DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What do you do when the plan… completely unravels?

In this powerful and faith-filled deep dive, Mitch Matthews shares a message that will help… especially in those times when your plan seems to fall apart.  Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're the only one without a clear path… this episode is for you.

Mitch unpacks one of his all-time favorite stories from the Bible - buried deep in the Old Testament - to explore what happens when things don't go the way we expected. And more importantly, what we can do next. 

You'll hear real talk about plans falling through, giants (both real and imagined), and how to choose faith over fear… so you can move into YOUR next chapter boldly!

READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/432

What if one small moment - something most people would walk past - could change your life and the lives of thousands? That’s exactly what happened when Luke Mickelson saw a child sleeping on a “nest” of clothes on the floor. 

What followed was messy, imperfect, but undeniably powerful. 

In this episode, you’ll see how compassion + action + leadership can birth a movement. 

Whether you’re a leader, someone craving purpose, or just someone who believes big starts small - Luke’s story will inspire you to notice what others don’t, act even when you’re unsure, and lead with your heart.

READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/431

This week, Mitch sits down with Scott Simon – author, speaker, and the driving force behind the global movement Scare Your Soul. From a bullied, quiet kid to the leader of a courage revolution, Scott shares his journey of facing fear head-on, one small brave step at a time. 

You’ll hear how a trip to Israel, a panic attack, and a spiral notebook launched a life-changing practice… and how one viral Facebook post helped ignite a global mission.

Scott unpacks the science behind fear and how small acts of bravery can radically shift our lives. He also walks us through his powerful daily “SCARES” practice and offers a boatload of practical, surprising tips to flex your courage muscle – no bungee jumping required.

Whether you're chasing a dream, stuck in fear, or just looking for your next step, this episode will remind you: bravery isn’t a trait – it’s a daily choice.

Read The Full Show Notes:  https://mitchmatthews.com/422

In this episode we are going to talk about the importance of injecting a little adventure into our lives.  C.S. Lewis once said, "Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny."  Sure, adventure can mean climbing peaks in Peru or Nepal… but there are other ways that we can inject a little novelty and adventure in our daily lives… even if you live in the burbs, like I do!  In fact, I make the case using some good ol’ research-backed arguments, but I also share a way that I’ve been experiencing a little “adventure” lately.  And it doesn’t cost me a thing… but it’s been a way that I’ve been finding some rest and restoration.  And as you’ll hear… it’s also been teaching me A LOT about life and business.  Check it out… and then join me in finding a little “adventure” no matter where you live!

EPISODES MENTIONED:

Ruth Soukup | Surprising Secrets For Living the Good Life - (click here) 

Beating the "MEH" with LAURA SANCHEZ-GREENBERG - www.mitchmatthews.com/308 

A Hiro’s Journey - mitchmatthews.com/322

The Rest vs. Restoration Experiment - mitchmatthews.com/330

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

For some ADVENTURE might mean a trip to the big city... or it might be going to the other side of the planet.

"Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny."

- CS Lewis 

Amelia Earhart once said, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself."

"You can't define adventure... and what it means to you... until you've wrestled with it.  True adventure happens beyond what you might think is safe... or obtainable.  That's where you see miracles happen.  Adventure is the distance between the present and the fulfillment of your dreams!  And how you navigate the "in-between" is the great unknown.”

- Clay Croft - Creator of the Expedition Overland 

(Find out more here:  www.xoverland.com)

BUT... you might be saying... 

"THAT IS NOT ME!!!  I LIVE in the burbs... I have a house filled with kids, schedules, dogs, cats and a bird... I can't be traipsing around the globe looking for ADVENTURE!!!"

I get it... I'm right there with you!!!  

