A client came to our session recently, looking a little defeated.
She said she was feeling guilty — guilty for not doing enough in her business since our last session.
She said, “It feels like I’ve just been playing catch-up.”
Then she rattled off what the past few months had looked like:
She got married.
Found out she was pregnant.
Lost the baby.
Started adjusting her mental health meds.
Took on a part-time job to pay down wedding debt.
And that was on top of all the usual “life stuff” we all manage — family, house, errands, obligations.
Still, she said, “My brain keeps telling me that if I just put more time into my business, everything else will get better.”
Then she started listing all the things her brain claimed would “be fixed” if she could just hustle harder.
That’s when I had to stop her.
“Your brain is lying to you,” I said.
There’s a subtle but powerful difference between feeling like you’re behind and actually being behind.
In her case, it wasn’t perception — it was reality.
She’d experienced a cascade of major life changes that completely derailed her rhythm.
No amount of mindset work can erase that truth, and pretending otherwise only adds pressure to an already overloaded system.
So first, we named it.
“You really are playing catch-up,” I told her.
“Your business has taken a backseat to some major life events, and that’s not failure — that’s doing what you can as you are able.”
When we try to bulldoze through those moments, we ignore the natural capacity shifts that life demands. You can’t hold the same pace when your body, mind, and emotions are in flux.
You’re not broken; you’re recalibrating.
That reframe alone softened her whole body. She exhaled — like she finally had permission to stop fighting reality.
Then we tackled the next lie:
The one that says if you just put in more time, everything will get better.
This is the lie our culture rewards — the “just work harder” myth.
It’s baked into entrepreneurship and productivity culture.
But here’s the truth: You don’t know that more effort will fix anything.
You can’t be sure that spending another five, ten, or fifteen hours a week on your business will repair what feels off in your life. That’s an assumption your brain is presenting as fact because it’s trying to regain a sense of control.
Brains love control. They crave certainty. So much so, that they'll go about making up stories that feel like facts. There's research on something called Intolerance of Uncertainty that indicates our brains will go out of the way to avoid any form of uncertainty. Some groups of people have higher IU than others.
So, when uncertainty (chaos) increases, people with higher IU are more likely to experience emotional distress, engage in worry, and seek mental “structures” to reduce ambiguity.
Essentially, your brain tries to make order out of chaos when there may not be any order to find!
One study found that greater perceived control over stressors on a given day predicted higher odds of resolving those stressors later. That suggests that your brain’s craving for control isn’t just psychological fluff - it connects to how effectively you navigate challenges.
So when your life feels chaotic (especially if you have high IU), your mind may start constructing tidy equations:
“If I just do X, Y will improve.”
“If I work harder, I’ll feel better.”
“If I push now, I’ll finally catch up.”
Except… those equations aren't always accurate and rarely hold up in real life.
Instead of arguing with her brain, I invited her to run an experiment.
I said, “Let’s test your brain’s hypothesis.”
Here’s how we designed it:
The goal wasn’t to do more.
The goal was to gather evidence — to prove or disprove her brain’s theory.
That experiment gave her something she hadn’t had in weeks: agency.
Instead of spinning in guilt and overwhelm, she had a structure for clarity. A real, effective structure that wasn't based on some illusion in her mind.
She could now see herself as a scientist studying her own capacity, not a failure scrambling to “catch up.”
Once she stopped trying to fix everything through effort, we turned to the practical side.
She’d taken that part-time job to help pay down debt from the wedding. It made sense — but it also ate into her time and energy.
So we reframed that too.
I invited her to do that math and know when her extra income would pay off the debt completely.
We called it her Freedom Date.
From that moment on, every dollar she earned wasn’t just money.
It was pay toward freedom.
That one change transformed how she viewed her part-time work.
It wasn’t a punishment for falling behind; it was a strategic bridge to the next chapter of her life and work.
If you’re a business owner — especially one juggling multiple roles, responsibilities, and emotional realities — you’ve probably heard your brain whisper the same lies:
“You should be further along.”
“If you just worked harder, you’d feel better.”
“Other people are doing more.”And you’ve probably believed them, at least a little.
But your brain isn’t always a reliable narrator.
It’s wired for efficiency, not accuracy.
When life feels overwhelming, your mind will default to the simplest-seeming solution: do more.
Yet sustainable growth doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from designing your business around your actual capacity, not your idealized one.
It comes from testing what’s true, not assuming it.
That’s what capacity-aligned business design is really about: creating evidence-based clarity around what works for you, in this season of life, with the energy and resources you actually have.
If your brain has been telling you that “more” is the answer, try this instead:
Run your own experiment.
You might discover that less effort leads to more stability, that structure brings freedom, and that your business doesn’t grow when you push harder — it grows when you design for your truth.
Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop believing everything your brain tells you.
Doors to my latest workshop will open soon. Conditions For Success: The 7 Domains That Shape Sustainable Growth is free for all Rising Tide members. Not a member? That's also free (for now). Get signed up and be the first to learn more!
Reinvention isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, you know the drill: what once felt like a perfect fit can suddenly feel like “itchy pants.” (Been there, done that, got the rash.)
In the final episode of Creative Freedom Season 8, I’m sharing 9 clear signs you’ve outgrown your brand—and how to embrace the next phase of your journey, even if it feels scary as hell.
If any of the topics hit home, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you—navigating my own messy, magical reinvention. You’ll hear more about that, too!
Download Season 8 Episode 10 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, licensed from Artlist.io
In a world full of noise, your story is what sets you apart. As a solopreneur, you don’t need a massive marketing budget—you need a brand story that’s real, relatable, and rooted in your unique journey.
