Now What?® Coaching

Category: Acknowledgements

Let It Go

Today’s note is brought to you by a frozen walk through New York, a proud theater mom moment, and yes, a little song you may have heard before…

“Let it gooooo…”

No, this isn’t a Disney-themed pep talk (although my son is playing drums for a production of Frozen, and yes, I cried through half of it). But that got me thinking: We’re closing in on the end of the year, and it’s time for some honest reflection.

Let me ask you:
What do you need to let go of?

As a coach, one of the skills I work on with every single client, whether they’re navigating a career pivot or building a business, is emotional intelligence.

Here’s the truth about emotional intelligence that doesn’t get said enough:
It’s not just about managing your reactions or reading the room.
It’s about radical self-awareness.
It’s about knowing your values, naming your patterns, facing your fear, and being brave enough to put something down, even when it feels like a part of your identity.

You can’t fly if you’re weighed down.

As we wrap up the year, here are a few places to start (stick around to the end for a surprise):

1. Let Go of Grudges.

They’re heavy. And they’re not hurting the other person; they’re hurting you. That bitterness takes up space in your mind, cluttering your creativity, and dampening your joy. Let it go – not for them, but for you.

2. Let Go of Clutter.

Physical and mental clutter – clear it out. That pile of books you’ll never read. The clothes that don’t fit who you are anymore. The half-finished projects. Trust that if you need it again, it will return in a better form.

3. Let Go of People.

This one’s hard; sometimes, we outgrow relationships, or we grow in different directions. That doesn’t mean there’s no love or gratitude. But not everyone is meant to walk the whole path with you, and that’s okay.

Here’s the one that might sting…

4. Let Go of the Old Dreams.

Yes, I said it. I’m a coach who helps people reach their dreams. But I’m also a coach who will tell you when the dream you’re clinging to isn’t serving you anymore. Not because you failed, but because you’ve changed.

That thing you wanted at 25 might not be what you want, or need, at 45 or 55. Forcing it can turn it into a burden instead of a calling.
The power move isn’t always holding on. Sometimes, it’s giving yourself permission to evolve.

Take it from me. I let go of a dream I held for years, which was a career in musical theater. I loved it. I trained for it. I had talent. And I enjoyed it for a time. But letting it go made space for a life I love even more: A deeply fulfilling career as a coach, a family I adore, and yes, still plenty of musical theater in my life.

Letting go didn’t mean losing myself.
It meant finding a new way to use my gifts.

That’s the magic of making space. When you release what’s no longer working, you create room for creativity, growth, synchronicity, healing, joy, and so much more.

Take some time this month to reflect, re-evaluate, and lighten the load.

Let it go – not to be empty, but to be ready.
Let it go so you can rise.

December 14, 2025
Running Your Business When People Are Running Scared

Running Your Business When People Are Running Scared

I’ve been hearing the same thing repeatedly lately: “No one’s spending any money right now.”

Coaches, consultants, and business owners … no need to sugarcoat this – they’re freaking out!

This goes for employers as well, hitting pause on hiring and postponing projects. They’re freaking out too!

I get it. People are nervous. I’m no stranger to facing facts around here. The economy feels shaky, the headlines are beyond exhausting, and nobody wants to make a bad move.

Here’s the truth:
People aren’t broke. They’re scared.
There’s a difference.

When a potential client or company says, “I can’t afford it,” what they often mean is: “I can’t afford to make a mistake right now.”

They’re clinging to what they perceive as certainty like a security blanket. That’s human.

You know what else I’ve observed over the years? The more fearful someone is, the more support they need. The good news is that clarity, focus, and accountability are what we do as coaches and leaders.

How do you keep showing up when fear is in the air?

How do you run your business and navigate your career when people are running scared?

Start with these three shifts:

1. Talk About Safety, Not Transformation.
Normally, I preach the power of selling transformation. But right now, people are seeking relief. Peace of mind. Less anxiety. So shift your message. Instead of “I’ll help you hit six figures,” try “I’ll help you sleep better at night.”

2. Make the Investment Feel Safe.
That means pitching smart, strategic offers: payment plans, smaller packages, clear deliverables, risk-reducers. Floating the idea of fractional or contract work in lieu of full-time employment. Not desperation discounts. Not price drops. You’re not cheapening your value; you’re just making the ‘”yes” easier.

