Reader, do you ever take a bite so big it threatens to choke you?

A couple of weeks ago, I told you I launched 'the story i'm telling myself' video podcast (VOD) as a leap of faith that I could build it as I did it and that everything would be fine.

That has mostly been true. I'm figuring out the flows and establishing processes that help me navigate the huge workload without requiring me to think about what to do for any given episode.

I resisted this idea because I knew it would generate a large amount of work. My current schedule of two to three episodes per week definitely proves this point.

I'm not going to lie. Since the launch of the VOD in mid-January, my creative time has been focused on it.

When my husband left to assist his mother two weeks ago, I permitted myself to work extra evening hours guilt-free, which helped me to stay on top of everything.

Despite all the extra work (which I do not mind, BTW), this week brought hard deadlines for other client work that had to move up the priority list.

First, I designed the materials for a four-week supervisor training program that includes classroom, mentoring, and on-the-job elements. I love working with this group, and it was exciting to envision our first week together.

Because of the preparation work required of the participants and managers, I had to get the materials completed and in their hands by Thursday.

Next, I had to prepare for a leadership workshop on resiliency during constant change, which I am delivering today.

This one is particularly exciting because it is a new client I met through a conference talk I gave last year, and this workshop is a precursor to a bigger workshop I'm delivering to the entire staff in March.

Full transparency. I almost had a panic attack when I realized it was February 8th, and the deadline was two days away!

Reader, the heat was on. But luckily, I often do my best work in a time crunch, and this workshop is no exception.

Yesterday, I got into this flow state, and the concepts and content came together easily. I can't wait to premiere this new program on change that features lessons from "The Bear" about meaning, purpose, and significance. [Hit me up if you have a team or audience]

And since I'm writing this on Sunday, I'm taking comfort in the fact that tonight is the Super Bowl, and I can work away without stealing time from my family.

So here is the truth. I'm currently in grind mode, AND it is okay.

This is teaching me that grinding isn't the problem; the trouble is allowing it to become a way of life.

The story I'm telling myself is this: Stepping up to something bigger requires you to exert more effort, and that is okay as long as you keep checking in with yourself and honoring what you need.

Here are a few of the needs I've listened to recently: rest, time with friends, mindless TV, rescheduling lower-priority items, and forgiving myself for the errors resulting from so many balls in the air.

During our conversation on the VOD last week, Sandra Adeyeye Bello shared the three feelings she uses to guide her decisions about her business and the work she accepts. When her answer to any of these three questions is 'yes,' she knows the right thing to do is walk away:

I'm adopting this litmus test in my life. I know that as long as I'm saying 'no' to these questions, the work is what I am meant to be doing no matter how challenging or the level of commitment required.

How about you, Reader? Could these three questions provide the boundaries you need?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers to an extraordinary Valentine's week!

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Episode 4 live stream or replay available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

Episode 5 live stream or replay available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

Episode 5 live stream or replay available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

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The Story I’m Telling Myself is for anyone who wants to overcome the limitations of self-doubt and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Through candid conversations, you'll discover:

• The hidden costs of listening to your inner critic: How fear and doubt sabotage your confidence, happiness, and success.
• Transformational strategies for silencing the negative voice: Learn how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and step into your true potential.
• The power of a mindset shift: Discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to extraordinary results.

Real-life stories of courage and resilience: Gain inspiration from everyday people who overcame their negative self-talk to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

PS - please share this with a friend

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