Thread by @StoryBehindPod

18 Lessons I Learned and Quotes I Loved in 2018

(A thread) ⬇️⬇️⬇️

1. If it takes less than a minute, just do it.

Cleaning up, running back in the house to get something, picking up something you know you'll need later, switching the laundry as soon as it's ready (thanks @houseofleenyc ) ... it's all been worth the extra tiny bit of time.

2. Do not be afraid of your own voice/power/influence.

People are not as judgmental as you think. People actually want to hear your voice or feel your influence. You never know who needs to hear/read/see what you have to say at any given moment.

3. Trust the process.

I learned this with @hatetoweight, the weight-loss journey podcast I do with @podcast_tutor. I KNOW intermittent fasting works for me. I've seen the success (40 pounds down this year!). It sucks some weeks when the scale goes up. But keep going!

4. You are not your past, your mistakes, or your shortcomings.

You are not your debt. You are not your business failures. You are not your extra 10 pounds. You are you. And you are great.

5. When you're overwhelmed, worry about just taking the next step.

I was honored to be on a panel at @sound_edu with @lizcovart -- but when traveling to Harvard via train/metro overwhelmed me. I baby-stepped it the whole way. "Step 1: Get ticket, Step 2: Find platform 4." etc.

6. Ask for help/Take help if you need it.

It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. If help is offered and you need it, TAKE IT! People don't just offer help to be nice -- they genuinely want to be there for you. Let them.

7. Have accountability.

The ONLY reason I kept getting back on the wagon with Intermittent Fasting is because I had the accountability of @hatetoweight. I was also able to finish my book not just because of my deadline, but because I was a part of a mastermind.

8. Be aware of what distracts you.

Track your days, see what "a few minutes here and there won't hurt" actually amounts to. Remove the temptation for those things or use them as a reward. (Looking at you, Netflix!)

9. Make time to read.

I love that I've left the print editing business for long enough that I enjoy reading books again.

Some favorites: Girl, Wash Your Face (@msrachelhollis); Rich Dad, Poor Dad (@theRealKiyosaki); and Faster Than Normal (@petershankman).

10. Everything -- EVERYTHING -- is worthwhile if you learn from it.

There is no shortcut to success. There are a lot of tiny steps, but every one of those tiny steps brings you closer to your goals. (See also No. 4.)

11. Drink more water.

It's so good for you, but I do this more out of fear, actually. If I don't get enough, I'll wake up the next day feeling sluggish, moody, and generally "blah." Also, I still sometimes don't know the difference between hunger and dehydration.

12. Know what drains you and (more importantly) how to recharge.

I had so much fun this year at @PodcastMovement, @DCPodFest and Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference. But I quickly learned to take breaks and sit in silence often so I don't end up with a social hangover.

13. You are not responsible for the karma of others.

I read this message when I was researching tools for empaths and I loved it. It won't make anyone less upset if I'm also upset with them. It's ok to lend a crying shoulder or listening ear without shouldering the burden.

14. If it's not a HELL YES, it's a no.

I heard this when learning about finding clients, but I also like using it for myself when trying to manage my time and energy. I would love jump on every opportunity I can, but life sometimes gets in the way and it's OK to say no.

15. If you're dealing with Impostor Syndrome, it means you are growing.

Landon Porter from The Sales Gorilla Podcast told me this during a coaching session and those words knocked the wind out of me. Impostor Syndrome SUCKS. But it's all part of the process. (See also No. 3)

16. Say "thank you," instead of "sorry."

I don't have enough characters to describe how important this has been to me. Especially when responding to criticism. But, trust me, it's amazing. (More info: boredpanda.com/stop-saying-so…)

17. What someone thinks of you is NONE of your business.

Gotta give a shoutout to @msrachelhollis for this one from her book "Girl, Wash Your Face." This passage is highlighted so hard, the ink bled through about five more pages.

18. It costs nothing to be kind.

When I saw something on social media, sometimes I would just keep scrolling. Why? Because I was *afraid* of showing appreciation for it. (No, that doesn't make any sense to me either.) I love my friends. I love what they do. I want them to know!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy new year in 2019!

If any of these has helped at least one person the way they've helped me, that will be the cherry on top of this fantastic year. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, the podcast & the book. ❤️ #HappyNewYear2019

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