Encouragementology

The Power of Encouragement: How Lifting Others Lifts You Too

SHOW NOTES:

On this show… we’re exploring the power of encouragement by diving into the beautiful ripple effect that starts when you decide to show up for someone else—with nothing more than your time, your compassion, and your belief in them. Have you ever offered someone a kind word or a listening ear, only to walk away feeling you were the one who had been lifted? That’s not coincidence. It’s connection. It’s one of life’s quiet miracles that when you encourage someone else, you get a little more wind under your own wings.

This idea wasn’t always obvious to me. When I started wanting to give back in 2017, I thought I needed to bring tangible tools: resumes, professional clothing, and interview tips. This was experience I had that might help someone else over a hump or through a challenging time. And while all of that mattered, it was the heartfelt encouragement—the “I see you, I believe in you, and you’re not alone”—that changed everything. That realization gave birth to Encouragementology not just as a podcast, but as a practice. This episode is about helping you uncover that same power in yourself and showing you how encouragement can become your own passionate form of outreach.

Let’s start by unpacking this idea of encouragement. We toss that word around like it’s self-explanatory: “She’s so encouraging,” or “Thanks for the encouragement.” But what are we really saying? And more importantly, what power are we underestimating in those moments?

Encouragement is more than a compliment. It’s the act of instilling courage—literally. The word comes from the French encoragier, meaning to make strong, to hearten. You’re not just offering kind words; you’re helping someone find the strength to keep going, to believe again, to try one more time. That’s no small thing. That’s soul-level support.

Encouragement differs from praise. Praise says, “You did a great job.” Encouragement says, “I see your effort, your struggle, your potential, and I believe in you regardless of the outcome.” It’s not dependent on results. It’s about presence. It’s about being with someone in the messy middle and whispering, “You’re not alone.”

It’s also different from advice. Advice assumes there’s a solution and you’ve got it. Encouragement? It assumes the solution lies within them. They might just need a little help digging it out. Encouragement is humble like that. It walks with, not ahead.

And here’s the best part: encouragement is one of those rare gifts that benefits the giver just as much as the receiver. Studies show that when you support someone emotionally—whether through a listening ear, a heartfelt note, or a genuine “you’ve got this”—your own stress goes down. Your sense of connection goes up. Your purpose and joy? Yeah, those increase too. Who knew generosity could be such good self-care?

Encouragement is also an equalizer. You don’t need fancy credentials, a six-figure salary, or the “right words.” All you need is the willingness to show up with compassion and belief. Encouragement turns everyday people into quiet heroes. And the more intentional we are about practicing it, the more transformational it becomes—not just for others, but for us, too.

So when we talk about encouragement today, we’re not talking about a feel-good extra. We’re talking about a powerful, underutilized tool for healing, connection, and real change.

100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation

Employee Retention Depends on Getting Recognition Right

The Pencil's Tale - a story that everyone should hear

CHALLENGE: Become a source of encouragement this week—through your words, your presence, or your quiet belief in someone who needs it. Let your intentional kindness be the spark that reminds them (and you) that even the smallest gesture can create lasting impact.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Redefine Your Story: Who You Are, Not What You’ve Done

SHOW NOTES:

On this show… I’m inviting you to step out of your résumé and into your real self as we redefine your story because it’s about who you are, not just what you’ve done. In a world obsessed with titles and accomplishments, we’re exploring the depth of identity that extends far beyond a job title. Let’s peel back the layers, laugh at our own career clichés, and reclaim the core traits that make us resilient, creative, and deeply human.

We’ll explore how your strengths, values, and patterns, not your latest promotion, are the real engines of your career and your purpose. I’ll walk you through simple, fun, yet soul-stirring exercises that coax out the traits you might’ve tucked away. Ready for a journey back to you? 

Let’s start with a bold idea: You are not your job. Now, before your inner overachiever starts to panic, this doesn’t mean your work isn’t important. It simply means it’s not all of who you are. And yet, so many of us introduce ourselves by title and task: “I’m a project manager,” “I work in healthcare,” “I run operations.” We rarely say, “I’m a creative problem solver,” “a compassionate truth-teller,” or “someone who finds peace in helping others thrive.” But that’s who we really are.