3. Highlight the Cost of Waiting.
The problems your prospects are facing aren’t going away. Delaying help only compounds the issue. Point out the urgency. Help them understand the real risk is in postponing action.

The clients and business owners I see thriving right now?
They’re clear, confident, and grounded; calm in the storm.

I don’t want fear to take you out of the game. Your work still matters. You’re still needed.

Tell me: How are you holding up? Post below. Let’s talk.

July 27, 2025
Are You Multi-Passionate?
If you consider yourself multi-passionate or know someone who does, you’re going to want to read this.

At face value, “multi-passionate” sounds like a wonderful trait to have. What could be wrong with having lots of passions – many different interests that you consider fun and exciting? The more, the merrier, right?

Not exactly . . .

As fun as it sounds to have lots of passions, many of my clients and the people I speak to every day are overwhelmed by their multi-passionate outlook.

They have a myriad of interests that don’t fit in one neat box and a mixed bag of talent, experience, and abilities that open up a world of opportunities.

Ahh . . . the possibilities!

Being multi-passionate means your path isn’t straight or narrow; it’s one filled with options, alternatives, and potential. Sounds great!

But it also means you can get lost in the twists and turns.

Here’s what I recommend:
1. Audit your interests.
  What brings you joy? Where are you most skilled? What’s the required time commitment? What’s the income potential?
2. Consider the bigger picture.
  What aligns best with your core values? Does this option fit into this season of your life?
3. Find the congruencies.
  Can you integrate one interest with another? How can you infuse creativity into what you’re already doing? How can you use talents and skills in different ways?
4. Commit mindfully.
  How will you juggle everything? Do you have the time? Do you need new skills or support to handle things efficiently? How will this impact your bottom line?
5. Find your pace.
  What’s primary and secondary, and how will you allocate your limited resources? What boundaries do you need to establish?
You can thrive in a multi-passionate career and life. I do it and have coached many to do so successfully.

But if you’re not intentional about it, multi-passions can become nothing but distractions. You can’t allow yourself to get too scattered or spread all over the place.

Success requires focus – in the moment, on one passion at a time.
April 20, 2025
Joy: A Survival Tactic

You don’t need an update from me about the state of the world.

We can all agree that there’s a lot going on and much of it is concerning. I almost added, “. . . if you’re paying attention” out of habit, but I can’t tell you the last time I spoke to someone who wasn’t on edge.

You might not need an update from me, but there’s a good chance you could use an uplift.

You’re in for a real treat because I have a lifetime of worrying experience! I’m good at overthinking my way straight into worst-case scenarios.

But you can see I haven’t let it hold me back. The truth is, I’ve relied upon many different coping tactics over the years. However, when things started getting nasty, fear tried to take hold.

As a coach, I’m surrounded by positive thinkers; it’s a perk of the job. I kept hearing them say, “I’m not going to let this steal my joy.” I understood it intellectually; it just didn’t seem practical. I look for strategies to implement – things I can work on, step-by-step.

Joy is a feeling, an emotion. It’s something intangible, and I wasn’t convinced I could simply claim it on demand. So I worked on it . . .

Here’s what I understand now —

When we don’t have control over what’s going on around us, it’s our natural inclination to look for what we CAN control. It’s how we’re wired as human beings.

But when we consider what we DO have power over, emotions are at the top of that list. Sure, they can take over briefly, but we’re ultimately in charge from moment to moment.

We have the power to feel joy in almost any moment.

Claiming joy doesn’t mean we’re in a constant state of happiness. We can take delight or pleasure in something, even if the feeling is fleeting. Appreciating that instant can be an impetus for survival.

Think about each moment of joy as a driving force; the motivation that propels you to endure and overcome challenges. Consider joyful moments as momentum.

What’s one small thing you can do each day to experience joy?

Writing in a journal, riding a bike, playing with your pet, putting your feet in the grass, taking up a new hobby. It must be something personal to you.

As for me, I’ve decided to start singing again! I was a musical theater performer for many years, so I’m dusting off the old vocal cords, practicing in the car every day, and going on an audition – simply for the joy of it! (I’m not sure I even want the part. I just want to sing for people!)