Here’s a brief history of “Adventure and me”:

• I grew up a scared kid... but I learned a motto... "I may be scared... but I'm going to do it anyway!"  Or... a shorter version is... "Do it scared!"
• I grew up afraid of heights... but at the same time... I've climbed the tallest mountains in Montana and some of the tallest in Colorado!
• I was afraid of leaving home... so I hated my first summer camp experience... BUT when I got older... I moved to England at 18 and went back when I was 20.
• When my bride and I lived in Montana (two places)... we'd camp in the mountains countless weekends… then we had cubs... and decided to move back closer to family.  We first spent a year in Chicago... and then we landed back in Des Moines and we've been here for over 20 years!

ADVENTURE NOW:

As a result… I live in a suburb of a moderate sized city... in a state where the highest elevation is 1,670 feet.  Literally, it’s: Hawkeye Point Hawkeye Point which is the highest natural point in Iowa at 1,670 feet (510 m). It is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north of Sibley on the eastern side of SR 60 and approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south of the Iowa-Minnesota state border.

My favorite part is the directions say, 

“The high ground lies 100 feet (30 m) due south of an old silo.”

But remember: 

ADVENTURE isn't a location... it's a mindset!

Also remember…

"Stay curious. It will lead to a life of adventure!"

- Mitch Matthews

It's sooooo important... and this is backed up by SCIENCE!!!

I’m betting you remember Episode 308 - Beating the "MEH" with LAURA SANCHEZ-GREENBERG. www.mitchmatthews.com/308  (More from Laura below.)

In that episode, we talked about how novelty is critical.  Mixing things up.  Trying new things.  Stretching yourself.  Growing.  

So sure... if you can go climb a mountain... DO it!!!

BUT if you’re in a suburbs in the flat lands… (like me)... you need to find other ways to experience adventure!

DEFINING ADVENTURE

For OUR purposes, let’s define adventure as:

• Staying curious
• Pursuing novel experiences 
• Stretching... growing... putting yourself in situations from time to time... where you might actually fail.

Yvon Chouinard... rock climber, world adventurer and founder of Patagonia once said,

 "It's not truly adventure until something goes wrong."

You might get some of that at work... or at home.  You might say... I've got a teenager... stuff goes wrong all the time! LOL! BUT seriously... what if you introduced some adventure WITH your teenager.  What if?

My Invitation:

• Pursue some adventure...
• Try something new
• Do something where you might fail
• Stay curious.
• Walk in awe.
• See where it takes you!

Dreaming BIGGER... thinking BETTER and doing MORE is all about living an amazing life and that's what I want from you... if you're living in Nepal... or Fiji... NYC… or a really nice little  suburb.

Adventure is out there... we just have to find it.

Amen?

RESOURCES:

In the episode, I mention that past DREAM THINK DO guest Laura Sanchez-Greenberg had provided some SCIENCE and RESEARCH to back up today’s episode… so I wanted to provide it here… in her own words.

She shared...

“Novelty and “sustainable happiness” studies suggest that doing new things is good for our well-being and some authors have suggested that fulfilling our need for novelty is a basic requirement for optimal functioning (Gonzalez-Cutre et al 2016).  

Research here tied to the self-determination theory (SDT is the so-often-attributed to Daniel Pink’s Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose triangle from his book “Drive” – this model is actually research by Deci and Ryan (1980, 2000) which Pink translated.)  The research notes that novelty is a basic tenant of being self-determining.  Without novelty, then you wouldn’t know if you were self-determining as it would just be more of the same.  In simpler terms: How do you know if you are choosing for yourself (autonomy), if you are competent (mastery) if nothing changes?

Some suggested things to read: 

• The Importance of Novelty » Brain World (brainworldmagazine.com)
• The Role of Novelty and Adaptation in Well-being - The Positive Psychology People

Laura continues…

“I’d say pointing to Barbara Fredrickson’s work “Positivity” is also good.  

The bottom line is, although there is novelty specific research, the word itself takes on all the research that’s there and gives it name.  

When we change our view, our brain activates, it learns, it absorbs.  

So the important role that awe plays in happiness, that nature plays in happiness, importance of learning in happiness… all of these are related to novelty – we change our environment, learn something new, feel awe… all novelty.  

