Motivation And Encouragement

You know that person in your life – a co-worker, a friend, a family member – who overreacts to things, and insists on taking you along for the ride? Whatever happens to them, they will add a layer of drama to it in the form of anger, sadness, or something else, and then dump it in your lap. They may even deliberately push your buttons to draw you in and get you involved! How did their drama become your problem? How do you keep from getting sucked in? In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about reactionary people, why and how they do what they do, and six ways you can handle them effectively (but with kindness) while keeping your own mood positive and your day on track. Recorded August 2, 2017 For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com To visit Athena’s online shop, go to DogAndCatParty.com For easy-to-follow instructions on how to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, go to the Find Us On iTunes page on the Motivation

In Episode 30, Debbi and Athena looked at accountability partners – one of the most effective (and fun) ways to transform yourself from a goal avoider into a goal achiever. Since then, they’ve been putting this technique to the test, acting as accountability partners for each other. They even put some money on the line! Find out what they learned and how you can use these lessons to increase your own chances of success. Recorded July 21, 2017  For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com To visit Athena’s online shop, go to DogAndCatParty.com For easy-to-follow instructions on how to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, go to the Find Us On iTunes page on the Motivation and Encouragement podcast website.  

How many people know the real you? How much of what you think and feel do you allow other people – at home, at work, among friends – to see? It seems that the most difficult challenge in life is the very thing that should come easiest to us: to simply be ourselves. Many of us have been hiding ourselves from the world for so long that we may only be dimly aware anymore that we’re doing it, or what it costs us. In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about the ways we sacrifice our authenticity, why we do it, and how it just ends up undermining our search for acceptance, success, and happiness. They also give some helpful tips on how you can live in a way that’s truer to yourself, reminding us that authenticity is essential to creating trust and closeness with those around us. Recorded June 23, 2017 For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com

  Take a moment to do a quick mental inventory of your goals - nothing formal, just whatever pops into your head when you stop and spend a minute thinking about it. What comes to mind? That ten (or more) pounds you need to lose… Looking for a better job… That project in the back yard… Getting back into a sport/musical instrument/hobby you used to love… It goes on and on. Things you’ve been meaning to start on for months, even years, but never seem to get to. Or projects that got started, only to be abandoned and never returned to because you got sidetracked by “life”. The problem? Life is always going to be there, ready to interrupt your best-laid plans; and your good intentions alone are simply not enough! So maybe you need a new strategy. In this episode, Debbi and Athena look at accountability partners – one of the most effective (and fun) ways to transform yourself from a goal avoider into a goal achiever. They’ll tell you how it works, why it works, and how they’re putting this powerful technique into pr

We all want a happier, more positive life. Too often, though, we try to get there by buying something: new clothes, the latest tech, a big vacation, a new car. Once that shot of adrenaline wears off, though, we’re right back where we started – but with less money in our pocket or, even worse, a higher credit card balance. In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about their own experiences and give you some easy-to-use techniques that you can put into practice today, right where you are, without spending a dime. These simple but profound changes can immediately begin to transform how you feel and how you interact with those around you. Recorded June 15, 2017   For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com

How long has it been since you did something so fun, so exciting – maybe even a little scary – that you felt exhilarated, fully alive, and in the moment? Can you even remember the last time you went outside your comfort zone? Or even ventured near it? In this episode, Debbi and Athena give you five ways to bring a sense of adventure back into your life. Along the way, they take a couple of detours with stories about rollercoasters, eating cheesecake for breakfast, and jumping off roofs into swimming pools. Disclaimer: We are NOT advocating that anyone jump off a roof! In fact, we really insist that you don’t. The point is to embrace new things, not get yourself injured!   Recorded May 11, 2017 For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com

When something goes wrong, do your thoughts and judgments about yourself go immediately to the negative? Do you knock over a glass of water in a restaurant or trip on a crack in the sidewalk and feel like it’s really Life reminding you that you just can’t win? In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about how we can avoid taking the little bumps and bruises life hands out to all of us and turning them against ourselves. Their stories and tips will help you avoid the mental traps that can bring you down, and show you how you can choose a more forgiving, more enjoyable life for yourself and those around you. Recorded May 23, 2017 For more information on Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars, go to Committed2Growth.com

Is there somebody in your life – a romantic partner, friend, family member, co-worker – that’s just no good for you? In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about the toxic people in our lives and how to deal with them. What are the signs you’re dealing with a toxic person? What’s the difference between a toxic and an abusive person? Do you contribute to the toxic dynamic? Taking control of the conversation with a toxic person and ending it on your terms. Knowing when to take a break from somebody – and deciding if, when, and how to re-engage with them. Recorded April 19, 2017  For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

Do you hate to fail or make a mistake? Today Debbi and Athena talk about why failure is actually good for you and makes you a better person. After all, if we didn’t fail, nothing would ever be invented or improved; Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb, but he didn’t give up! They also remind us that we should go easy on ourselves if we “fail” or make a mistake. Remember, if you don’t make mistakes, you don’t learn and grow.   Recorded April 19, 2017

Spring is a great time to revisit your fitness goals and wake your body up from its winter hibernation. Athena and Debbi give you some great tips on how to get yourself moving, even if your schedule is tight and you hate going to the gym. Recorded March 30, 2017

We've all been there: broken-hearted, alone, and feeling like we're never going to get over it. In this episode, Debbi and Athena talk about the things that hold us back and give you 5 tips - and a killer quote from a Hollywood icon - to help you get moving forward again. Recorded November 28, 2016

Athena and Debbi discuss what procrastination is and the reasons people put things off. We know it’s bad for us, so why do we do it? You’ll know all the reasons after listening. Athena gives 4 tips to conquer procrastination that have actually worked for her – especially Tip #2. Stop feeling guilty, unproductive, and stressed about not getting sh%t done. This is the episode you really should have listened 2 weeks ago, except that we just created it last Thursday. But that’s how bad you need these tips. Don’t procrastinate and listen later – listen now! Recorded March 2, 2017   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

The internet has made meeting people to date easier than it’s ever been. Whether you’re looking for a lifetime relationship or something more casual, just open an app or sign into a website and a world of potential partners is waiting to be explored. But with all this technology at our disposal, why is dating still so confusing? Why do we find ourselves so often left with disappointment and hurt feelings? Are we doing something wrong? In this episode, Athena and Debbi guide you through the pitfalls of modern dating, bringing a woman’s point of view to issues that every single person faces, including: Deciding how soon to have sex Dating vs. hooking up: knowing what you want Strategies for not getting your feelings hurt Dealing with beliefs about sex we learned growing up How men and women react to sex and dating differently “Why didn't he call?” Things that make a man want to stick around - or not Being honest with yourself vs. judging yourself This episode will give you some of the tools you need to make d

When was the last time you had to deal with a really, really uptight person? Someone so rigid in their thinking that it made them difficult to be around or work with? Maybe it was a friend, significant other, boss, or co-worker. Or maybe *you’re* that person. Inflexible ways of thinking and behaving can limit our effectiveness at work, undermine our friendships, and keep us from being truly close to our loved ones. In this episode, Athena and Debbi look at uptight thinking, where it comes from, what it costs us, and how to deal with it in others and in ourselves. Along the way, they share stories about Disneyland anxiety, flammable Pop Tarts, and dangerous avocados. Recorded January 25, 2017 For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

Could your life be less hectic?  YES!  There are things you can do to uncomplicated your life, be more authentic, increase your happiness and decrease overwhelm. Debbi and Athena discuss simple things that you can do now (or stop doing), to uncomplicated your life. Sometimes simpler is better! Recorded January 17, 2017   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses  

Athena and Debbi talk about five simple actions that you can take right now to be happier and less anxious.   Take some deep breaths. Ho you are breathing affects your mindset and how you feel. Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which guides the body from stress to relaxation. Write down three good things that happened today, or that you noticed. Even a forced smile when you are stressed or flustered can decrease stress and make you happier. This fact was proven in a study titled, “Grin and Bear it: The influence of manipulated positive facial expression on the stress response. This study was published in the Journal of Psychological Science. Take a walk outside or move around inside. Just five minutes of cardiovascular exercise can boost your mood. Once you get moving, your brain releases serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These hormones make you feel happy. Listen to music. Music affects the brain’s neurons that produce serotonin, a key chemical that affects your mo

We’ve all heard the phrase, “you have to love yourself”, but what does that really MEAN? And why is it so important? Debbi and Athena get into why loving yourself is critical for your happiness and for your relationships. Recorded January 21, 2016   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

“On December 6th , I almost died. I mean, if I didn’t get to a hospital, I could have died, in terrible pain, at home, never knowing what was actually happening inside me.” Athena Basham It’s human nature to take things for granted. You get comfortable and things continue on. You think things will never change… But your situation could change at any time. When s**t gets real, you don’t think about your possessions. You don’t think about your “things”. This podcast is about what really matters in life. Sometimes you have to be reminded about what is really important and dear in life. Oh, and yes, Athena tells the story about exactly what happened to her on December 6, 2016. Recorded December 21, 2016   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

Do you sabotage yourself? Yes, of course you do – we all do it.   Do you procrastinate? Are you terrible at time management? Are you constantly saying that you want to do something important but never get around to doing it?  These are just a few examples of self-sabotage. Everyone does it at some point and some of us do it a lot. These behaviors hold us back from accomplishing what we really want to do. They hold us back from living the life we really want to live.  But why do we do it? As Debbi states, "you don't do anything without a payoff."  In this episode, Athena and Debbi talk about the five different ways we sabotage ourselves and how we can put a stop to this common but happiness-stealing behavior. Recorded May 20, 2016   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars: Committed2Growth.com Athena’s book, Bring Him Closer, 7 Easy Steps to Meeting the Man of Your Dreams Using the Law of Attraction, and upcoming online course: BringHimCloser.com/courses

Modern life sure throws a lot at us! With our busy schedules and competing priorities, plus the incessant distraction of email, texts, and social media, it can feel like we simply have too much to accomplish in too little time. * Do you feel like you’re constantly busy, going as hard as you can all day long, but not making any progress on the things that really matter to you? * Does your to-do list seem just as long (or longer!) when you finally go to bed at night than it was when you started the day? * Do you wish you could look back at the end of the day (or week, or month), and feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing you took action on what was most important and that your efforts are bringing you closer to achieving your goals? In this episode, Debbi and Athena give you five tips that will help you take control of your day and cut through the noise so you can focus on what’s truly important to you. Recorded October 24, 2016   For more information: Debbi’s life coaching services and personal growth seminars