![Have you had a chance to listen to this week's podcast? I (April) talked about overcoming mindset issues that prevent us from being who we really are. Here are three questions that helped me to get out of a rut and recommit to BEING what I believe. [Podcast 37]: It’s Time to Be What We Believe](https://learndobecome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TimetoBeWhatWeBelieve.WPheader.LearnDoBecome-780x340.png)
We offer a lot of productivity tips on this website—because we genuinely want to help people who are drowning to develop simple systems so they can do what matters most. But today’s podcast is a little different.
We’re talking about overcoming mindset issues that prevent us from being who we really are.
I’ve been a little panicked about posting this—because I openly discussed a few of my most embarrassing weaknesses, and it’s a little intimidating to broadcast them to the world, but as Eric and I have been talking over the past few weeks, we’ve decided that we want a community here at LearnDoBecome that connects to our hearts.
Yes, we want to help you get organized. Yes, we want to help you elevate your quality of life. But at the end of the day, we want to associate with real people, who want to learn, do, and become with us on this sometimes-messy journey of life.
Time stamps are below, in case you’d prefer to skim the main points. But if you get a chance to listen, I think our hearts will connect on a deeper level. (Does that sound SO cheesy?)
And please—leave a comment below if you want to be *brave* and share an a-ha moment or an experience of your own!
Time Stamps
0:00 – Have you ever found yourself in a rut, and you weren’t sure how to get out?
I recently went through a rough patch–made worse with sleep deprivation. And when we get stuck in these ruts, there is often a dissonance between where we are and where we know we could be. Then we just spin in circles….
3:30 – Finding hope
The words of a song sung by a children’s choir at church kept running through my head, and I started thinking about the people in my life who are so clearly living what they believe.
Rachel, for example, teaches an exercise class I’ve been taking a couple times a week. She is in amazing physical condition and just radiates strength. When I see how clearly she is what she believes, I can see that doing the exercises she is teaching me will make me stronger. It’s fun and exciting to learn from her because she is the evidence that what she teaches actually works.
Here are a few questions that will help us, step-by-step, to not only get out of those ruts, but to live true to our beliefs.
7:45 – What beliefs do you want to live, but you are not currently living?
For example, I truly believe that we each have a unique mission, but lately, I haven’t felt EXCITED about living my mission. (***NOTE: I recorded this over a month ago, and now–when this is posting–I actually AM super excited. It just took some work to get there!)
As I looked around at all the other people living their missions, I said to myself, “If I just decided to stop, it would be fine. The world would go on. People don’t really need me.” And while in some ways that’s true, if I truly believe that we each have a unique mission, it doesn’t make sense for me, in a weak moment, to tell my family that I’m ready to hang it all up.
I also believe that if you’re not always “camera-ready,” that doesn’t need to stop you from living your mission. But too often I shy away from social media and serving/interacting with others because I look “normal.” (Ridiculous. I know. I’m seeing that now.)
12:10 – What beliefs do you have–even subconsciously–that need to go away?
One belief I have that needs to go away is that I can’t teach or interact with MALES. (Ahhh–so embarrassing to write this.) I naturally love speaking with women, but because there are men here at LearnDoBecome, too, I’ve been holding back–worrying that my perspective is too different. (Another post-podcast note… I’m getting over this one, too.)
16:00 – Where is your voice needed?
This might be inside your family. This might be in your workplace. But we need to consider this question deeply because our voices aren’t needed everywhere. I worked at Disneyland right out of high school, for example, and I loved it and seriously considered making my career there. But that’s not where my voice is needed right now.
This is a snippet from a blog post I wrote years ago where I learned how important it is for us not to lose our voices. (I refer to “the adversary” in this post, but if you have a different religious–or non-religious–term for the opposition in your life, please insert your own description/name for it, okay?)
I’ve been sick in bed for the past three days.
I caught what my girls had, and I was down with a fever, and then a cough and body aches.
And I lost my voice.
It became a scratchy, raspy whisper.
When I lost my voice . . .
- I couldn’t teach my class at church.
- I couldn’t sing “Baby Mine” to Grace or read to the children at night.
- I couldn’t carry on after-school conversations around the kitchen table.