So “novelty” is a catch all for so much of the research (I use the word as a shortcut). 

Super nerdy research:

• Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology - Google Books (Chapter 34)
• Acts of Kindness and Acts of Novelty Affect Life Satisfaction: The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol 150, No 3 (tandfonline.com)

 In the Suburbs… grab your lip smacker… put out a bird feeder and let that Cardinal surprise you; better yet, let the seeds call it to you in winter where the red pops on the snow background (they don’t migrate). Smell coffee. Take a peek at a chipmunk… take a walk and for a minute, check out how bark on a tree can form art… all sorts of novelty.”

• 0:02 Let’s go on an adventure
• 1:24 Episode starts
• 5:30 Mitch’s background in adventure
• 14:34 One adventure you can take every day
• 19:58 How Mitch gets his adventure in
• 26:25 Mitch’s Narnia moment
• 36:06 Adventure is a mindset
• 39:23 Closing thoughts 

I want to hear from YOU!

What do YOU think?  Is finding some adventure… some novelty important?  Did you need to be reminded of that?  (I know I do!!!)  What’s one way you want to inject some adventure into your world?  What’s a way to experience a little novelty?  Share something you love to do… or something you’re going to try!  I can’t wait to hear from YOU!  Comment and let me know.

George H. Xanthis is our guest.  He’s an amazing actor from Australia who plays John in the TV Series, “The Chosen.” You’re probably aware… but if not… The Chosen is the first ever multi-season TV series based on the life of Jesus.  It’s a phenomenon… from a spiritual sense but also from an entrepreneurial perspective.  In fact, it’s the #1 crowd funded media project of all time!  With over $10 million raised… two seasons done and available… and as of today… over 270 million views in over 180 countries.  Incredible.  And George is in the middle of all of that!  Plus, he’s a force for good inside AND outside the show.  We’ll talk about how he got his start in acting, how his journey with “The Chosen” began, what it’s been like playing such a significant role and what he’s learned about life, work and faith… as a result.  Plus, this represents our first interview in this NEW season.  So I take a slightly different approach with the conversation… and I think you’re going to dig it. So, let’s get to the conversation!

RESOURCES:

Would you like more info on The Chosen?  Click here

George’s Instagram:/www.instagram.com/georgehxanthis

If you’re an actor and/or you know someone who is… be sure to check out George’s “ACT UP!” Podcast: Click here

Check out George’s efforts to help the Sydney Children’s Hospital on Cameo: Click here

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: George’s NEWEST role is in FX’s newly announced “American Crime Story” called “Impeachment” where he plays George Stephanopoulous.  (NOTE: We couldn’t talk about this during our interview because he wasn’t released to announce it yet.) Check it out here: Click here.

Other “RELATED” episodes:

A Prayer for YOU and YOUR dreams! www.mitchmatthews.com/314

Hiro’s Journey [so far].  What a Puppy’s been teaching me about pursuing dreams and living life: www.mitchmatthews.com/322

DREAM BIG… no matter what! (With Amberly Lago): www.mitchmatthews.com/310 

The Gift of Being Fully Present [Part 3]: www.mitchmatthews.com/304 

More about THIS episode:

George Xanthis came through acting training, comedy and improv as well.  He even spent some time with the The Groundlings Improv troupe in LA.

He’s had a lot of different experiences… and he’s also got a heart for helping other actors… so he has his own podcast called “Act Up” where he and his guests discuss their craft and specific strategies to navigate everything from the audition room, day-to-day on set as well as performing in front of live audiences.  

He also believes in giving back… so he’s on CAMEO… where he’s doing video messages to fans… but he’s also raising money for The Sydney Children’s Hospital.  Plus, he and some of his fellow cast members just did a marathon session on instagram to help raise funds for people who are hurting in Afghanistan.  

Plus, I asked YOU for your input via Facebook and we got a LOT of response… so I’ll be peppering them in during our convo!  (Click here to follow me… so YOU can get in on our next “Listener Lightning Round Questions!”)

