A LOT with Audra

• 44. When Goals Feel Chaotic

  Are your goals inspiring you—or overwhelming you? Ever feel like your relationship with goals is more “complicated” than “motivating”? You’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about making progress when big ambitions feel heavy, and how the power of “quarter turns”—small, consistent tweaks—can transform your results in work, health, and life. If you’re ready to end the year strong without burning out, let’s talk about how to make your goals work for you, one simple step at a time.HighlightsReflections from the Global Leadership Summit and insights from John Acuff’s “All It Takes is a Goal”Real talk: how people describe their relationship with goals (spoiler: it’s not always positive)The concept of “quarter turns” and why small changes matter more than big overhaulsPersonal stories about family routines, health, and building better habitsThe difference between goals and results—and why focusing on effort is the real game-changerPractical tweaks for making progress, even when life feels chaoticEncouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed as the year wraps upChapters00:00 – Welcome & gratitude00:23 – Why talk about goals? Global Leadership Summit recap01:15 – Partnering with the Global Leadership Summit & John Acuff’s influence01:51 – Community impact and the GLS Next Leader program02:42 – Group discussion: “Describe your relationship with goals in one word”03:12 – Why goals feel heavy (and why that’s normal)03:57 – The real challenge: systems behind the goals04:22 – Dreaming vs. executing on goals04:54 – What I’m learning: the power of “quarter turns”05:20 – The “quarter turn” metaphor from cycling and life06:12 – How small steps add up (and why I used to resist them)06:43 – Learning from my team: consistency over perfection07:10 – Family routines: the “nightly three” for smoother evenings08:00 – Health changes: using a blood test to make better choices09:00 – The surprising impact of one small dietary tweak10:00 – Focusing on effort, not just results11:00 – Separating goals from results: a writing example12:00 – Why your goals should be in your control13:00 – Final encouragement: finish the year with small, meaningful steps14:00 – Wrap up & see you next weekResourcesGlobal Leadership SummitJohn Acuff, All It Takes is a GoalSubstack (for building a writing habit)Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

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• 43. Crafting Your Ideal Week

  Are you making time for what matters most, or are you letting the little things crowd out your biggest priorities? Discover how designing your ideal week can transform your productivity, boundaries, and sense of fulfillment. Today, I’m sharing practical strategies and personal stories to help you create a weekly schedule that actually works for your real life, not just your dream life. In this episode I think you’ll find actionable tips to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. And be sure to get my ideal week template in the resources below!HighlightsThe power of an “ideal week” and why it’s a game-changer for women leaders and entrepreneursHow to use the “big rocks” concept to prioritize what matters mostBalancing external requests with your own goals and boundariesReal-life examples of flexible scheduling (and why perfection isn’t the goal)Step-by-step ideas for building your own ideal week, from high-level blocks to daily routinesTips for managing the “little rocks” and gamifying your weekly to-do listEncouragement to experiment, adapt, and share your own ideal weekChapters[0:00] Welcome & Gratitude[0:48] Introduction to The Thread and Supporting Women Leaders[1:40] High Performance Habits Webinar Recap[1:44] The Ideal Weekly Schedule: What Is It?[2:10] My Experience with Ideal Weeks[2:33] Creating Your Own Ideal Week[3:28] Purpose of an Ideal Week[5:00] The Big Rocks Concept[6:23] Balancing Requests and Priorities[7:03] Handling External Requests[7:46] Flexibility in Ideal Weeks[9:19] Starting with Big Rocks[11:53] Medium Rocks and Morning Routine[12:55] Managing Little Rocks[14:04] Conclusion and Call to ActionResources MentionedIdeal Week Template - I put this together just for you to download: http://eepurl.com/jqro9EFull Focus Planner – Tool for mapping your ideal week: fullfocus.co/plannerHave you created your ideal week? Do you have tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you—let’s keep the conversation going!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

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• 42. The Art of Letting Go: Finding Freedom in Simplicity

  Are you feeling overwhelmed as the seasons change and the holidays approach? What if the key to more joy and presence is letting go, not adding more? Today, I’ll share my personal journey of releasing self-imposed timelines, perfectionism, and traditions that no longer serve my family. Join me as I reflect on the power of loosening our grip on plans, expectations, and even beloved rituals to make space for what truly matters.HighlightsThe surprising freedom in letting go of self-imposed timelinesWhy the “perfect plan” can hold us back from real experiencesHow seeking validation from others limits our creativityRecognizing and breaking habits that don’t serve us (hello, revenge bedtime!)Embracing curiosity over rigid expectationsRe-evaluating family traditions to create more meaningful momentsPractical questions to help you decide what to release this seasonChapters00:00 — Welcome and Oregon road trip reflections00:53 — The theme: Letting go for a less overwhelming season01:56 — #1: Releasing self-imposed timelines05:26 — #2: Letting go of the perfect plan08:51 — #3: Releasing the need for validation10:47 — #4: Examining habits that don’t serve us13:28 — #5: Loosening expectations and embracing curiosity15:18 — #6: Rethinking traditions for a more joyful holiday19:51 — Recap and encouragement to let go21:15 — Closing thoughts and listener invitationWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

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• 41. You Are Here

  Are you exactly where you want to be, or does life feel like a map with a big red “You Are Here” dot and no clear path forward? Let’s pause together, take stock of our current “here,” and explore how to move forward with curiosity, honesty, and a little more joy. Today, I’m sharing four practical steps to reflect on where you are, embrace your insecurities, and enjoy the ride, even when the road is messy. Plus, I’ll share a powerful research-backed mindset shift and a favorite piece of advice from my dad.HighlightsThe power of acknowledging your current “here” without blame or victimhoodFour steps to reflect on your life’s current seasonHow insecurities shape our self-perception (and what to do about them)A story about family, foreheads, and embracing what you can’t changeThe surprising research on curiosity vs. positive self-talk for successWhy asking “Will I?” is more powerful than saying “I will”The importance of enjoying the process, not just chasing goalsA personal update: celebrating 15 years of marriage and entering a new decadeChapters00:24 – The “You Are Here” map and life’s journey00:56 – Accepting your current place—pride, regret, and questions01:50 – Setting aside victim stories and owning your starting point02:47 – Four steps to reflect on where you are03:22 – Step 1: What’s good, what’s messy, what brings joy?04:43 – Step 2: Insecurities—stories from childhood and family07:17 – Step 3: Curiosity and the “Will I?” mindset (research highlight)09:51 – Step 4: Enjoying the ride and embracing the process12:08 – Final encouragement and closing thoughtsResources MentionedBeginner’s Pluck by Liz Bohannonhttps://www.lizbohannon.co/bookKansas Leadership Centerhttps://kansasleadershipcenter.org/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

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• 40. Five Years of Thread: Celebrating Milestones and Memories

  What does it really take to build a thriving, intentional community and keep it going for five years? Discover the stories, lessons, and laughter that have shaped our journey as we celebrate a major milestone for The Thread. From early morning workshops in a creaky old building to heartfelt moments of growth, family, and friendship, this episode is a celebration of resilience, purpose, and the power of showing up for each other. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to our community, you’ll find inspiration in the memories, challenges, and wins we share.HighlightsCelebrating five years in business—why this milestone matters for small businessesThe origin story: early workshops, intentional setups, and the importance of energyHow our team grew from two to three, and the impact of doing life togetherFamily memories: Thread family nights, celebrations, and supporting each other through life’s seasonsThe power of community: alumna workshops, cohort connections, and the magic of culmination daysLessons learned: trusting the process, providing space, and letting values guide the wayThe importance of planting seeds and building community over timeReflections on supporting women, families, and each other through challenges and growthChapters00:00 – Welcome & Five-Year Celebration00:44 – Why Surviving Five Years Matters01:19 – Team Introductions & Early Memories02:18 – Cohort One: Setting the Foundation05:10 – Growing the Team & Doing Life Together07:37 – Family, Friendship, and Community12:15 – Best of the Last Five Years: Team Reflections20:45 – Community Highlights: Workshops & Alumna Connections27:43 – Culmination Days & Success Stories34:22 – Opening the Kansas City Chapter37:13 – Serving Others: Giving Back as a Community38:44 – Lessons Learned: Intention, Space, and Trusting the Process43:22 – Looking Ahead: Planting Seeds & The Next Five Years46:27 – Gratitude & Closing ThoughtsResources MentionedUS Bureau of Labor Statistics – Small Business SurvivalTanganyika Wildlife ParkElderslie FarmICT SOSHabitat for HumanityWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

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