- I couldn’t talk on the phone with my mom. (She used to be able to carry the conversation, but she’s been in a bit of a fog lately, and she can’t remember what to say.)…
- I had to cancel our Power of Moms Radio show for the week…
- And a podcast with the lovely Katrina Kenison (who I’m so excited to interview)…
I consider myself to be a pretty strong person, but by the end of last night, I was ready to call it quits…
Eric had no idea what was going on in my head, and I tried to explain it to him, but all that came out was, “I’m just trying to do too much. I can’t do everything. Would it really matter if I just stopped doing all this? I’m just tired of trying to do so many things that might not even make that big of a difference, and sometimes I just want to stop.”
He held me and talked me through this low point–saying all the right things and getting me to settle into a steady breathing pattern.
And then a soft voice came into my mind, reminding me of something I already knew about the adversary–or something I should have known.
April, he wants you to lose your voice.
“But I already have lost my voice,” I thought.
And then it clicked.
We weren’t talking about my literal voice. We were talking about my other voice . . . my real voice.
And this is a war in which every single one of us is a part.
We’ve each been given an ability to express ourselves, to lift others, to offer encouragement, to extend support, to stand up for what we feel is right. And each person uses his or her voice in a unique way.
It happens through music, through quiet conversations, through genuine smiles, through writing, and sometimes just by “being there.”
But the grand plan of the adversary is to convince us all to deliberately lose our voices.
Because then he thinks he wins.
I sat on my bed for a long time and thought about that.
And then I apologized to God for letting myself act like such a quitter.
Of course there’s no need to overdo it, and I need to seriously adjust my expectations when I’m sick, but giving up my voice can no longer be an option.”
When you ask yourself the question, “Where is my voice needed?” I want you to think about the experiences in your life. What have they prepared you to do? What are you able to do with your voice that another person just wouldn’t be able to do in your place?
I love the mission statement that our LearnDoBecome team created recently:
We help people who are drowning in the details of life to develop simple systems within a supportive community so they can do what matters most, both personally and professionally.
This is what I get excited about because I honestly believe that a Command Central on every desk will change the world. The more we get organized, the more we can speak up for marriages and families. As we get rid of the clutter in our lives, we can more fully connect with our Higher Power. There is so much good that each of us can do, and we have the tools all around us. I feel it’s my mission to help people to USE those tools.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know that good answers are available. I believe that a Higher Power can and will help us. Over the last couple weeks, it’s been hard for me to get up each morning. But maybe talking about the challenges I am facing will help you know you’re not alone.
I’m starting to feel excited again. I’ve been clearing a lot of space in my life–emails, computer files, cleaning up Asana, etc. I’ve even ordered my new planner for next year. (I’m so excited!) And I’ve said no to a lot of things. And as I’ve created space, it has helped me feel so much better.
And I’m hopeful that as I help you make these changes in your life, you can start to feel excited again, too!
QUESTION: What is your personal mission and what are you doing to live it?
CHALLENGE: Take some time to consider these three questions:
- What beliefs do you want to live, but you are not currently living?
- What beliefs do you have–even subconsciously–that need to go away?
- Where is your voice needed?
Here’s an Evernote template, if you’d like to type your answers and save them!
We’d love to see any answers you feel comfortable sharing in the comments below. And if you would like to share this post on Facebook, click here to share! Sending so much love!!!
Related Resources
If you ever feel like you spend most of your time running around and putting out fires, it probably sounds HEAVENLY to have one day a week (or even part of a day) for yourself. This podcast will hopefully spark some creativity and give you ideas to help you regroup, refocus, and recommit to architecting a life of excellence one day a week. Click here or on the image below to listen!
Are you interested in learning how you can clear space in your life? We would love to have you join our free class, How to Stop Drowning in Piles, to learn four simple steps you can take today to get rid of the overwhelm and start to feel excited again about doing what matters most. Click here or on the image below to learn more!
