Start with Small Steps

211 - Why Scrooge’s Transformation Resonates Today In this festive episode, we explore the timeless themes and moral lessons of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. From Ebenezer Scrooge's dramatic transformation to the significance of generosity, community, and self-reflection, this story has much to teach us about living meaningful lives. Join us as we break down the pivotal moments of the tale, reflect on its modern applications, and celebrate the enduring charm of this holiday classic. The Story of Ebenezer ScroogeWe unpack the journey of a man who transforms from a cold-hearted miser to a generous soul after being visited by three spirits. Scrooge’s path from selfishness to selflessness serves as a powerful reminder that change is always possible. The Three Ghosts and Their SymbolismDiscover the roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each spirit challenges Scrooge to reflect on his life, confront his choices, and consider the legacy he wishes to leave behind. Dickens' Social CommentaryLearn how Charles Dickens used A Christmas Carol to address social issues of Victorian England, from poverty to the plight of factory workers, and how these themes resonate in today's world. Applying the Lessons to Modern LifeWhether it’s embracing generosity, fostering relationships, or reflecting on our own lives, the lessons of A Christmas Carol remain profoundly relevant. We discuss actionable ways to carry the story’s spirit into our daily routines. Takeaways:-Redemption is always possible. Scrooge’s transformation shows that with self-reflection and effort, we can change our lives for the better.-Generosity is a gift that multiplies. Helping others enriches not only their lives but also ours, fostering deeper connections and purpose.-Time is precious. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or using our days to make meaningful contributions, A Christmas Carol reminds us to value the present.-Ignorance and want must be addressed. Dickens’ warning about societal neglect remains crucial—education and support for the vulnerable are more important than ever. Closing Thoughts:This episode highlights why A Christmas Carol continues to inspire readers and viewers after nearly two centuries. Its message of compassion and transformation reminds us that the true spirit of Christmas—and life itself—lies in kindness, love, and redemption. Let the timeless story of Scrooge encourage you to embrace the joy and generosity of the holiday season, and carry that spirit with you all year long. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/211-why-scrooges-transformation-resonates-today/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

210 - Turning Lemons into Success In this episode, we dive into the inspiring ideas presented in Zach Friedman’s book, The Lemonade Life: How to Create Success, Create Happiness, and Conquer Anything. We explore how self-awareness, resilience, and purposeful action can transform your life. From breaking free of the comparison trap to experimenting with new ideas, Friedman’s insights provide a fresh perspective on building a fulfilling life. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to achieve your goals, this episode offers practical steps to help you move forward. Escaping the Joneses TrapOne of the first lessons in The Lemonade Life is breaking free from the cycle of comparison. Trying to "keep up with the Joneses" often leads to dissatisfaction, as we rarely see the full picture of others' lives. Instead of chasing external validation, Friedman urges us to focus inward and align our actions with what truly matters to us. The Importance of Self-AwarenessFriedman emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness in achieving happiness and success. By asking ourselves questions like "What makes me happy?" and "What unique talents can I share with the world?" we can create a life that feels authentic and rewarding. This section of the podcast discusses practical steps to cultivate self-awareness and align it with your goals. Life as an ExperimentSuccess rarely follows a straight line. Friedman suggests treating life as an experiment, where failures and missteps are opportunities to learn and grow. We explore how trying new approaches, analyzing results, and adjusting your strategies can pave the way for personal and professional breakthroughs. Navigating Life with a CompassInstead of relying on rigid plans, Friedman advocates for using a compass to guide your direction. This metaphorical compass helps you stay true to your North Star—your values and long-term goals—while adapting to life’s inevitable twists and turns. In this segment, we discuss how a compass-based mindset encourages flexibility and resilience. Committing to Plan AOne of Friedman’s boldest ideas is abandoning the safety net of Plan B. While this doesn’t mean taking reckless risks, it emphasizes the power of fully committing to your primary goal. We discuss how focusing on Plan A allows you to channel your energy and creativity into making your dreams a reality. Key Takeaways: -Stop comparing your life to others and start focusing on your unique path.-Self-awareness is the foundation of success—discover what truly matters to you.-Life is a series of experiments; embrace failure as part of the process.-Use a compass to navigate your journey, focusing on direction rather than a fixed path.-Commit fully to your primary goal and avoid diluting your efforts with fallback plans.Final Thoughts: The Lemonade Life isn’t about reaching a perfect destination—it’s about enjoying the journey, learning from challenges, and celebrating small wins along the way. Take a moment to reflect on your personal compass. What’s ahead of you? What lessons have you learned from your past? What inspires you, and what holds you back? If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with friends, and leave a comment. For questions or feedback, reach out to us at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com. Let’s keep turning life’s lemons into success and happiness, one step at a time. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/210-turning-lemons-into-success/ https://www.zackfriedman.com/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