Now it’s your turn. I challenge you to do one thing each day to claim your joy.

Joy is a survival tactic, and it’s a powerful one!

April 13, 2025
How to Recession-Proof Your Business

One of the best things about being in business for yourself is that you’re the one in charge. But it’s also one of the hardest things about it. When things get tough, the buck stops with you!

Well, I’m no economist, but last year’s whispers of a looming recession are turning into shouts lately.

Some of my clients and colleagues are starting to panic (“I hear ya!”). But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and throw up our hands in defeat. Remember, you’re in charge, which means you have options.

It’s time to start recession-proofing your business. Here’s what I recommend:

Diversify your portfolio.

Just like your financial advisor would tell you to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, I’m telling you to add some variety to what you offer.

What can you do to make your services more accessible?
How can you bring clients in at different price points?
Where can you add new revenue streams?

Retain the clients you have.

Excellent customer service should always be a pressing matter, but now more than ever, do what it takes to keep your current clients happy! Think of creative ways to add loyalty perks for staying on board, such as bonus one-on-one time or retainer discounts for paying ahead. Retaining a client is cheaper and easier than attracting a new one in any economy.

Enhance your value proposition.

Make sure prospects know you’re worth the investment. What kinds of returns will they get from working with you? The results you deliver should make the kind of impact they would regret missing out on.

Keep up with your marketing.

If you’re looking for things to cut out of the budget, put marketing near the bottom of the list. Staying top of mind should be a top priority. Switch up your messaging to meet the moment if necessary, but don’t you dare go quiet. Stay out there, and stay consistent.

Upgrade your skills.

The key is to stay relevant, to stay nimble, and to pivot if you have to. Be smart about it, but focus on how you can best add value right now, and how you can make your business more profitable. Do you need to learn new technology or a new method?

Streamline your operations.

What things are nice to have, and what’s a necessity? How can you make your business run more efficiently (truly)? Be mindful and strategic about cutting costs and eliminating time sucks.

Most importantly, stand in your power! Lean into your strengths and gifts. People may be discerning about where they spend their money, but they need you. Remember that.

We’ll get through this!

April 6, 2025
The Cost of Doing it ALL

In my line of work, people come to me with all kinds of challenges. The solutions aren’t always easy, but the answer to getting unstuck is often simpler than expected.

Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted? Hitting a ceiling no matter how hard you work? Wondering why opportunities keep passing you by?

It’s not because you aren’t doing enough. You’re doing too much. Chances are, you’re doing it ALL (or at least trying to).

How do you move past what’s holding you back? The simple answer: delegate!

Whether pouring your whole self into your own business, place of employment, family, or all of the above, you need help.

You might be resistant to the idea; I’ve heard it all.
“Who has money for that?”
“I’ve tried; nobody can do it like me!”
“I just can’t trust another person to…”
“It would take me longer to explain it.”

Here’s the truth —

Think you’ve got it covered? Deep down, even the most stubbornly independent, headstrong among us realize they can not (and should not!) do it all.

Think you’re the only person who does it right? You’ve never met a happy control freak; they’re the most stressed-out person in the room. Clinging to control is about trying to make the outside world reflect perfection so that you feel safe and worthy inside, which never works.

To delegate or not to delegate? That’s not the question. Case closed.

Now you’re probably wondering what to delegate. Again, the answer is nowhere near as mind-boggling as you might think.

Delegate anything that’s not in your zone of genius.

If it’s not something only YOU can do, get somebody else to do it. If it feels like a drag, it needs to go. Bookkeeping, errands, tech stuff, housecleaning, administrative tasks – farm it out.

The next question I get is, “What about the expense?” (“In this economy?!”)

I hear you. Think about it this way —

Your time is money, and you’re investing in yourself to get a return. Do the math. What’s your hourly rate when doing your best work? That’s what each hour is worth. When you buy back time at a lower rate, delegating pays dividends.

There’s no reward for trying to do it all; in fact, it comes at a hefty cost. Living your highest quality life requires operating in your zone of genius, focusing on what matters most.

When you get your time back, you can use it to grow your business, pursue better career opportunities, or practice nourishing self-care that enriches your soul.

What would you do next if you didn’t have to do . . . that?

March 23, 2025