![Have you had a chance to listen to this week's podcast? I (April) talked about overcoming mindset issues that prevent us from being who we really are. Here are three questions that helped me to get out of a rut and recommit to BEING what I believe. [Podcast 37]: It’s Time to Be What We Believe](https://learndobecome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TimetoBeWhatWeBelieve.Pinterest.LearnDoBecome-200x300.png "TimetoBeWhatWeBelieve.Pinterest.LearnDoBecome")
Hi April- I’ve listened to around 8-10 of your podcast episodes over the last few months. I find that I’m learning a lot of tips and ideas, and ways to put the introduced methods into actions. I really appreciate it; and I also appreciate how the whole foundation of LearnDoBecome is heart-focussed. There’s been a lot of heart in the podcast episodes I’ve listened to so far, but today’s podcast (#37) is the most heart-centered one I have listened to yet. Why do I think that? Because the topics you talked about were vulnerable. You were vulnerable. And honest. It takes a lot to lead from a vulnerable place. It takes a lot of courage and integrity to truly be where you’re at. It also happens that I’ve been recently feeling something similar, where I feel like ‘that’s it, I’m done.’ I’ve been having a lot of health challenges and having a lot of doctor’s visits and follow up visits, and tests, and more tests and reactions to medications and switching medications- it’s just not a lot of fun. In the middle of this process that has been much longer than I’d ever imagined, I am still finding ways to be grateful. For example, I’m thankful for the supportive loved ones I have in my life. I’m thankful for the health insurance that allows me to see different doctors and get different testing done. But all of that doesn’t change the fact that I got to a point in the last week or two where I felt done with….trying. I was done with pushing myself to start or re-start healthy lifestyle habits. I was done with going to so many doctors appointments. I was done with emailing my doctor in between appointments to find out what the heck I could do to manage a certain symptom that had suddenly come up and was interfering basic activities. I was done with being a part of the game of not being well. I was exhausted. I was sick. I was just done.
It’s hard to be in that space. It’s hard to be present to yourself and to others when you ARE SO DONE. It’s hard to feel like you have to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at work and among others. It’s hard to feel like you need to be ‘instagram ready.’ A lot of what you shared resonated with me, although on different topics, since I’m not running any blogs or podcasts. But the pressure is real, whether you have a public presence online or not, to look a certain way or appear a certain way. And it’s hard to feel the friction. Even harder to feel all of it, the ups, the downs, the expectations, and to accept myself as I am, and feel GOOD about it. Authentic. Aligned with my values.
I don’t wear make up; I don’t spend a lot of time on my hair or clothes. It’s been this way for years. I don’t expect it to change and I don’t want it to change. I want what’s inside to be able to show more fully to the outside. And that, I fall short in all the time. I want to grow my ability to be accepting of myself and to accept others, to not expect everyone else to be instagram perfect. I was moved by your podcast today in many ways. It was incredibly honest and resonated deeply. THANK YOU!
Sarah, I SO appreciate you sharing your story, and I’m grateful that this podcast was helpful to you. You have so much going on, and I wish I could just come to your house to take care of you! Please know that you are doing a great work–simply by keeping it all going. Your influence means more than you know. Please get the rest you need–and my prayers are with you as you continue to grow and develop through this. Sending so much love!!
April,
Soul sister. I hate shopping, make up and nails, too! I have six sisters. My messes are overwhelming. I needed to hear your message. You are what you BELIEVE. Thank you for being vulnerable.
It is SO comforting to have soul sisters out there. So much love, Susan!! (I have a sister, Susan!!)
Love this, agreed!
Thank you so much for sharing this podcast! This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! So many of the things that you expressed in this episode is how I’m feeling right now. I feel like I’m doing too much, and yet not making a difference. Sometimes I just want to give it all up, because it doesn’t seem like anyone cares. But I believe, as you do, and as you showed me in this episode, that if we can help just one person, it can make a difference. I’m sure that there were more than just me that benefited from this episode, but even if it was just me, I really thank you! I’m going to sit down and examine my beliefs and try to live what I believe more fully. I appreciate you being real, and showing me that even when it seems like people have it all together, and their lives are working perfectly, that they struggle too sometimes. Thank you
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Julie!! I am sending a huge virtual hug your way. xoxo
I know how you feel/felt and bless you for sharing! I igned up for the lifelong program several months ago, and still have not begun the modules. I now plan to by Feb 1st. Know that we support a d need you!
So happy you’re here, Emilie!! And I know STEP is going to help! Thank you, thank you for being part of the community here!!
What Sarah Said!
I have been to 7 doctors so far and none have had any answers. Instead, I’ve settled on learning to do only what I can do today and release myself from guilt for not being able to do all that I used to. One of my first bosses (I was 24) said to me, “Kelly, if you ever meet your own expectations, you’ll do just fine.”
I’m concentrating on making the small changes that change the big things. The 15 minute cleaning bursts have revolutionized my life! My command central has changed my life. I haven’t processed anything from the piles yet (after 1 year). But I no longer make piles! I process immediately! You have given me hope and encouragement and now you have given me a window to your heart and have made me feel normal.
I love your part on “Don’t lose your voice.” This is one thing God is teaching me in this season. That I don’t have to be the perfect housewife, I don’t have to wear make up (which I hate applying), I don’t have to have perfect hair or clothes, I just have to be excellent (not perfect) in the things He’s asked me to do. People matter more than things so pour into people, even without make up. 🙂
By far, I think this was your best podcast to date! I’m looking forward to hearing more.
