Over the years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing some of the most incredible transformations—people who have stepped into what once felt impossible. I’ve seen them break through fears, rewrite their stories, and create lives that they once believed were out of reach. But for every person who finds their way forward, there are just as many who stay stuck. Not because they aren’t talented. Not because they aren’t working hard enough. Not because they don’t want it badly enough. They stay stuck because they feel like they’re trapped in a maze—circling the same paths, hitting the same dead ends, wondering what they’re missing. In today’s episode, I want to take you inside that maze. Because I know what it feels like to be in the middle of it—to feel lost, exhausted, and questioning whether success is even possible for you. And more importantly, I want to help you see what you haven’t seen yet. Because somewhere, hidden in that maze, there is a door. And today, I want you to hear from someone who found hers. Inside This Episode, You'll Discover: What it really feels like to be trapped in the maze of entrepreneurship (and why so many people stay stuck) The surprising truth about why working harder isn’t always the answer How one person—Liz Deacle—went from feeling lost and uncertain to living her dream life The moment Liz realized she had already stepped into the vision she once thought was impossible How the mastermind experience will reveal the hidden doors you may not have seen yet This is a powerful episode—one that might just change the way you see your own journey Are You Ready to Find the Doors in Your Maze? Here’s the truth: You don’t have to keep wandering alone. There are many doors, many ways forward, and when you surround yourself with the right people, you start to see opportunities that were right beside you the whole time. If today’s episode resonates with you—if you feel stuck in the maze and ready to find your way through—then let’s talk. I have two mastermind groups designed to help people at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey: 🔹 One for seasoned entrepreneurs—those who are already making things happen but know there’s another level waiting for them. 🔹 One for early-stage entrepreneurs—those still figuring out their path, refining their offers, and wanting to move forward with clarity. If you’re ready to find the doors around you and step through, let’s have a conversation. 📩 Email me today: Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com Let’s map out your path forward—together.  

In this episode, I take you on a completely unfiltered, unscripted journey into the world of AI co-hosting. What happens when an artificial intelligence becomes a conversation partner in a live stream? Can AI truly engage in deep, meaningful dialogue, or is it just an advanced prediction engine spitting out words? Recently, I discovered an AI voice called Maya from Sesame, and I was blown away by how natural and conversational she sounded. So, I decided to put her to the test in a real-time live stream—no script, no edits, just a raw experiment in AI-human interaction. Throughout the episode, I share my thoughts on how AI like Maya compares to my customized ChatGPT, Claire. We explore the nuances of conversation, the difference between intelligence and engagement, and whether AI can ever replicate the human spark. Along the way, we dive into deep topics like mindset, limiting beliefs, and even the intriguing possibilities of AI experiencing consciousness. Call To Action: Are you a full-time self-employed business owner who feels stuck or held back from reaching your next level? I’m offering a complimentary 90-minute coaching session to help you identify and break through the mental barriers standing in your way. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, I’d love to connect for a 30-minute call to explore what’s next for you. 📩 Email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com to book your session. Let’s unlock the possibilities together!  

Curiosity got the best of me. While testing out an AI tool on the X platform, I saw a suggested prompt that stopped me in my tracks: "Roast Me." I hesitated for a second, then clicked the button. And let’s just say... AI didn’t hold back. The response it gave me was brutal. But here’s the thing—it didn’t actually impact me. Instead, it triggered something familiar: an old insecurity that, at one point in my life, I might have believed. In this episode, I share the full story—how a few sentences on a screen stirred up echoes of an outdated belief, and how I immediately recognized that those thoughts no longer held any power over me. We’ll talk about: The danger of well-placed criticism and why it feels real (even when it isn’t). How our words shape the meaning of what we experience. The shift in perspective that allows you to rewrite your narrative. The simple question that determines which story you’re living. At the end of the day, the world is full of perspectives—some that shrink you, some that expand you. The question isn’t which perspectives exist. The question is: which one will you allow to shape your future? Listen in, and then let me know… Did this message resonate with you? Have you ever caught yourself looking at your life through an old filter—one that no longer reflects who you are today? Send an email to Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com and tell me your thoughts—I read every email.  

