somewhere in between…  I think you’ll be inspired and equipped by hearing from Tom. I loved this convo.  I hope you do too! If so, what’s something from Tom’s story that stood out to you?  What’s something you could apply? Comment below and let me know. I’d love to hear from you! CONTACT INFO: Also, here’s how you can find out more about Tom and his band, CD, Know My Name by The Ryan McGrath Band is available on Amazon or iTunes. Website: The Ryan McGrath Band for concert and tour dates. Like them on Facebook for updates and information.     FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG DREAM GATHERING: Mitch and Tom also talked about working together on Mitch's BIG Dream Gatherings around the country. Click here to find out more about these inspiring, powerful and fun events. Here are the show notes if you're interested in those kinds of things: Summary Even with a successful career and a happy marriage, there can still be something missing in life. The choice then is whether to keep pushing the feelings away or to open yourself up to your long-buried passions. Tom Pietras, a successful executive at American Family Insurance, faced such a choice. He found his answer when he asked himself one question, What would I regret if I got hit by a beer truck on the way home? The answer opened up a new world to him. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] The second in Mitch Matthews’ new series of three podcasts featuring three very diverse Dream Think Doers, at different points in their lives, who recognized the need to make a change to live more authentically. Introduction of Tom Pietras. [02:48] As a successful leader at American Family Insurance, Pietras had a fulfilling and enviable career. At forty-three he went through “somewhat of a midlife crisis” that led to fulfilling a long-buried passion to pursue drumming. [09:20] How a chance encounter at a dinner function turned into an incredible opportunity. [15:40] Finding a public forum where he could perform every week. [22:30] The Ryan McGrath Band cut their first album, Know My Name, available on Amazon and iTunes. [27:40] Success did not come overnight, but every step along the way, Pietras was planning, setting goals, and moving forward. [32:30] Pietras asked both his wife and employer for their support in pursuing his dream. [40:00] Words of Wisdom: Proceed as if Success Is Inevitable. Envision success. Dream Think Do – Tom Pietras Midlife Crisis When you’re going through a midlife crisis and you live in Madison, Wisconsin, asking yourself, What would I regret if I got run over by a beer truck on the way home fr...

Jake Heilbrunn is the author of “Off the Beaten Trail.”  It's the story of what he learned by going on a backpacking trip throughout Central America by himself with no phone or knowledge of Spanish. Listen To The Podcast:                           His book is a memoir.   I like memoirs.   Especially from people who have lived long and interesting lives. Jake is 19.  He hasn’t been on the planet for very long. But as Indiana Jones once said, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.” Jake's got a story to tell. Especially because at 18… Jake decided to leave the life he was used to… and go on a solo backpacking trip through Central America with no phone OR knowledge of Spanish. We’re going to talk to him about that trip… and some of the things he learned from the experience. Jake’s been rocking it since his return.  In addition to his new book, he’s also been featured in Psychology Today, ThoughtCatalog.com, and The San Diego Union-Tribune to name a few. He’s living the DREAM THINK DO life… so I wanted to have him on.  Listen in because Jake has some wisdom to share that’s way beyond his years! I’d love to hear what stood out to you about Jake’s story. Leave a comment and let me know. Jake's Contact Information: Off the Beaten Trail by Jake Heilbrunn is available on Amazon. Website: www.jakeheilbrunn.com. Now, here’s some show notes for those who enjoy that kind of thing: Summary What could happen if you dared to follow your heart and make a major change in your life? What if that action taking your life in a whole new direction? Nineteen-year-old Dream Think Doer Jake Heilbrunn focuses on these questions. He’s written about his adventures in Off the Beaten Trail and is a sought-after speaker at high schools and universities across the country. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] The first of three podcasts featuring three very diverse Dream Think Doers, at different points in their lives, who recognize the need to make a change to live more authentically. [05:00] Off the Beaten Trail is a memoir written by Jake Heilbrunn, covering his solo-backpacking trip through South America with no phone and no knowledge of the Spanish language. [07:00] An outbreak of hives and overwhelming anxiety made Heilbrunn question his life direction, and consider how he might make some changes. [10:46] Volunteer work in Guatemala was a brave choice, but it turned out that by following his gut feelings, Heilbrunn found a new way of being. [18:02] The contrasts between life in Guatemala and life in the U.S. brought Heilbrunn a new understanding of the world and the choices we make. [23:00] Heilbrunn finds inner power from his experience. He learned not to be afraid to put himself out there, and not to wait for someone to give him permission to live the life he dreamed of. [29:15] How a college career counselor changed his life by asking him two questions: What is the worst thing that could happen and what is the best thing that could happen. Dream Think Do – Jake Heilbrunn Off the Beaten Trail is a memoir of sorts, written by Jake Heilbrunn, covering his solo-backpacking trip through South America with no phone and no knowledge of the Spanish language. Memoirs often bring to mind work written by a person after reaching a seasoned age, but at nineteen, Jake already has some pretty incredible stories to tell, not just of his adventures, but of how he allowed the experiences to change his life. A Rough Start at College Heilbrunn’s problems started in earnest three days after he left his home and family in San Diego to attend an out-of-state college where he knew no one. He broke out in hives and was pretty much plagued by them every day for the first semester. Doctors prescribed pills and creams, but nothing seemed to work, and they couldn’t identify the source of his problem. If that wasn’t enough, he also began manifesting signs of excessive anxiety.

