Successful Women Think Differently – Details, episodes & analysis

🎉Set your 2024 up for success by creating your Vision Board with Valorie: valorieburton.com/visionboardchallenge2024  👀

Having a vision and a goal is great, but there’s one thing that will help you get to the next level faster and you probably have never heard of it.

It’s called a personal growth action plan. 

Oftentimes, we think that the reason it's taking a long time to reach our goals is because we're not taking the right steps. 

But it's really much bigger than just knowing what steps to take. What is even more important is understanding what’s stopping you from taking those steps.

Do you know what the growth gap is that is keeping you from moving forward and keeping you stuck? (If you don’t, go check out Episode 34!)

This is often where our fears, habits, distractions, sometimes circumstances can block us from growing even when we know exactly what to do. 

Discover the personal growth action plan framework and how to use it to reach your goals in 2024. 

In This Episode:

- Why we can’t move forward even though we know what steps to take

- Identifying your growth gaps

- How to close your growth gaps

- Experimenting with new action to close your growth gaps

- How to leverage “positive peer pressure” to get better results

- Big changes for the Successful Women Think Differently Podcast

Resources Mentioned:

Explore how SWA can be your guide in creating and sustaining your personal growth action plan. Visit ValorieBurton.com for details.

Connect with Valorie Burton:

Check out all of Valorie's books here - https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton 

1️⃣ Set your 2024 up for success by creating your Vision Board with Valorie: valorieburton.com/visionboardchallenge2024 👀

If you’re heading into the new year wanting to set goals but you just don’t want it to be another year of goals you didn’t complete. Another year of setting up the same goals for yourself.

Well, this is the episode for you.

Setting goals can often be easy enough. We know we need to set up SMART goals, and small goals, and even sub-goals…Everyone talks about it.

But so often, we still end up missing the mark. Why?

A sneaky little thing called growth gaps. The way YOU need to grow in order to go where you want to go.

Learn what you need to do to ensure 2024 is the year you address those gaps on this episode of the Successful Women Think Differently podcast.

In This Episode:

- What is a growth gap?

- Is fear holding you back?

- Bad habits, missing habits, inconsistent habits

- Are you distracted?

- Is this the right time?

Connect with Valorie Burton:

Check out all of Valorie's books here - https://valorieburton.com/books/

Website - https://valorieburton.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/

There’s no way you haven’t heard this from someone before. “Never give up, you’re no quitter.”

Actually, oftentimes, if not most, quitting is associated with failure.

But does that even make sense? The idea that we can never quit or walk away from something doesn’t seem to leave room for growth, does it?

Like when you grow and realize that this thing you signed up for or initially started to pursue isn’t actually helpful or healthy – are you meant to stick through it?

Well, it’s possible that the real failure is in the limiting belief that you can’t change your mind and move on.

If you feel stuck and you don’t know if it’s time to walk away yet, this episode is for you. Valorie’s 5 signs to know if you should keep going or if it’s time to quit will help you assess your goals in a new light and steer you in the right direction.

In This Episode:

- When quitting is right for you

- Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Weary and burdened’

- 5 Ways to know if you should persevere or keep going

- #1 You’re energized

- #2 Stretched but not broken

- #3 Peace in the chaos

- #4 Purpose in the pain

- #5 Worth the effort (Reward on the other side!)

- What will this goal give you that you don’t already have?

- Recap

And more!

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton

If you’re in a rut and are looking for a way out, check out Happy Women Live Better - https://a.co/d/iolzNgR

In the book, Valorie references 13 research-based happiness triggers that build positive emotion. But in this episode, she dives deep into just one: Anticipation.

It’s so easy to get stuck in the routine, right? Wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat.

But is life supposed to be so mundane?

What’s something you can do to get out of the rut of day-to-day life?

Well, most of us know when there’s a vacation set on the calendar, it’s really easy to move with a little more pep in your step as it’s creeping up. The excitement keeps you going even on the days when everything seems just to be unexciting. Well, guess what's that called? 

Anticipation.

But we can’t all just add more vacations to the calendar, so what can we do instead?

Tune in for 5 easy steps you can take to cultivate more anticipation, which can absolutely transform your outlook on life. 

In This Episode:

- Cultivating Positive Emotion

- How Anticipation Helps Boredom

- Don’t have time?

- Don’t have something to look forward to?

