The Kim Klassen Podcast

In this episode:⟶ A deeply personal story from our small town—one that stirred old memories and reminded me how far we’ve come⟶ Reflections on addiction, recovery, and the miracles that arrive when we least expect them⟶ A powerful mindset shift inspired by a simple TikTok: collect evidence⟶ How tracking even the smallest actions can gently rebuild how we see ourselves⟶ A quiet invitation to notice the wins you might be missingMentioned→ AA and the path that helped my son find his footing→ Everyday ways to log your ‘evidence’: your phone, a notebook, even ChatGPT→ Why noticing is the beginning of change.

Key Topics Covered:The Top Idea in Your Mind – How mental focus impacts creativity and decision-makingHow to Do What You Love – Aligning business with your creative passionOvercoming Perfectionism – Why treating your work as an experiment leads to successThinking Independently – Avoiding comparison traps and trusting your own visionStarting Simple – Why lightweight, simple ideas often winClarity Over Cleverness – How simplifying your messaging strengthens connectionsAction Over Overthinking – Shifting from analysis paralysis to creative momentum.+Paul Graham Essays

Hello lovely, In this episode, I’m sharing some news—why I’m finally starting my YouTube channel. This has been years in the making, but I’ve spent most of my creative life behind the camera, hesitant to step into a space where I could be seen and judged.But after years of pouring energy into Instagram and feeling stuck, I realized that I needed a platform where people show up with intention—to learn, grow, and take action. And that’s why YouTube (and Substack) are the next step for me.This episode is part personal reflection, part encouragement—because if you’ve been thinking about starting something, I hope this is the nudge you need.

+Why too many ideas can keep you from taking action•+A simple way to capture ideas when inspiration strikes+ How to use voice notes for effortless transcription+ Turning raw thoughts into structured plans with ChatGPT• The key to moving from idea overload to meaningful action• A challenge: I dare you: Take one idea, record it, and see it throughwatch the step-by-step tutorial,

Feeling like your creative business is stuck in a crowded space? You’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like there’s no room, no way to stand out—like you have to do more, compete harder, or constantly chase attention. But what if the answer isn’t trying to outshine anyone?In this episode, I’m talking about the Blue Ocean Strategy—a way to create a space where competition doesn’t exist. A space where your work, your voice, and your creativity stand on their own.For women 45+—photographers, writers, makers, coaches—this is game-changing. You don’t need to fight for attention in an oversaturated market. You have something younger entrepreneurs don’t: lived experience, perspective, a deep understanding of the people you serve. That’s your advantage. That’s where your blue ocean begins.We’ll cover:• What the Blue Ocean Strategy is and why it matters for creative entrepreneurs.• Why niching down isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about creating space where competition disappears.• How to build an offer so specific and valuable that people didn’t even realize they needed it.• The power of storytelling, collaboration, and keeping things simple in 2025.• Why now is the best time—not too late—to step fully into your business.If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram or email me at hello@kimklassen.com. And if you know someone who needs this, pass it along.InBusiness members—exciting news: I have a Blue Ocean Strategy GPT designed just for you. More on that soon.

In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why your brain may be holding you back• How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters your reality• The four-step Identity Reset Method to retrain your mind• How to act before you feel ready and build confidence through action• The power of mental rehearsal in shaping your futureResources and Links:• Book a Clarity CallIdentity Reset Guide & GPTIf this episode resonated with you, send an email to [insert email] or share it with a friend. Now is the time to shift your mindset and step into what’s possible.

In this episode, I'm sharing a idea/concept that’s exploding my brain – the difference between building an audience of buyers versus admirers. I'm sharing my personal revelations about Instagram, and why having a large following of admirers might not be serving your business goals.What You'll LearnMy lightbulb moment about the difference between admirers and buyers.Why having tons of followers who admire your work doesn't always translate to sales.How to shift your content strategy to attract people who actually need your solutions.Why it's okay if your engagement drops when you start showing up differently.My personal experience with Instagram vs. TikTok and YouTube moving forward.The importance of leading with your offer instead of just building an audience.Notable QuotesHaving people admire your work feels amazing – it can be addictive! But admiration alone doesn't build a business."Resources MentionedinBusiness 90-day group program (Starting February 4, 2025)Includes: Monthly Zoom calls. Co-working sessions. Email marketing, AI for business, SEO basics and Building irresistible offersConnect With MeEmail: hello@kimklassen.comInstagram: (Even though I'm on a hiatus, I check DMs every few days!)Join inBusiness. It’s going to be amazing!Final ThoughtsRemember, building a business is one of the most incredible paths to personal growth. It brings up all our stuff, and then we get to work through it again and again. That's where the magic happens!If this episode resonated with you and you'd like to learn more about joining inBusiness, reach out to me at hello@kimklassen.com. I'd love to share more about how we can work together to transform your creative business.