Remember, only a broken vessel allows the light inside to be seen from the outside.
Kelly, I totally needed this message tonight. It has been one of those days, and that is why I love being a part of this community. We can remind each other of the things we know deep down inside (but sometimes forget). Much love!!!
You tagged me with “thinking to quit”. I need to realize that what I may think I want to do may not be where my voice is needed. Yesterday, God tagged me to do things that were not on MY list. I came to the end of the day with everything necessary done and not feeling rushed, even though doing what He wanted took about 3 hours out of my day
Oh, I love that! Thank you, Sharon!!!
April, you touched my heart today. I have a lot of feelings of inadequacy at the place I am at in my life (grandmothering stage – sometimes it takes awhile to pull it together!) Prayerfully going through these questions should help! Anyway, I have to run, as I’m late for someone precious at the moment. But just – thank you and God bless you!
So happy! Thank you, Marcy!
I listened to today’s podcast and can completely relate to those feelings. I think downtime is good sometimes! I recall doing some exercise program the other day with the TV. I was in my jammies. My daughter thought I was cute, surreptitiously filmed me and put me on her instagram story. I was so upset with her and made her take it down immediately. I was probably fine, but I was mortified to think that someone might see me when I wasn’t camera ready. And my relationship with my daughter suffered for it. I am so glad you voiced your feelings and let us know that you are human. I am very hard on myself and my organizational skills. I think everyone else is perfect and I am just bad at life. I am learning that we all have good and bad days.
Jennifer, that story with your daughter really hit home. And I hope as you wrote down that belief “I am just bad at life” that you realized it is absolutely not true. We do all have good/bad days. I feel like I’m “bad at life” sometimes too!! But it’s okay–we keep moving forward, and one day we’ll realize that we made so much more progress than we thought. 🙂 xoxo
Thanks for the reminder that there is someone behind the voices in my mind, someone who wants to distract me from what I’m here to do. And thanks for the comment about saying no to speaking in some arenas in order to focus on “my” places to be heard.
I’m trying to figure out where my voice is needed and where it’s not. One of those Beliefs That Need To Go is getting in the way – nice people always say yes when asked to help. Time to give myself permission to know “my place” and to know “not my place.” Time to give myself permission to do what I’m here to do instead of what everyone else wants me to do.
Oh, yeah, and keep doing the real you in your podcasts. That’s where the power is – the real you. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Lynne!! And you hit the nail on the head–“nice people always say yes” is a belief that does have to go. 🙂 I love being helpful and try to say yes as often as I can. But we don’t “always” say yes to everything. There are those deeper yeses that need to come first. Much, much love!
April,
Thank you so much for being honest and vulnerable. I did need your voice today. I am not sure if it’s “mid-life” for me, or lack of success in my business, but I have been really struggling lately. I wrote down the questions you posed, and I have a lot to think about. But what felt the most important to tell you is that it helped me so much to know I am not the only one who feels like giving up.
Jen, we are all here to support each other, and I’m excited for you! The process of writing down questions and then thoughtfully searching out answers has been an incredible experience for me on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, and I am thrilled to see what you do as you move forward. Much much love!!!
Hey April….thank you for your honesty and for being brave to share this.
I have the exact same issues happening, maybe even worse: I am a single mom with 4 kids, my child number 3, Christina, was born with Down syndrome, which is like caring for 20 kids. My ex-husband died recently, so now the child-support is gone and I am so scared financially. Plus I teach piano and like you I am an Entrepreneur…I have created a Piano Method for children with Special Needs,. I have been working on this project for over 8 years and it’s seems like the Never-Ending-Project. The video-production, th worksheets, the technology and technical issues. etc…I feel your pain! But for me the most frustrating part was finding a good and honest web-designer and someone who knows e-commerce, programming and coding. Have not found such a person, yet, have been cheated out of money quite a bit by dishonest people who say they know. But now will meet with a company that supposedly does all this online membership and e-commerce stuff…if you have any suggestion, help or insight for that, please let me know.
Anyway, I am also in the process of cleaning and clearing out my house. I am not a hoarder, nor am I disorganized, but I do have a lot of junk and a difficult time letting go of things.
I am sending you my Prayers and Love,
Daniela
Daniela, I just want to give you a big hug after reading your beautiful comment. You have a LOT on your plate, and it sounds like you also have SO much to give. Sending so much love!!! I also understand how hard it is to work with good web designers. Gina has been helping us behind the scenes with our website, and I really think she’s great. This is her site: https://3moons.io/ Wishing you the best!!!