209 - The Lemonade vs. Lemon Life We’re diving into the idea of turning life’s lemons into lemonade, inspired by Zach Friedman’s book, The Lemonade Life: How to Fuel Success, Create Happiness, and Conquer Anything. We’ll explore how to shift from a passive, “Lemon Life” mindset to an empowering “Lemonade Life,” where you take charge and thrive. I’ll also share personal reflections, practical tools like the PRISM framework, and insights into overcoming common personality pitfalls that hold us back. Get ready to learn how embracing risks and building the right mindset can transform your life! I break down what it means to live a Lemon Life, where you’re reactive and stuck, versus a Lemonade Life, where you’re proactive and intentional. We all have the power to choose how we approach life’s challenges.The PRISM Framework Perspective, Risk, Independence, Self-Awareness, and Motion—this is your roadmap to creating happiness and success. I talk about how each of these elements can help you reframe setbacks and take meaningful steps forward.Recognizing Personality Pitfalls Are you an External Excuser, Steady Settler, Daring Disruptor, or Change Chaser? I discuss how these tendencies can hold you back and share tips to overcome them.The Power of Happiness and Teamwork Happiness isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you cultivate first. I also highlight the importance of finding your “wolf pack”—the supportive people who help you succeed. Learning from FailureFailure isn’t the end of the road. It’s a stepping stone to success. I share personal stories about how setbacks shaped my journey and why risk-taking is essential to growth. Takeaways:Start shifting your mindset today—what challenges can you reframe as opportunities?Figure out which personality type might be holding you back and take small steps to change those habits.Don’t wait to find happiness. Start by building gratitude and joy right now.Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and make sure you’re supporting them too.Embrace failure as part of the process—it’s the best teacher for long-term success. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/209-the-lemonade-vs-lemon-life/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

208 - Simple Ways to Feel at Home in Any Place In this episode, we explore This Is Where You Belong by Melanie Warnick, a book that examines how to create a sense of belonging no matter where you live. The host reflects on her own journey to embrace her town, which has never felt like home, and Warnick’s practical advice for fostering connection, appreciation, and engagement within one’s community. The Illusion of “Elsewhere”: We often believe we’d be happier in a new place, but the reality is that happiness depends more on our perspective and community than location. Warnick’s insight helps dismantle the myth that a move will “solve everything.” The Power of Knowing Your Neighbors: Engaging with neighbors creates a feeling of community and security. Building connections can be as simple as a friendly hello or lending a hand. When neighbors help each other, a town feels much more like home. Exploring the Local Scene: Discovering the unique offerings of your area—parks, markets, eateries, and historic spots—provides a fresh view and appreciation for where you live. Even if you’ve been in the area for years, Warnick suggests there’s always something new to explore. Volunteering and Community Involvement: Engaging in community work helps you feel part of something bigger and more invested in the local area. Volunteering or joining a club can be transformative for both you and the community. Developing a Routine: Frequenting a favorite coffee shop, park, or walking route creates familiarity and a sense of belonging. Finding small routines that connect you to the place can make any location feel more comfortable and “yours.” Takeaways-Feeling at home is often about mindset more than physical location.-Building local connections and engaging in local activities can help transform a place into a beloved home.-Seeing the uniqueness of a place—the people, traditions, and sights—fosters a genuine appreciation for it.-Small efforts to connect with others and engage in the community can make you feel rooted no matter where you are. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/208-being-at-home-where-you-live/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

