A is for Actualize. B is for Brainstorm. C is for create. Okay, just kidding, that's not quite the structure of today's podcast. In this week's episode, Sharon does share some key terms for breaking apart the big idea of vision. She says a more linear set of distinctions that can move us along that path by exploring terms like strategy, goals, milestones and tactics. And also shares a magical pathway to vision through the lens of words like surrender, release, be, listen and move. The idea is not that there is a single or better pathway to realizing and stepping into what you really want. Instead these are distinct ways to break down something that can feel big into simple concepts and structures. This episode closes with some questions for you to consider as you wend your way down your own visionary path.

Design Yourself

134: The ABCs of Vision

The podcast is back! Listen to Sharon read Frank Bidart poems, share what she's been up to over the last 4 months and talk about the power of not forcing things. She discusses how being still can be uncomfortable and yet why that's important. She shares how to drop in and listen to the voice within you (and not just the mental chatter) and lead and act from that space of wisdom. And finally, when you are just itching to sprint to action even if it doesn't feel right, she reminds you to just breathe. And see if you can't tilt into a deeper sense of presence over action.

133: Not Forcing Things

Taking time out brings about mixed emotions for a lot of us. We know we'd like to, but how to balance what needs doing with the desire for taking a break. We've talked in the past on this podcast about the importance of taking breaks and how they can be fun. But what about when we don't choose the pause? What about when it feels like it is out of our control? That's just what we dig into this week. Inspired by an extended power outage on the home front, Sharon discusses key distinctions about the kinds of pauses we take, recent lessons she has learned and some questions to prompt reflection about your own relationship to the concept of pause. From the disruptive nature of stopping to how we react differently to short, medium and long-term breaks, prepare to see with new eyes the power of pause.

132: The Power of Pause

This week's episode shines a light on the important role that our stories play in our lives and works. Not just as a reminder of what has been, but as a signal for what's coming next. To step into what we really want, we have to own our stories. This podcast will help you along this path. Sharon begins the episode with some personal updates, which include east coast spring break adventures, the kick off of building her dream home and how she missed three Thursdays of hitting publish on the podcast. She shares how her own story about being a failure if she missed publishing the podcast weekly was wrestling with her story that there is a way to do the podcast in her own way, with ease. She then shares how the podcast schedule is evolving. The episode builds from Sharon's own stories to reflections and actionable tips for both how to see the stories you tell and how to create shifts in your stories.  "It's not just about changing your stories. It's about choosing them." - Sharon Lipovsky Ideas Shared How To See Your Stories Name What You See Slow Down Be Still Drop In How to Create Story Shifts Allow Discomfort Be Kind Challenge Your Assumptions Get Help Go At Your Own Pace Links and Resources The Line Hotel (DC)  Sister City Hotel (NYC) This podcast shares a bit of Sharon's move to upstate NY from DC   

131: What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?

Raindrops on roses / And whiskers on kittens / Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens / Brown paper packages tied up with strings / These are a few of my favorite things...or so the song goes. This week Sharon is inspired by the feeling of Spring in the air and wants to share a personal update about how things are going at this very transitional and transformational moment in her life. She shares a behind the scenes look at what's happening with her home and her work and how her intention setting process is evolving this year and this season. This is a great episode for anyone who's been wondering what exactly Sharon's been up to in her cottage in the woods. It's also excellent for those of you looking for some reflection and inspiration as you contemplate or move through a transition of your own. Ideas Shared Sharon's monthly intention setting from 2018 has been shifting to be more seasonal. Simplicity continues to be the focus in 2019. In the transition from the winter focus on clearing to something new that's opening up. Sharon is getting ready to break ground on her new home! She shares what the process is like. She also talked about the difference between her personal vision and her professional vision - and how the two have been interacting together over the last 7 years. Reflection Questions Re: Simplicity What matters most? How can I bring ease into my actions? Is there a simpler way? How do I embrace less? Links and Resources Design Yourself episode 105 on Lessons Learned in the Home Building Process The amazing design partner she has had on her Catskills home is the wonderful Sanabria and Co Here are the podcasts on each monthly theme in 2018: January – Rituals February – Focus March – Center April – Magic May – Vision June – Truth July – Trust August – Move September – Listen October – Care November – Savor December – Slow 

130: A Few of My Favorite Things

Meet Bill Goulding in this week's episode. He's finishing up his PhD at MIT's Sloan School of Management. His research interests include Empirical Asset Pricing, Financial Intermediation, and Market Microstructure. If that sounds confusing to you, don't worry, we break down his deep financial expertise into human terms and also discuss his own unexpected path to his nearly finished PhD. We talk about the stresses and benefits of professional development through higher education and Bill's own journey. Bill is insightful, open and funny and makes complex topics accessible. This is a great episode for anyone curious about finance, economics and the impact of both on your average human being. It's also lovely for anyone whose ever gone through or thought about pursuing a PhD. 

129: Money and Making Leaps with Bill Goulding

When we our energized, it's apparent in the way we lead, act, and feel. This week's episode offers up ideas for how play with and grow your energy - and makes the case for why prioritizing how you feel is critical our role as leaders. We discuss how your energy is impacted by your priorities and values, your emotions, and the health (or lack thereof) of your body. We talk about how to quiet your mind when busyness and stress surges. And we close with a discussion of how critical it is to write your own rules for how you structure your time. This is a great episode for anyone teetering on the edge of burnout (or managing/supporting someone else in this position). It's also great for anyone looking to summon the courage (and energy!) to make a change. In taking care of your energy, you are taking care of not just yourself, but all the people around you too. Take good care! 

128: Grow Your Energy (and Leadership)

What money mindsets or limiting beliefs are getting in the way of what you really want? That's what we are cracking open in this week's episode. Sharon shares how to pull apart our money mindsets and simple ways we can all make small shifts about our approach to money today. Explore together the difference between "bad scary" when it comes to money (e.g. spending beyond your means) and "good scary" (e.g. changing your spending habits to align with your values). Investigate 6 money mindsets that could be getting in your way and then learn a practical process to help you move past these roadblocks.   Ideas Shared There is Good Scary and Bad Scary when it comes to money Bad scary are triggers for true concern; the modern day saber tooth tigers showing up on your living room. Good scary are ways that you are really aligning with what you want, but maybe feeling nervous about the change it prompts. Money Mindsets that Get In Our Way "I'm not good with money." "People with money are bad." "Money will change me." "I'm not worth it." "I don't have enough experience yet." "Money isn't important."   4 Simple Ways to Change Your Hijacks Practice Radical Self Awareness Determine if what you see is working or holding you back Clear out the clutter Amplify what's good  

Design Yourself 127: Money Hijacks

A weekly podcast for people who want to lead a well-designed life. Imagine what you want + allow it to happen. Hosted by Sharon Lipovsky, founder of Point Road Studios, executive coach, and creative entrepreneur. For show notes visit www.pointroadstudios.com/podcast

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Design Yourself

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