April,
Thanks for sharing your vulnerable moments. I was crying literally and a little glad I am working from home today.
You sound so positive and upbeat. I could totally see you working at Disneyland! Mouse ears aside. I have looked at several programs and organization. I have not fully implemented my command central, but close. I know it will be a game changer. It has for what I have implemented.
I thank you for recognizing where your voice is needed at Learn Do Become! We are so blessed to have you all.
I have always thought my voice was related to children…teaching Sunday School, PTA, Scouts, and more. My job is IT-related. I have a different voice there. It is making me think of areas of our business I could be a voice for….interesting!
Such great food for thought an so appreciated!
It’s a God thing. I have so many balls in the air and just keep trying to lower the stress…meditation, calming oils, etc.
I just signed up for Re-creating You Game that starts Monday on stress. I think God is sending me your message and these other things just at the right time.
Hugs and thanks for your amazing system and support!
Diana, thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement–and congratulations on all you’ve been able to do so far with STEP. That is awesome! I love that you are identifying where your voice is most needed, and I love that you are listening to God in the process. Keep up the great work!!
Oh gosh… I so related to you. I’m also in the internet space (Simply Canning) and I have those same… exact… feelings. Is this really needed? I’m a hot mess… maybe I should hire a photographer. I even have thoughts of selling the business AND had a random (probably spammy) offer to buy my site. Sometimes I want to just quit, but something inside keeps telling me no. I do love teaching. Thank you for the question “where is my voice needed?”. Something to ponder as I look at this past year and where I want to go in the future. Thank you so much for this. It is nice to know I’m not alone. 🙂
Sharon, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here! I totally understand where you’re coming from. Wishing you the best as you continue to teach and share your voice–and as you grow and change throughout the process! Sometimes it starts one way and moves on to something else. 🙂 Much love!
Thank you for being vulnerable and being willing to share the hard things that so many of us can relate to. I have felt similarly lately and this was a huge boost!! You are doing important things. Completing your program earlier this year has helped me be in a better place to hopefully make changes and progress at home and hopefully professionally too.
Sending so much love, Jenny! And congratulations on going through STEP!! I am very excited for you and so glad you are here with us!
Oh April, we will never know the real impact that we’ve had in the hearts and lives of others on this side of eternity. But PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE know that the work that you’re doing is important. You are making a real impact in the hearts and lives of so many simply because you’re being faithful to God’s unique mission for your life. He created each of us for a purpose and it’s such a beautiful thing when we’re able to discover what that is and live it out. But you’re right, the enemy is real. He wants to silence us, distract us, derail us.
Personally, as I walk through a long, hard season in the valley, it’s so easy to look at others (like you) and think that you have your life together and that I’m never going to get to where you’re at. So, to be honest, it’s so refreshing and encouraging to understand that I’m not the only one who struggles with these sorts of things. I love this quote I recently heard: “People will admire you for your strengths, but relate to you because of your weaknesses.” So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your vulnerability, transparency and willingness to share your heart with the world. The world needs more people who are willing to help bring down the walls that stand between us. And the Lord will reward you someday for your faithfulness… Blessings to you my sweet friend!
Molly, I really appreciate you taking the time to write this. Sitting at my computer, I can’t see who is on the other end, so it means a lot to HEAR from people! 🙂 And I love that quote. I agree. I get stressed out looking at “perfection” because I feel like the gap is to big between where I am and where I want to be. But seeing a variety of strengths and weaknesses helps so much. I love that. Thank you, thank you!!!
Hello Beautiful April,
This podcast had me in tears and touched my heart so deeply. The others have said so eloquently what I was thinking also, so I will just add this… I LOVE listening to you because of YOU! Exactly as you are… not the “camera ready” version you mentioned in the podcast. I get the most benefit when I listen to others who are heart centered, pure, honest and loving. And that’s YOU!! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness you give in each and every one of your podcasts or communications of any kind. It’s exactly what this imperfect Learn Do Become “baby stepper” needs! I’m sending a huge hug of gratitude for the gift of YOU! Light and love, Cari
Cari, your note means so much to me. Thank you, thank you, and keep up the great work!!
Thank you April. If we were all as honest, open and vulnerable, this world would be a better place. I think we’re getting there, one step at a time (no pun intended!).