Goal Setting is a perfect topic for the ending of one year and the beginning of another. Keynote speaker, bestselling author, mentor, and success coach, Mitch Matthews deals with this subject with insight, humor and intelligence. Receive a Free Action Guide download to help with the process by texting “dreamthinkdo” to 44222. Listen To The Podcast:                         So... what are some of YOUR "Purpose-Driven Goals?"   I'd love to hear from YOU!   Leave a comment and let me know some of your Purpose-Driven Goals for the year. Either that or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter: @mitchmatthews.     Oh... and don't forget to grab the free download.  It's pretty.  :)  And it'll help you with the process!   Now... let's get to work.       Here are the show notes if you're into that kind of thing...  (They're written by a team member.  So... here we go into third person.)  Enjoy! Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] How goals can be buried on the shelf before they are ever undertaken and how to stay on track. [02:25] Goals can help you gain focus, excitement, anticipation and energy. Matthews explores what you were put on the planet to do and purpose-driven goal setting. Text dreamthinkdo to 44222 to get the graphic goal planner that will guide you through the process. [07:00] When it comes to higher purpose, Matthews recommends the book, The One Thing. “I think if we get clear on the bigger things,” he says, “the smaller things become easier.” [14:15] How to tell if you are living your higher purpose. Clues that life gives you by your activities and how they make you feel. [16:07] Why the phrase, “exceedingly abundant life” means so much to Matthews, and why he incorporated it into his professional higher purpose goal. [18:18] Matthews poses the question, “What might your higher purpose be?” He believes that knowing your purpose leads to figuring out your higher goal, which leaves you energized and focused. [21:36] If talk of higher purpose makes your head spin, Matthews suggests another way to break it down. Instead of starting with your higher purpose, just start with the fundamentals. [24:12] The roots of your tree are made up of your core beliefs, what you truly believe. One of Matthews’ favorite speakers and teachers is Gary V., who lives true to his core values and messaging. [29:29] What are some roots to your higher goal? If your roots are taken care of, your tree will stand strong in the storms of life. [30:00] Your branches are the offshoots of your higher goal or purpose. Matthews promises that if you get clear on these concepts that “the goals will come pouring out of you.” [37:27] How to fuel your higher purpose. It is different for everyone. What is right for you? He would like to hear from you about how you do it. Get in touch. [43:00] Matthews unveils some of his professional goals for 2017. [45:22] What are some of your specific goals for the upcoming year? They may relate to your job, finances, relationships, health, travel, or fun. Whatever they are, make sure they connect with your higher purpose in some way. Deep Dive with Mitch Matthews: Goal Setting With the New Year looming, Matthews tackles the tough subject of goal setting. Some approach this subject with trepidation because it’s much easier to fail than it is to follow through. “We set goals, even write them down,” says Matthews, “and then they get buried on our desk, or get put on a shelf, and they just get dusty.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Proper goal setting “can help you gain focus, excitement, and even energy,” promises Matthews. It is doable, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. “If you’re a long-time Dream Think Doer, you’re not looking for easy, you’re looking for good, you’re looking for solid, you’re looking for something that allows you to do more of what you were put on this planet to do, and that’s what we’re going to go after today,

Internationally recognized financial expert Adam Carroll was on the show a few years back, but now he’s just released his latest book, The Money Savvy Student. With that in mind it was time to check in with him again and find out what is happening with his career and what drives his popularity. His previously successful books, Winning the Money Game, and 30 Days to 1K, are still selling well and the new one is expected to enjoy the same kind of success. As well, he’s recently released a long awaited documentary, Broke, Busted, and Disgusted, to be broadcast by CNBC. Listen To The Podcast:                         Time-Stamped Show Notes [01:10] Intro and background [05:05] Carroll’s worst financial decision. How he learned from that mistake, revamped his strategies & teaches others. [08:30] Common-sense post-holiday strategies for recovery from over-spending and starting the new year off right. [13:01] Raising money savvy kids and promoting “financial literacy.” [15:15] The power of knowing your numbers. [20:00] Simple strategies for simplifies and earning extra cash. [23:06] How an assignment from a teacher in Texas changed everything. [26:45] A story that inspired Adam (and thousands since). [31:05] Carroll thoughts on eradicating overwhelming student debt. Adam Carroll: Know Your Numbers After the holiday spending most people realize they have overspent and that it is time for some belt-tightening and penny-pinching. The realization that they have plenty of debt makes them remorseful and tight-fisted. But financial expert Adam Carroll cautions about being too quick to zip up your wallet. “I want you to buy one more thing before you pull in the reins,” advises Carroll. “I want you to spend seventy-nine cents on a spiral-bound notebook and write down everything you spend on a daily basis, whether it’s $1.19 for a pack of gum or $1.89 for a soda.” Carroll believes that most of us tend to spend much more than we estimate. The