Start with Small Steps

The discussion dives deep into the paradox of comfort, revealing how the quest for security can trap us in predictability. The host shares personal anecdotes of chaos turning into a controlled life and highlights the anxiety that change can trigger, even when it’s positive. Inspired by the concept of 'maybe,' the conversation emphasizes how this simple word can unlock new possibilities and encourage growth. Listeners are urged to rethink their addiction to certainty, allowing for a more expansive and fulfilling life.

Feel Better in Five: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference In this episode, we’re revisiting the powerful teachings from Feel Better in Five by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. It’s a book that has resonated deeply because of its practical, compassionate approach to health. Instead of aiming for massive lifestyle overhauls, Chatterjee introduces a system of five-minute “health snacks”—simple, actionable steps that make caring for your mind, body, and heart accessible to everyone. The Health Snack PhilosophyWe break down the core concept of health snacks—tiny five-minute actions designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost energy. These aren't big changes, but they’re consistent, achievable steps that can truly shift your well-being over time.Three Pillars of Well-Being: Mind, Body, HeartThis episode explores how wellness isn’t just about physical fitness. We look at how small practices—like deep breathing, stretching, or emotional check-ins—can rejuvenate not just the body, but also your mental clarity and emotional resilience.Health Recipes and CustomizationDr. Chatterjee’s idea of “recipes” that combine mind, body, and heart actions is a game-changer. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, low energy, or back pain, pairing specific actions together creates powerful results. And you’re encouraged to create your own.Practical Applications in Daily LifeFrom watching calming nature videos to going for quick walks, we talk about real-life examples of how these tiny practices can become sustainable habits. The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present and intentional.Takeaways:This episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself doesn’t require a gym membership or a full-day retreat. It can start with five mindful minutes. By embracing small actions and dropping perfectionism, you build momentum and confidence in your ability to support your health.You’ll come away with ideas for crafting your own personal “health snack” routine, recognizing patterns in your day when a quick mental, physical, or emotional reset can make a real difference. This isn’t about doing everything right—it’s about doing something kind for yourself, every day. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/transforming-your-life-one-health-snack-at-a-time/ Jill’s Linkshttps://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallstepshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallstepshttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

RESTART: How to Reignite Momentum When You've Lost Your NerveIn this episode, we explore a very real and universal experience—losing steam on a project, a goal, or a dream. Whether it’s due to fear, exhaustion, confusion, or just plain overwhelm, everyone has hit that point where moving forward feels impossible. But the good news? You can restart. And often, it just takes one tiny step.I unpack the RESTART framework—an empowering, practical strategy to help you reignite your spark and build momentum again. From managing friction to overcoming fear, we talk about the small actions that lead to big changes. Why Momentum Fades:We explore the psychology behind lost momentum—why motivation disappears and how friction, fear, and confusion contribute to project paralysis.The RESTART Framework:Each letter of RESTART offers a practical strategy. We discuss removing shame, identifying friction, and starting with the smallest possible steps to build back energy.Fear and the Brain:Fear isn’t just psychological—it’s biological. Learn how your nervous system responds to pressure and why creativity shuts down when fear kicks in.Real Life Example – The Patio Story:I share a personal story about building a patio—how excitement turned into fear, and how micro-steps helped me finish. This illustrates that even big wins start small.Tools for Courage:We explore how to shrink big fears into manageable steps, how to build courage like a muscle, and how to normalize fear as a signal of meaningful work.Takeaways:Momentum doesn’t die—it erodes. But action rebuilds it. Shame, fear, and perfectionism often pose as valid reasons to stop, but they’re just signs that something matters. Starting small, building in rewards, adjusting expectations, and getting accountability can create powerful forward movement.Remember: You’re not behind, you’re between chapters. Restarting isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And courage isn’t a trait you’re born with—it’s something you can grow. Today might be your day to light the match and begin again. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/how-to-restart-when-youve-lost-momentum-lessons-on-courage-fear-and-small-steps/ Jill’s Linkshttps://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallstepshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallstepshttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Explore the powerful role of rest as a crucial ally in productivity rather than a setback. Discover seven distinct types of rest that rejuvenate various aspects of life, from physical and emotional to creative and spiritual. Learn about the 90-minute work cycles backed by neuroscience and how simple breaks can enhance clarity and creativity. Delve into spiritual traditions of rest and practical tips like digital Sabbaths and short resets. Ultimately, understand that intentional rest reconnects you with joy and purpose, proving it's essential for a balanced life.