Our culture tends to equate identity with productivity. From the time we’re kids, we’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” not “Who are you becoming?” That question plants the seed that our value lies in output, not in essence. But identity is far richer. It includes your values, your patterns, the way you naturally show up for people, and how you interpret the world around you. What energizes you? What makes you feel alive? These are the clues that point to your core identity, whether you’re in the boardroom, the classroom, or between jobs.

Let’s go deeper: psychologists call this “narrative identity.” It’s the internal story we tell ourselves about who we are and why we matter. And here’s the kicker: it’s not just based on our accomplishments. It’s shaped by the meaning we assign to those moments. Did you show courage in a difficult season? Did you pivot when things fell apart? Those aren’t just résumé gaps or achievements; they’re identity anchors.

If you’ve ever had a job loss, career shift, or even retirement, you may have felt the sudden “Who am I now?” freefall. That’s what happens when our identity is overly fused with our role. But what if instead, we zoomed out and saw our careers as just one expression of who we are, not the whole story? That’s what this episode is about. Helping you get reacquainted with yourself, not your skill set.

Stop Making Work Your Identity

How to Find Passion Outside of the Workplace

How to Rediscover Yourself After a Major Change

CHALLENGE: Stop leading with what you’ve done and start rediscovering who you truly are. Reconnect with the traits, values, and passions that make you you—and let those shine in everything you do.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

You Can Do Hard Things: Build Resilience & Beat Procrastination

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re exploring how you can do hard things, build resilience & beat procrastination! We’re diving into that moment when your brain whispers, “nah, let’s just wait, doing hard stuff is hard.” And you know what? That’s totally okay. Procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s your body’s way of dodging discomfort. We’ll explore how resilience isn’t about superhero strength, it’s about learning to lean into the challenge, even when you’d rather binge‑watch from your comfort zone.

Life tosses curveballs; overwhelm, fear of failing, perfectionism, or just sheer dread of starting. But guess what? Even taking the tiniest step counts as a win. I’ll walk you through what’s really going on in your brain, then we’ll share a laugh (or two) as we explore strategies that empower, not overwhelm. Stick around; by the end, procrastination might just feel a little more conquerable and maybe even a bit fun.

Let’s start by getting on the same page. We’re tossing around two big, emotionally loaded words today, resilience and procrastination and if you’re like most of us, they come with a mix of admiration, guilt, hope, and ugh. So before we dig in, let’s unpack what they really mean, no shame, no psych textbook, just real talk.

Resilience is often portrayed as superhero stuff, people running back into burning buildings, climbing mountains with one leg, bouncing back from personal tragedy like it was just a flat tire. But in everyday life, resilience looks more like showing up to a meeting you’re dreading, trying again after failing, or getting out of bed when everything in your body says “no thanks.” It’s not about being immune to struggle, it’s about finding a way through it. Resilience is messy, imperfect, and deeply human. It’s the part of you that whispers “try again” when the louder voice says “just quit.”

On the other hand, procrastination is often misjudged as laziness or a lack of discipline. But spoiler alert: it’s not. Procrastination is actually a form of emotional self-protection. It’s your brain saying, “That task looks uncomfortable. Let’s go organize the fridge instead.” You delay not because you don’t care, but because something about that task, fear of failure, fear of success, overwhelm, boredom, feels threatening or unpleasant. So you put it off… and then beat yourself up for putting it off. Sound familiar?

Why We Procrastinate: The Psychology of Putting Things Off

Can Self-Compassion Overcome Procrastination?

The ONLY Way To Stop Procrastinating | Mel Robbins

CHALLENGE: Stop waiting for the perfect moment and start with the next one—messy, unmotivated, and unsure if you’re ready. Because forward is forward, and five imperfect minutes of action beats one more day of overthinking.