I love the guy… and I think you will too!  Let’s get to this.

MINUTE BY MINUTE:

• 0:02 Welcome to 333 and what to expect
• 4:33 Get to know George
• 8:52 How George got started acting
• 14:43 What gave George the courage to move to LA
• 33:31 What life is like on the set
• 37:30 George’s favorite moment filming
• 49:10 One of the most powerful in The Chosen
• 52:40 George’s final thoughts and advice 
• 58:17 Mitch’s minute 

MITCH’S MINUTE & NOW… I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Okay… obviously… we’re doing things a little differently in THIS season.  I’ve added the official “Mitch’s Minute” at the end to offer my thoughts.  I got fired up… so I think it was more like 7 minutes… but I really wanted to share some of my favorite take aways.

How about YOU!?  What’s something that stood out to you?  What’s something that grabbed you?  What did you think?  I’d love to hear from you.  Drop a comment below and let me know!

You asked for it… so I’m digging into it!  How do you go from being “interested in becoming a speaker” to actually building a speaking business?  It’s not easy… (run from anyone who tells you it is) BUT the steps to get there are a lot clearer than you might imagine.  In today’s episode we’re going to get you the 5 keys to becoming a PAID speaker!  The EXTRA good news is that ANYONE can start to implement these steps IMMEDIATELY!  So, if you’ve got a message that’s burning in you… something you know would help people… something that could make an impact… then THIS episode is for YOU!  We’ll show you a path to start speaking more AND increase your chances for being paid well as you do!

RESOURCES:

To find out more about Mitch’s “Next-Level Speaker Event 2021” Click Here.

This event will help you get the marketing pieces in place to reach more of the people you want to reach, score the stages you want to speak on and get paid well to do it!

Download the PDF at https://mitchmatthews.com/332

MORE ABOUT THE EPISODE:

While I was on sabbatical… I’d asked YOU… the DREAM THINK DO family… about what you’d like me to dig into once I got back.  I listed off a number of themes and topics:

THEMES: 

• Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset
• Speaking and building a speaking business
• Podcasting and growing YOUR OWN podcast
• Coaching and mentoring

SPECIFIC (or more general) TOPICS:

• Faith in the workplace and “real world” convos about that stuff
• How do you get back up… when you’re knocked down
• How do you have the guts to go after a big idea
• Time management in an era when no one seems to have boundaries 
• Really cool people with really inspiring stories
• AND/OR… YOUR suggestions too 

Well… I heard from you and one of the big areas that many of you wanted to hear about was “Speaking and building a Speaking Business.”  

I wanted to go after that right away… so we’re digging in today!

5 Keys to go from “FREE” to “FEE” as a Successful (and profitable) Speaker.

Key 1: START!

It’s not a surprise, but when people ask me about the best ways to get started as a Speaker… my response is always short, sweet, accurate and to the point.  I say, “Get started!”

It’s not a throw away answer.  It's the absolute truth.  The best way to start… is to start.  

_____________________________

“START where you are.  Use what you have. DO what you can.” - Arthur Ashe   

_____________________________

In the episode, I share some of my “humble beginnings” stories but I also explain how those speaking events… where it felt no one was looking… led to my first paid gig with a Fourtune 100 company!

Key 2: Create a Tangible Talk

That’s right.  Before you ever get paid… get started by creating a talk.  In the episode, I explain why… but I also introduce you to the  strategy of Creating an Idea Map.  (Make sure to download the Participant Guide… above.  It will give you an example of what I’m talking about!)

Key 3:  Deliver that Tangible Talk

Once you have your tangible talk… find ways to deliver it.  We’ll talk about ways to do it AND I’ll share a story of how giving a “free” talk in a public library led to a $20K gig!

_____________________________

“Getting STARTED gets you needed practice and it gets you into what we call

“The Speaker Jet Stream!” 

• Mitch Matthews 

_____________________________

KEY 4: Know The Process!

