I'm back. After more than two years away, I'm returning to the podcast I've been hosting since 2006, and I'm not pretending the time away was tidy or planned. This episode is an honest look behind the curtain at what really happened, what kept me from returning sooner, and what I've learned about leadership, resilience, and beginning again. If you've ever had a project, dream, or part of yourself that you've struggled to return to, this conversation is for you.

WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER

•       Why my pause lasted over two years instead of the two months I originally planned.

•       What a series of starts and stops really looks like behind the scenes of a long-running podcast.

•       How Parkinson's Law has shaped the way I work, travel, and create space for myself.

•       The identity I am letting go of and what it feels like to figure out who you are in your fifties.

•       What I have been doing professionally during the pause, including leadership resets, business infrastructure immersions, and company offsites.

•       The invitation to be gentle with yourself when something you meant to do keeps not happening.

RESOURCES FOR YOU

•       Make sure you subscribe to never miss a show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-she-really-does-it/id307368679

•       If you're interested in working with me, reach out at hello@howshereallydoesit.com

•       Share this episode with a friend who needs permission to be gentle with herself.

Last year, I found myself on a retreat utterly exhausted. I knew I was craving more space in my life and business. So in the fall, I started doing just that. I began shutting down certain lines of business while continuing to do high-quality work with my clients, and after 17 and a half years and over 1000 episodes, I've made the decision to hit pause on the podcast too.

Join me this week as I share why my soul is craving space, rest, and even boredom, how I'm creating more space in my life and business by hitting the pause button, and the endless possibilities that I believe await us both on the other side. Until we meet again, stay curious, stay open, and stay true to yourself.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/4a7oRtF

Whether it's at home or in the workplace, we are all leading different aspects of our lives. One of the responsibilities of a leader is to provide feedback, which takes a lot of courage and is very vulnerable.

This week, discover how to lead, coach, and provide feedback with effectiveness, compassion, and in a way that allows people to thrive. Learn the questions leaders should ask themselves when providing feedback and why it's important to never let the fear of disappointment get in the way of setting goals.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3vQnr7H

Do you worry about what other people think of you? Do you let other people's judgments hold you back from doing what you want? In this episode, hear the reasons we focus on other people's judgments, and why trying to get other people to change the way they see you doesn't work. I'm showing you how to stop playing small and how to use other people's judgment to create opportunities in your life.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/37dsvXC

In this episode, I'm talking about the old way of creating change and sharing a new way that is effective, sustainable and much less exhausting. Discover the importance of acknowledging your strengths as well as your weaknesses, and why your flaws help you become who you are, not keep you from creating the change you want.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3LwHMBC

Listen in this week as I share what boundaries are, what it looks like to have them in place, and the problem with setting them. I'm sharing a way to reframe how you look at boundaries in your life and giving you some examples of how you can use them to support yourself and other people.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/36zt3H8

Can you believe that this podcast has been in existence for over 15 and a half years and we have over 800 shows? It can be so overwhelming to know what episodes to listen to when you need them, so we've created a podcast playlist to solve this problem.

This is your opportunity to get started and dig in, so tune in and hear what the Leader of Your Life podcast playlist consists of, and how to reduce the overwhelming 800+ podcasts down to the episodes you need right now.

Get full show notes, access to the playlist, and more information here: https://bit.ly/3KFZxy1

I'm sharing some common sports myths and fairy tales that have created prison walls in our lives, the difference between them, and how they affect us. Discover why pursuing your goals feels so vulnerable and the role vulnerability plays in our lives, and learn how to overcome your internal obstacles and deal with setbacks.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/35MmfFz

In this episode, I'm sharing the problem with pursuing a happily ever after and how to approach life instead. We don't live in a fairy tale, so when the ending does not turn out, who do you become from what you are learning? Learn the importance of feeling and experiencing the happy moments, and what to do instead of arguing with reality.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3qNxvbU

In this episode, I'm showing you what you can be doing instead of dress rehearsing tragedy. Whatever you are facing in your life, you have limited capacity and you need to take care of yourself, so I'm sharing the effects of going in with your eyes wide open, what it means to live in this way, and how to start managing risk without dress rehearsing tragedy.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3wqoMAi

This week, I'm talking about the cost of indecision both with the big things and the small. I share an instance of indecision I experienced in my own life that cost me a lot of emotional and mental energy, and I'm showing you how to recognize where this is showing up for you in your life.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3MTl6gk

There is a difference between laughing at ourselves and laughing with ourselves. When we own our story and love ourselves, we can release the uncomfortable feelings and let go of the intense emotions inside of us. I'm showing you how to deal with situations where you might tend to poke fun at yourself, and how to start laughing with yourself instead.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3HVSFdE

This week, I'm sharing the myths of working hard and showing you why you don't need permission to take time for yourself. Discover the importance of scheduling in fun time and time for yourself, and how to stop prioritizing only working hard so you can start prioritizing yourself.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/35ONnTS

Are you self-aware of your own being? In this episode, I discuss how to become self-aware of your being and I explore two questions and skill sets that have helped me make a significant change in my life.