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Purpose Isn’t a Title, It’s a Tuning Fork

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re tuning into something deeper than ambition, goals, or even success—we’re exploring purpose. But not the kind that fits neatly on a resume or hangs on a nameplate. Purpose Isn’t a Title—It’s a Tuning Fork. It’s not about what you do, but how in tune you are with who you are—and how that tone carries into the world around you.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” That idea turns the pressure of finding purpose into a journey of alignment. Instead of chasing something “out there,” we’re inviting you to listen inward. Today, we’ll explore how purpose can show up in unexpected places, how to recognize it when it does, and how to nurture and share it—whether or not it ever comes with a title.

When we talk about purpose, what exactly are we referring to? For many, the word conjures images of big missions, clearly defined callings, or lofty life goals. It might feel tied to a job, a talent, or a cause. But at its core, purpose is deeper and more personal. It’s not what you do—it’s why you do it.

Purpose is your internal compass. It’s the sense of meaning that guides your decisions, energizes your actions, and helps you feel aligned with something greater than yourself. Unlike goals, which are concrete and achievable, purpose is ongoing. You don’t check it off a list. You live it.

Let’s be clear: Purpose isn’t a title. It’s not tied to your position at work, your parenting status, your volunteer role, or your business card. It’s the intention behind how you show up in the world. A janitor with pride in their work, a friend who always makes time to listen, or a teacher who nurtures curiosity—each of these people is  living with purpose, whether or not it’s ever labeled as such.

It’s easy to confuse what we do with why we’re here. Society tends to reward titles, accolades, and clear career paths. But when those things shift—due to job changes, retirement, empty nests, or life transitions—we can feel unmoored. That’s why understanding purpose as a through-line in your life, rather than a single role or achievement, is essential.

Purpose can evolve. It may look different at age 25 than it does at 65, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. It’s a thread that can weave through different jobs, seasons, and passions, always bringing you back to your core values and gifts.

So as we explore this topic, remember this: purpose isn’t out there waiting to be discovered—it’s already within you, waiting to be tuned into.

Why Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing

How to Find Meaning in Uncertain Times

Carl Jung - How to Find Your Purpose

CHALLENGE: Take a moment to pause and ask yourself—not what you do, but why you do it. What lights you up, feels meaningful, or makes you feel useful to others? Purpose isn’t something you find fully formed—it’s something you uncover, nurture, and grow over time.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Disappointment: Rebuilding Trust with Yourself After Letdowns

SHOW NOTES:

On this show… we’re leaning into the uncomfortable yet universal feeling of disappointment and uncovering how to rebuild trust with yourself after life doesn’t go as planned. It’s that gut-punch moment when expectations crash into reality, leaving behind a mess of frustration, doubt, and “now what?” You might feel like you’ve been knocked off course, your momentum stalled, and your confidence shaken. But what if, instead of seeing disappointment as a dead end, you viewed it as a detour—a nudge toward something you might have missed if things had gone “perfectly” the first time?

We’ll explore how disappointment can chip away at resilience, but also how it can be the very thing that reshapes your perspective and opens doors you didn’t even know were there. Together, we’ll dig into practical strategies for climbing out of a rut, finding the hidden positives, and learning to cope in ways that strengthen—rather than sabotage—your self-trust. Because while we can’t control every twist and turn, we can choose how we show up when the road suddenly changes.

Let’s be honest—disappointment isn’t just a fleeting feeling. It’s layered. Sometimes it’s about the situation itself, and other times, it’s about what it represents: a loss of control, a missed opportunity, or the crumbling of a picture you’ve been carrying in your mind for days, months, or even years. It’s not just “I didn’t get the job” or “this relationship ended”—it’s the sting of all the energy, hope, and vulnerability you invested.

And here’s where disappointment gets tricky—it can quickly erode trust in   yourself. You might start questioning your judgment: “Why didn’t I see this coming?” Or second-guess your abilities: “Maybe I’m not as capable as I thought.” That self-doubt plants seeds that, if left unchecked, can slow your momentum and keep you from taking the next step forward.