This was something that was totally in my blindspot!  I didn’t know the process for being selected as a speaker for bigger events and stages.  And since I didn’t know… I wasn’t confident.  And Event Planners and Selection Committees could pick up on it… so I didn’t get the opportunities.  

BUT once I started to understand the process… and more important… the BIGGEST concern of decision makers (which surprised me)... I was able to secure the types of stages and events I’d hoped for! 

KEY 5:  Create a One Sheet!

You want to make it easy for the Search Committees to SELL you to the final decision-makers.  Having a solid One Sheet will help you to do that.  More importantly… the process of putting an effective One Sheet together will help you get all your KEY marketing in place!

MINUTE BY MINUTE 

• 0:02 - You asked, I’m going for it! What to expect today
• 1:34 - Conversations tarts
• 3:23 - Let’s talk about public speaking
• 7:00 - If you want to be a speaker, this parts for you!
• 14:00 -  Where to start
• 16:02 - Where to test your talk
• 17:55 - What an idea map is and why you need it
• 22:00 - The real power behind stories 
• 28:33 - You have to put in the reps
• 35:50 - The perks of hosting your own event 
• 46:15 - Two things you need to impress any search committee 
• 53:33 - 5-key recap 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What stood out to you?  What’s something small but significant you are going to try?  Let me know by dropping a comment below.  I want to hear from you! 

Maybe it’s just giving yourself permission to START!  Maybe it’s putting together a talk on a subject you LOVE.  Maybe it’s scheduling a space to give that talk.  Maybe it’s reaching out to organizations who might need your help and your message!  Maybe it’s joining us for our Next Level Speaker event so you can get a powerful ONE SHEET in place and done in one weekend!  Whatever it is… BIG or small… BOLD or more subtle… take a step. 

And hey… one step would simply be to comment below and say, “I’m IN!  I’m going to START!”  I can’t wait to hear from you… because hey… I know the world needs to hear from YOU!  (You’ve got wisdom and stories in you the world needs!!!  So let’s do this!)  Amen?

Have you been feeling like you’re wanting to make some changes?  A new day?   Some new perspectives?  A shift that YOU create as opposed to something that you’re told to do.  A new mission.  Me too!  Seriously… I’m BACK and as you’ll hear... I’m fired up!  That’s right… after a sabbatical… I’m excited to be back.  And in this episode, I’m going to invite you into what’s NEXT!  We’re going to get “R.E.A.L.” to talk about where we’re headed with the podcast but also (maybe even more importantly) where I’m wanting to go with my own life.  And as you hear it… you believe this is going to be really encouraging for YOU on YOUR journey into YOUR next season too. Of course... I tell some fun stories along the way… like what happened when a potential client told me to “toggle it back.” (It was a kick to the gut at the time… but it was also a true turning point!)  I’m so excited for you to listen to this one and join me as we move into what’s NEXT.  Strap in and I guarantee it’s going to be an ADVENTURE!  Let’s do this!!!

STUFF and FORMER EPISODES MENTIONED:

I mentioned my son Alex’s new book was just released.  Check it out here.

Here’s my interview with Alex when his FIRST novel was published: https://mitchmatthews.com/271/

I talked about my sabbatical (and why it was needed) along with rest and restoration here: https://mitchmatthews.com/330/

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

I’m so excited to be back!  We’re talking about where I’m feeling called to take DREAM THINK DO in this next season.  We’re going to be talking about being REAL and taking that to new levels.

And hey… I’m a speaker and a teacher… so I HAVE to work an acronym into things.  Job hazard.  LOL!  So, when I say, “Being R.E.A.L. at new levels,” this is what we’re talking about:

The “R” stands for being REAL and AUTHENTIC.

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.  It’s about the choice to show up and be real.  The choice to be honest.  The choice to let our true selves be seen.” - Brene Brown

We’re going to talk more about what THIS actually means for us DREAM THINK DOERs… especially as we move ahead.  But we’re taking the REALNESS to new levels and it’s going to be goooooood!

The “E” reminds us that we’re going to be ENTREPRENEURIAL and ENTREPRENEURIALLY-MINDED as we move forward.

