An Owner's Guide for Your Life

It's tiresome to consider ourselves perpetual self-improvement projects. The underlying thoughts and feelings aren't the most stable of foundations when we think we have to be different, better, other than who we are.  

I sure hope you're wondering what these three things have in common.

We'll talk about Psych, one of my favorite TV shows, and what they do with their …

I'm not talking about Southern hospitality or the "oh, that's so nice of you" kind of thoughtful. There's nothing wrong with it. In fact, I happen to …

It's my 50th episode. Take a second and celebrate with me!

Now, come behind the scenes with me to see what's happening as we prepare to launch a new business venture. 

If you're an entrepreneur or thinking of becoming …

I've started an additional business venture and am hearing the story of "Acres of Diamonds" with a fresh perspective. You've likely heard the story where the farmer sells his farm to go look for diamonds and the guy who …

Emotional intelligence.

Everyone on this planet can benefit from knowing and growing it. Understanding how our emotions can work FOR us, not against us. Realizing that feelings are telling us things about ourselves and …

Inspiration hits in all kinds of places, doesn't it? I was in the middle of cleaning my closet when I came across a "one size fits all" t-shirt and …

Welcome to 2022!

I get happy about new things- new year, new projects, new notebooks. They're fresh and clean and open to possibility.

I like to begin my new year with a super simple life check-in. I'll walk you through …

It's that time of year. Seems like everyone around is making (and will soon be breaking) their New Year's resolutions. 

I like my approach better. …

Today we're talking about Mel Robbins' new book The High Five Habit.

She shares a simple and oh-so-powerful habit change that you can make right now. …

This quote "Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it" immediately reminded me of my in-laws' entertainment center. …

 I had a strong reaction to someone's decision and realized I was quickly jumping to some conclusions that weren't necessarily true. How often do we catch ourselves doing this? Exploring what we're making it mean can …

Have you ever gotten frustrated when somebody doesn't understand what you're trying to explain? Or does something you think they shouldn't have done …

Hard to believe we're already in December but here we are. Let's take a few minutes to think about what EXACTLY can make this our best December ever. Spending a few minutes now can give you clarity and help you align …

Sharing some meditative thoughts about holes (yes, holes) with you today. We’ve all fallen into a hole at some point, speaking figuratively rather …

I am celebrating my birthday by choosing to share a lesson I've learned from each decade of my life. That's SIX lessons since I'm 56 today. I had a …

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States, I share a prayer from  

Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks a book …

Thanksgiving Day deserves our love and attention.

Sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas, it's easy to rush past it. But let's slow down and savor this time to count our blessings and give thanks.

…

Have you ever felt grumpy? Mad at the world? Stressed? Of course, you have because you’re human. But just because you feel it, doesn’t mean you have to stay mired in those feelings.

Byron Katie’s “The Work” gives us …

I’ve got a new favorite number and it’s a doozy:  8,388,608.

That’s eight million, three hundred and eighty-eight thousand, six hundred and eight.

Hop on with me for a few minutes.

Let’s talk about what we’re really …

Grace and space. Give it to yourself, give it to others.

Grace to be a real human, not a fake-perfect model. Space to feel what you feel and do what you do. Even the ‘mostly happy’ of us feel sad, disappointed, …

How would it change your day, your life, your innermost being if you believed that everything was working FOR you?

Catch the moments when it can help …

Raise your glass and let’s toast entrepreneurs! Tuesday, November 16 is National Entrepreneur’s Day and these folks deserve a toast.

What makes an …

There’s a puddle in my yard that’s a huge nuisance to me.

But it’s not a nuisance to everyone. Totally depends on who you are and what you do with it. Quick lesson in perspective here.

…

Being kind is one of my superpowers so World Kindness Day is right up my alley.

No kindness is too small to make a difference. Your kindness may be the only one that somebody receives.

I’ve got suggestions for free and …

In yoga, we use the Downward Dog position to rest and reorient ourselves.

What if we do something similar throughout our work day? I've started experimenting with my Downward Dog for Work strategy and I'm loving it.

See …

Belly flops, Oddvocados and Misfits Market.

What do they have in common?

You’ll need to listen to find out.

They celebrate something unusual.

And I, after taking a few deep breaths, join in too.

…

Are you paying attention to what’s right in front of you?

What would happen if you REALLY listened to what’s being said?

Or noticed what was taking …

Twenty-five episodes is something to celebrate so do a little happy dance with me.

Then we'll move on to talk about how to pause in work, relationship or life in general to assess what's going on, take a breath and …

We all love stories. It's how we learn and how we remember and how we bond.

I believe we can all improve how we tell stories, even if it's only to ourselves (which is what we're doing when we reminisce).

Let's start …

Have you ever gotten negative feedback? Did you like it? 

It’s part of life so it makes sense to be able to handle it effectively.

I don’t …

I ran across this idea from a post on a website forum way back in 2007 and it got me thinking- are you an asker or a guesser?

It's an interesting way to look at life, how we interact and what we expect from others.

I …

Want to know how to get lucky?

I've got 5 tips for you. I learned them from my dogs but, hey, you can use them too.

https://www.tbrowning.com/how-to-get-lucky/

I'm trying something new for the month of November.  #NaPodPoMo is a month-long challenge to release 30 episodes in 30 days.

Gulp. I'm intimidated …

As I watch the trees lose their leaves here in the fall season, I’m wondering what WE need to let go.

Most things have a season. It can help us if we take time to consider what it’s the season for in our lives. What do …

I'm wrapping up my conversations in this episode about Greg McKeown's book Essentialism.

My friend Karen Backway [physician turned life coach] and I agree that this is an ideal book for anyone who wants to OWN their …

Do you want to live a life of purpose and meaning?

A life defined by your decision to choose less, have it mean more and make a bigger impact?

You’re in the right place.

I’m discussing Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: …

Do you want to live a life of purpose and meaning?

A life defined by your decision to choose less and have it mean more?

You’re in the right place.

I’m discussing Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined …

Essentialism by Greg McKeown is having an immediate impact in my life. 

I am always reading and often talking with my friends about what I'm reading. I've been so impressed with this book AND I have a friend who's read …

Thinking and talking about death can help you figure out how you want to live.

Sure, these can be uncomfortable conversations but they don't have to be. They can be liberating, eye-opening and lead to so much more.

My …

Your reasons and beliefs drive your life.

In the words of one of my favorite bands The Eagles,

Did you do it for love?
Did you do it for money?
Did you do it for spite?
Did you think you had to, honey?

Understanding …

We are intrigued by the question- WHY do we do what we do? Why do other people do what they do?

Paul even asks the question in the Bible so, rest …

Decision making is an important element of life- to the tune of thirty-five thousand decisions a day for an average adult. 

I've got some solid …

Thirty-five thousand decisions. That's how many decisions an average adult faces a DAY.

Decisions are obviously a major part of life so let's refine …

Don’t you really just want to be happy? Whether we’re actually feeling happy in this moment or trying to numb our unhappiness or chasing hard after what we think will bring us happiness, the pursuit of happiness …

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence. But how important is YOUR happiness?

It's up to you.

You decide how much happiness means to you.

Just like you decide …

You’re doing the best you can. We need to hear it and mean it and say it to our own selves and people around us. But so often we don't give ourselves credit for it. We'll talk about why that is and why it matters.

Let’s …

Let's talk connections. Relationships of all sorts and sizes that add texture and meaning to our lives.

Personal, professional, pleasure and proximity friendships that we have in different times and in varying degrees …

You know how sometimes you yell at yourself? Or whisper? And you can't move forward because now you're listening to your brain tell you all the reasons why it's not a good idea. But it IS a good idea. You're just …

Your life is not a pinball game and it doesn't need to be a constant self-improvement project. But what if you feel like you're NOT the owner of your life? Let's explore what that looks like and take a simple step to …

Being able to identify what you're feeling and evaluate the possible impact can help you decide how to bring your best self into a situation. In the simple framework for life we use, thoughts and feelings are connected. …

You WANT to be your best self and live your best life but how do you begin making it happen?

You learn how to manage your mind. 

Find out what that …

You may think your life is not your own- that your parent or spouse or kids or boss are in control of your life. But they aren't. YOU ARE.

You have …

Welcome to An Owner's Guide for Your Life- the podcast that combines psychology, coaching, common sense and FUN! Host Tracey Browning is an …