In this episode of Creative Freedom, we’ll explore why stories are the heartbeat of your brand, how your personal journey forms the foundation, and why shared values create deeper connections with your audience.
We also include a guide of 16 different stories you can start telling today to build that all-powerful “Know, Like and Trust factor” with your audience.
Your brand story is actually MULTIPLE stories. When you weave them together, you create a narrative that captivates, connects, and inspires action.
Ready to make your mark? Tune in to Season 8, Episode 9 of the Creative Freedom Show and discover how to craft a brand story that’s as unforgettable as you are.
Download Season 8 Episode 9 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Ever roll your eyes at the phrase “personal branding”?
You’re not alone. For multi-passionate creatives like us, it can feel like trying to fit a rainbow into a single crayon box. But here’s the thing: your unique blend of passions is exactly what sets you apart.
Here’s the thing: your personal brand isn’t about creating a flawless facade. It’s about embracing who you are—warts, sparkles, and all—and sharing that with the world in a way that resonates with your Raving Fans.
Brands that last aren’t the slickest or the loudest—they’re the ones that keep showing up, being recognizably themselves. That’s how you build trust, loyalty, and a community of Raving Fans.
Check out the full episode and grab your free branding guide in our Rising Tide community.
You know you want to!
Download Season 8 Episode 8 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
In a world that often demands we “pick one thing,” multi-passionate entrepreneurs and Fusion creatives can feel out of place. But what if your diverse interests are your greatest asset?
In this episode, I’m sharing how to embrace your multi-passionate nature and turn your many talents into a thriving business - plus, the inspiring story of someone who built her empire by refusing to be put in a box.
Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for integrating your passions, balancing priorities, and weaving your unique story into your brand. If you’ve ever felt “too much” for the business world, this episode is your permission slip to shine.
Download Season 8 Episode 7 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
The music business has changed a lot in the last few years. Music technology has opened up so many opportunities for independent artists, introducing a whole new breed of overnight success stories who've had a video go viral... and then suddenly, they're the next big thing.
But for every one of these "overnight" sensations, there are hundreds of thousands of musicians trying to build a following online (or offline) - to become a professional musician that makes a steady living from performing this music that they love.
There's a lot of competition out there because the technology has lowered the barriers to entry, opened up the playing field, and just about anybody with an internet connection and a halfway decent audio recorder can get seen and heard, which is both bad and good.
Bree Noble, the founder of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast and Profitable Musician, talks about her entire career - from the early stages of being in corporate to moving into becoming a musician full time… and the “profit path” that she developed to help you do the same.
Download Season 8 Episode 6 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
In this noisy and competitive business world, it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and trying to fit into the mold of what others think we should be - or even what WE think we “should” be. But that's a recipe for frustration and mediocrity. (Cue the sad trombone)
Instead, we want to use our quirks - our STRENGTHS - to our advantage. They are really your secret weapon or your special sauce in both life and work! So today, we’re going to unpack exactly HOW to put them to work for you. How can you better leverage your strengths to grow your business? That’s what we’re here to discover.
Download Season 8 Episode 5 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
In a world filled with noise and competition, standing out can be a challenge, and it’s particularly daunting if you’re a multi-passionate entrepreneur or Fusion creative. You’re so good at so many things that defining a clear niche or brand identity can be hard.
But what may look like a challenge is exactly what you need in order to captivate the attention of your Raving Fans. In this episode, I'm sharing three secrets that you can start implementing TODAY to break out of the sea of sameness, along with the story of someone who defied expectations, became a force for good in the world, and is a celebrity in their niche.
Together, we’ll discover the keys to standing out in a noisy market and unlocking more freedom and ease in your business.
Download Season 8 Episode 4 | iTunes | Spotify
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
I've been looking for reminders lately.
Things that remind me who I really am... who I really WANT to be in the world.
That happens sometimes when you start questioning everything. When everything starts to feel unsteady, uncertain, unsure.
Two things from my annual Creative Freedom retreat this year keep coming back to me.
The SWOT Analysis - where several folks listed the outcome of this year's election as a potential threat to their business - and the reminder I shared with everyone on repeat:
Remember who you are.
When the world is off-kilter, dangerous, and hard to take...
Remember who you are.
Stand moored. Resolute in what it is that you stand for, what you believe in, and what you're about in this world.
Remember who you are.
Don't let the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" take you out of the race.
Remember who you are.
Gird your loins, light your torch.
Remember who you are.
Mount your horse, draw your bow, raise your shield.
Remember who you are.
Sing your song. Create your art. Dance your dance. Speak your mind.
Remember who you are.
Protect your peace. Honor your boundaries. Rest. Then RISE.
Remember who you are.
Don't let the bastards get you down.
Remember who you are.
I wasn't trying to wax poetic when I started this. I was actually trying to get you to think more about who you are. What YOU stand for. What you WON'T stand for. Where do you draw those lines in the sand?
Believe it or not, those are important questions for your business, too. I'll share more tomorrow, but for now...
Remember who you are.
In Heart-Centered Business: Healing from toxic business culture so your small business can thrive, Sufi spiritual business teacher Mark Silver, M.Div. speaks to those who hate the toxic way business has developed, and want an approach to business that is as nourishing as it is powerful.
The effects of global business have brought devastation and injustice that no one wants. Instead, we yearn for beauty and real vibrancy in the world around us, and healthy heart-centered business must be part of the healing.
This book is a guide to doing business, your business, in a truly spirit-centered way. We need to, and can, realize the truth that, as Mark says, every act of business can be an act of love.
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io