It’s another solo episode of The Conscious Edge Podcast, Jonathan will be back soon I promise! On this episode I’m explaining how we can reclaim control over our time, set meaningful priorities, and create space for joy, growth, and fulfillment in our lives.  The conversation builds off last week's exploration of relationships and delves into how our calendars reflect what we truly value. When I figured out how to restructure my time, and overcome the limiting beliefs around what is possible, everything changed. Instead of feeling over-booked, I feel expansiveness on days when I’ve allowed for time to be with my kids or go to an event.  That’s what I want for you too. Time for the life you really want to live!  I’m breaking down:  The emotional component to managing a calendar that serves you.  How to put the joyful, important and meaningful things on your calendar first.  The clarity that comes from doing the necessary in the time that is left.  Why time limits and deadlines create resourcefulness and make us more efficient.   How giving myself space to work ahead saves me time and makes me more effective.  When you get clear about what’s on your calendar, it will uncover what’s not working and will show you where things are out of alignment. Adjusting that opens the door to a joyful life that’s also successful and financially rewarding.  I also highlight the importance of being present, and how through mindfulness, even simple tasks can bring clarity and insight. From planning business activities around important life events, to putting hard boundaries on work hours, it’s important to create a rhythm in your calendar that enhances both your personal and professional life.  What would it be like if you already had your vacation time blocked off, and the end-of-school event week(s) scheduled? How freeing would it be to know that you’ve created the space for your favorite holiday experiences?  That’s the power of being intentional about what you want your life to look like including the joyful, fun and work-related parts of your life.  This episode is packed with insights into creating balance, redefining success, and ensuring that your time reflects what truly matters to you. As we gear up for open enrollment in the Exponential Entrepreneur, I invite you to take this journey of realigning your time and life with what matters most. Resources:  www.consciousedge.com/apply Episode 23: Fostering Deep Meaningful Relationship - https://consciousedge.com/ep023/ Episode 22: The Real Reason You Don't Have Time - https://consciousedge.com/ep022/ Episode 21: Our Journey to Creating a New Product with Ease - https://consciousedge.com/ep021/ Episode 19: What Actually Is and How to Use It Daily - https://consciousedge.com/ep019/ Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Hey Love! Welcome back to The Conscious Edge Podcast. I’m Alecia St. Germain, and today we’re exploring the conflict that often arises when you’ve created success in your business and yet, you don’t have the time you thought you would for the people you love. This is exactly where my own journey to find balance as a new mom started and my hope is that what I learned will change the way you curate and nurture your relationships going forward.   In this episode you’ll find: My moment of realization that the way I had built my life was no longer working and the steps I took to overhaul things so that I felt in control of my time.  How to evaluate your personal and professional relationship to ensure you’re giving your time to the people that matter most to you. Handling limiting beliefs that cause you to participate in people pleasing and making choices from fear. The key to ensuring you have a good reputation in life and business.   How perspectives, experiences, and beliefs can cause misunderstandings in nonverbal communication. The counterintuitive structure that creates clarity, focus, creativity, peace, and joy leading to more income. So much of this misalignment has to do with your beliefs. It is a well-known societal norm that the harder and longer you work, the more money you make.  The more money you have, the more freedom, but that’s not always true.  People are shocked when they put in all the effort and feel more trapped than ever. Take this time today to reevaluate your relationships and start connecting in a meaningful way.  Sending you love and be well.   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Welcome back to the Conscious Edge podcast! Today, I want to dive into a topic that resonates deeply with our listeners—the feeling of being overwhelmed and never having enough time.  If you're like many of the women I work with in real estate investing or the real estate industry, you might feel like you’re doing everything, wearing all the hats, and yet, not getting the results you want. You’re smart, capable, and hardworking, so what’s holding you back? I used to say, "I don’t have time," all the time, and I did feel that way, but I’ve since learned that it wasn’t actually about the time itself. Once I realized this, everything shifted. Today, you’ll find out why time (likely) isn’t the real issue for you either, and how to uncover what is really behind the beliefs, behaviors and actions that keep you overwhelmed.  I go into detail about how I help clients create transformational results, leaving them with time to do the things in life that bring them joy!  