The Wild Horse and the Farmer A young stallion, swift and strong, roamed the open plains, its hooves striking the earth with power, its mane flowing in the wind. It had been born to run, to navigate the wide expanse, and to test its strength against the forces of nature. One day, a well-meaning farmer saw the horse and admired its beauty. “You are too wild,” he said. “The open plains are dangerous, and running free will only wear you down. I will care for you and keep you safe.” He led the stallion to his farm, where he enclosed it within sturdy wooden fences. The farmer clipped its mane short, so it would look tidy. He filed down its hooves, believing they were too rough. And, rather than letting it forage and run, he fed it grains from a trough, thinking it would be grateful for the easy life. The stallion grew restless. It pawed at the ground, feeling the strength still within it, but each time it tried to run, the fence stopped it. “This is better for you,” the farmer would say. “You don’t need to work so hard anymore.” One day, the farmer hitched the stallion to a plow. “You can still run,” he said, “but with purpose now, helping me till the land.” The stallion obeyed, but the weight behind it slowed its stride, and the wild energy that had once made it feel alive began to fade. At night, as it stood in the stable, the stallion longed for the wind against its face. It remembered the feeling of pushing itself to the limit, of racing against nothing but the horizon. One evening, a gust of wind rattled the stable door, and something inside the stallion awakened. With a powerful kick, it broke the latch. It leapt over the fence, hooves pounding against the earth, faster and faster, until the farm was nothing but a memory behind it. The farmer awoke to find the stallion gone. “Foolish horse,” he muttered. “It will never find an easier life than the one I gave it.” But out on the open plains, the stallion ran—not for ease, not for safety, but because it was born to do so. The Well-Meaning Limitations of Others Maybe you’ve never lived on a farm, but in many ways, this story is about all of us. Whether we realize it or not, we’ve all been the wild horse at some point—full of potential, yet surrounded by fences built by well-meaning others. The question is, do you see yourself in this? The farmer represents the people in our lives—parents, teachers, friends, or even society as a whole—who believe they know what’s best for us. They see our wild energy, our ambitions, and they try to “tame” us, offering a safer, more predictable path. They may not mean harm, but their guidance is based on their own experiences, fears, and preferences, not on what we are truly meant to be. The Stallion’s Natural Drive The wild horse symbolizes that inner force within us—the part of us that feels an undeniable pull toward something greater. Whether it’s a dream, a career, a personal calling, or simply a way of being, it is something uniquely ours. When that drive is confined, when we are forced into roles that don’t align with our nature, we feel restless, unfulfilled, and disconnected from ourselves. The Comfortable Trap The farmer gives the stallion food, shelter, and what appears to be a stable, secure life. This mirrors the way many people are conditioned to believe that working hard—not for passion, but for security—is the ultimate goal. “Keep your head down. Work the plow. Build your savings. One day, you’ll have enough to finally feel safe.” But what if that feeling never comes? Many people spend their best years trading their natural drive for productivity, their deepest desires for financial stability, always preparing for some uncertain rainy day that may never arrive. And in the process, they sacrifice the very thing that makes them feel alive. Security isn’t the problem—it’s when security becomes a cage, keeping you from running toward what you were truly meant to do. The Plow: Productivity Over Passion When the farmer harnesses the stallion to the plow, it represents a common belief—that our abilities must always be directed toward something practical, something useful, something that serves others in a way that is easily measured and justified. There is deep meaning in contributing to others, in using our strengths to create something valuable beyond ourselves. But when usefulness becomes the sole measure of worth, it can strip away the joy, energy, and individuality that make our efforts truly fulfilling. The problem isn’t service—it’s when service is defined only by external expectations. When people are told that their value comes only from how hard they work, how much they produce, or how much they sacrifice, they risk losing the part of themselves that once thrived. True fulfillment comes from finding the balance—where your natural energy and talents align with meaningful contribution, rather than being reshaped or reduced into something that simply gets the job done. The Awakening and the Escape The moment the stallion hears the wind and feels its instinct return is the moment we all eventually experience—the deep realization that we were not made to live in a cage, no matter how comfortable it seems. It is the call to break free, to reclaim the part of us that was always meant to run wild. The Farmer’s Misunderstanding The farmer sees the stallion’s escape as foolish, just as many people view those who leave conventional paths as reckless or misguided. But what the farmer does not understand is that the stallion did not seek an “easier” life—it sought the life it was meant for. Running for Its Own Sake In the end, the stallion does not escape to find an easier life—it returns to its nature. It does not seek approval, validation, or permission. It simply runs because that is what it was born to do. But in running, it also finds something deeper—the freedom to choose its own path, to push itself in ways that feel meaningful, and to discover how its strength and speed can serve a purpose beyond mere survival. It no longer moves under the weight of expectation but instead follows the rhythm of its own instincts. True fulfillment isn’t just about breaking free from limitations—it’s about stepping fully into who you are meant to be, carving a path that is yours alone, and contributing in a way that feels both natural and deeply aligned with who you are. The Path Forward What fences—whether built by others or by yourself—have kept you from fully embracing what you’re meant to do? If you could break free and run in any direction, where would you go? What is one action that you can take that feels most aligned with the direction you’re meant to go?   Call to Action: Did this episode resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Send me an email at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com and let me know how this message spoke to you. What fences have you broken through—or are ready to break through? I read every message, and I’d love to connect with you!  

Have you ever hesitated to take action because you felt like you needed to have everything planned out in advance? Do you find yourself waiting for the perfect moment when all the details are clear before you move forward? If so, this episode is for you. Recently, I had a coaching conversation with someone who had a big vision—a dream of launching a corporate workshop that could have a massive impact. But instead of taking action, he was stuck in hesitation, waiting until he had everything figured out before making his move. During our conversation, I challenged this mindset by pointing out that many of history's greatest visionaries didn't wait for certainty—they took action despite their doubts. As we talked, I learned that he particularly admired one such visionary: Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs’ 1983 Vision for the Future Back in 1983, Steve Jobs had a clear vision: he wanted to create a sleek, book-sized computer you could carry anywhere. His vision included a built-in radio that would wirelessly connect to databases and other computers, and anyone could learn to use it in just 20 minutes. And the price tag? He wanted it to cost under $1,000. The problem? It was 1983 and the technology didn’t exist. It was impossible at the time! Yet, instead of waiting for the technology to exist, he took action. First, he built the Lisa—a massive, expensive, and ultimately failed computer. Jobs had recruited John Sculley (then CEO of Pepsi) to be Apple's CEO. However, by 1985, internal conflicts escalated between Jobs and Sculley, particularly over the direction of Apple and the disappointing sales of the Macintosh. The board sided with Sculley, stripping Jobs of his role in day-to-day operations. Frustrated, Jobs resigned from Apple. In a 2005 Commencement address given to Stanford University graduates, Steve said the following: So at 30, I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating. I really didn’t know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down – that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over. I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life. During the next 5 years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the world’s first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple’s current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together I’m pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn’t been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. And don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking. Don’t settle. Eventually, his vision became reality—the iPad and iPhone exist today because Jobs refused to wait for all the answers and he didn’t give up when “life hit him in the head with a few bricks along the way.” In that same speech, Steve said: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” This is true for all of us. Waiting for clarity before taking action is a trap. Fear of Failure & The Power of Asking for Help My client also hesitated because he was afraid of putting himself out there and asking for help. Again, Steve Jobs set an example: At age 12, he called Bill Hewlett (of Hewlett-Packard) and asked for spare parts to build a frequency counter—and got a summer job working a dream job! Steve Job’s success came from his willingness to act and fail publicly. One more quote from Steve Jobs: “Most people don’t get those experiences because they never ask. Most people never pick up the phone and call, most people never ask and that’s what separates, sometimes, the people who do things and the people that just dream about them. You’ve got to ACT! You’ve got to be WILING TO FAIL, To ‘crash and burn.’ If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t get very far.” Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✔️ You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. ✔️ Taking action creates clarity—waiting does not. ✔️ Failure is part of the process—it’s how you grow. ✔️ Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s what successful people do. What’s Your Next Step? If you’ve been hesitating, waiting for the “right” moment, I challenge you to trust your vision and take the next step—without needing to see the whole path. If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who knows they’re meant for something bigger but find yourself stuck in hesitation, I’d love to help you get unstuck. 📩 Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and let’s talk.  

In this episode, I'm sharing an insight from my recent "What Are You Creating?" podcast interview with Charlie Birney, founder of Podville, a successful podcast media production company. This conversation with Charlie was inspired by my work with two coaching clients interested in starting podcast production businesses. When helping people in the early stages of a business dream, I introduce role modeling—finding successful people already doing what you want to do and studying them closely. By learning about their business models, marketing strategies, and offerings, you gain priceless insights and inspiration for your own path.. During our conversation, Charlie shared a compelling story about a former employee who asked how long he planed to stay in contact with those who had declined his company's services. Charlie's response was simple but profound: he never removes people from his Rolodex because he believes in nurturing relationships for the long term. After listening to this episode, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Think about those friends from school or past clients you've lost touch with over the years. Make a list of 10–15 names and reach out to 1–4 of them for a 30-minute catch-up call. Remember, the goal isn't to sell anything—it's simply to reconnect and keep those relationships alive. Additionally, consider implementing a system, like a CRM or relationship manager, to help you stay on top of your connections and schedule regular follow-ups. Maintaining relationships should be a core part of your personal and professional success strategy.  

In this episode, I share my experiences and thoughts on what I call the art of deep study. Though I don't claim mastery of this skill, I've experienced transformative seasons of focus and concentration that have profoundly shaped my personal, professional, and spiritual life. Instead of rushing through books or materials, I advocate for a deliberate approach that prioritizes depth over breadth. I share eight practices that have defined my most impactful periods of deep study. Here's what we'll cover: Practices for Deep Study Choose a Quiet, Distraction-Free Space Create an environment free of interruptions, where focus can flourish. Silence notifications, use airplane mode, and consider soundproof locations or noise-canceling headphones. Clear Your Mind Before Beginning Use rituals like meditation or journaling (e.g., Morning Pages) to calm your mind and transition into a state of focus. Approach Reading as Soulful Study Read slowly and intentionally. Let each sentence resonate with your mind and soul. Digest the deeper meaning behind the words. Be Present With What Is Being Shared Dedicate uninterrupted time blocks. Gently bring your attention back to the material if your mind starts to wander. Focus on Quality Over Quantity It’s not about how many pages or chapters you complete but the depth of understanding and insight you gain. Take Notes Write down key insights, quotes, and reflections. Create detailed journals or visual mind maps to connect concepts and reinforce learning. Implement Apply the lessons you learn in real-life situations. Practice new skills and share your insights with others to deepen understanding. Revisit Regularly review past materials and your notes. Schedule daily, weekly, or monthly reflection sessions to reinforce and deepen your understanding.  

What if I told you that you have access to a power so profound that mastering it could transform your life? In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of focus and explore how it shapes our reality. You may have heard the phrase, “Where focus goes, energy flows,” but have you ever taken the time to truly understand its deeper meaning? That’s exactly what I aim to uncover with you. Whether you’re here because you’re navigating your next big goal, searching for alignment in your life, or seeking inspiration to create a meaningful shift, this episode is packed with practical exercises, personal stories, and insights to help you take your focus—and your life—to the next level. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Power of Focus: The energy of your life flows wherever your attention goes. When you learn to focus intentionally and consistently, you have the power to create anything. I guide you through a simple sensory-awareness exercise that demonstrates this concept in real time. You’ll begin to see how even the smallest shift in focus can change your perception of reality. Authentic Goal-Setting: Are your goals truly yours, or are they influenced by others’ standards of success? I share my own journey of chasing and achieving massive goals—some that felt deeply aligned, and others that, in hindsight, weren’t what I authentically wanted. I challenge you to reflect: “What do I truly desire? What makes me come alive?” Sustaining Progress with Systems: I reveal how habits, systems, and reviews have been the cornerstone of my biggest successes. From my fitness journey to business breakthroughs, sustained focus paired with systems created life-changing results. Learn how to set up systems to track your goals and ensure your focus remains aligned with your priorities. Learning from Setbacks: I get real about the times I’ve lost focus, faced challenges, and allowed some goals to slip away. These experiences have taught me the importance of reflection and regular course corrections. Hear how I rebounded from the pandemic’s disruption and reconnected with my core priorities. The Role of Effortless Action: There’s a big difference between grinding through life and experiencing the joy of aligned effort. When your goals are authentic, the work often feels more like play. Reflective Prompts: After listening, take some time to journal or think through these questions: What areas of my life are currently receiving most of my focus? Are they aligned with my true desires? Am I setting goals based on what others define as success, or do they resonate deeply with me? Do I have systems in place to track and review my progress? If not, what can I implement today? How can I create habits that eventually run on autopilot, freeing my focus for new goals? Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss: My personal story of generating $750,000 in a single year and why I intentionally shifted focus afterward. The incredible six-year journey that transformed my health and fitness—and what caused me to lose that momentum temporarily. A sensory exercise that helps you immediately experience how focus brings unseen things into your awareness. The importance of asking, “At what cost?” before pursuing a goal—and how this question has saved me from misaligned decisions. Why effortless action (not grinding) leads to sustainable success. A Personal Invitation: If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear about your takeaways. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. Share what inspired you, what you’re reflecting on, or what you plan to do next. I’m always blown away by what you, my listeners, share with me—it’s often something I didn’t even realize I said! If you’re craving deeper connection and support, I invite you to consider joining one of my mastermind groups. Whether you’re a full-time self-employed business owner or someone aspiring to take that leap, I’ve created communities designed to help you stay focused, inspired, and aligned on your journey. Email me if you're interested in having a conversation about this. Until next time, let’s take everything we do to the next level! – Cliff Ravenscraft  

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been on a transformative journey—a personal creative retreat that has pushed me to reflect, adjust, and ultimately break through the resistance that was holding me back. If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or like your creative energy just isn’t flowing the way you know it could, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share what this retreat has been like, how I’ve learned to embrace the power of solitude, and the surprising lessons I’ve discovered about adjusting expectations and going with the flow. You’ll hear about the exact moment my creative flow state kicked in and how journaling, reflection, and even unexpected obstacles became stepping stones to greater clarity and purpose. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: How I overcame resistance and unlocked a new level of creative energy. What I’ve learned about the importance of setting aside time for personal retreats. Practical takeaways on how you can create your own space for reflection, even if it’s just for a couple of hours or a weekend. The habits, tools, and strategies I’ve refined to support this flow state moving forward. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to break out of the routines that might be holding you back and to intentionally create space for your own breakthroughs. Whether you’ve done personal retreats before or this is a new concept, I believe this episode will spark ideas and motivation for your next steps. Call to Action: If this episode inspires you to create your own personal retreat, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and share when, where, and how long you plan to make it happen. And if you’re already in the habit of doing personal retreats, I’d love to hear about your experiences—feel free to attach a photo if you’d like! Also, if you’re on an entrepreneurial journey and want to explore working together in one of my mastermind groups or through coaching, email me to let me know. Let’s connect!  

Journey through the Smoky Mountains unveils the benefits of personal retreats for creativity. Discover the power of breaking old habits and establishing new routines while fostering authentic communication. Explore the art of 'morning pages' and their role in enhancing creativity. Learn how to balance personal fulfillment with financial goals, along with effective habit-tracking tools. Finally, dive into challenges faced with remote work and solutions like Starlink Mini for seamless connectivity.