act of writing in the notebook is geared towards bringing your spending into consciousness, because most people do it unconsciously. Know what is coming in, and know what is going out. Post-Holiday Purging There is a tendency to overindulge over the holidays not just with food, but with gifts, giving as well as receiving. “Your house seems like it got smaller because of all your new stuff,” jokes Carroll. In the Carroll household, they use January and February to purge what they no longer want or need, by donating or selling unnecessary items. Craigslist could become your best friend during this period. In his book, 30 Days to 1K, Carroll walks through the steps and shows how it can pay off. If you read just one chapter a day for 30 days, you will finish the book in a month, you’ll be rid of a lot of unnecessary items, and you’ll have money to show for it. The Money-Savvy Student The Money Savvy Student was mostly written for high school and college kids. Carroll spends a great deal of time talking to assemblies in schools, enlightening teens and young adults about how they can take control of their financial future and avoid paying off student debt for decades. A teacher in Texas gave students an assignment to write down every article of clothing they were wearing and assign a price to it. Then, every bit of food they would eat that day, and assign a price. Those numbers were to be multiplied by seven days of the week, and then by fifty-two weeks for the year. He then reminded them that was just the bare bones of survival. They still had to add in glasses, braces, sports equipment, cell phones, surgeries, extra-curricular activities, etc. When one of the students asked why he gave them that assignment, he replied, “So you will know how expensive you are.” It is estimated, Carroll says, that it costs about $250,000 to $300,000 to raise a child to the age of eighteen. Apparently some of the students took the assignment to heart and had a change of att...

Mitch Matthews dives into his three favorite strategies for your best holiday season ever. Each strategy is posed in the form of a question that only YOU can answer. By using these strategies in your own life, you will be able to experience this holiday season with more joy, peace, and fun. Listen To The Podcast:                         Time Stamped Show Notes [03:20] The first strategy and the story behind it (I get personal… so get ready) [12:19] Some science behind the power of gratitude [18:15] Second strategy (This one will help you to stay present) [22:50] An accountability tool you can use to stay in the moment [26:24] Third strategy - This will help you to replace worry with something better [32:30] We’ll talk about a recent “experiment” that helped me to overcome the “worry ninjas” that can sneak into the holidays   Question #1 - What Can I Be Grateful for in This Moment? The first to admit that the holidays can sometimes be tough, Matthews remembers one from six years ago. He was struggling with his business and money was in short supply. Pulling his pickup into the Target parking lot, his intent was finding gifts for the family. He and his wife had already discussed postponing gifts for each other until after the holidays, but he still needed to buy for the family. As he swept through the doors, Christmas carols were playing, and cheery holiday decorations adorned the store. He wanted more than anything to be able to provide for his family, give great gifts, and make it a magical season. Instead, all he felt was a heavy sadness. He couldn’t bear it. Turning around, he headed back through the doors, straight to his truck. As he watched shoppers emerge from the store, their faces reflected joy or worry. Only one word described how he felt: broken. Not wanting to let his family down, he had to do some speedy inner coaching to get his thinking straight. He knew right away what to do. He asked himself one of his favorite questions: “What can I be grateful for in this moment?” He wasn’t feeling much gratitude, so he started with something basic. “One of the simplest things was the truck I was sitting in,” he recalls. “It was warm, it was running, and had gas in the tank.” He realized that he and his family had their health, and a few gifts to give. Absolutely nothing had changed except his attitude and yet he drove off feeling so much better. “There is actually some science behind this question,” says Matthews. A study was done with a group of acknowledged worriers. They were split into two groups, and blood tests were done to measure serotonin and dopamine levels to establish a baseline. There was no medication involved, but the “treatment group” was asked to write down two or three things every day, think about them, and feel gratitude for them. After one month their serotonin and dopamine levels increased, and they reported feeling happier, less depressed, more creative, and sleeping better. Tests were done monthly for six months. After that, they were advised to stop the “treatment”. A month later they tested their blood one more time. The levels remained improved. The control group remained as they began, with no improvement in serotonin or dopamine levels. Researchers concluded that the treatment group had retrained their brains to look at the world differently. Question #2 - What Is Something I Don’t Want to Miss? This time of year is hectic. There are so many commitments, gatherings, parties, and extra social events that it is easy to miss some things. You can even be present for an event, but miss it. Matthews says, “You can be there, boots on the ground and still miss something.” Matthews confesses he is a recovering perfectionist, trying to make every Christmas for his family look like a “Hallmark movie.” For him, the best part of the holiday season is Christmas Eve at home with his wife and children. That is top on his list of “I don’t want to miss.