

Start with Small Steps
Jill from The Northwoods
This podcast is for real people who want to make changes but don’t know how to start. If you feel like positive change is overwhelming or elusive, or building the life you want seems far away, I will help you create easy and practical steps toward success. If you don’t have time to sift through thousands of hours of podcasts, hundreds of books or centuries of advice, let me do it for you!
I will help you start with small steps in categories like productivity, self-help, health, technology or best practices. Each episode of my podcast will be posted in a blog format on my webpage, so you’ll always have the resources and links.
I will help you start with small steps in categories like productivity, self-help, health, technology or best practices. Each episode of my podcast will be posted in a blog format on my webpage, so you’ll always have the resources and links.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 25, 2022 • 18min
72 - Can We Trust Statistics?
72 - Can We Trust Statistics?
I'm sure you've come across them before, maybe even unintentionally used them yourself. But it's crucial to know when statistics are being misused, whether it's through tainted data, bad questions, or a lack of understanding of sample size.
As a consumer of information, it's essential to be able to identify when statistics are being used correctly and when they're not. That's why I'm here to help. I'll be sharing some tips on how to better understand statistics and how to be a smarter consumer of information. So tune in and let's dive in together!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3062
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3069https://statanalytica.com/blog/misuse-of-statistics/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misuse_of_statistics
https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/availability-heuristic/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfVaOqLUbZA – How Not to Fall for Bad Statistics – with Jennifer Rogers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E91bGT9BjYk – How to spot a misleading graph – Lea Gaslowitz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVG2OQp6jEQ – This is How Easy It Is to Lie With Statistics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioxWuCd-mn0 This is how easy it is to manipulate public perception
https://tylervigen.com/discover – Spurious Correlations Generator
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jan 18, 2022 • 25min
71 - Take On Fear and Pivot
71 – Take On Fear
I talk about facing our fears and solving problems instead of avoiding them and encourage people to take small steps towards addressing our fears and turning fear into excitement. I discuss the negative effects of the confirmation, coherence, and compliance effects. I encourage dropping the rope in the tug-of-war with anxiety. I challenge everyone to identify one fear and take small steps toward addressing it, and
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3058
https://stevenchayes.com/a-liberated-mind/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o79_gmO5ppg
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jan 11, 2022 • 20min
70 -Say YES to yourself
70 - Say YES to Yourself
I review the book "Getting to Yes with Yourself" by William Ury which really struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the importance of negotiating with ourselves and how often we hold ourselves back because of fears and anxieties we may not even be aware of.
But by taking the time to listen to ourselves, understand our needs, and find acceptable negotiating points, we can break through those obstacles and ultimately get to "yes" with ourselves.
Take a moment to identify one thing you've been telling yourself "no" about and try negotiating with yourself using these steps. You might be surprised at the progress you can make!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3051
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2502 – 27 – Negotiate the River of Your Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrtccgWxrU8
https://www.williamury.com/books/getting-to-yes-with-yourself/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jan 4, 2022 • 22min
69 - Let the Reticular Activating System Fill Your Thoughts
69 - Let the Reticular Activating System Fill Your Thoughts
Today, I talk about the Reticular Activating System (RAS). I've been doing some research on this bundle of nerves in the brainstem that filters out important information and boosts things that it thinks we want to pay attention to. It's fascinating how it can cause dysfunctions like attention deficit or PTSD and even validate negative self-messages.
But here's the thing: we can break out of what RAS decides to filter. We can define what success means to us and use the word “intend” instead of “hope” or “want.” By focusing on what we’re good at and what we want to achieve, and setting goals to reinforce it even further, we can strengthen our RAS system.
And you know what's even better? The RAS system can be programmed to target something visual or active that we intend to do. So, if we infiltrate our brain with imagery, success, and visualization, we can help ourselves notice that thing more often.
