It’s the first episode of Season 3 of the Gotcha Mama Podcast! Although I know we’re 26 episodes deep already, I wanted to back up and tell you the back-back story of not just why, but also HOW I decided to start the Gotcha Mama podcast.

I tell you in Episode 1, Another Mom Podcast?, why this podcast means so much to me to put out into the world. And all that is absolutely true. 

But what I DIDN’T share in that episode is how I got to the point of actually deciding to create the podcast. Cliff’s Notes – it was a lengthy process. But I’ll get into the details in this episode.

Here’s the reason I share this with you now. . . 

I was having a really deep conversation about life and faith with a very good friend of mine recently. Her son had started kindergarten and she was planning on using some of the additional time to work more on a business that she had been working on for a couple of years.

Turns out that she was actually feeling unfulfilled in that business and kind of confused about what she should be putting her energy into to make an impact outside of her family. Of course, she still also really wanted that important quality time with her family.

She asked me how I knew I wanted to start the podcast. And I realized that I haven’t shared this part of my story with you yet. So I thought by sharing more of my story that it might spark something for another mom going through a similar situation. So here ya’ go!

I talk about:

• How I felt stuck and unfulfilled on a path that didn’t feel aligned with my goals and desires
• What happened that sparked creating the podcast – before I even knew what it would be about
• The process I went through internally to realize that starting a podcast was what I wanted to do
• What three things contributed most to me figuring out that the podcast was the next thing for me to invest time and energy into
• And a few things you can do as we start 2020 to you set yourself up for the best year ever!

Links & Resources:

Here is a summary of the three things you can do to set yourself up for 2020 to be your best year yet. Listen to the podcast episode for more details on each. And if you’d like more information, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Do some deep diving on who you are and how you make decisions.

Ways to do this:

• Take a personality test like Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, Gallup StrengthsFinder, or LIFO. The website 16 Personalities is also a great resource as well as Crystal Knows.

• For a test you’ve already taken, read a book or listen to a podcast that explains your results in more detail and how they apply to your life.

• Start journaling every day for 10-15 minutes. You can find prompts to get you started or you can free write as your thoughts come to you. Whatever works best for you.

• And I absolutely can’t leave this out. If you are in any phase or stage of seeking God, I highly recommend doing a daily devotional and quiet reflection time during the day (morning is great, but it doesn’t have to be). I LOVE the First 5 app. And I have so enjoyed and grown in my prayer life through participating in The Fives sessions through Believe Boldly. Yes, you do get up at 5 a.m., but don’t let that deter you! Mama, I am NOT a morning person and let me tell you – it’s not easy, but goodness it’s amazing!

Take imperfect action.

Ways to do this:

This can really be just about anything. The most important thing is that you do something. You take action even if you don’t have all the answers. Even if it’s not perfect – OK, especially if it’s not perfect. Do it! Yes, I know that’s really vague so. . .

Here are some examples:

• If you love to CREATE – make something without any other agenda than to simply create it. Bake, write, paint, DIY something, plan a party for someone, build something, make a vision board, etc.

• If you love to LEARN – learn something new without the need to be a master at it from the get-go. Read a book, listen to a podcast, take an online course, go to a conference, etc. Follow what interests you.

• If you love to CONNECT – talk to people, for no other reason than to get to know them better. Schedule a coffee date with a friend. Or, if you’re really bold, reach out to someone who you don’t know well, but are interested in learning more about.

Surround yourself with successful people.

And hear me when I say this – YOU determine if you think that person is successful in one or more areas of life. And a word of advice from one friend to another, don’t rely on awards, known recognition, or what other people think about someone’s success to guide your decision.

Ways to do this:

• Find your People. What area of your life do you want to work on improving this year? Your health? Is it your finances? Maybe your relationships? Or your business?

• Now think about the five people you spend the most time with, outside of your spouse and children and any co-workers you don’t spend time with outside of work. How do you think they stack up in these areas?

• Based on that, you may need to re-evaluate the amount of time you spend with certain people. You certainly don’t have to cut them out of your life. Just know that they ARE influencing you whether you know it or not.

• You may also want to increase the amount of time you spend with other people who you think are successful in the area you want to improve this year.

• And you may find like I did, that I really need more connections not different connections with people to help me in certain areas. Seek out like-minded people, networking groups, a mentor or coach, etc.

• Even if you don’t buy into the “you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with” theory, I’d encourage you to look around at those who you let influence you. Evaluate if they may be helping or hindering you reach certain goals you have for your life. Then simply be mindful of how much time you choose to give to those people. Reminder: your time is a nonrenewable resource. Which just means, friend, that you can’t get it back.

And one more final thing. I love new years and new beginnings, but I am a big-time believer that you can start new or start over at any time. So if you’re reading this after January 2020, don’t wait until a new year, or even a new month to make those changes you need to make to live the life you desire. Start right now.

Wishing you a happy new year, a happy new decade, and cheering you on, mama!

More about the Gotcha Mama Podcast:

The Gotcha Mama Podcast is where we share honest stories of the joys and struggles of mom-life with young kids.

Each week host Amanda Bennett interviews a mom about topics ranging from awkwardly making mom friends, to chasing BIG dreams and finding purpose, to managing crippling anxiety and depression. You’ll hear stories from moms like you with the purpose to inspire, encourage, and entertain you.

We understand that motherhood can be lonely and make you doubt yourself. The Gotcha Mama Podcast exists to let you know that you are not alone as a busy mom of young kiddos, no matter what you’re dealing with.

The show is all about tearing down our insecurities as moms by honestly sharing our stories and a little of what we’ve learned along the way.

We believe it’s a whole lot better riding the rollercoaster of motherhood together!

Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Also, please take a second and leave your honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts.  Ratings and reviews are important and greatly appreciated!  And I do personally read each and every one of them.

You can also listen on Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.