The truth of the matter is there’s nothing you’re missing. There’s no hack, strategy, system or secret that you just haven’t figured out. There’s only the dynam...
Balance Isn’t a Myth, It’s a Skill: Strategies for Thriving in Challenging Seasons
Finding balance in life’s toughest seasons is about more than simply managing a to-do list, it’s about strengthening the skills and mindsets that allow you to thrive, even when everything feels chaotic. In this episode, Jill Carr and Meg Scales join the conversation to unpack what it means to navigate high demands with grace, curiosity, and a touch of stubbornness.Join us for a conversation about how to balance multiple high-demand roles, redefining your relationship with expectations, and embracing life’s ebb and flow while trusting yourself. Highlights from this candid discussion include:Why February feels harder and how to avoid burnout during short, intense months.The power of curiosity in place of self-criticism for overcoming overwhelm.Strategies for shifting from “winging it” to deliberate planning to create control amid chaos.How prioritizing flexibility, reflection, and self-awareness leads to sustainable success.Daily practices that help you manage competing demands without sacrificing yourself.Key Quotes:“When we feel out of balance, it’s a signal - it’s a systems check, not a failure.”“Balance is less about the system and more about who we’re becoming in the process.”“Curiosity and stubbornness, where they meet, that’s where the magic happens.”“The actions you take aren’t the skill. The skill is in the ability to understand what actions are needed next.”“You don’t figure out balance once; you strengthen the skill of figuring it out every day.”Actionable Insights:Track Your Time: Understand how long tasks actually take to reduce overwhelm and plan more effectively.Ask Yourself: What Can I Do for My Tomorrow Self?: Small actions today can set you up for success tomorrow.Challenge Yourself to Quit Winging It: Plan deliberately, even in small areas like meal prep or scheduling, to create space and ease.Engage and Share:What resonated with you? Share your insights and tag @cowgirlsovercoffee on Instagram! Let’s learn from each other and keep this conversation about balance going.Relevant Links:Join Cowgirls Over CoffeeSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe, Review, and Reflect:If you found value in this episode, leave a review and share it with a friend who needs some encouragement during a tough season. Let’s grow and thrive together.***If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about the Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership Learn more about podcasting from Jill Carr from her exclusive private podcast. Or, work with Jill through her Podcast Launch Academy Course,
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46:25
The 3-Step System for Monthly Planning That Keeps You on Track
Feeling like January left you in the dust? I’ve got you. This episode breaks down a no-nonsense, three-step approach to monthly planning that will help you stay on top of your goals, align with the rhythm of the season, and press pause on the chaos.Get ready to audit what worked (and what didn’t), set an intentional vibe for February, and create a messy first draft of your plans without overthinking or overwhelm. From romanticizing your life with simple practices to navigating February’s unique challenges, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies to help you feel in control and confident as you move into the month ahead.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why February has a higher risk of burnout and how to avoid it.A three-step monthly planning system to stay organized and reduce overwhelm.The importance of setting the tone for the month and how it impacts your focus.Practical ways to reflect on January and use those insights for February success.Why romanticizing your life with monthly aesthetics can boost productivity and joy.Strategies to navigate February’s unique challenges, like losing two whole days!Key dates to plan for in February and how to prepare for the months ahead.Why it Matters:Because February has a way of speeding up just when you need it to slow down. This episode offers a direct approach to monthly planning that works. Providing you with a clear, actionable system to plan your month, stay intentional, and actually feel good about how you’re spending your time. Whether you’re juggling business, family, or just trying to keep your head above water, these strategies will help you slow down, focus on what matters, and feel like you’re in control.Key Takeaways:Start each month with an audit: Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to do differently.Set the tone by calibrating with your long-term goals and deciding exactly how you want to experience the month.Create a messy first draft of your plans. Perfection isn’t required, but progress is.Identify what you need to make your month successful at the start, from support systems to habits.Add “speed bumps” to your month, like intentional celebrations or moments of self-care, to effectively “slow down time” and make it meaningful.Plan ahead by looking 12 weeks out to avoid surprises and stay proactive.Love the episode? Have suggestions for next month’s planning conversation? Screenshot and tag @cowgirlsovercoffee on Instagram or send a message directly.Explore my monthly aesthetics and find inspiration for romanticizing your life with curated Pinterest boards. Check mine out on Pinterest here.Ready for more support than this podcast can provide? You should join us inside the Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership. You can snag an Access Pass today for 90-days of full access! Learn all about it here.***If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about