Join me this week to discover which small steps you can start incorporating in your life to make the changes you want to see, as well as some tools to help you make a space for yourself.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3vFme33

When we stand with ourselves, we provide an environment of belonging and allow ourselves to be accepted exactly as we are. We don't hide away, we don't abandon ourselves, and we learn to trust ourselves. I'm sharing a tool to help you do this work, and why loving all parts of yourself will help you own your voice, and stand in your true power.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/352PLXk

Learn the problem with asking ourselves "am I doing it right?" and why there is never a right way to do anything. Hear some questions to ask yourself instead of this question, and why there are a whole bunch of layers, options and choices with every decision you make.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3oTqkxU

When we show up and allow ourselves to be seen, we give permission for others to do the same. I'm sharing why it is so important to share your light and consider the energy you want to bring in your life. Discover why you are responsible for the energy you bring to a space, and why you don't need to wait to fully show up as your authentic self.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3uzi0qP

This week I'm showing you how to get clear on the boundaries in your work and personal life and the importance of communicating clearly and asking for what you want. Discover the reason we're not good at clear communication and the problems this leads to in our lives, and how the concept of clean pain and dirty pain could be holding you back.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3ogt8ov

I always say that small hinges can move big doors. And small things can bring us so much joy. But, the small things can also grow into big problems. So this week, I'm showing you how little things can both bring you down and also open you up to possibilities, and I'm sharing some examples to give you perspective as you look through the lens of your own life.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3r1VN2w

Whether you fear failing, making mistakes, or something not working out, you are not alone. In this episode, I'm showing you how to get clear on what you are afraid of and work through it. Hear a belief that has helped me overcome so much fear in my life, and how to create a go-to strategy to implement in your life for the next time fear shows up.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/33ybndd

This week, I'm exploring what success is, the invisible structures and systems that successful people have that you may not be aware of, and showing you how to take small, practical steps to generate success. I'm also sharing three questions to ask yourself to help you determine what success looks like for you.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/33eIoLx

Join me this week and find out why what you love is part of your own unique flavor and the importance of embracing it. Discover why doing so allows your authenticity to show and what can happen when you don't embrace what you love.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3HEadLM

As we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022, my invitation for you is to carve out space for you. Instead of filling it all up, allow yourself to keep some free, lean into it, trust yourself, and feel and hear everything you have to say.

Join me this week as I share the importance of having space. I'm showing you how to give yourself space to show up in your life, why it will sometimes feel vulnerable, and why giving yourself space is not selfish and is the pathway to the life that you want.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3sD4b9M

It's easy to think that if you were in a different scenario, or if you had more money, or if you didn't do this or have that, you would be able to have balance in your life. But none of this is true because life balance is an illusion.

In this episode, I'm showing you why you need to break free from the illusion of the fairy tale of life balance. Discover how to stop thinking what you want is magically going to happen and start making your life work for you as it is right now.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3qjjLEK

While we are all emotional beings, some of us don't have a language for emotions or maybe we've been told that emotions are weak. One thing you can do to grow your self-awareness is to learn the language of emotions.

Emotions are not a weakness. They communicate what is going on inside yourself when you are too busy to notice. They give you a signal, but it's your job to feel, identify and give yourself the space to move through it. In this episode, I'm showing you how to do just that.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3NYFf6A

What do you really, really want in your life? I invite you to give yourself permission to answer this difficult question. Focus on what you want and create systems to support what you're going after. Go all-in with your commitment and choose the best-case scenario for your life.

In this episode, I'm walking you through an important concept that I use all the time to help you get the results you want and overcome the obstacles that get in the way. I'm helping you stop avoiding what you want for fear of failure or disappointment and showing you how to take up space in your life and commit to the best-case scenario.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3yrqDDJ

I'm sharing some examples of structures that can help you in different areas of your life and how to implement them. You get to define what works for you, so I'm sharing why creating structures in your life will help you have the flourishing, connected relationships you want while doing meaningful work that you love.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3075BOd

This week, I'm showing you how to reframe the way you think about obstacles and a step-by-step approach to help you work through them and get what you want. Obstacles might be messy and uncomfortable, but you have the power to get through them, so I'm showing you how to lean into the obstacle and move through it to land on the beautiful other side.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3l5VYX4

Daniel Pink is the author of provocative books about changing the world of work. At the time of this interview in 2013, his latest book was To Sell is Human. In this interview, Dan and I talk about how we are all salespeople now. You may not be selling an item or even a service, but you are influencing, persuading, or attempting to get someone's attention.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/dan-pink-rejection-ww/]

Listen in this week as I show you how to provide the space for yourself to feel your emotions and why it's so important to do so. Great learnings occur when things are hard and uncomfortable, so I'm showing you how to tap into these and use them to deliberately create the life and connections you want.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3r4uAN0

We're approaching the new year, which can be a time of transition and change. Often, those transitions and changes are in the form of resolutions and they are changes that we want to happen. Sometimes change happens to us. Whatever the reason behind the change, there are ways that we can get through those transitions and come out confident and grounded on the other side.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/6-questions-ww/]

This week, I'm sharing why there's no right or wrong way to enjoy the holidays, and showing you why even though it won't be perfect, it can be better. I'm showing you how to practice enjoying yourself without it being perfect and how gathering these insights helps you create the life you want.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/30BI4Fa

In order to cultivate confidence, you have to start by asking yourself: "What gets in the way of confidence?" 

Listen in to this episode as I talk about how you can move away from shame and toward confidence by embracing vulnerability and self-compassion. I'll share some of my favorite affirmations for cultivating confidence, as well as some tips for taking small steps toward a more confident you.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/cultivate-confidence-ww/

In this episode, I'm exploring what comes before gratitude and why it is so important to allow yourself to experience your hardships. Giving yourself permission to feel all the emotions is vital in processing them, so I'm showing you how to do that so you can love yourself and take care of yourself to get through to the other side.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3C20sUr

My friend Hiro Boga is a business strategist, teacher, adviser, and mentor. In this episode, which was originally published in 2016, Hiro Boga and I talk about lifelong learning. We discuss curiosity, structure and stability, fear, and more.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/learning-hiro-boga-ww/]

Our beliefs guide us into thinking in a way that is not necessarily aligned with our true mindset. They can also make us do what we think we're supposed to do, rather than what we truly want. 

Discover how to be aware of the things you say to yourself and identify your limiting beliefs. Learn how things start to change when you listen to your stories and become aware of those beliefs. Unpacking the thoughts swirling in your head is the first step towards self-awareness.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3v2HXBk

Discover why setting boundaries can be so uncomfortable, but that it's nothing compared to the discomfort you'll experience if you never have proper boundaries in your life. Laura and I are discussing the cost of avoiding boundaries, how to decide what you want your boundaries to look like, and how to deal with the discomfort of enforcing those boundaries.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3nVVvr7

Are you curious about a side business? In this new world of work, many people find security, growth, and success in their side hustles. In this interview, which originally aired in 2014, my guest Kimberly Palmer and I talk about gaining traction in your side business. 

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/kimberly-palmer-ww/]

We've reached the final celebration for 15 years of the podcast, and who better to bring back than Pamela Slim. Pamela was on the show several times back in the early days, and she's coming back to talk about doing purposeful work and building sustainable, trustworthy relationships.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3nQxZvZ

What does courage mean to you? Do you wish you had more? Andrea Scher, author of the popular blog Superhero Journal, joins me in this 2012 episode to talk about building courage and dealing with uncertainty. 

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/andrea-scher-ww/]

In this episode of our four-part celebration of 15 years of How She Really Does It, we're discussing transformation. I'm bringing on an old favorite and very good friend of mine, Michele Woodward. We're talking about being the person you want to be, how to become the leader of your own life, and the importance of being clear about what you want without being attached to it.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3vuPNQn

In this interview, which originally aired in 2014, I spoke with Pat about doubt and fear and how he stopped those two things from getting in his way. We talk about mental resistance, why it's okay to fail, the importance of building relationships, and more.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/pat-flynn-ww/]

Discover where it all began 15 years ago, and who I've become throughout this journey. I've had so much wonderful feedback and met some incredible people while making this show, and I'm sharing the things that have kept me going over the past 15 years, and the many things I've learned along the way.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3mUrxU7

In our conversation, which originally aired in 2014, Jill and I talk about changing our mindset to and relationship with time in order to make more out of the time we have. We talk about busyness and why it's a choice, how to create manageable and effective to-do lists, where we need to be "rooted" from to take productive action, and more.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/jill-farmer-ww/]

Tune in this week and hear where Anna and I were in 2006 and where we are now. So much can change in 15 years, so we're sharing what we'd say to our former selves, the 3 things we enjoy about now that we didn't know were possible 15 years ago, and the importance of knowing your why and setting boundaries in your life.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3uQr9cO

In this episode, which originally aired in 2014, executive coach Michele Woodward and I discuss the paths that a parent can take to raise grounded and authentic children.

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/michele-woodward-ww-children/]

As the new year approaches, there's a lot of talk about being your best self for 2024. While the definition varies from one person to another, something high achievers all have in common is setting unrealistic standards for what it means to be our best selves. 

This week, I discuss what being your best self every day looks like and why having unrealistic expectations leads to exhaustion rather than learning and growing. We'll explore different simple things you can do to have realistic standards of what is possible for you to do in one day.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3RG80HI

Join me this week as I share some ways to cultivate your self-care capacity and the importance of integrating self-care into your routines or systems. The path to self-care is through observation, compassion, and learning, so I'm showing you how to create a self-care system that works for you and how to prioritize your self-care in your life.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2Y1DSNy

When you examine your finances and you don't see the kind of growth that you want, you may have a problem with underearning, overspending, or both. What is the difference between those two problems and how do you identify them?

Get full show notes and more information here: [https://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/mark-butler-ww-2/]

This week, Laura Boyd joins me and we dive into the question: is leadership going soft? Hear the importance of giving and taking in business and why we believe there's nothing soft about leadership. We discuss the difference between soft and hard skills and why being a leader requires both to be successful.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3hZTlEP