- Set goals

- Make a list of simple pleasures

- Talk about it

- Add to the joy

- Count it down

And more!

Want more juicy details about cultivating positive emotion? 

Check out this episode: https://youtu.be/AuXbfoOjIGI?si=rD6IcPnwJriIJ4Pj 

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton 

**For extra tips on stopping your Analysis Paralysis, visit  https://valorieburton.com/podcast**

The curse of having too many good ideas or options…

Is there any chance you can actually accomplish them all? And if you can’t, how do you choose which one(s) to start with, knowing that it might mean the other ones never come to life?

It’s like trying to choose a new movie to watch on Netflix and instead watching dozens of trailers only to look back and realize you’ve missed out on a whole hour that could have actually been spent watching one of those movies.

It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

This happens to business owners all the time. You start a business, and you think of loads of things that can contribute to your business success, but you just don’t know where to start.

Well, that’s why Valorie recommends: “Don’t be a Maximizer.”

It means you need to break the thought pattern that says, “There might be something better.”

Instead, the key is to become a “Satisficer.”

Don’t worry if you don’t know what these terms mean. It will all make sense after you listen to this bite-sized episode that will help you take your first step toward your next good idea.

In This Episode:

- Paradox of Choice by Dr. Barry Schwartz

- What is a Maximizer?

- What is Satisficing?

- How to Satisfice

- Voluntarily limiting your choices

- Determining what is good enough

- Why lowering your expectations doesn’t have to be a negative

- Comparing your decisions with everyone else’s

- About the Successful Women’s Academy

And more!

Interested in developing better habits for success like the ones mentioned in this Episode? 

Check out Chapter 7 in Valorie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Successful-Women-Think-Differently-Healthier/dp/0736938567/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

- YouTube -

****For help with your vision, visit  http://valorieburton.com/vision - this is a FREE resource usually reserved for clients only.****

Things rarely just fall into place.

Sometimes, we look at our lives and everything we’ve accomplished or haven’t, and we wonder, “Are things supposed to be this hard?” OR, “Why do I feel stuck?”

And the answer can be found in one simple but powerful practice—your vision.

If your vision is unclear or it hasn’t been updated in a while, it’s likely what is holding you back from living the fulfilling life you desire.

Your vision should be a painted picture of your future. Vivid, specific, and not to be confused with your purpose.

Is your vision compelling? Does it encompass every part of your life? Have you shared it with those around you?

If not, when things get difficult, you might just give up.

This episode will guide you in creating a vision that moves you and ensures you don’t quit too early.

In This Episode:

- Are you living someone else's vision?

- Is your vision guilty of one of these?

• Not Compelling
• Not Complete
• Not Communicated

- Vision Manifesto - How can it help you?

- Your Best Possible Future Self

- Self-reflection questions

And more!

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton 

Motivation is like the wind. It comes and it goes.

Chances are it’s going more than it’s coming.

As much as you wish that you could feel productive, and inspired to take action all the time (or even half of the time), there’s just a missing motivation that often stops you from doing what you need to do.

So in this episode, Valorie is going to give you the secret that all successful people use to stay motivated 100% of the time without fail.

Here’s the Big Secret: Don’t believe anyone telling you they have got the secret to all-day, every day motivation. It’s a lie.

HA! No, but seriously. The truth is, no one feels motivated 100% of the time.

Those mindset gurus and motivational speakers and ultra-successful people you see on Social Media may be more motivated than you, but even they struggle sometimes.

So, if it’s not motivation, what is it that makes them different? Is it just that they love what they do? Or that it comes naturally to them? Or maybe they just have better inspiration.

No, it’s that they’ve learned to distinguish their feelings from their decisions. And you can too.

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start achieving, tune in to hear this message of empowerment and learn how to make consistent progress toward your biggest goals.

Need extra help with inspiration and motivation? Check out Valorie’s vision manifesto at https://valorieburton.com/podcast and share it with a friend!

In This Episode:

- Why feelings shouldn’t dictate our actions

- Why we shouldn’t wait for motivation

- How labeling our emotions can help us take action

- How taking action without motivation can help us build confidence

And more!

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton 

My Christian campgoers will get this. Stick with me for a second…

Have you ever gone to a camp, been pumped up by the Holy Spirit, felt truly transformed, enlightened, and ready to change the world?