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Why Your New Year Fitness Plan Fails - and How to Fix It with Kelly Altschwager
Health and fitness goals dominate every January conversation, but what if the way we approach them is all wrong? This episode explores how to create sustainable habits that prioritize energy, longevity, and quality of life over quick fixes and societal pressures. Guest Kelly Alshwagger of Western Workouts brings her no-nonsense perspective, tackling the common pitfalls of health and fitness goals, the obsession with weight loss, and the marketing gimmicks that steer people in the wrong direction.Learn how to start where you are, focus on what truly matters, and build a practice you’ll love for the long term. Whether it’s incorporating simple habits like hydration and walking or finding joy in the process, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to keep your health and fitness goals on track all year long.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why "New Year, New Me" fails and what to do instead.The importance of focusing on gains, not losses, when setting health goals.Four foundational habits to improve your fitness and well-being.Why time invested beats time wasted in health and fitness.How to assess and adjust your goals with every season of life.The connection between physical health, energy, and long-term longevity.Practical tips for balancing a demanding lifestyle with fitness priorities.Key Takeaways:Start with small, consistent actions: 20 minutes, three days a week can change your life.Focus on the quality of life you’re gaining, not just the weight you’re losing.Prioritize foundational habits: adequate protein, hydration, sleep hygiene, and daily movement.Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and embrace progress over perfection.Assess your goals regularly to ensure they align with your values and lifestyle.Connect with Kelly Altshwager:Website: WesternWorkouts.comInstagram: @Western_Workouts***If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Thea:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee Follow on Facebook @CowgirlsOverCoffeeMake sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss a convo!
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38:55
Feeling Behind? Reframe Your New Year Goals with Confidence
This week’s episode digs right into the messy middle of January, a time when the spark of New Year’s goals can feel overshadowed by life’s chaos and demands. This conversation with Thea & Meg tackles the reality of starting a new year amidst change, unpredictability, and the lingering feeling of being “behind.”Explore the mindset shifts and strategies that high-achieving women can use to embrace change, lean into the discomfort of growth, and redefine their expectations for success. From finding clarity in the chaos to integrating family, work, and personal priorities, this episode offers actionable insights for balancing ambition with presence.Tune in for candid reflections, powerful reframes, and practical advice to help set the tone for 2025 with intention and purpose.What We Consider in this Episode:Leaning Into the Seasonal Cadence: How January and February offer a natural invitation for reflection, planning, and resetting priorities.Reframing the Feeling of Being “Behind”: Turning the discomfort of falling short of expectations into a catalyst for growth and clarity.Integrating Life and Goals: Strategies for weaving work, family, and personal goals into a cohesive and balanced vision.Releasing Unhealthy Expectations: Recognizing and letting go of self-imposed pressures that drain joy and hinder progress.The Power of Rituals and Reflection: Creating meaningful habits and traditions, like Meg’s winter solstice ritual, to anchor growth and connection.Finding Ease in the Hard Seasons: Embracing the full range of human experiences (both challenges and triumphs) and finding strength in the process.Key Takeaways:January is not a race, it’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and set intentional goals.Feeling “behind” can be a sign of ambition, reframe it as an opportunity for clarity and alignment.Integration, not compartmentalization, is key to balancing family, work, and personal priorities.Let go of unhealthy expectations and focus on what truly matters in your unique season of life.Rituals and intentional pauses, like seasonal reflection, create space for growth and connection.Goals are not just about outcomes, they’re about the process and progress along the way.High achievers thrive when they balance ambition with presence and ease.Love this episode? Screenshot it, share it, and tag @cowgirlsovercoffee to join the conversation. Share your biggest takeaway or your vision for 2025, and let us cheer you on as you set the tone for your year ahead.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more like-minded women discover conversations that inspire and empower.Listen if you’re looking for:New Year goalsGoal setting for womenEmbracing change and growthSeasonal reflectionWork-life integrationMindset for high achieversRural women’s lifestyleProductivity and balanceLetting go of expectationsFamily and business balanceIf this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee...
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33:41
Beyond Resolutions: Strategic Goal Setting for 2025 to Ensure You Don’t Burnout Before the End of the Year
Beyond Resolutions: Strategic Goal Setting for 2025 to Ensure You Don’t Burnout Before the End of the YearThe first Monday of the new year is here, and it's time to reset, refocus, and realign for 2025. This episode dives into a fresh approach to goal-setting and planning that avoids burnout and builds sustainable momentum throughout the year. Using the concept of a seasonal cadence and symbiotic goals, this method ensures those big dreams and visions come to life while also meeting the daily demands of life without feeling overwhelmed and burning out.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The transformative power of seasonal cadence for balancing productivity and presence throughout the year.How to set and execute three initiatives—multi-step goals that drive long-term impact.Why five resolutions can strengthen habits and actions to support your biggest goals.The role of ten practices—daily or weekly routines that sustain energy, clarity, and performance.How to embrace patience, consistency, and the compound effect to stay motivated during the "invisible" stages of progress.A clear breakdown of how to align your goals with seasons: planning and priming in winter, progress in spring and fall, and restoration in summer and the holidays.Practical tips for structuring your 2025 goals into actionable categories for maximum focus and results.Why This Matters: Many women in high-demand roles struggle with the tension of pursuing big goals while managing everyday life. This episode delivers actionable strategies to create a sustainable plan that prioritizes both—leading to less overwhelm, more confidence, and lasting success. By working with the natural rhythms of the year, you will gain clarity, focus, and resilience to achieve your most ambitious goals without sacrificing what matters most.Key Takeaways:Goals need a structure to thrive: Break them into initiatives, resolutions, and practices for a balanced approach.Seasonal cadence is the ultimate tool for preventing burnout while maximizing progress.The compound effect is real—small, consistent actions over time lead to big results.Planning isn’t about rushing—it’s about creating intentional, deliberate progress that feels aligned and achievable.Links and Resources:Join the New Year Blueprint: A Six-Week Goal-Setting Program Starting January 13thPrevious Episodes: Reflecting on 2024 with Daily Prompts #53 - #58Connect on Instagram: @cowgirlsovercoffeeShare your goals: Screenshot this episode, tag @cowgirlsovercoffee, or send a DM.Rate, Review & Follow: Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to rate and review—it helps more women like you find these tools for success. Don’t forget to hit the follow button to stay updated on future episodes.If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Screenshot this episode, tag @CowgirlsOverCoffee, and share your biggest takeaway or how you’re planning to build more discipline in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going!Resources & Links:Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee Membership CommunityConnect with Thea and the community:Follow on Instagram @CowgirlsOverCoffee Follow on Facebook
The truth of the matter is there’s nothing you’re missing. There’s no hack, strategy, system or secret that you just haven’t figured out. There’s only the dynamic process of discovering what matters for you and what doesn’t, what works for you and what doesn’t. I certainly don’t have it all figured out yet! And, that’s what this podcast is all about.
Welcome to Cowgirls Over Coffee with Thea Larsen! The podcast where I take you along on my mission to encourage and equip women with that cowgirl grit and determination to finally quit winging it, and learn to savor life at the intersection of home and ambition. Tune in each week for conversations with not only myself, but also roundtable discussions with my friends, and even an expert or two, as we navigate the messy, mundane and magic of every day cultivating thriving homes and businesses from the ranch, farm, kitchen table or cab of the truck.
This is an experiment in embracing the process, sampling systems, and nurturing self, all while simply refusing to settle for less than we know we can achieve - for ourselves, our families, our communities and our businesses. We’ll cover topics like planning, organization, rural lifestyle, motherhood, wellbeing, homemaking, dream chasing and entrepreneurship.
Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss a convo!
Websites: www.cowgirlsovercoffe
Facebook: @cowgirlsovercoffee
Instagram: @cowgirlsovercoffee and @thea.does.the.things