Here’s what I cover in detail: How to identify the root problem that often stems from having too much on your plate and self-sabotaging behaviors driven by unconscious beliefs. My approach for gaining clarity on your true purpose, talents, and vision, then identifying a singular focus—a goal that would make other goals easier to achieve. How to use tools like the Immunity to Change map, common limiting beliefs (e.g., fear of being seen as selfish or making mistakes) are uncovered and challenged. The method to identify these deeply rooted beliefs, your big assumption, that drive behaviors that keep you stuck in overwhelm and prevent progress. How to tackle your big assumption. Once identified, intentional behavior changes are planned to help rewire the brain, leading to more effective time use and personal growth. Real transformation comes from understanding that time isn’t the problem—rather, it’s how people think about and use their time, driven by these big assumptions. Planned behavior change is the process I teach that involves small, intentional shifts in behavior that focus on the experience rather than immediate results, gradually creating new habits and pathways. If today’s episode has sparked something in you, and you’re curious about what it might be like to identify your big assumption, I encourage you to visit consciousedge.com/apply.  I’ll take you through a personalized journey, just like we did today, and help you see what’s possible for you. Until next time, I’m sending you so much love, and remember, you have more time than you think! Jonathan will be back soon, and he’d want me to tell you to be well.  On Demand Mapping Workshop  Apply Here for Immunity to Change Coaching Info  Why You Self-Sabotage (Episode 6) What Mindfulness Is and How to Use it Daily (Episode 19)

Welcome back to the Conscious Edge podcast! It’s Alecia St. Germain with Jonathan Dugger and this is a special episode! We have an exciting announcement; we’re hosting a retreat! This has been a long-time dream, born from our desire to help people discover their purpose, align it with their passions, and explore prosperity in a whole new way. Listen in as we talk about how we’ve made the planning process simple and are   intentionally crafting an experience that will be transformative, practical, and fun. Here’s what we covered: -Keep the launch process simple. It’s about connecting with an audience, collecting feedback, being open, sharing the opportunity, and trusting yourself to deliver. -Be the first to find out about our retreat conceived to help participants align passion, purpose, and prosperity for true fulfillment. - Hear how we’ll focus on redefining success, helping people move beyond a results-driven mindset to embrace purpose-driven living. - Let’s deal with our money challenges. We explore money as a tool and amplifier, not the sole measure of success, with a focus on reshaping the relationship with wealth. - You know mindfulness will play a key role in the retreat, guiding participants to develop greater self-awareness and breakthroughs in real-time. - Our focus: delivering practical takeaways ensuring attendees leave with actionable tools for personal and professional growth. - The retreat is planned for Q1 2025, with possible locations in Scottsdale, Palm Springs, or San Diego, and aims to host 10-15 participants. - The retreat is designed to be intimate, tailored, and impactful,combining personal transformation with practical strategies. We'd like to invite you to sign up for the waitlist at consciousedge.com/retreat. You’ll receive updates and be part of the creation process. Of course, we’ll also be talking about plans on future episodes as well. We’re not just creating a retreat—we’re building a community of like-minded individuals ready to take the next step in their personal and professional lives. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us, and we hope you’ll be part of it. We look forward to creating this transformational experience together. Sending you so much love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Hello lovely listeners! I’m Alecia St. Germain and my friend and co-host Jonathan Dugger is with me to explore the concept of life balance, specifically around success. We know success is often measured by financial or professional achievements and we’re also clear that true wellness comes from balancing multiple dimensions of life.  In this episode we’re talking about the components of wellness, how to assess imbalance, and practical ways to restore harmony. Here’s a great summary of our conversation:   Wellness is multi-dimensional. True wellness involves balancing physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, occupational, and financial aspects of life. Success is tied to wellness. Jonathan emphasized, "When you're truly well, you're successful" highlighting that true success comes from overall well-being. Balance doesn’t require equal time. It’s not about spending equal time on each area, but rather about doing efficient things that fill your “cups” in less time. Life is an experiment. Treat life as a laboratory to experiment with habits and behaviors, noticing what works and making adjustments when you don’t like the way things are going. Intentional rest is key. Scheduling intentional downtime is crucial for maintaining balance and boosting productivity.  Focus on one thing at a time. Avoid trying to overhaul every area of life at once. Instead, take baby steps and make gradual improvements. Mindfulness aids in balance. Being mindful helps identify areas of imbalance and allows for intentional changes without judgment. Life is an ongoing journey, and our hope is that through this podcast and future retreats, we can help you find success, balance, and fulfillment. Stay tuned for more on how you can be part of that.  Remember, success is about more than money—it’s about being well in every aspect of your life. Until next time, sending you so much love and balance! Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Welcome back to the Conscious Edge podcast! I'm Alecia St. Germain, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the concept of mindfulness with our resident wellness expert and my longtime friend, Jonathan Dugger. Mindfulness is more than just a trending buzzword—it's an ancient practice with the potential to transform how we live, work, and think.  