But then you get back home, your sister says something mean or wrong about you, and all that goes out the window?

For my non-Christian camp goers, it’s like going to a work meeting where you’re all on the same page, everyone has valuable feedback, and then you go back to work, and nothing changes; you’re just all complaining.

The point is that staying positive is easy when you're surrounded by positivity, but it can be challenging when you encounter negative people and situations.

But as you know, we can't let negativity take over our lives.

So what do we do?

We listen to this episode for the 4 steps to overcome negativity and remember that opportunities can arise from challenges. 

By following these four strategies, you can block out negativity, preserve your peace, and maintain your joy.

In This Episode:

- Exercising Discipline

- What can YOU control?

- Gratitude can shift your perspective

- Deciding who YOU want to be

- Considering that God might be moving me out of this situation

If this helped you overcome a tough situation, go get the FREE download with these 4 strategies at http://valorieburton.com/breakfree and share it with a friend!

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton

Turns out “Work Hard, Play Hard” may be way more scientifically sound than any of us thought.

As a responsible adult, chances are your struggle is likely in the playing part. You’ve got all caught up with work, chores, maybe raising kids, and the seriousness of life’s various obstacles.

And the last thing you want to hear is that you should be adding more to your list and generally be more positive. Why? Why does it even matter beyond the obvious feel-good mushy stuff?

Elaine O'Brien, renowned fitness and positive psychology leader, is on the show today to walk us through the impact that play has on our lives and even our work. There are huge benefits you’re missing out on if you’re not playing. Particularly, you’re missing out on a tool that actually helps you deal with the really hard things in life.

Elaine’s inspiring work in advancing mental health and physical fitness has transformed the lives of thousands. It has shown that play has the power to provide us with a mental and emotional cushion when dealing with life’s crises.

Whether it’s Nerf gun wars, swinging in playgrounds, cracking jokes, or other games, the key is looking for opportunities to create joy in life’s everyday cycles.

How many of us have things thrown our way that we wish we handled better? Well, tune in because this could be the key.

In This Episode:

- Playing hard is actually a great success strategy

- Play isn’t just something you do AFTER all the hard work

- How play can create a foundation of goodness and shift your baseline

- Overcoming your Negativity Bias

- The power of play at work

And so much more!

Connect with Elaine O’Brien and check out her resources:

- Website: http://elaineobrienphd.com

- Elaine’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Play-Optimize-Your-Potential-ebook/dp/B0BFJSR5RM

- Check out the FREE Power of Play Fun Tracker https://www.powerofplay.fun

Other Resources Mentioned:

Research on Positive Emotions - https://positivepsychology.com/broaden-build-theory/

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton

THANK YOU… Your commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact is truly commendable, and we're excited to explore a topic that can enrich your journey.

Today, we're delving into the heart of gratitude. It's a practice that might seem straightforward, but as we navigate life's challenges, finding reasons to be grateful can be tough.

Your boss is underappreciating your work, you’ve got dishes piling up and chores that never end, you take 3 steps forward but something pushes you back 20, someone cuts you off on the road or you’re going through major medical and health issues…In a world filled with ups and downs, it's only natural to sometimes wonder if there's anything to be thankful for.

However, let's not underestimate the power of gratitude. It's not just a mere platitude; it's a genuine superpower that can elevate your entire life. It's not about denying challenges, but rather about embracing a mindset that can lead to better sleep, improved mood, and stronger relationships.

It’s a happiness trigger and that’s precisely why so many successful women use it.

Valorie will share some powerful examples of how gratitude has changed her life in this episode. If you haven’t already pressed play, won’t you let this episode help you make a Gratitude Adjustment?

In This Episode:

- Having a gratitude adjustment: The best way to express gratitude

- How gratitude impacts your health and your relationships

- How gratitude impacts your success

- Are you taking things for granted?

- Defining gratitude and how to use it as a tool

And so much more!

Before you go, try this out:

Think of something in your life where you just know you haven’t had a great attitude…

- Write down 3 things you can choose to be grateful for in that situation

- Reflect on why you are grateful and write that down too

- Remember, successful women think differently. These kinds of tools will help you do that.

Connect with Valorie Burton:

- Check out all of Valorie's books here- https://valorieburton.com/books/ 

- Website - https://valorieburton.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valorieburton/ 

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorieburton/  

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valorieburton/  

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@valorieburton