The ripple effects don’t stop there. Disappointment, if not processed, can seep into unrelated parts of your life—making you less willing to take risks, more guarded in relationships, or overly cautious in your goals. This is your brain’s way of trying to protect you, but overprotection can be just as limiting as recklessness.

What’s important to remember is this: disappointment is a sign you cared. You invested yourself, your time, and your hope in something that mattered to you. That’s not weakness—that’s bravery. The key is learning how to move through that sting without letting it define you or keep you stuck.

Bouncing Back From Disappointment

Life Got You Down? Experts Suggest ‘Lemonading’

Disappointment Motivates Me | Motivated +

CHALLENGE: Look at disappointment not as a roadblock, but as a recalibration. Ask yourself what this experience is teaching you and how you can use it to strengthen your trust in yourself. Every setback can hold a seed for growth—if you’re willing to plant it.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Information Overload: Finding Peace in a World That Won’t Stop Talking

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re exploring the exhausting reality of modern communication and asking: how do we find peace in a world that won’t stop talking?

Every ping, ding, scroll, and swipe chips away at your attention. You’re bombarded with messages—from friends, strangers, brands, and bots. You’re constantly evaluating: Is this urgent? Is it true? Is it for me? Even before you form a thought, you’re nudged to like, reply, share, or shut down. And in the middle of all that noise, it’s easy to lose your own voice or, worse, your sense of peace.

So today, we’re diving into the noise. Not just the noise around you—but the noise within. We’ll explore how communication overload affects your emotional well-being, how to tell the difference between being informed and being overwhelmed, and how to create more calm, clarity, and connection in your life. Because unplugging doesn’t mean you’re ignoring the world—it might just mean you’re finally listening to yourself.

Let’s face it—communication today is no longer about one conversation at a time. It’s a swirling mess of texts, emails, social posts, push notifications, Slack messages, breaking news, and podcast alerts. We’re swimming in a digital sea of information and opinion, all clamoring for our attention. And while access has never been greater, clarity has never felt so out of reach.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly reacting? Reacting to headlines, to tone, to perceived urgency? It’s as if we’ve all been trained to respond—immediately, decisively, and publicly. That demand for constant engagement doesn’t leave much room for thoughtful processing, and it definitely doesn’t leave space for rest.

And what about accuracy? Today, you can’t take anything at face value. A single quote can be taken out of context and spark outrage. A misleading headline can travel faster than the truth. You’re expected to know what’s happening in the world, take a stand, and keep up—while somehow staying balanced and well-informed. It’s exhausting.

But this isn’t just about the news cycle or technology. It’s about the toll it takes on your nervous system. When you’re constantly on high alert—evaluating what’s real, what’s urgent, and what’s emotionally loaded—it’s no wonder you’re tired. This level of overstimulation leads to burnout, anxiety, and even feelings of helplessness.

4 Ways Information Overload Impacts Our Mental Health and How to Cope

Face-To-Face Communication: Healthier Than Digital?

Why Social Connections Matter to Your Health

CHALLENGE: Step back from the noise this week and take inventory. What sources of information, opinions, or stimulation are truly serving your well-being—and which ones are just draining your energy? Creating peace starts with protecting your attention.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

When You’re Tired of Hurting But Not Ready to Heal

SHOW NOTES:

On this show, we’re diving into a tough but necessary question: What happens when you’re tired of hurting—but not quite ready to heal? Healing isn’t just a switch you flip or a checklist you complete—it’s a layered, deeply personal journey that unfolds in its own time.

Maybe you’ve reached that point where the pain is exhausting, but the idea of letting go feels…terrifying. Sometimes, we hold on because the hurt is familiar—our pain becomes part of our identity, even a security blanket. We might say we want to feel better, but are we really ready to release what’s been weighing us down?

Today, we’ll gently unpack what healing looks like when you’re still in that in-between space—where you’re seeking relief, but afraid of what life might look like on the other side of your wounds. We’ll explore all-or-nothing thinking, the comfort of emotional residue, and how to honor your readiness without rushing your process. There’s no timeline for healing—but there is space to begin.

How do you know if you’re ready to heal—or if you just want to stop feeling this way? That’s a tough distinction to make, especially when you’re emotionally worn down. On the surface, it may look like you’re seeking peace, closure, or progress, but underneath that desire could be a quiet resistance to what healing actually demands: honesty, vulnerability, surrender.

Healing isn’t just the absence of pain—it’s the presence of new patterns. And that takes work. When you’re stuck in the space between hurting and healing, you may find yourself grasping at distractions or temporary relief. You might tell yourself you’re okay, or minimize your experiences because moving forward feels too big, too messy, or too permanent

How to Let Go of Past Trauma

What Does ‘Healing Isn’t Linear’ Mean?

Just Let Go - Alan Watts

CHALLENGE: Take an honest look at what’s holding you back. Are you clinging to pain as protection, or are you truly ready to heal? Healing doesn’t happen all at once, but a single step in the right direction can begin the shift. Let go of what no longer serves you.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Enjoy the Ride: How to Stop Rushing Toward What’s Next

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re talking about how to stop rushing toward “what’s next” and start enjoying the ride. Have you ever caught yourself racing through life, so focused on the finish line that you barely notice the scenery around you? It’s easy to fall into a pattern of “when I get there, then I’ll be happy,” only to find that there keeps moving further away. Whether it’s the next promotion, the next milestone, or just the next weekend, we’re often living for the future—and missing the now.

In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to slow down and actually enjoy the journey. We’ll talk about how to balance ambition with presence, how to check in with yourself along the way, and how to set future goals that honor where you are today. The road may be long, but it’s filled with meaning—if only we’ll pause to take it all in.

Why are we always in such a hurry to “get there”? Wherever there may be—financial security, a relationship milestone, a certain job title—we often place so much pressure on the end goal that we forget to live on the way to it. It’s like being on a beautiful scenic drive, but instead of taking in the views, you’re glued to the GPS. Focused. Determined. Unavailable.

This urgency often stems from our culture’s obsession with productivity and achievement. From a young age, we’re taught to aim high, set goals, and never stop climbing. And while ambition can be a healthy motivator, it can also become a thief—stealing joy from our present moments and creating anxiety about a future we can’t fully control.

Have you ever reached a long-awaited milestone only to feel let down afterward? Like the buildup was more thrilling than the arrival? That’s a sign you might be living for the next thing instead of enjoying the current one. When we’re constantly chasing what’s ahead, we miss opportunities for connection, reflection, and simple joy that exist right now.

The truth is, the destination is only part of the journey. And ironically, the real transformation happens along the way—in the delays, the detours, the conversations, and the quiet moments of self-discovery.

So let’s slow down for a second. What if you already are becoming who you’re meant to be? What if rushing is keeping you from noticing how far you’ve actually come?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting more. Goals give our lives direction, motivation, and meaning. But if we’re not careful, they can also become blinders—blocking out everything that isn’t the finish line.

Ambition says, “Keep going, you’re not there yet.”

Presence asks, “But aren’t you here now?”

Goals Are Not a Destination, They Are an Invitation

Mindfulness and Being Present in the Moment

For People Feeling Behind In Life

CHALLENGE: Take a breath and look around—what beauty, progress, or peace might you be missing in your race to the finish line? Give yourself permission to slow down and be fully present for the moments that are happening right now.

I Know YOU Can Do It!

Balancing Act: Love, Money & the Real Pursuit of Happiness

SHOW NOTES:

On this show… we’re exploring the balancing act between love, money, and the real pursuit of happiness. What happens when one area becomes the focus at the expense of the others? You might be building wealth but losing touch with your relationships, or maybe you’re all-in for love but silently stressed about your financial future. It’s easy to get off-kilter, especially when life demands you juggle multiple priorities at once.

The truth is, balance often becomes obvious only in hindsight. But what if you could spot the imbalance before it knocks you over? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. We’ll explore the emotional, financial, and personal fulfillment areas of your life—and ask the hard questions about where your energy is going and what’s being left behind. We’ll even introduce a tool coaches use to help people evaluate where they are versus where they want to be. So whether you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in a loop, or just curious if you’re truly chasing happiness—or just running on autopilot—this show is for you.

Let’s be honest—how many of us are secretly chasing that idea of “having it all”? The fulfilling relationship, the comfortable income, the deep sense of inner peace and purpose. Somewhere along the way, we were sold the dream that it’s not only possible—but expected. And if we don’t have it all together, we must be doing something wrong.

But what if the pressure to have it all is what’s keeping us stuck?

Start by thinking of your life like a three-legged stool: one leg for love and connection, one for financial security, and one for personal fulfillment or happiness. When any one of those legs is too short—or completely missing—the stool becomes unstable. You wobble. Maybe you fall. And chances are, you’ve blamed yourself for the imbalance instead of realizing that no one taught you how to build a strong stool in the first place.

5 Steps to Reset Your Work-Life Balance

Achieving Balance: Why You’ve Got it Wrong & How to Get it Right

There's more to life than being happy | Emily Esfahani Smith | TED

CHALLENGE: Take a closer look at where you’re investing your energy—love, money, happiness—and ask yourself what might be running low. A small shift in focus could be all it takes to restore some balance. You deserve a life that feels full, not just busy

I Know YOU Can Do It!

What If It’s Not a Setback—But a Setup? Turning Roadblocks Into Redirection

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re asking: What if your setback isn’t the end of the road, but a setup for something greater? Too often, we treat failure like a stop sign—something to fear, avoid, or be ashamed of. But what if it’s actually a signpost pointing us toward a better path, one we couldn’t have seen without the detour? This week, we’re flipping the script on disappointment and getting curious about the hidden wisdom in rejection, reroutes, and redirections.

Think about a time when something didn’t go your way—and now you’re secretly (or loudly) grateful. That job you didn’t get, the relationship that fizzled, the opportunity that slipped through your fingers…maybe that wasn’t a failure, but a filter. We’ll explore the difference between giving up and giving in, and how to know when you’re resisting growth or simply being rerouted to a better destination. Let’s dive in!

We’ll start by unpacking a few key terms and ideas that will help frame the rest of our conversation.

Setback – A setback is typically defined as an interruption in progress—a problem or delay that keeps you from moving forward as planned. It’s that moment when things don’t go according to script and you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Most of us interpret a setback as failure, rejection, or a signal to give up. But what if that interruption is really a signal to pause, recalibrate, or shift direction?

Setup – When we say a “setup,” we’re talking about a reframing of perspective. Instead of viewing the problem as a block, we start to see it as a preparation—a moment meant to teach us, shape us, or even protect us from something we can’t yet see. A setup can feel frustrating in real time, but it’s often that pivot point we later recognize as essential.

Giving Up vs. Giving In – These two sound similar but have very different meanings. Giving up means you stop trying—throw in the towel, close the book, walk away from the possibility. Giving in, however, is a more nuanced choice. It means you adjust. You yield to a new reality or modify the plan—not because you’re weak, but because you’re willing to grow. It’s not quitting the goal; it’s choosing a wiser way forward.

Reframing Failure – This is where the mindset shift begins. Instead of labeling failure as the end, we see it as a necessary part of success. Many people we admire failed multiple times before finding their true direction. Reframing means we no longer fear failure—we learn from it. We use it.

By grounding ourselves in these definitions, we give ourselves the freedom to move through life’s plot twists with a bit more grace—and maybe even a little optimism.

The Importance of Letting Go of Control

The Value of 'No'

How to Deal with Disappointment

CHALLENGE: Stop labeling your setbacks as stop signs and start seeing them as scenic detours—opportunities to learn, grow, and arrive even more prepared. Trade the urge to give up for the courage to give in—to adapt, realign, and continue your journey with wisdom and grace.

I Know YOU Can Do It!