Mindfulness Explained: Mindfulness is an ancient practice that helps improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being by being fully present in the moment. Mindfulness vs. Hustle Culture: Find out why multitasking doesn’t work. Mindfulness encourages focusing on one task at a time for better productivity and less stress. Scientific Benefits: Hear about the research that shows how mindfulness physically alters the brain, reducing stress responses and increasing creativity, memory, and language abilities. Practical Exercises: Simple mindfulness practices that anyone can do in just a few minutes, such as paying attention to your senses during daily tasks, can help build awareness and presence in everyday life. Mindfulness in Business: Incorporate mindfulness into your routine to improve focus, reduce overwhelm, and better decision-making in both personal and professional contexts. Ongoing Practice: Mindfulness is a skill that requires practice, but the benefits are significant and can positively impact various aspects of life. Mindfulness is a valuable tool for achieving balance and effectiveness in a busy world, especially for business owners and high achievers. Episode 3 What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed  Episode 7 Choosing Self-Compassion over Self-Criticism Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Welcome back to the Conscious Edge! I’m Alecia St. Germain, and today, I’m flying solo to tackle a question I often get: “When should I get a coach? Do I need a coach, or do I need something else?” If you've been considering hiring outside help for your business, what I like to call "CEO support," this episode is for you.  Here are the key takeaways from this episode:  Understanding Support Roles: Find out the difference between consultants, coaches, and mentors, highlighting their unique contributions to business growth.   Consultants & Strategists: The best option if you need a roadmap and advice for specific business goals but require you to implement their plans. Think strategies and tactics.    Coaches: A good coach will help you focus on unlocking your potential and help you overcome mindset challenges, regardless of your industry.   Mentors: Have walked your path and offer insights based on their experiences, but it’s crucial to choose a mentor whose values align with yours.   When to Seek a Coach: If you’re struggling with procrastination, perfectionism, or self-doubt despite having strategies in place, it might be time to find a coach specializing in mindset work. Empowerment in Decision Making: Encourages taking responsibility for your journey and selecting the right kind of support for your unique needs. If today’s discussion resonated with you, I’d love to connect. Visit consciousedge.com/apply to fill out an application. Let’s figure out together what kind of support will help you reach your goals, whether it’s a coach like me, a different kind of expert, or maybe even just the right new hire. Resource:  Why You Self-Sabotage (Episode 6) Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Host Alecia St. Germain and Jonathan Dugger discuss the recurring theme of shame and its impact on personal and professional life.  Key segments include:  Embracing imperfections.  Shame vs. guilt and how to tell the difference. Why radical self-acceptance will help. How to identify and address shame when it shows up. Shame is an emotion that can creep into our lives in the most unexpected ways. It’s important to understand how to recognize and address it head on. Be mindful of your emotions and seek help if shame is making you angry or causing you to isolate.  Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about embracing the journey and caring for ourselves when we’re our most vulnerable. Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

It’s Alecia St. Germain and today I’m sharing a personal story from my coaching sessions that highlights the power of support in overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors. I help clients overcome blocks that keep them from moving forward in their business and life. Together we create a test to help take a specific action in a way that feels safe. The results of the action don’t matter as much as the feeling and insight that comes from the experience.  Hear how real-time support during a co-working session helped my client send out important emails, which resulted in a positive response.  This success story leads to a broader discussion with my friend and co-host Jonathan Dugger about finding joy in the little things and the importance of spontaneity, humor, and wonderment in our daily lives. Joy can be found in simple everyday moments if we allow ourselves to be present and open to them. Joy is all around us—we just need to take the time to notice it. Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

In this episode, Jonathan and I dive into the critical yet challenging topic of recognizing and acting on the need to end relationships that no longer serve us—whether in business or personal life. This episode is especially valuable for those who find themselves stuck, making excuses, and delaying the inevitable. Here’s what we breakdown in our conversation:  The cost of delayed decisions.  Excuses verses reality. The role of fear and assumptions.  Strategies for making tough decisions. Knowing your numbers.  Clearing your calendar. Reality testing to challenge your assumptions. Empowering yourself as a decision-maker. I hope this episode inspires you to take action, make necessary changes, and move towards your next level of growth.  Resources:  Next Key Services – Know Your Numbers Episode 3 – What to do When You are Feeling Overwhelmed Episode 6 – Why You Self-Sabotage  Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Welcome back to the Conscious Edge podcast! I'm Alecia St. Germain, and today, I had the immense pleasure of diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us—finances. I am thrilled to host Nikki Fraser from NextKey Services. She is joining me to talk money and finances.  