So, let's take control of our Reticular Activating System and start achieving our goals!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3046
https://extension.umn.edu/two-you-video-series/ras
https://www.lifeonyx.com/understanding-the-reticulating-activity-system-ras-and-how-it-relates-to-success/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF-RZlaPMpU - RAS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsrkOSTyWCU – WYTAYBA
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Dec 28, 2021 • 10min
68 - About Time - Movie Time Travel as Happiness Advice
I discuss the movie “About Time.” I love this movie; it really got me thinking about the importance of living in the present moment. The main character, who discovers he can time travel, initially uses his power to try and fix his life and find love. But as he learns, changing the past can have unintended consequences. In the end, he realizes that true happiness comes from enjoying the present and the people around him. It’s a really thought-provoking perspective on the power and limitations of time travel. I highly recommend giving it a watch!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3040
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Dec 21, 2021 • 12min
67 – Follow the Red Nose to Your Dreams
67 – Follow the Red Nose to Your Dreams
I’m so excited to share with you my thoughts on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and what we can all learn from it. This classic children’s story is all about accepting and embracing differences, discovering our strengths, and working hard to achieve our goals. When Rudolph and Hermie, the aspiring dentist, faced rejection and discrimination for being different, they banded together and found their own paths. It’s a powerful message that encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and use our skills to make the world a better place. So, let’s dive into this heartwarming story and see what we can take away from it!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2993
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Dec 14, 2021 • 19min
66 - Observe and Deduce
66 - Observe and Deduce
I share some tips on how to improve your observational skills and use deductive thinking to make better decisions. If you're looking to become more detail-oriented or want to focus 100% on things that matter, this episode is for you!
We'll be covering some great strategies, including noticing differences from baseline, understanding people's self-perceptions, and seeing the big picture. I'll be highlighting the importance of critical thinking and deductive reasoning to tell a story based on observations.
To wrap things up, I'll share a quote from none other than Sherlock Holmes himself, and challenge you to put your new observational skills to the test. So, listen in and let's get started on this exciting journey together!
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/madeleine-albright-on-her-life-in-pins-149191/
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Sherlock-Creatively-Observations-ebook/dp/B07G2Q1N9J
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2989
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Dec 7, 2021 • 15min
65 - Solve Problems With Sherlock
65 - Solve Problems With Sherlock
Today, I talk about how we can think like Sherlock Holmes to solve problems using the SCAMPER and CPS methods creatively. I truly believe that when you leave no stone unturned and consider all factors, you can devise a solution with the fewest downsides and the most benefits. It’s all about brainstorming and converging on the best possible solution while also creating a detailed plan to prevent similar issues from happening again in the future. So, let’s dive in and discover how we can approach problem-solving more effectively and creatively.
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Sherlock-Creatively-Observations-ebook/dp/B07G2Q1N9J
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2957
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Nov 30, 2021 • 16min
64 - Geek and Quest Your Goals
64 – Quest Your Goals
Hello fellow geeks! I review Chris Hardwick's book "The Nerdist Way", and I have to say, it's a game-changer. Get it? Games? Hardwick suggests that we approach life like a role-playing game, creating our own character page, assigning skills and abilities, and setting experience points and levels. It's a fun and engaging way to take control of our lives and achieve our goals.
What I love about this book is how it emphasizes the importance of knowing our "why" and not giving up after setbacks. As a fellow gamer, I know how frustrating it can be to lose a game or fail a level. But the key is to keep trying and learn from our mistakes.
If you're a geek like me and want to turn your love of all things nerdy into a way to achieve your goals, I highly recommend checking out "The Nerdist Way". It's a fun and insightful read that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Happy gaming!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2946
https://nerdist.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Nerdist
Episode 15 – Tech tool https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2379
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Nov 23, 2021 • 22min
63 - Be the GOAT with Neutral Thinking
63 - Be the GOAT with Neutral Thinking
I recently read a fascinating book by Trevor Moawad, a mental coach to major athletes, called “It Takes What It Takes: How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life.” This book resonated with me because it’s all about transforming your thinking to achieve high-performance moments through neutral thinking. Moawad emphasizes the importance of judgment-free thinking and downshifting your brain into a neutral practice to strip away biases and negativity that could hold you back. I couldn’t agree more with this approach, and I believe that anyone can adopt it, not just athletes. It requires discipline and focus on what needs to be accomplished. The book also highlights the importance of making good daily choices and behaviors to achieve your goals and avoid regrets. Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll have a whole new perspective on approaching challenges and achieving success.
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2891
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jj1rl7zGfA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R8VDNMJ/
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com