I just started Learn, Do, Become (even though I’m 60). I’ve been organized in various times throughout my life and always feel more like myself, when I am organized. But lately I’ve not been feeling like myself and that’s when your program came across my desk. I’ve started implementing the zero emails and a few other things you’ve suggested. But today’s podcast put it in perspective. As one person mentioned, it’s about the heart. Your three questions are just the ones I need to answer right now. So thank you for posing them.
grace & peace,
Linda.
Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet.
Thank you, Linda! I hope that you’ll have some good solid quiet time to go through these questions and identify ways you can ‘feel like yourself’ again. (I can totally relate!) Much love to you, and keep going with STEP. You can totally do this!!
April, Thank you for the time stamps and notes, as I’m more a “reader” than “listener”. – You have confirmed many things for me with your blog and questions of: What is your personal mission, and where is your voice needed? – After 30 years of work, solving new “story problems” eveyday, I too feel that I.am.just.done. Yet in contemplating early retirement in 2-1/2 years from now (my mission), I am not sure how to financially make that happen, which has been all-consuming in my mind for about 10 months now. I feel as though I have senioritis, and the end can’t get here fast enough. But.oh.wait…what will I do when it is here? How can I PREPARE financially for that day?…for 10 months. – Yet just 2 days ago, I was able to offer a hug and kind words to a co-worker who was so stressed and on the verge of tears, that she could hardly see straight. As she left and I sat down at my desk, God said “That is why I still need you here: to offer words of encouragement; be a sounding board for others; and help figure out how to exist in this environment without being so frazzled at the end of the day.” – As I am the epitome of “running ragged everyday”, it never occurred to me that my focus/mission should be helping solve this age-old crisis on our team: as we have always had too many tasks and not enough time. – This is where my voice needs to be heard, and my skillset as a problem solver needs to be used. I have a new mission, and it is one that has alluded me for most of my working career. – Your questions have helped me solidify my thoughts from 2 days ago, and for that I am FOREVER GRATEFUL! Hugs to you! beV… 🙂
Oh, I also wanted to recommend a devotional that has really helped me this year: “Sacred Rest” by Cheryl Wunderlich (published by Zondervan)
Wonderful!! Thank you for sharing. And I’m so glad the time stamps and notes are helpful. (Our team members make them possible!) I’m excited for you as you prepare for retirement. Have you heard of Chris Hogan and seen the work he is doing? Eric and I really like him, and he has some good recommendations for local experts, I believe. You are doing great work in your life, and I am sending you lots of happy thoughts! Much love!
W hat you shared about losing your voice was a great example of ” everyman’s battle”, and it helped me recognize the lies in my life that keep me from doing what I should
I’m so glad that was helpful to you, Mary. You are so right–it’s a battle we all fight because we each have something unique to share. I am grateful you are here with us, and I am virtually cheering you on!!
I love this podcast! One of my favorite things about your podcasts (I binge listened to catch up once I started listening to them) is how your emotions come through in your voice. I am a pretty emotional person and I really appreciate how real you are! I would be sad if you stopped but at the same time I would understand that you have to do things for your self before helping others. Whatever you choose to do, you are appreciated!
Amanda, I am so grateful for both your understanding and your encouragement. Thank you!! Lots of wonderful things are ahead for all of us. Much love!!
Dearest April, what a beautiful podcast. THIS is your voice. Your gift in being articulate your struggles and your willingness to share it is a beacon of hope over the airwaves; a ray of beautiful light from your heart directly to ours (even if none of us is camera-ready). Praying that peaceful rest finds you soon and every night. The world needs your voice. Your LDB tribe needs you. THANK YOU! With deep gratitude, appreciation and much love x
Fiona, you are so sweet. Thank you for being here with us and for being SUCH a support to the community. We all need each other. Much love!!
So I want you to know that you DO make a positive difference. Over and over and over again. If you decide that it’s indeed still right for you to keep plugging away at this mission, there will be thousands who will continue to learn from you in gratitude (WAAAAAAY more than just those who have the time to write a comment).
With your guidance, I have a command central, I have a system to deal with email, I no longer have big piles (just a couple tiny ones)?. My kids and I have Quiet Time (insert angels singing), we have a Family Economy, my home is mostly organized, and I’m not just a wannabe deliberate mother anymore.
I have laughed so hard listening to the stories in your book. I have laughed, cried, contemplated, and learned so much listening to your podcasts. You have seriously improved my life! I didn’t benefit from strong and healthy leadership in my childhood. But I have most certainly found that in you.
And when I listen to you, hun … well you are just like this wonderful, bubbly, positive friend (I’ve been listening to you for years so I feel like we’re friends lol!), and it’s never even occurred to me to consider how put-together you look. And quite honestly, if you turned up for a Facebook Live session in your pyjamas or sweaty workout clothes and hair in a ponytail I would feel even more like we’re just sitting in the same room together lol! It doesn’t matter how you look. It’s the relationship you build with your followers that matters the most.
For me, I choose to allocate my time to exercise, making healthy food for my family, planning out my days, meditating, learning, and spending real quality time with my young kids. I do wish I looked more put together – not gonna lie! – it just often doesn’t make the list of my daily top priorities.
Our whole family has benefitted tremendously from your guidance. My children’s children will benefit from your guidance. If this mission is truly what you want, then we are all here in this community standing strong behind you. Lots of love. xx Sarah
Sarah, I’m so, so touched by your sweet comment. Honestly, I didn’t record this podcast as a way to ask for compliments or anything—but knowing that you and I are friends means more to me than you know. Thank you, thank you for being here and for being a deliberate mother and for taking the time to connect. Sending a huge virtual hug!!!
Thank you so much!!! I know for certain you weren’t asking for compliments … doesn’t seem like something you’d do. And anyway, it’s all indisputable truth (I’m not making anything up!) and I think it’s important to share so that you can deeply understand your impact. Feedback helps us to navigate our course right? No need to reply. Just have yourself an awesome day doing what you’re doing. Big hugs back, friend.
April, my wife and I found your podcast awhile back, and it has been helpful, refreshing, and we are eager to put into practice the things for which God has given you a voice. We’ve been married 21 years, and have 4 kids – ages 16-4 (from driving a car to riding a scooter)! We both have businesses, been in full-time ministry, and have had all the ups and downs that go with all of the above. While listening to your podcast today, I wanted my wife and I to be able to have you and your husband at our kitchen table (while the kids make a happy mess of things downstairs) – to laugh, talk, swap stories, have a good meal, and most of all, to encourage you both. Take heart, don’t quit! Your voice goes further than you know! PS, as a guy, when a speaker is talking about something I care about, and on which I want to take action- I listen intently, don’t interrupt, and give her/him my full attention. I typically don’t comment, or overtalk because I believe that would be interrupting and disrespectful. So, I think, be encouraged when men listen to you that way. Please keep up the good work as long as you believe you should. I applaud you for sticking to it, and hope you are encouraged.
Doug, I can’t thank you enough for commenting here. And I have really been thinking about the excellent points you brought up. THANK YOU for giving me a better understanding of why I am most likely misreading the responses of the males in our community. That makes so much sense and gives me such a lift. Eric and I wish we could sit around your kitchen table and visit on a more personal level. I love that you and your wife and growing and learning together, and it means the world that you are here at LearnDoBecome with us. Thank you again for making my day!
Thank you for sharing and for being so vulnerable!
I don’t usually do comments but today I just want to thank you for all your info and tools that you so generously give to us! I love your podcasts because you take the best of what all you have read and give it to me! And then I have it and can go later if the source interests me! You make it so easy! Thank you!
SO happy that this is helpful for you, Ann! That’s the goal–to make things easier for you as you learn, do, and become. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and for being here with us!!
April,
Just listened to this podcast. Thank you for being vulnerable. Your voice has had a huge impact in my life!!! You may never know the generations you will touch by helping one person get their life in order and learn to dream again. Big hugs!!!
You have done GREAT work, Juventa! I’m so proud of you.
I just listened to this podcast and wanted to share just one way I think your voice is unique. Your voice, your physical voice! It is so calming, genuine and reassuring. I listen to a lot of speakers and most of them tend to be on the more hyper, get-up-and-get-moving side. They are motivating and inspiring, too, in a different way. Yours is so soothing which is completely congruent with what you teach. When I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed I have found myself listening to your voice.
I’m in the middle of creating my command central. It will get done in 2019 and I’m so excited about how it will change my family of seven!
Lisa, thank you for your kind words! We’re so excited for you to be able to create your Command Central. Thanks for being part of our community!
Means the world to me. Thank you!! So happy you are here. The overwhelm is going to go away for all of us. 🙂 Great things are ahead!!!
I heard this podcast and was touched by it. I wanted you to know how you helped me.
I posted this in Step Mastry Facebook group and want to post here as well.
Gratitude post:
Thank you April Perry for creating Step Mastery!
Last year I was so overwhelmed with my life that I could see no way out. When I purchased your system, I listened and learned and came away with an empowering sense of relief. There was a “system” that could save me from literally drowning in papers, emails and other digital information. I heard on your podcast the motivation to help others came from your mother’s struggle, coming home and feeling so bad about all the things she could not manage.
This was me and my daughter was you. You will impact the quality of my daughter’s life in so many ways, you will never know. She will learn your system from me. You goal is accomplished many times over!
Most important is that I found a community of people who are like minded and care about organization. I no longer feel something is wrong with me. So many years of hearing “don’t sweat the small stuff”, “everyone is busy”, “what’s the big deal?” Well, it is a big deal and others feel the same and you are helping us figure it out!
And really, organizing our things is FUN! Making little bits of progress gives such a sense of accomplishment! Just because I still have 5 years of paper to go through does not mean I am a failure! It is organized and waiting for me to process when and if that day comes. I have confidence I will not be adding to the piles with new papers because I have a PROCESS.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I can’t even tell you how much this has lifted me this week. So happy for you–and so excited for what is to come!!!
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability, April. As you can see, I’m in so much of a rut, I’m finally discovering this podcast 3 months later! We see you as someone who has it all together. This podcast makes you relatable, and even more lovable. Please never stop doing what you’re doing! You are an inspiration. I’ve been struggling to make Learn Do Become work for me. I have gone through the modules, but not truly applied them. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in my thoughts and struggles. I will keep plugging away…
Lisa, thank you so much for your comment! We recently received a message from a member who said that she’d restarted three or four times within a year-and-a-half before she was able to finish with success.
I’ll share her quote, with permission.
“And also reminding: it doesn’t matter when you bought into STEP, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you, it doesn’t matter if you only do one ten-minute micro-burst every other month or once a year. Every step forward is progress, and even if you feel the need to start over from the beginning (over and over–anyone else? I think I restarted fresh three or four times), each time you restart, you’ll be faster, the process will sink into your brain more thoroughly, and eventually you’ll wake up and realize that hey, you finished! So don’t give up!”
You can do this!
April,
I’ve just started listening to your podcasts, and it’s been a lifeline for me.
Don’t stop.
Please don’t stop.
(Where have you been all my life?! 😀 )
Your positive voice helps dispel the negative voices that have been in my head all these years as I’ve struggled with all the piles, wondering what was wrong with me that I couldn’t seem to get on top of it, and trying to find hope for an organized life! I’ve tried a lot of things.
I’m just at the beginning of this journey. But aren’t we all at the beginning of our path to rest of our life?
Thank you for sharing. And, please, keep doing what you’re doing.
You’re helping more people than you might realize.
Jan Marie
Jan Marie, your kind words are so appreciated! I am so, so happy you are here with us, and you TOTALLY can get organized. I have been where you are, and I am so grateful to have the chance to serve you. Keep up the great work and thank you again for your encouragement!!
Hi April – This is actually one of my favorite podcasts of yours. I’ve listened to it several times, and did again as I’m folding bulletins for the church I work for. Thank you for your honesty – it makes you very effective for me, letting me know that you are a real person with real struggles. I’m very convicted this time that I have the following beliefs that I need to let go of: (1) “I don’t have enough time.” You’ve talked about this in another podcast and how it is a belief that God has not given you enough time. Boom! I’m guilty! I’m convicted of how my attitude spills over to other people at time, making them feel bad for interacting with me.
(2) “My time is my own” is my other belief that needs to go away. As a Christian, my time belongs to God. I need to be a good steward of it. I want to be more focused on serving the Lord. I’ve thought about this before, but your question brought it back to the forefront of my mind.
Thank you for being there in podcasts that point to living excellently. I love listening to them, and your angle in just right for me.
Sincerely, Janet
Janet, I am so proud of you and so inspired by you. Thank you for the good you are doing in the world and for all your kind words and support!!! xoxo
April-I have listened to this podcast with my notebook at least three times. I love the questions and what they draw out of where I am/what I am to do, giving me a bigger picture and broader sense of mission💜! I can’t believe you considered not posting this one😃. Keep being real-You encourage us.
Molly, thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you’re with us.
Your honesty and openness are so encouraging to me and to others who possess our own set of limiting beliefs and insecurities about ourselves and our interactions with others. I hope that the past year has been full of support and positive feedback for you and your work in providing your LDB community with the tools to improve our lives. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much, Pat! It’s been a journey, for sure, but things are moving in such a great direction. Thrilled you’re with us, and I’m totally confident that you’re going to do GREAT things this year and beyond!!