Break the Cycle of Financial Avoidance Nikki explained that one of the tendencies of business owners is to avoid dealing with their finances until it’s too late. Nikki emphasized the importance of understanding your numbers not just as a compliance exercise but as a strategic tool. The Power of Financial Clarity Nikki shared that having financial clarity brings energy and confidence to business owners. When you know your numbers, you can handle unexpected challenges, make informed decisions, and seize opportunities.  Budgeting as a Tool for Growth We also discussed the misconception that budgets are restrictive. Instead, Nikki views budgeting as a privilege and a tool to allocate resources effectively.  Preparing for Opportunities A significant takeaway from our conversation was the importance of being prepared for opportunities before they arise. Nikki advised having your financials in order and understanding your numbers to move quickly when opportunities present themselves.  Upcoming Workshop and Program Nikki and Dan are hosting a free "Level Up" workshop this summer, where they will teach their process for determining when it’s time to make the next hire and how to manage your finances strategically. You can register here. If you’ve been putting off dealing with your finances, now is the time to take action. Embrace the clarity, energy, and confidence that come with understanding your numbers, and watch your business thrive. Connect with Nikki NextKey Services  Register for the Level Up Workshop: Invest and Thrive Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast! I can't believe we're already on episode 13. I'm thrilled to have both new and returning listeners joining us today. Thank you for your continued support! Today, I want to delve into a topic that resonates with many of us: handling triggers and practicing self-compassion. During a discussion, my client expressed frustration over feeling stuck at a particular point in her progress. She asked, “How am I supposed to remember to ask myself all these questions because I get triggered A LOT every single day?” This is a common concern, and it leads us to the heart of today's topic. Let me set the stage with a personal story. One Saturday, my daughter and I were heading to our local farmer’s market. It was busier than usual, and we were struggling to find a parking spot. I spotted someone leaving and positioned myself to take their spot, but another car, just entering the lot, also claimed it. Normally, I would have let it go, but this time, I lost my cool. I opened my window and yelled, “You are what's wrong with humanity!” My daughter’s comment, “I think you were both kinda rude,” made me reflect deeply on my actions.  Here’s what my reflection helped me understand:  Limited Resources Amplify Triggers When basic needs (like food, shelter, money, and yes, even, parking spots) are scarce, it often brings out the worst in us. The same applies to internal resources like energy and patience. The Need to Be Right My reaction stemmed from a strong sense of justice and the need to be right. This is a common trigger that can lead to overreactions. Teaching Moments Despite the embarrassing situation, I turned it into a teaching moment for my kids about courtesy, self-reflection, and the importance of moving on gracefully. Jonathan and I highlight a few ways to understand what’s happening and what you can do if you’ve gotten angry or upset.  Recognize and Understand Triggers It's crucial to identify who or what your triggers remind you of. The Power of Self-Compassion Practicing self-compassion involves recognizing your triggers, understanding your responses, and forgiving yourself when you react strongly. Repairing Relationships and Moving Forward When you lose your cool, it’s vital to unpack the situation and find the lessons within it. Losing our cool occasionally is part of being human. What's important is how we handle these situations afterward. By reflecting on our triggers, practicing self-compassion, and taking steps to repair any harm caused, we can grow stronger and more resilient. Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to handle our imperfections with grace and kindness. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, keep practicing self-compassion and stay curious about your behaviors. Let's navigate our triggers together and continue striving for personal growth and understanding.   Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.    Resources: Episode 6: Why You Self-Sabotage

Hello, lovely! Alecia St. Germain here, and welcome back to the Conscious Edge podcast. Jonathan and I had a heart-to-heart discussion recently that I just had to share with you all. We delved into the topic of how we perceive others' judgments and the impact it has on our lives and businesses. The Weight of Perceived Judgments We've all been there, right? You walk into a room, and suddenly you're hit with this overwhelming feeling that everyone is judging you. But here's the thing: often, what we think others are thinking about us is just a reflection of our own insecurities. I shared a story from my early coaching days when I attended a conference and helped a friend at her booth. A mindset coach on stage snapped at a woman, saying, "You mindset people. Nobody wants mindset." It was like a dagger to my heart. I thought, "If she thinks that, how can I ever be successful?" The Power of Words Jonathan highlighted an important point: the impact of words from those in leadership positions. "If you're in a leadership position, be very careful about what you say without knowing who's in the room and what they're listening to," he said. It's a reminder that our words can significantly influence others, sometimes in ways we don't intend. Self-Compassion and Overcoming Self-Criticism How do we combat these negative thoughts and judgments? One key