From Chaos to Calm: The Life-Changing Power of Macro Organization Macro-Organizing Your Life: One Zone at a Time" This episode explores the transformative power of macro-organization—a practical, no-shame approach to tackling clutter by assigning every space a clear purpose. Clutter often accumulates not from laziness, but from emotional overwhelm, decision fatigue, and fear of not being prepared. Whether it’s a home filled with duplicate umbrellas or a kitchen too chaotic to cook in, clutter can steal peace, productivity, and self-confidence. This episode offers a roadmap for reclaiming space, rebuilding self-trust, and simplifying life—one room, one drawer, one purpose at a time. Understanding Emotional Clutter: Clutter is often tied to emotional habits, such as scarcity thinking or attachment to past versions of ourselves. Many people hold onto items for a “someday” that may never come, or to avoid the fear of needing something later and not having it.Why Decluttering Often Fails: Traditional item-by-item approaches, like asking if an object “sparks joy,” can lead to decision fatigue. This episode breaks down why people get stuck in the sorting process and how macro-categorization can simplify everything.The Power of Macro-Organization: The episode lays out a system of zoning—assigning each room, closet, and drawer a specific function. Instead of deciding whether to keep something, start by deciding where it belongs. This method reduces mental exhaustion and creates a sense of clarity and control.The Endowment Effect and Future Planning: Many struggle with letting go of items because they overvalue what they already own. There's also a tendency to plan for hypothetical future selves—whether it’s a forgotten craft hobby or emergency prep scenario. The solution? Create a small “someday” box and stay focused on the present.Breaking the Rebuy Cycle: When homes are disorganized, it’s common to lose items and rebuy them, leading to more clutter. The episode discusses how clear zones and intentional storage can break this costly and frustrating cycle.Takeaways:Clutter isn’t a moral failure—it’s often a coping mechanism. Macro-organization is a gentle but powerful way to create structure and restore self-trust. By giving each space a clear identity and grouping items into zones, it becomes easier to locate what’s needed and let go of what’s not. Progress doesn’t require perfection; it simply begins with defining what belongs where. This episode offers both practical tools and compassionate encouragement for anyone overwhelmed by a disordered home and looking to take the first step toward calm and clarity. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/from-chaos-to-calm-the-life-changing-power-of-macro-organization/ Jill’s Linkshttps://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallstepshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallstepshttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Discover the transformative power of eliminating noise in your life. Learn how every 'yes' can sneakily take away from your priorities. Explore the four types of distractions that clutter your mental and emotional space. Embrace intentional living by shifting from 'I have to' to 'I choose to.' Get practical tips like the Three-List Declutter Strategy and insights from Warren Buffett's focus rule. Say no strategically to reclaim your time and ensure you keep your main goals in sight.

The struggle for meaningful conversations in a divided world is dissected, highlighting the risks of polarization and defensiveness. Learn how identity protective cognition affects our ability to engage with differing views. Discover the transformative power of listening as it builds trust, empathy, and fosters innovation. Practical tips on pausing, clarifying, and understanding body language are shared to enhance dialogue. Ultimately, separating ideas from identity can lead to deeper understanding and prevent conflicts.

The podcast delves into the lost art of active listening in our noisy, hyper-connected world. It highlights how constant information overload fragments our attention and weakens emotional connections. Anecdotes reveal that loved ones, including pets, can sense when we’re disengaged. The host shares practical tips for becoming a better listener, emphasizing the importance of pausing, reflecting feelings, and asking open questions. Listeners are encouraged to try a 'listening fast' to strengthen their skills and engage more deeply in conversations.

Discover the Japanese concept of ikigai, your reason for being, and how it intersects four key elements: passion, skill, societal need, and financial reward. Learn how small experiments can lead to significant personal shifts rather than drastic overhauls. Reflect on your childhood interests and seek feedback to uncover hidden talents. Address common fears that hold you back and adopt a growth mindset. Embrace the idea that finding your ikigai is an ongoing journey, evolving as you explore and align joy with value.

Explore the surprising benefits of maturity, from building resilience in tough work environments to enhancing emotional and cognitive skills. Discover how delaying gratification can lead to greater long-term rewards and how mature teams excel by fostering collaboration. Learn about the neurological evolution of our decision-making abilities and the importance of emotional regulation for workplace satisfaction. Ultimately, maturity empowers you to manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate life more effectively.