You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to benefit from some of the things that we’ll be talking about… but I want to encourage you to be entrepreneurially-minded!  And hey… I heard from you all loud and clear that it’s time to start bringing entrepreneurial concepts and strategies back into DTD and I can’t wait!  

 “Learn to sell.  Learn to build.  If you can do both, you will be unstoppable in ANY role or position you find yourself!” - Naval Ravikant 

The “A” stands for ADVENTURE.

With all of the wildness in life… it may feel a little wild and overwhelming at times.  BUT you were MADE for adventure.  We were made to do incredible things.  And sometimes the best way to deal with some of the craziness and unpredictability that can come in life… is to inject some ADVENTURE that you choose!  Intentional… calculated… risk.  Being a novice.  Trying something.  Taking a step.  You agree?  You in?

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” - T.S. Eliot 

 The “L” stands for… well… you’re going to have to listen to the episode to hear THAT one.  

It may or may not surprise you… but it may be the MOST IMPORTANT principle as we move forward into this next season!

Lastly… an INVITATION:

If you’re IN (woot woot)… please do one of the following:

• Hit subscribe wherever you listen… so you don’t miss a future episode!
• Leave a review on Apple (www.dreamthinkdo.com) and let me know you’re IN!
• Take a screenshot of the episode and share it on social media!
• Invite a friend to join us (by sharing this episode) as we move into what’s NEXT!

It’s time to dream bigger dreams… it’s time to think even better… it’s time to do more of what you were put on the planet to do AND it’s time to be more YOU than you’ve ever been!!! 

You in?  I hope so!  Let’s do this!!!

THE EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

• 0:02 - What to expect today (and thank you!)
• 2:53 - Episode starts
• 5:37 - Life on sabbatical 
• 13:23 it’s about to get R.E.A.L
• 20:02 - E: Let’s talk Entrepreneursh!p
• 34:04 - A: Achieving new levels of adventure
• 36:59 - Find out what the “L” stands for

In this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into the subject of “Rest and Restoration.”  As in… “How can you feel more rested?” And, more importantly, “How do we move past rest into full restoration?”  We’re talking specific ways to help YOU find the right mix of strategies and activities that work for you.  So you can feel more rested and restored… more often.  That means your energy levels and your “inner gas gauge” can be FULL more often!  You can be your best self… more loving… more present… more kind… more fun… and be all those things more often.  As you know… this is wildly important.  And… true confession… it’s been easy to let my gauge get dangerously close to “E” lately.  Can you identify?  I bet you can relate… because it’s been this way for a lot of people that I’ve been talking to.  So, I thought it was time for us to dig into this… and get us specific strategies (big and small) to help you feel more rested and restored.  So, invite a friend and let’s get to some experimenting!!! 

RESOURCES:

Here’s a few of the studies and articles I mention in the episode:

The “Awe Walk” Study from Virginia Sturn: Click here

The 7 Types of Rest from Inc.: Click here

Why it takes 60 days to create a new habit: click here.

Dream Think Do Episodes Referenced:

330 Episodes at a Glance: Click here

Hiro’s Journey (so far) - What  a Puppy’s been teaching me about pursuing dreams and living life: Click here

Being Fully Present and Cultivating “AWE” Click here

Let’s Connect!

I’m always asking for YOUR input for Dream Think Do episodes, especially on Facebook.

In fact, here’s the post that kicked things off on FB: https://mitchmatthews.com/330

MORE ABOUT THE EPISODE:

This week, we’re diving into specific strategies to help you move to “RESTORATIVE Rest” more often.  

Rest vs. Restoration:

Rest: “To cease work or movement in order to relax or refresh oneself.”

Restoration: “The act of restoring. A return of something to its former or unimpaired condition.”

Dr. Caroline Leaf does a deep dive on this subject.  You can check it out here: Click here

What do YOU think?  Are rest and restoration different things?  Can one exist without the other?  Does it matter?  

60 Days to Create a New Habit:

Some say it takes 21 days… others 28.  But science-backed research shows it takes 60.  Want to learn more on the WHY and the HOW… click here.

BEST MIND vs. ANXIOUS MIND:

Like I said in the episode… I’m working on being intentional about trying to be in my “Best Mind” more often and my “Anxious Mind” less and less.  Your “Best Mind” intentionally focuses on things like gratitude, hope, love, strength, generosity and kindness… as a result… our ability to love and serve goes up… our innovative and creative thinking go up… our ability to be in the moment and fully present are much easier.  BUT we have to be intentional about being in that state… right?

What are some ways that you’ve found to stay in your “Best Mind?”  Small things?  Big things?  Let’s keep the “experiments” and the idea share going.  Comment and let me know below! 

Creating Guilt-free “White Space” in your Calendar:

White Space is dedicated time (preferably scheduled into your calendar in advance).  The intent is to allow (and sometimes force) guilt free time for you to take a breath, look at things from a different perspective, reflect, relax, and refuel.  It doesn’t need to take hours.  In fact, intentionally taking 15 minutes… a few times a day… can make all the difference.   

If you’re looking for additional reasons WHY to do it… and some specific strategies for HOW to do it… you can click here.

I’m curious.  What works for you when it comes to creating a few windows of “White Space?” Does it make a difference?  Does it help you? How do you get it done?

7 Types of Rest:

Saundra Dalton-Smith writes that too many people think that rest is limited to the amount of sleep we get.  But, she says, "In reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need." In her TED article, she points to seven types of rest that are essential for us to thrive. 

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Which of these are easiest for you?  Which are the most difficult?  Which are the most important?  Comment below and let me know what you think!

For me… they’re all important BUT I probably forget about the “Sensory Rest” most.  Because I do a LOT of my work in front of a computer… it’s easy to forget about the importance of shutting things OFF and chilling out without electronics.  Yup… just being honest.  That’s why those “awe” walks have been so important lately.  How about you?

Listener Lightning Round Ideas:

Here’s some awesome ideas from other Dream Think Doers!

What would YOU add to this list of favorite ways to rest and restore? Comment and let’s keep sharing the ideas!

NEXT STEPS:

So, here’s the “Experiment” if you choose to join me.  (And I hope you do!)

Over the next 60 days, let’s do something small but significant each day to rest and/or restore.

And let’s get specific:

• Pick a day you want to start
• Invite a friend (or two) to join you
• Experiment with different strategies to find the right “mix” for you
• Share with your friends what’s working and what’s not (and encourage each other to learn and adjust as you go)
• Leave a comment below and let us know how it’s going!
• And of course… check out some of the other Dream Think Do Episodes to keep you on track!

I can’t wait to see what the next 60 days (and beyond) will do for all of us!

Who’s in?  Let me know in the comments below and/or on social media.

Let’s do this!

INSERT EPISODE MINUTE BY MINUTE HERE:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 2:40 Episode starts
• 3:13 The need for rest is real
• 10:00 How to rest and restore everyday
• 17:50 Working on the micro habits
• 21:10 Moving into the best part of your mind
• 28:08 The power of awe
• 37:50 The 7 types of rest
• 46:00 What to expect over the next few weeks

We’re talking with children’s author, Lexi Young Peck. Even as a young girl, Lexi was known far and wide as the "baby whisperer."  She’s just always been incredibly gifted at calming babies and connecting with kiddos. She took that passion and natural gifting and got her degree in psychology... and focused on childhood development.  Now, her heart is to create easy, straightforward ways for parents to navigate the complexities of raising kids. We’re talking about her new book and specific ways to navigate fear with your kiddos and for yourself.

RESOURCES:

Lexi’s Website: www.lexiyoungpeck.com 

Lexi’s Book: What Do You Say to a Dragon?

MORE ABOUT LEXI AND THE EPISODE:

Lexi’s heart is to create practical and useful tools and strategies for parents to navigate the complexities of raising kids.  