aspect is developing self-compassion. Often, our harshest critic is ourselves. We need to learn to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we offer others. Here are a few signs that may indicate we might be putting too much value on the opinions of others:  Do you change yourself in response to feedback or the opinions of others, regardless of who it comes from? You allow others to make decisions for you or decide to do what someone else suggested is right for you without considering how you truly feel. You don’t set or maintain boundaries with others. You’re a perfectionist for other people in an attempt to control what they think about you. You don’t share your opinions unless or until you know it’s in alignment with the opinion of others in the room. Your peace of mind requires approval from others. Apologizing for all manner of things as a way to ingratiate yourself with others. When we recognize one or more of these patterns, we can start to shift our mindset and build a healthier, more self-compassionate approach. Jonathan shared a few ways to get started:   Expect and accept that everyone has an opinion. That doesn’t mean all opinions are for you or need to be considered. Practice compassion for others who may err in their judgements. We all get it wrong sometimes, and if you can recognize that in the moment, it makes it easier to evaluate. Be aware and work on how you judge others. It can bring a new awareness about how you judge yourself. If you are a leader, be cognizant of the words you use and how you express your opinions. Thank you for joining us in this heartfelt conversation. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and by embracing self-compassion and authenticity, we can all move forward with greater confidence and clarity. Let's journey together on the path of compassionate leadership and authentic living. If this resonated with you, please share it with someone you love.  Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer

Welcome back. It’s so lovely to have you as part of The Conscious Edge audience. I appreciate you for being here. It’s Alecia St.Germain with my friend and frequent co-host Jonathan Dugger. We aim to keep it real, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly, with a few laughs guaranteed. Real Talk About Conferences I've attended countless conferences over the years, especially in the real estate sector. Initially, I viewed them as pitch fests—sleazy, sales-driven events that left me feeling disillusioned. But a few years ago, something changed.Once I got there, my anxiety melted away. Fast forward to the most recent InvestHer Con, which I attended several weeks ago. I went with a clear intention: to connect, learn, and grow. I had a plan, and I know that’s a big part of why my experience was so much better. Creating Your Own Experience One profound lesson I've learned is that we are always creating our own experiences. At InvestHer Con, I set specific intentions and approached the event with an open heart. I realized that the value of any event is largely dependent on our mindset and intentions. Flowing Actively with Intention Jonathan and I often discuss the concept of "flowing actively." It's about being curious and engaged rather than passive. When you approach an event—or any situation—with a specific intention, you create the potential for meaningful connections and opportunities. Here are 3 ways you can create your own practice: 1.Set Your Intention: Before attending any event, know what you want to achieve. Whether it's solving a specific problem, making connections, or simply being present, having a clear intention can transform your experience. What will advance you to your next goal or next level? That’s a great place to begin when creating your intentions. 2. Flow Actively with Curiosity: Be open and curious. Engage with the content and people around you. Even if a session or speaker isn't captivating, look for the nuggets of wisdom that can still be valuable. What can you give? How can you add to the experience for others? Being an active, curious participant elevates the experience for you and for other attendees. 3. Hold Space and Give Grace: Recognize that every speaker and attendee is on their own journey. By holding space and giving grace, you contribute positively to the collective experience. Jonathan explains that withholding judgment is another way to get the message meant for us. Our experiences are what we make of them. By setting clear intentions, staying curious, and holding space for others, we can create positive, enriching experiences. I hope these insights help you feel empowered and inspired to approach your next conference or event with a fresh perspective. Thank you for being part of our journey on The Conscious Edge podcast. Together, let's continue to learn, grow, and create amazing experiences. Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

The Art of Receiving: Why It's Essential for Success Hello love, it's Alecia St. Germain and I’m beyond excited to dive into today's topic, one that is a pervasive issue in our culture – the art of receiving. Whether it's help, support, gifts, or even a simple compliment, receiving is something many of us struggle with, especially entrepreneurs. Jonathan Dugger, clinical psychologist and wellness expert, is with me again as we dive into why this is so hard, and how we can look at receiving with a different perspective. The Struggle to Receive Many of us have been conditioned to believe that receiving comes with strings attached. Jonathan and I discussed how this mindset stems from a fear of obligation and a deep- seated sense of unworthiness. Jonathan highlighted that culturally, we're often taught it's better to give than to receive, which can skew our perception of receiving as a passive or even a negative act. We can even interpret receiving as a signal that we need help or are unable to do things on our own. He