207 - Transforming Overthinking With A New Soundtrack In today’s episode, we explore John Acuff’s Soundtracks: A Surprising Solution to Overthinking. Acuff dives into the idea that we are the stories we tell ourselves, and how these internal "soundtracks" can either propel us forward or hold us back. We discuss the importance of recognizing negative soundtracks, retiring them, and replacing them with positive ones. Whether it’s perfectionism or fear of failure, Acuff’s advice offers practical steps to stop overthinking and start achieving your goals. Identifying Broken Soundtracks: Acuff explains how negative soundtracks are often so ingrained in our minds that we don’t even notice them. We explore how to identify these self-sabotaging thoughts and why they are so destructive. Neuroplasticity and the Power to Change: A key concept in Soundtracks is neuroplasticity—the idea that our brains are capable of change at any age. This gives us the ability to rewrite our mental playlists and adopt more positive beliefs. Taking Action to Overcome Overthinking: The episode highlights how taking even the smallest action can disrupt the cycle of overthinking. By focusing on what we can do, rather than what we fear, we build confidence and momentum. Takeaways:Your thoughts shape your actions: Negative soundtracks can hold you back, but recognizing and replacing them is key to overcoming overthinking.Neuroplasticity empowers change: It’s never too late to rewire your brain and adopt healthier thought patterns.Action disrupts overthinking: Start small, take action, and watch your confidence grow. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/207-transforming-overthinking-with-a-new-soundtrack/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

206 - Meet New People and Build Lasting Friendships In this episode, we explore how to make new friends and build lasting relationships in a world where social connections have become harder to maintain. Inspired by Start With Hello by Shannon Martin, we discuss how small steps can lead to big changes in your social life. Whether you’re looking to rebuild connections lost during the pandemic or find new ways to meet people, this episode offers practical advice on how to start. The Power of Hello: How something as simple as greeting your neighbors can create opportunities for connection.Conversation Starters: Turning everyday events like buying a new car into ways to meet new people.Joining Clubs or Hobbies: How participating in group activities or hobbies helps form connections with like-minded people.The Challenge of Social Endurance: Recognizing that not every attempt to make friends will succeed, but persistence is key.The Importance of Vulnerability: Authenticity and openness are crucial in building strong, lasting friendships. Takeaways:Start Small: Meeting new people doesn’t require grand gestures—just saying “hello” is often the first step. Be Consistent: Building friendships takes time and requires patience and endurance. Not every interaction will lead to a lasting connection, but some will. Be Genuine: Friendships are built on authenticity, so approach new relationships with openness and curiosity rather than a need to impress. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/206-meet-new-people-and-build-lasting-friendships/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

205 - Harnessing Military Brat Lessons In this episode, we talk about Harris Faulkner’s book Nine Rules of Engagement, where she shares life lessons gleaned from growing up in a military family. Faulkner reflects on how military values such as resilience, teamwork, and integrity have shaped her approach to personal success. These principles are not just for soldiers but can be applied to everyday life to achieve success, overcome challenges, and develop inner strength. Trust in Your Potential: Faulkner emphasizes how military life fosters a sense of self-reliance and potential. Boot camp is more than just physical endurance—it’s about pushing mental and emotional boundaries to discover your true strength. Building Your Special Forces: Surrounding yourself with trusted individuals—your own "special forces"—is critical for overcoming life’s battles. Faulkner encourages finding people who have your back and nurture mutual trust. Overcoming Demons: Faulkner's rule on dealing with personal demons stands out. Whether they are habits or internal struggles, facing them head-on is essential for growth. She shares personal stories about how confronting her own shortcomings led to progress. Takeaways:This episode underlines the importance of personal integrity, readiness, and teamwork. The key to success lies in understanding your mission, staying ready to act, and always maintaining strong personal relationships. Tune in to learn how Faulkner’s military upbringing can inspire and guide your personal journey to success. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/205-harnessing-military-brat-lessons/ https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/harris-faulkner https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-excerpt-harris-faulkners-rules-engagement/story?id=56245142 Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

204 - The World Through the Five Senses In this episode, we read about the fascinating world of senses based on Gretchen Rubin's book Life in Five Senses. We explore how being more mindful of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch can profoundly change how we experience life. Sight: Vision is more than what meets the eye. Our brain fills in the gaps, making sense of incomplete or ambiguous images. We also learn how perception changes based on context, like hunger influencing our view of objects as food. Sound: Rubin talks about the contrast between city noise and natural quiet. Even silence has its own "noise" if we listen closely. She explores how focusing on everyday sounds, like the hum of traffic or the chop of vegetables, can offer new insights into our surroundings. Smell and Taste: These senses are strongly linked, guiding our food choices and triggering memories. Rubin reveals how scents like freshly baked cookies can create emotional responses, even influencing decisions like buying a house. Touch: The pandemic made us realize how much we crave human touch, whether it's a hug or a pat on the shoulder. Touch extends beyond physical connection, including the vibrations of a car or the feel of soft fabrics. Takeaways: -Becoming more aware of our senses enriches our experience of the world.-Small steps, like focusing on one sense at a time, can deepen mindfulness.-Rubin encourages us to journal our sensory experiences to enhance memories and appreciation for everyday life. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/204-the-world-through-the-five-senses/ https://gretchenrubin.com/books/life-in-five-senses/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

203 - Rediscovering Life Through Our Senses In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of our senses with insights from Gretchen Rubin's book Life in Five Senses. We discuss how our senses shape our understanding of the world, the ways in which they adapt when one is lost, and how paying attention to them can enhance our everyday experiences. The Role of Senses in Perception: We explore how our brain processes sensory information to create a complete picture of the world, combining inputs like sight, sound, and smell to form our understanding. Adaptability of Senses: Rubin shares her experience of losing her sense of smell due to COVID-19 and how this impacted her perception of taste. This temporary loss highlighted the interconnectedness of our senses and their adaptability when one is compromised. Unique Sensory Experiences: Everyone experiences the world differently through their senses. We discuss how personal preferences, such as taste and smell, vary and how our brain's biases influence these sensory experiences. Enhancing Sensory Awareness: Rubin's daily visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art were an attempt to immerse herself fully in sensory experiences. We discuss how such practices can deepen our appreciation of the world around us and bring us more into the present moment. Takeaways: Our senses are powerful tools that shape our perception of the world. By paying closer attention to them, we can enhance our experiences and find more joy in everyday life. The adaptability of our senses is remarkable, showing how our body compensates when one is lost or diminished. Each person's sensory experience is unique, shaped by their preferences and brain's biases. Embracing these differences can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/203-rediscovering-life-through-our-senses/ Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

202 - Wear the Six Thinking Hats In this episode, we explore Edward de Bono’s revolutionary framework, "The Six Thinking Hats." This method offers a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making by encouraging participants to adopt different mindsets, each represented by a colored hat. We explore how this technique can be applied in various scenarios, from corporate meetings to family discussions, to foster better collaboration and innovative solutions. Blue Hat: The Blue Hat is all about control and organization. It sets the agenda, defines the problem, and ensures that the discussion remains focused. White Hat: Focused on facts and information, the White Hat calls for data-driven thinking. It eliminates biases, enabling a clear view of the situation. Green Hat: Creativity flourishes under the Green Hat. It encourages thinking outside the box, exploring new possibilities and ideas. Yellow Hat: This hat embodies optimism. It looks at the positives, seeking the benefits and opportunities in any scenario. Red Hat: The Red Hat allows for the expression of emotions and feelings, which are crucial but often overlooked in decision-making. Black Hat: Lastly, the Black Hat introduces caution. It highlights potential pitfalls, helping teams to avoid hasty, ill-considered decisions. Introduction to the Six Thinking Hats: We start by explaining the core concept of the Six Thinking Hats, detailing each hat's role in the decision-making process. Learn how the Blue Hat manages the flow of the discussion, while the White Hat focuses on facts, and the Green Hat unleashes creativity. Real-Life Applications: Discover how the Six Thinking Hats can be applied to everyday situations, like planning a vacation or making strategic business decisions. We share examples that highlight how this method can transform complex, contentious discussions into productive and inclusive decision-making processes. The Benefits of Using the Hats: We discuss why the Six Thinking Hats are effective in fostering balanced thinking. By separating emotions from facts and allowing space for creative ideas, this method ensures that all aspects of a problem are considered, leading to well-rounded solutions. Key Takeaways: -The Six Thinking Hats method encourages exploring different perspectives to enhance problem-solving and decision-making.-This approach fosters collaboration by ensuring that every viewpoint is considered in a structured manner.-Using the Six Thinking Hats can lead to more innovative, practical, and inclusive solutions, whether in a corporate setting or personal life. https://startwithsmallsteps.com/202-wear-the-six-thinking-hats/ https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOMDQgjb360 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Thinking_Hats Jill’s Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com