In this episode, I explore the movement of creatives aged 50+ stepping into their passions and sharing their magic online. We discuss:Why it’s never too late to start something newHow platforms like YouTube and TikTok prioritize good content over followersOvercoming fear of judgment and embracing bold actionWhy human connection and storytelling matter more than ever in 2025I also introduce Treadmill Talks—a powerful one-hour phone session to help you brainstorm, clarify your vision, and create actionable next steps.Dear 2025 Guide - https://www.kimklassen.com/blog/dear-2025-writing-guideTreadmill Talks: Book a SessionTakeaways:Your experiences make you extraordinary. This is your time to share your passion, build a community, or create a side hustle that inspires and grows with you.

Welcome and Intro:Why recognizing and shifting the stories we tell ourselves is life-changing.Inspiration for living an extraordinary creative life.Key Takeaways:The Stories We Tell:How our inner narratives shape our experiences and results.Examples of defending stories that don’t serve us.Real-Life Inspiration:A conversation with Dena from Dena’s Digs about loving Instagram.How her mindset impacts her creative results.The Thought Model:Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results.Why better thoughts lead to better outcomes.Action Steps:Make a list of your goals and dreams.Write down all the thoughts that arise around those dreams.Identify thoughts that don’t serve you and reframe them.Keep the new thoughts visible and revisit them daily.Personal Reflections:How I’m reframing my fears about showing up on TikTok and YouTube.The importance of taking action over overthinking.Practical Tips:Start small: Choose one goal and focus on better thoughts around it.Tools to help shift mindset: Post-its, journals, daily reminders.Closing Thoughts:The magic of storytelling and mindset in creating the life you want.Sneak peek of my 2025 digital planner and how I’m using it to stay intentional.Links and Resources:Connect with me: kimklassen.comFollow DinasDigs on InstaInterested in my 2025 digital planner? Email me.Thanks for listening, lovely. Here’s to telling better stories and making the most of each day!

Today's focus is on Seth Godin's concept of "The Dip," also vividly described in my coaching program as the "river of misery." It’s that tough phase in any worthwhile venture where excitement fades, and the grind really sets in. We've all been there, and it's certainly not a walk in the park.What is The Dip?"The Dip" represents those challenging times when it feels like you're putting in all the effort but seeing minimal results. This phase tests your dedication and separates the committed from the fleeting.Pushing Through The Dip:I discuss the importance of perseverance through these hard times if your goals truly align with your long-term vision. I'll share how creating a contract with yourself before you begin can serve as a solid anchor. This pact involves setting clear expectations for time, money, and effort you're willing to invest and defining what success looks like to you.Strategic Quitting:Quitting isn't always about giving up; sometimes, it’s about making a smart decision to change paths when things aren't aligning with your bigger picture. I explore when it's time to keep pushing and when it's wise to quit.The Danger of The Cliff:We'll delve into the concept of "The Cliff," where short-term gains from trendy actions can lead to long-term pitfalls. This part is crucial for anyone building a brand online, as it's easy to get swayed by what seems popular at the moment.Recognizing When to Pivot:Identifying the right time to pivot or correct course is essential. I discuss how to recognize if you’re in a cul-de-sac, where effort no longer moves you forward, and when strategic quitting can redirect your energy more productively.Closing Thoughts:Every choice on this creative journey shapes not only your business and brand but also your personal growth and the stories you wish to tell through your art. It’s about being honest with yourself and choosing paths that are sustainable and true to who you are.If you're ready to take the next step in building your brand and business, consider joining 'InBusiness.co.' We start in early February, and it promises to be an exciting 90-day journey with a group of incredible women.

In this episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation from Modern Wisdom (Episode 888) with David Sutcliffe, exploring why you can't solve a problem of the mind with the mind—it requires action. I dive into how faith is built through consistent doing, not thinking, and challenge you to take action to overcome fear and doubt.This episode is all about moving from overthinking to action and creating a life of extraordinary alignment.Finally, a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible group in my 90-day beta program, InBusiness.co. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready to take meaningful action with the support of a like-minded community, I’d love for you to join us. It’s a one-time offer, and this group is already shaping up to be amazing!Let me know what action you’re taking today—I’d love to hear from you. DM or email me to share your progress. Let’s move forward together!

In this episode, I unpack the concept of Parkinson’s Law: the idea that work expands to fill the time you give it. If you’ve ever felt like a simple project stretched on forever, this episode is for you.I’ll walk you through:What Parkinson’s Law is and how it shows up in creative work.Why overthinking can amplify the problem and lead to perfectionism.Five practical strategies to take back control of your time, including a surprising tip: scheduling joy into your day.How embracing constraints can spark creativity instead of stifling it.A mini challenge to help you finish what you’ve been overthinking—and enjoy more of your day.Time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Tune in to learn how to make it work for you.Links and Resources Mentioned:Share your one-hour challenge or joy-filled moment with me on Instagram [@yourhandle].Takeaways:Setting boundaries around your time can unlock freedom and focus.Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is the thing that brings you joy.

In today’s episode, I share my commitment to filling as many journals as possible in 2025 and using my beautiful Pilot vanishing points every day—and how I believe this practice will create a ripple effect in my life. Most importantly, I explore Gay Hendricks’ —Zone of Genius, introduced in The Big Leap.You’ll learn about the four zones we operate in, why many of us get stuck in the Zone of Excellence, and how to identify and commit to living in your unique Zone of Genius. I’ll also touch on the the hidden barriers that hold us back, AKA Upper Limit Problem, and strategies to align your life with the work that brings you the most joy and fulfillment.If you’re feeling stuck or curious about how to live more fully, this episode will spark inspiration and guide you toward a more fulfilling path.What You’ll Learn:The four zones we function in and how they impact your life.How to recognize and step into your Zone of Genius.The Genius Commitment and why it’s essential for living authentically.An invitation to bring your Zone of Genius into your daily routine.njoyed this episode? Share your thoughts about your Zone of Genius with me on insta - @kimklassen and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your kind words helps me reach and inspire more listeners like you!Stay tuned for more on the in-business cohort coming soon.Thank you Christine for the inspiration for today's podcast.

as mentioned in this episode.Warren Buffett's 5/25 rule is a straightforward method to help prioritize goals and focus efforts on what truly matters. Here’s how it works: 1 List Your Goals: Write down 25 career or life goals you want to achieve. These can be short-term or long-term. 2 Select the Top Five: Review your list and choose the five most important goals. These are the goals you want to prioritize above all others. 3 Focus Only on the Top Five: Concentrate all your efforts on achieving these five goals. Redirect resources and time away from other distractions and less important activities. 4 Avoid the Remaining Twenty: The remaining 20 goals become your "avoid-at-all-cost" list. Despite their potential importance, you should avoid any effort towards these goals until your top five have been accomplished. This helps prevent the spread of focus and resources, ensuring that your primary objectives receive the most attention.Warren Buffett's 5/25 rule often involves a conversation he had with his pilot, Mike Flint. Flint was discussing career priorities, and Buffett asked him to list his top 25 career goals. After Flint made the list, Buffett then asked him to circle the top five goals that were most important to him.Once Flint had identified these top five goals, Buffett asked him what he planned to do about the other 20 goals he had listed but not circled. Flint replied that he would work on them intermittently as they were still important. Buffett's key advice was for Flint to avoid the other 20 goals at all costs until he had achieved his top five, stressing the importance of focusing exclusively on his highest priorities. This story encapsulates the essence of the 5/25 rule, highlighting the importance of focus and avoiding distraction by less critical tasks.

In this episode, I share:How I realized my life is extraordinary and what that means to me.The deep love I have for my work as a creator, teacher, and coach.Why my quiet, introverted studio life brings me so much peace.The moments with my family that remind me how miraculous life can be, from my sons’ unique journeys to my husband’s recovery from cancer.The overwhelming love I feel for my granddaughter and the bond we share.My gratitude for simple routines like walking and how they remind me of life’s beauty.An invitation for you to reflect on what makes your life extraordinary, while also continuing to dream and grow.

In this episode, I dive into the concept of the commonplace notebook—a simple, flexible tool for capturing thoughts, ideas, quotes, lists, and more. I share my recent discovery of this timeless idea and my commitment to carrying a pocket-sized notebook to jot down anything that sparks inspiration.You’ll hear about:What a commonplace notebook is and how it can be used.Why I’m choosing a physical notebook over my phone for most notes.The specific notebooks I’m starting with, including a beautiful gift from a friend and a Rhodia softcover.How this practice might help calm thought loops and bring clarity.An invitation for you to try it out and see how this simple practice could transform your creative flow.Have you tried a commonplace notebook, or does this idea resonate? Reach out to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear!Connect with me:Instagram: @kimklassenEmail: hello@kimklassen.comLet’s see where this journey takes us. Until next time.

Journal PromptsHow would your life feel if it were perfectly aligned with your values?If fear wasn’t a factor, what would you pursue right now?What’s a small joy or routine you’d love to add to your daily life?Imagine your dream collaboration—who’s involved, and what are you creating?What does a day of perfect alignment and joy look like to you?​​​.

What you make matters. It’s not just about the final product but the intention, story, and connection behind your work. In this short voice note, I invite you to embrace the beauty and impact of what you bring to the world.

Episode Show Noteshttps://www.kimklassen.com/blog/customgpt-create-inspiring-conversations

Episode Show NotesIn this episode, I’m sharing my journey with self-gatekeeping—those moments when I’ve told myself something isn’t for me, when really, I’ve just been afraid of being judged. Recently, I faced one of my biggest fears: putting my face on TikTok and talking to the camera. For some, this might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it was huge. I’ve realized I’ve been self-gatekeeping since I was a kid, saying ‘I’m not into that’ to avoid the risk of failure or criticism.Talking to the camera on social media has always felt like stepping into an uncontrollable, scary space, but I’m done letting fear take the lead. I hit record, uploaded my first TikTok, and—CRINGE— I forgot to check the cover and my mouth is wide open on the cover photo—but I decided to leave it just as it is. And then, I recorded a second one right away and posted that too. You’ll hear me working through the nerves on the podcast as I tell the story in real time.What about you? Is there something you’ve wanted to do, but fear has been holding you back?Send me a message or come see the video that marked the start of my journey to stop self-gatekeeping. Let’s lift the gate together.