also touched on the dopamine effect we get when we give to others. We genuinely feel better. For some, chasing these feel-good moments can lead to issues around giving and self-worth. The Power of Vulnerability Receiving is not a sign of weakness. It's a powerful act of vulnerability. When we allow ourselves to receive, we open up to new possibilities and strengthen our connections with others. Jonathan shared an impactful story about working in a soup kitchen and learning the importance of accepting gifts, even from those who seemingly had less to give. This experience underscored that refusing help or kindness can rob others of their joy and dignity. Learning to Accept the Compliment Jonathan shares a great example of accepting the kind words offered to us and a small step we can take to help rewire our brain to shift from reluctance to acceptance. Shifting the Narrative One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is the need to reframe our understanding of control and worthiness. Many entrepreneurs struggle with delegating tasks because they fear losing control. This perceived control can hinder growth and prevent us from fully leveraging the talents of our teams. Instead, we should embrace the idea that asking for and accepting help is a form of empowerment and a testament to our leadership. Practicing Self-Compassion Jonathan and I also touched on the importance of self-compassion. When we negate compliments or deflect positive feedback, we reinforce negative self-beliefs. Practicing acceptance, whether it's a compliment or a helping hand, can significantly improve our self-worth and overall mindset. You Are Enough I want to leave you with this final thought; remember that you are enough. Embrace the power of receiving. It’s not just about making your life easier but also about creating a culture of mutual support and respect. When we allow ourselves to receive, we make space for growth, connection, and greater success. Jonathan and I are here for you and we are thankful for your support as well. I hope this episode inspires you to rethink the way you approach receiving in your life. Resources: The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann Episode 6: Why You Self-Sabotage

Embracing Gratitude: The Key to Thriving in Life and Business Welcome back, and if you’re joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you here! If you enjoy this podcast, please take a moment to subscribe. I'm Alecia St. Germain, founder and coach at The Conscious Edge, where we help women overcome procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, enabling them to build their businesses without burnout. Today, I am joined by my amazing co- host, Jonathan Dugger, a real estate investor, clinical and sports psychologist, wellness and holistic health expert, executive coach, and corporate leadership developer. Today we’re diving into the transformative power of gratitude and gratefulness, exploring how these practices can profoundly impact both personal and professional life. The Impatience Trap Have you ever had moments in your business where you are impatient for the results to show up? Jonathan and I discussed how impatience can lead to burnout, as we push ourselves too hard trying to control every aspect of our progress. Differentiating Gratitude and Gratefulness Jonathan provided insightful distinctions between gratitude and gratefulness, explaining that gratefulness is an expression of gratitude. Gratitude is a mindset, a way of perceiving the world, while gratefulness is the heartfelt expression of that mindset. He emphasized that gratitude rewires our brains, shifting our focus from what we lack to appreciating our blessings. Practicing Gratitude in Challenging Times We also touched on the importance of finding gratitude even in difficult moments. Jonathan shared a powerful story about being at a bank during a frustrating situation following a series of tornadoes. The Science and Simplicity of Gratitude Jonathan and I discussed the science behind gratitude, referencing a leading researcher in the field, Dr. Robert Emmons. His studies show that gratitude can significantly enhance mental and physical health. The Skill and Practice of Gratitude Gratitude is a skill that can be developed with practice. It’s about shifting our focus from what’s missing to what’s present and valuable in our lives. This shift can transform our mindset, reduce stress, and increase joy. Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others. Let’s continue to build a community centered on gratitude, growth, and genuine human connection. Together, we can create a more grateful and joyful world. What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed EP3 Dr. Robert Emmons Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance: My Journey and Insights Hey Love, Alecia St. Germain here! Today, I had the pleasure of diving deep into a topic that’s incredibly popular and vital for personal growth and success: scarcity versus abundance. Jonathan Dugger, wellness advocate, doctor of psychology, and my longtime friend  helped me explore how these mindsets impact our lives, decisions, and overall well-being. A Personal Story of Embracing Possibility I vividly recall when I first decided to start my coaching practice. I was invited to a significant event in California, but I was hesitant because my son was still nursing. The moment I opened myself up to the possibility of bringing my kids along, everything fell into place effortlessly. Understanding Scarcity in Our Culture Jonathan explained how scarcity is deeply ingrained in our culture, often manifesting in a competitive and fear-based mindset. This perspective is self-limiting and fosters anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. It’s essential to recognize these patterns and consciously shift our focus to possibilities rather than limitations. Moving Towards Abundance One of the critical points we discussed was the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. This involves a simple but profound change in how we frame our situations. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable, we can ask, “What is possible?” This small shift can transform our outlook and open up new opportunities.  Addressing Toxic Abundance We also touched on a critical aspect of practicing abundance, especially regarding financial decisions. I sometimes see people adopt a toxic form of abundance by spending excessively under the belief that “more is coming.” This mindset can lead to significant stress when the expected returns don’t materialize. True abundance involves mindful and strategic investments rather than reckless spending.  Practical Tips for Shifting Mindsets Jonathan reminds us that context is everything. Excessive spending and other distractions are often used to cover up something else we don’t want to think about or address. Instead, when you are thinking about spending he shared a question you can use to help ensure the decision is coming from a good place: “What’s the gift in this?”  One of the core components of practicing abundance and making that shift is training your mind to think of the possibilities. What are the opportunities? What Direction am I Heading?  I ask myself and encourage my clients to ask “is making this choice moving me away from what I fear or moving me towards my vision?” This is a real opportunity for you to look at the places in your life where you feel scarcity. Ask yourself “where are the places in my life where I'm choosing a decision out of fear to move me away from something I fear versus when am I unattached to the results?”  Make the Shift Shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset is transformative. It impacts not only how we perceive challenges but also how we live our lives and pursue our goals. Abundance is about seeing opportunities and acting with intention and mindfulness. Resources Immunity to Change Episode Sending you love and be well!  Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Alecia St. Germain here, and welcome to an episode about self-compassion. My friend Jonathan Dugger, wellness advocate and doctor of psychology, is here with me again for another great conversation. The timing couldn't have been more perfect as we both navigated through the jitters and excitement of our podcast officially launching. It's a fitting topic because, let's face it, we all have moments of doubt and self-criticism, especially when stepping into new ventures. Shifting Perspectives Jonathan kicked off our conversation by highlighting a significant point: while we've heard about the importance of compassion towards others, we often neglect self-compassion. He shared that recent research has shown how vital self-compassion is for mental and physical health, relationship stability, and even job performance. It's game-changer for personal growth. The Irony of Self-Criticism One of the most eye-opening moments was when Jonathan mentioned how those who work in fields that require empathy, like healthcare or coaching, are often the hardest on themselves. It's ironic but true. We extend kindness to others yet struggle to apply the same principles to ourselves. As Jonathan put it, "People that tend to be healers... often we are some of the ones that are the hardest on ourselves." The Mindfulness Piece Mindfulness plays a crucial role in self-compassion. It's about stepping outside of ourselves and observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Jonathan illustrated this beautifully: "When that criticism starts to come in, we step outside and we just hit the pause button in that moment and say, okay, what's going on? Self-Compassion is Not Self-Pity We also debunked some myths. Self-compassion is not the same as self-pity or self-indulgence. It's about finding a balanced perspective and dealing with negative emotions constructively. Jonathan shared an anecdote from a lunch and learn session where someone equated self-compassion to having a pity party. He clarified that self- compassion involves an awareness of our shared human experience and is about responsible self-reflection. Real-Life Application I shared a personal story where I missed posting a coaching call recording. Initially, I felt terrible, but instead of making excuses, I owned up to my mistake and planned to correct it. This approach not only alleviated my discomfort but also allowed me to maintain my integrity and relationship with my clients. As Jonathan said, "Understanding context is really important. It’s about asking what can I do differently, or why did this happen? That’s not making an excuse, it’s looking for context on the way to understanding.” Practice Self-Compassion Our conversation could have continued for hours, but it's clear that self-compassion is not just a feel-good concept—it's a necessary practice for true growth and fulfillment. Remember, the next time you catch yourself in a loop of self-criticism, take a step back, breathe, and approach yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend. Thank you for joining us today. Let's continue to grow together by embracing self-compassion and fostering a more supportive inner dialogue. Until next time, be gentle with yourself and others. Connect with Us If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Unlocking Your Potential: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotage Welcome back to another solo episode! Last week, I discussed four unhealthy goal habits many of us encounter. Today, I want to dive deeper into the underlying behaviors and feelings driving these habits, and more importantly, how we can address them. My journey into understanding these behaviors started while I was training people to invest in real estate. I noticed most people couldn’t achieve long-term success. That’s when I realized that people were getting in their own way. It