She’s doing that in a number of ways… but one of the most recent… and the most powerful… is her new children’s book, “What do you say to a Dragon?”

It’s a refreshing take on what to do when your kiddos… and frankly… when YOU… are facing fear and anxiety. 

So, we’ll be talking about THAT… because who doesn’t need some new tools for the tool box when it comes to overcoming worry.

Especially…  that temptation to freak out… when a dragon… real or imagined… walks in the room!

By the way… Lexi is not handing out advice without having to apply these strategies herself… on a daily basis. 

She and her husband, Josh, have two young children, Vivian and Xander.  

And speaking of kiddos… Lexi is the daughter of my friend and former DTD guest… William Paul Young.  Paul is also a successful author who’s written many books, including The Shack and Crossroads.

In fact, Paul pointed me to the book and I was instantly hooked and wanted Lexi to come on immediately!

That’s why I’m so excited for this convo so let’s get to it!

MINUTE BY MINUTE:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:20 Quick announcement
• 2:53 Get to know Lexi
• 4:58 Why Lexi decided to write a kids book
• 10:03 Engaging your fear
• 13:33 How Lexi helps kids overcome fear
• 17:59 How Mitch handled fear with his youngest
• 20:16 The feedback Lexi has received
• 25:53 Meeting your kids where they are
• 27:31 Mitch’s biggest takeaways

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

So… what did YOU think?  I want to hear from YOU!  

What are some of your favorite strategies for helping kiddos face their fears?  What’s worked for you?  What hasn’t?  Where do you struggle?  And most importantly, what are some ways you inspire the kiddos in your life to dream big? 

And as for THIS convo with Lexi... what’s something you’re going to try?  What’s something that really resonated with you (big or small)?  

What’s something you’re going to DO (big or small) as a result?  

Let me know in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Jess Ekstrom is back and we’re talking about strategies to help you journal, especially when life feels a little crazy!  You probably remember Jess from episode 242.  She’s the founder and CEO of “Headbands of Hope.”  And check this out, that for every headband Jess sells... a headband is given to a child with cancer… and almost a million headbands have been given away so far.  How awesome is THAT!?

Since founding Headbands of Hope… she’s also become a best selling author with her amazing book, “Chasing the Bright Side” AND she has her own awesome podcast called “Business on the Bright Side.”  By the way…  Jess has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and the VIEW… as well as in Forbes, Seventeen, Vanity Fair, and People Magazine.  After all of that… you might wonder how Jess does it all.  And that’s something we’re going to dig into today… because one of the most powerful tools in her toolbox is journaling.

It helps her to dream bigger, think better and do more of what she’s put on the planet to do.  So we’re going to dive into exactly what she does… so you can be doing it too.  

RESOURCES:

Jess’s first appearance on DTD: https://mitchmatthews.com/242/ The episode is called, “Finding the Bright Side in a Bad News World.)

Jess’s Bright Pages site: www.brightpages.com 

Grab a month for free at: www.brightpages.com/dtd

Jess’s site: https://jessekstrom.com/

Jess’s book: https://jessekstrom.com/buy-the-book

EPISODE MINUTE BY MINUTE:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 2:11 Welcome back Jess!
• 5:17 New problems need new solutions
• 6:55 Mitch’s experience with journaling
• 11:16 How to know it’s a good business idea
• 12:47 How journal can help you dream bigger
• 18:00 Creating conversation with yourself
• 22:22 How Jess  practically uses journaling day-to-day
• 29:13 Jess’s advice for anyone starting or starting again with journalling
• 30:34 Mitch’s closing thoughts

What did YOU think?  I want to hear from YOU!  

Do you journal now?  Has it ever gotten stale for you?  Are you needing something to bring some fresh ideas?  I know I did and I loved this convo!

Which of Jess’s strategies for journaling… and heck… for life… stood out to you?  What’s something you’re going to try?  What’s something that really resonated with you (big or small)?  

What’s something you’re going to DO (big or small) as a result?  

Let me know in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!