became clear that something deeper was at play. Then, I stumbled upon an article about why we struggle to change. It highlighted how we often engage in behaviors that work against our goals and explained that self-sabotaging behavior was driven by underlying fears and feelings. This led me to the methodology I now use at The Conscious Edge and in my program, The Exponential Entrepreneur. The highly-researched and psychology-based process is called Immunity to ChangeTM, developed by 2 Havard professors, Robert Keegan and Lisa Lahey. Their research shows that our psychological immune system, designed to protect us, can actually hinder our progress by holding onto limiting beliefs formed from past experiences. For example, you might avoid making offers in your business because you fear being seen as a sleazy salesperson. These fears are rooted in what Keegan and Lahey call “big assumptions.” These are deep-seated beliefs about the world and our place in it, often formed in childhood and carried into adulthood. The Immunity to ChangeTM methodology helps us uncover these big assumptions and question their validity. We can then start to rewire our brains, challenging these beliefs and adopting new ones that align with our goals. This isn’t about using sheer willpower or forcing ourselves to “do it scared.” This approach allows us to pursue our goals from a place of curiosity and growth, rather than constant stress and fear. One of my favorite parts of this process is the testing phase, where we explore the validity of our big assumptions through small, safe behavior changes. This not only helps us achieve our goals but also transforms our overall approach to challenges, making us more resilient and adaptive. If you’re interested in exploring your own assumptions that may be stopping your progress, the first step is the free Immunity to ChangeTM mapping workshop. This will help you map out your goals, identify counterproductive behaviors, and uncover the fears driving them. It’s a process that can change how you approach your goals and your life. If you’d like my help and support as you do this work, consider applying for The Exponential Entrepreneur program. We’re a supportive community dedicated to helping each other rewire our brains and achieve our goals in a holistic, sustainable way. Immunity to Change Mapping Resource (Free)  Sending you love and be well!   Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.

Overcoming Unhealthy Goal Habits: A Path to Joy and Fulfillment  Welcome to the first solo episode. I’m Alecia St. Germain, founder of Conscious Edge, and this podcast is all about the 4 most common unhealthy goal habits that can trip you up. They can also be detrimental to your joy, fulfillment, and overall well-being. Unhealthy Goal Habits and Why it Matters In my early days in coaching, I often set goals based on what others wanted, or what I thought would make them happy.That’s why it’s so important to set goals that are aligned with your personal values and non-negotiables, rather than striving to meet others' standards.    Four Unhealthy Goal Habits That May Be Stopping You These goal habits often plague high-achievers. You may recognize one or more, which is why I also want you to know where to start changing to other strategies that will better support you.   Achieving Goals at All Costs    - In this habit, your motto is “hit the goal or die trying,” and involves sacrificing personal needs and relationships to achieve business goals.  What to do instead: Create goals keeping your non-negotiables in mind so it’s not either/or, it’s both/and. Ask yourself, “What do I need to hit my goals, while still keeping what’s most precious to me intact?” 2. Setting Goals Based on External Expectations    - Many set goals to please others or prove their worth, which can lead to self-sabotage like perfectionism and procrastination. You may not even notice you’re doing this, until you realize that what matters to you may not always be what matters to others. What to do instead: Recognize why you are procrastinating. Imagine yourself doing that thing you’ve been procrastinating.  What’s the fear that pops up for you? What would make you feel safe without the overwhelm of being perfect? How can you start there?   Resisting Goal Setting Completely    - Have you heard the saying; never try, never fail? After experiencing burnout or failure some people decide to  avoid setting goals to escape potential disappointment and discomfort. What to do instead: Take an internal assessment and ask yourself, “What am I making not hitting these goals mean about myself?”  Practice letting goals be a direction and information about what’s working and what’s not without attaching your personal value to the outcomes. 4. Pivoting When Goals Get Hard    -Too often people choose to change direction when faced with challenges, many times unknowingly to avoid negative feelings. This comes from  a failure to build resilience and comes at the cost of financial stability.  What to do instead: When negative emotions show up, recognize them and find out what they are trying to tell you. Instead of pivoting, dive in and see what’s underneath the discomfort.  Transforming Your Approach to Goals Aligning goals with your true vision and non-negotiables is how you can avoid burnout and embrace joy. Instead, how can you shift your focus on learning and growth as part of your process? By understanding the underlying fears and motivations, you can set healthier, more sustainable goals. I’d love to know what resonated with you. What type of challenges do you have around goals and goal-setting? What would you like to do differently? Be sure to check out episode 6 when it’s published to dive more into the root cause of unhealthy goal habits. Overcoming Unhealthy Goal Habits: A Path to Joy and Fulfillment  Connect with Alecia: If you have ideas for topics to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout