The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast

Nice protects YOU from conflict. Kind protects the TRUTH.Are you addicted to keeping the peace? Do you apologize for things that aren't your fault just to make others comfortable? In this episode, Rhonda tackles "Good Girl Syndrome"—the conditioning that tells women to be small, quiet, and agreeable . We break down the massive difference between being "Nice" (Fear-based) and being "Kind" (Truth-based), and why your "politeness" might actually be cruel .Rhonda also gets real about the "Guilt Hangover"—that panic you feel at 3:00 AM after setting a boundary—and why it’s actually a sign of growth . Plus, a personal announcement: Rhonda is turning 50 and celebrating by stepping WAY out of her lane to launch her new app, Paced .In This Episode:(00:05) - Why women are criticized for the same behavior men are praised for(02:28) - Nice vs. Kind: The "Cat Pee" Real Estate Example(06:41) - Emotional Intelligence: Using warmth to close the deal(09:30) - The Guilt Hangover: Why you feel like throwing up when you say "No"(15:00) - Taking Up Space: The Paced App LaunchResources Mentioned:Paced App: Hitting the Android Store on Feb 13thThis Week's Challenge:Look at where you are being nice when you should be kind. Where are you protecting someone else's feelings at the expense of your own truth?🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#WomenInBusiness #RhondaLavoie #StraightShooter

Have you ever walked into your kitchen, looked at a pile of mail, and felt an immediate sense of dread? It’s not because the mail is hard to open; it’s because of what it represents.In this episode, Rhonda breaks down the biology behind why you can’t relax in a cluttered room. We explore the concept of "Visual Competition" and how your brain is treating every object on your counter like an open browser tab that is draining your battery. Rhonda also shares a vulnerable story about her own office "shame monument" and how she realized she was using clutter to punish herself for financial guilt.If you are tired of being the "clutter police" in your marriage or feeling like you are living under a dark cloud, this episode provides a simple, "unfancy" 5-minute tool to help you find your oxygen again.In This Episode:(03:12) - The "Ants in Your Pants" / Flight Response(05:27) - Rhonda’s realization: Using piles to punish ourselves(09:06) - The "Us Plan": How to stop being the Clutter Police(11:37) - The Tool: The 5-Minute ResetResources Mentioned:Concept: Visual Competition Concept: Decision Fatigue This Week's Challenge:Don't look at the whole house. Find just one surface (a square foot of granite or a corner of a desk). Set a timer for 5 minutes and clear that one spot so your eyes have a place to rest.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#VisualCompetition #DecisionFatigue #HomeOrganization

You don't need to feel good to start. You need to start to feel good.It is -30°C outside. The wind is howling. And honestly? The last thing you want to do is work. We have all been there—bargaining with ourselves, scrolling on our phones, waiting for the "vibe to shift" so we can finally tackle our goals.In this episode, Rhonda Lavoie breaks down the biggest lie in the self-help world: the idea that motivation is a prerequisite for action. Drawing on concepts from Mark Manson, Mel Robbins, and James Clear, Rhonda explains why "Activation Energy" keeps us stuck and how to push the merry-go-round just enough to get it spinning.If you are an ambitious woman who feels bone-deep tired this January, this episode gives you full permission to stop waiting for the magic spark—and shows you exactly how to light it yourself.In This Episode:(00:00) - The "Permission Granted" T-Shirt & Intro (00:33) - The -30°C Truck Confession: Why I secretly hope clients cancel (07:08) - The Paced App Story: How I lost 6 months waiting for a "sign" (09:29) - Flipping the Script: Action -> Inspiration -> Motivation (16:38) - The "Jesse" Story: How a teenager uses his phone to get "jacked" Resources Mentioned:Free Download: Get the "Do It Tired" Action Kit at rhondalavoie.com Book: Permission Granted by Christalee Froese (Pre-order at morejoy.ca) Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson Book: The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear The Paced App - Stop the scroll (Available on Android) This Week's Challenge:Stop waiting for the perfect time. Stop waiting to feel good. Set a timer for 5 minutes, count down 5-4-3-2-1, and go.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#DoItTired #MotivationMyth #RhondaLavoie

Do you feel like your calendar is running you, instead of the other way around?In this episode, Rhonda Lavoie tackles the epidemic of the "Guilt Yes." If you are a high-capacity woman who feels resentful every time you look at your schedule, this episode is your permission slip to quit.Rhonda shares the messy, real-time struggle of closing the "TUF Collaborative" coffee meetups—and the moment she realized that by waiting at an empty table, she wasn't being a leader; she was just being a martyr with a macchiato.She also breaks down the strategic difference between quitting the AAC Chair (low ROI) vs. keeping the School Council Chair (high family ROI). Learn how to use Opportunity Cost to evaluate your schedule, how to color-code your calendar for a "Resentment Audit," and the exact 24-hour rule you need to stop over-committing.In This Episode:(00:00) - Confession: Why I’m haunting my own business.(02:30) - The "Go-To Girl" Trap: Competence vs. Obligation.(05:00) - The Coffee Shop Realization: Martyrdom isn't leadership.(06:29) - Strategic Quitting: Why I stepped down as AAC Chair.(08:27) - The 4 Buckets Framework (Ego, Guilt, Strategic, Heart).(12:40) - Opportunity Cost: You can't spend the same dollar twice.(16:30) - The "Nice No": Exact script to cancel plans gracefully.Resources Mentioned:Free Download: The 4 Buckets Cheat Sheet + The "Just Say No" Phone Wallpaper: rhondalavoie.com Derek Sivers: "Hell Yeah or No" Concept This Week's Challenge:Find that one "Ghost" on your calendar—the commitment that is dead weight but you're still dragging around—and kill it using the script provided in this episode. 🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#ProductivityTips #Boundaries #RhondaLavoie

Statistically, most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday of January. They call it "Quitter's Day," and it happens because traditional resolutions are built on an "all-or-nothing" light switch that is designed to fail the moment life gets messy. In this season premiere, Rhonda Lavoie strips away the "Instagram perfect" veneer of goal setting and introduces a high-level business and sanity strategy: The Theme Word.Rhonda gets vulnerable about her own "Real Reel," including tackling a mountain of debt and the pressure of launching her new tech company, Paced, by her 50th birthday. She breaks down the "What-the-Hell-Effect" that leads to total collapse after one slip-up and reveals the specific habit—The Parking Lot Trap—that is likely killing your momentum. If you are tired of the "pass/fail" drama and ready to start living instead of just consuming, this episode is your unfancy guide to 2026.In This Episode:(00:00) - The "Quitter's Day" Statistic: Why Friday is the most dangerous day for your ambition.(04:09) - The "What-the-Hell-Effect": How one cookie (or one missed gym day) leads to total collapse.(05:25) - Rules vs. Filters: Why a Theme Word succeeds where resolutions fail.(11:09) - Roaring into 50: Why Rhonda is launching a tech company when society says "slow down".(14:43) - The Parking Lot Trap: The $5 idling habit that is putting your brain in "Park".(18:47) - The "Founding 20" Challenge: How to help launch Paced and get lifetime access.Resources Mentioned:The Paced App Waitlist: getpaced.app Rhonda's Website: rhondalavoie.com This Week's Challenge: Rip up your resolutions. Sit down for 10 minutes and ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish, and what do I want 2026 to feel like? Pick one word to act as your filter for every decision this year.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr. #QuittersDay #MidlifeAmbition #Momentum2026

If you are looking at your 2025 goals and feeling a heavy sense of shame because the boxes aren't checked, you need to stop grinding and listen to this. We have been conditioned to believe that success equals sticking to the plan no matter what—even if we hate it—but research shows that "goal disengagement" is actually essential for your health.In this Season 3 Finale, I am taking you behind the scenes of my "Real Reel.". I planned to sell 50+ homes and scale the TUF Institute in 2025, but I didn't hit those numbers, and I actually closed the business. On paper, it looks like failure, but it was actually the year of the Pivot.We discuss the "Competence Trap"—the danger of doing things just because you are capable of them, not because they are your calling. I also share why I delayed the launch of The Paced App and the simple 3-step audit you can use to clean up your life before 2026.In This Episode:(00:00) - Why I "failed" my 2025 plans (and why I’m happier for it).(02:24) - The shame gap: Dealing with the space between "the plan" and reality.(04:24) - The End of History Illusion: Why we make plans for a version of us that doesn't exist.(07:31) - The Competence Trap: Just because you can carry the load doesn't mean it's yours.(08:53) - Why I delayed The Paced App launch (and refused to force it).(12:54) - The "Unfancy" System: 3 steps to audit your life before the New Year.Resources Mentioned:Goal Disengagement Research: Understanding why quitting lowers cortisol and inflammation.The End of History Illusion: Why we underestimate how much we will change.This Week's Challenge: Look at one goal you are dragging into 2026 like a heavy suitcase. Open it up and ask: "Do I need to persist, or do I need to pivot?".🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#GoalSetting #TheCompetenceTrap #RhondaLavoiePodcast

Is "Work-Life Balance" actually making you miserable? If you feel like you are constantly failing to keep the scales level, it’s because you are chasing a myth. In this episode, we expose why the "50/50" split is a recipe for burnout and why you should aim for Harmony instead.We dive deep into the concept of "Continuous Partial Attention"—that exhausted state where you are physically present with your family but mentally checking emails under the dinner table. You’ll learn why high performers need to "oscillate" rather than flatline, and how to use the "See-Saw Method" to ditch the guilt and get your focus back.Plus, a special listen to the new podcast theme music written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr!In This Episode:(00:00) - The "Antique Scales" Trap: Why balance requires you to freeze like a statue (02:40) - New Music Reveal: Shout-out to Wade & Tan Fehr (04:51) - "Continuous Partial Attention": Why you are halfway everywhere (07:14) - The See-Saw Method: Why life needs to move to be fun (08:13) - Rhonda’s Real Life: Navigating "Sprint" vs. "Support" seasons (13:32) - How the Paced App breaks the "Zombie State" (and the "Cousin's Lunch" dilemma) (16:08) - The 3-Step Work-Life Harmony System Resources Mentioned:Concept: Continuous Partial Attention (Linda Stone) Concept: Oscillation (Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz) Music: New Theme Music by Wade and Tan Fehr This Week's Challenge:Identify your season. Are you in a Sprint Season (Work-Heavy) or a Support Season (Life-Heavy)? Name it, accept it, and pick your one "Non-Negotiable" anchor to protect this week.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.com The Paced App: getpaced.app Instagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast written and recorded by Wade and Tan Fehr.#WorkLifeBalance #ProductivityTips #TheRhondaLavoiePodcast #PacedApp

Struggling with holiday burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on your to-do list this December? You are not alone. We have somehow convinced ourselves that the holidays aren't just a season, but a competitive sport where we are trying to "gold medal" in baking, wrapping, and crying in the car.In this episode, Rhonda breaks down the absolute absurdity of the things we do to ourselves in the name of holiday spirit. From the deep regret of the "unpaid internship" that is the Elf on the Shelf , to the "hostage negotiation" of taking a family holiday photo, we are keeping it real. If you are ready to stop trying to win every event and actually survive the holidays with your sanity intact, this episode is your permission slip to lower the bar.We also discuss why "numbing out" by doomscrolling in the pantry is a sign of overwhelm, and how to use the Paced App to reclaim your peace.In This Episode:(00:00) - Why December feels like a competitive sport and the "Holiday Triathlon" (01:39) - The Elf on the Shelf Regret: Why it becomes a panic attack at 11:30 PM (03:33) - The Holiday Card Photo: Why it’s basically a hostage negotiation (05:23) - Stop Doomscrolling: Using the Paced App to numb out less and rest more (07:12) - The Baking Guilt Trap: Why "outsourcing" cookies is a system, not laziness (10:34) - The Wrapping Paper Marathon: When your gifts start looking like ransom notes Resources Mentioned:The Paced App: A gentle pattern interrupt to help you stop doomscrolling when you are stressed. Join the waitlist at getpaced.app.This Week's Challenge:When you feel the pressure to bake from scratch, remember: buying cookies from a local maker supports another woman's side hustle and keeps your kitchen clean. That is not lazy; that is a system.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comThe Paced App: getpaced.appInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#HolidayBurnout #MomGuilt #KeepItReal #RhondaLavoie #DecemberChaos

Have you ever had a "What If" idea that you immediately killed with "How?"How could I possibly start that business? How could I write a book? How would I find the time?That "how" is just overwhelm in disguise. It traps us in analysis paralysis, often leading us right back to the "mind-numbing pit" of doomscrolling to escape the pressure. In this episode, I’m sharing the origin story of the Paced App. It wasn’t a lightning strike moment, and it wasn't a result of a relentless, sleepless hustle.The truth? I sat on the idea for six months. And that gap wasn't a failure—it was marinating.Join me as I break down how a random podcast episode and a $6 coffee helped me stop worrying about the "how" and simply get curious. We’ll talk about why you don’t need a five-year plan to start, and how shifting your mindset from "relentless" to "curious" can finally help you get out of your own way.Tired of losing hours to the scroll? You're not alone. It’s not a moral failing; it’s a design problem. I'm building a tool to help us take back control. Join the 'Paced' app waitlist at getpaced.app.In This Episode:(00:00) - The "Pit of Despair" and the Facebook post that started it all (03:07) - The six-month gap: Why delays are often "marinating," not failing (03:54) - The Distraction: Building a Real Estate dashboard instead of the dream (06:30) - The "Nudge": How a Mel Robbins episode connected the dots (08:54) - The "UnFancy" First Step: Ordering a coffee and opening Gemini (14:35) - The Lesson: Why you need to be "Curious," not "Relentless" (17:00) - Why the "How" is just overwhelm in disguise (18:13) - Recap & Your Weekly Challenge Resources Mentioned:The Mel Robbins PodcastGemini (Google AI) Ep. 6: How I Use AI as My Creative PartnerTOT Cafe This Week's Challenge: The 10-Minute Investigation. I don't want you to be relentless this week; I just want you to get curious. Identify one recurring idea—that little "what if" that keeps popping up. Give that idea the "unfancy respect" of a 10-minute investigation. Go to a coffee shop, open a document, or ask AI one question. Don't commit to building it, just get curious and see what happens.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieFollow the Paced App journey: getpaced.appMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#GetCurious #PacedApp #AvoidantCoping #Overwhelm #PersonalGrowth

Ever feel that jolt of anxiety when your phone "dings"? You're in an important meeting or at dinner with your family, and even if you don't look, the sound alone shatters your focus. Let's be honest: this isn't a personal failure or a lack of willpower. It's a system designed to work against you, based on a "dopamine loop" that keeps you hooked.In this episode, Rhonda shares her "aha moment" about phone notifications and gives you the simple, "unfancy" 3-step system she used to take back control. This is the "Notification Detox". We'll talk about the real cost of "context switching" (it takes 23 minutes to get your focus back!) and walk through the "Audit, Purge, and Reintroduction" plan.This isn't about perfection; it's about awareness. Often, we're not just scrolling; we're using our phones as an "unconscious escape" from feelings like overwhelm or exhaustion. Tired of this feeling? You're not alone. I'm building a tool to help. Join the "Paced" app waitlist. Link in bio.In This Episode:(00:01:27) - The familiar pattern: Feeling anxiety from every single notification "ding".(00:02:44) - The "Aha Moment": Realizing there is no such thing as a "social media emergency".(00:03:40) - The "Why": It's not your fault; apps are designed to be addictive (The Dopamine Loop).(00:04:35) - The true cost of interruptions: "Context Switching" and the 23-minute rule.(00:06:15) - The 3-Step System: How to start your own "Notification Detox".(00:07:36) - Step 2: The Purge (and why you must be ruthless).(00:11:42) - Your 48-Hour This Week's Challenge: Do Step 2: The Purge. For just 48 hours, go into your settings and turn off all notifications except for phone calls and texts. Just see what it feels like to own your focus.Resources Mentioned:Concept: Context SwitchingConcept: Dopamine LoopTool: The Paced App🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieFollow the Paced App journey: getpaced.appMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days"by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#NotificationDetox #Overwhelm #DigitalWellness #AvoidantCoping #DopamineLoop

Let's be honest: criticism stings. We're wired for connection, so the fear of being judged is a powerful (and totally human) trigger. How often does that feeling make you "just check your phone for a minute," only to look up 45 minutes later wondering where the time went?You're not scrolling because you lack willpower; you're scrolling to escape a feeling. That's a normal response, not a personal failing.In this episode (Part 2 of our series on judgment), we move from the "them problem" to the practical fix: Forging Your Armor. I'll share Dr. Brené Brown's "arena" strategy and explain why you must stop taking feedback from people in the "cheap seats". We'll build a complete system to build real resilience, including how to identify your "Success Squad" and implement three daily skills: adopting a growth mindset , using the "Tuesday Rule" for self-compassion , and a simple CBT tool to finally silence your inner critic.Tired of this feeling? You're not alone. I'm building a tool to help you notice that pattern and get your power back. Join the 'Paced' app waitlist. Link in bio.In This Episode:[00:01:40] - Why the common advice to 'just ignore the haters' is useless (and why we're wired to care) [00:02:33] - The "Cheap Seats vs. The Arena": Why you must stop taking criticism from people who aren't being brave [00:04:09] - How to build your "Success Squad"—the small group of people who have earned the right to give you feedback [00:07:41] - The direct link between feeling judged and unconsciously scrolling to escape the feeling [00:10:11] - System 1: Flip the script with a growth mindset (a failure only exists if you quit) [00:11:49] - System 2: Practice self-compassion with the "Tuesday Rule" [00:12:41] - System 3: A simple CBT tool to challenge your inner critic [00:14:58] - Recap & Your Weekly Challenge Resources Mentioned:Dr. Brené Brown (researcher and author) The Paced App TUF Collaborative Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) This Week's Challenge: Identify your "Success Squad". Take out a single sticky note and write down the names of the only people whose opinions truly matter—the ones who are in the arena with you and have earned the right to give you feedback. This is your "square squad". For the next week, when you feel a wave of criticism, look at that list and ask: "Is this voice on my note?" If not, it's irrelevant noise from the cheap seats.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok:@ rhonda.lavoieFollow the Paced App journey: getpaced.appMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#FearOfJudgment #ImposterSyndrome #BreneBrown #Resilience #AvoidantCoping

The fear of judgment keeps too many amazing people playing small. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rhonda Lavoie gets brutally honest about the times she was the judge, teaching you the system of Self-Analysis. You'll learn why that frustrating, neutral reaction to your biggest ambitions—like the Paced App—is a "Them Problem," a reflection of their own baggage and fear, not a verdict on your worth.In This Episode (Video Timestamps):(00:10) - The primal reason we fear judgment: Your anxiety is just your primal survival instinct at work.(01:50) - The framework: Why stepping into The Arena means criticism is a certainty.(02:30) - The hard truth: Why your own internal criticism is the root of the Them Problem.(03:23) - Failure 1 (Upward Comparison): Rhonda's unfiltered "What could you write a book about?" moment.(04:56) - Failure 2 (Fear of Loss): The internal battle when a friend joined the competition.(06:33) - Let's Make This Real: The 30-second self-analysis challenge.(07:08) - The Passive Them Problem: Why the Paced App conversations "fall flat".(08:37) - Rhonda's self-analysis: The 5 reasons for the neutral reaction (Intimidation, Envy, Fixed Mindset, etc.).(11:49) - The Lesson: Understanding their Anchor and seeing criticism as "mere data" about their internal state.(13:35) - Tease for Part 2: Forging Your Armor and curating whose opinion matters.Resources Mentioned:This episode discusses concepts related to Dr. Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and The Man in the Arena.Follow the Paced App journey: getpaced.app.This Week's Challenge: The next time you criticize someone else's big dream, stop and ask yourself: "What insecurity of mine is this reflecting?"🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.com Instagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieCheck out the Paced App: getpaced.app Music for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.

Feeling curious about AI but mostly just overwhelmed or intimidated? You're not alone! So many creators and entrepreneurs feel stuck, staring at a blank page or getting generic results from tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. The biggest mistake? Treating AI like a vending machine instead of a creative partner.In this episode, I share my practical, "unfancy" system for shifting your mindset and integrating AI into your workflow. Stop letting the "what ifs" paralyze you and start using AI to amplify your creativity and get back valuable time. It's all about Getting It Done, Keeping It Real.In This Episode:(00:02:03) - The Vending Machine Mistake & The Mindset Shift: From Tool to Collaborator (00:04:03) - Avoiding the "Robot Voice": You're the Creative Director (00:05:01) - My 4-Stage AI Workflow: Ideation, Research, Drafting & Repurposing (00:05:19) - Stage 1: Ideation & Brainstorming (Beating the Blank Page) (00:06:33) - Stage 2: Research & Synthesis (Your Research Assistant) (00:07:47) - Stage 3: Drafting & First-Pass Content (The "Sh*tty First Draft") (00:08:42) - Stage 4: Polishing & Repurposing (My Podcast Clip System) (00:10:10) - Real Story: How AI Solved My Content Command Centre Overwhelm with Apps Script (00:16:10) - The Art of the Prompt: Giving Clear Instructions (00:16:50) - Tip 1: Give it a Persona ("Act As" Framework) (00:18:49) - Tip 2: Provide Context & Constraints (The "Brief") (00:19:53) - Tip 3: Iterate (Treat it Like a Conversation) (00:21:48) - Addressing the Fears: Will AI make you lazy, less smart, or steal your voice? (00:27:18) - The Paced Connection: Intentional Creation vs. Unmindless Consumption (00:28:18) - Your Weekly Challenge: One Simple Step with the "Act As" Framework Resources Mentioned:AI Tools (General Concepts): ChatGPT, Google Gemini Google Workspace: Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Google Apps Script Concept: Anne Lamott's "Shitty First Draft" This Week's Challenge:Pick one small, repetitive task you dislike. Try using the "Act As" framework: give AI a specific persona (like 'expert copywriter' or 'meticulous assistant'), provide clear context and constraints for the task, and see how the results improve. Just start the conversation! 🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.com Instagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieCheck out the Paced App: getpaced.app Music for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript .#AIforCreators #AIWorkflow #ArtificialIntelligence #ContentCreation #ProductivityHacks #EntrepreneurLife #StopOverwhelm #CreativePartner #PromptTips #GettingItDoneKeepingItReal

We spend so much time preparing for the fear of failure, but what if the thing holding you back is actually the fear of success?Success means change, new expectations, and leaving the safety of who you've always been. In this vulnerable episode, I share my real-time struggle with what author Gay Hendricks calls the "Upper Limit Problem"—the subconscious ways we sabotage ourselves when we exceed our internal thermostat for success.Using my journey with the Paced app as a real-world example, we'll dissect the four hidden barriers that make us feel "fundamentally flawed" and I'll teach you the 3-step "Success Planning" system I use to fight back. This is the system you need to define your goals, plan for the "good problems" success creates, and finally give yourself permission to evolve.In This Episode:(00:53) - Why the fear of success can be just as paralyzing as the fear of failure.(01:49) - Understanding the "Upper Limit Problem" from Gay Hendricks' book, "The Big Leap".(02:40) - The four hidden barriers that cause us to self-sabotage.(04:26) - My real-time story of hitting my own upper limit with the Paced app.(05:19) - How to fight back with a 3-step system: "Success Planning".(05:53) - Step 1: Define what success really looks like on your own terms.(07:11) - Step 2: Proactively map out your "success problems".(09:34) - Step 3: The most crucial step—giving yourself permission to evolve.(10:37) - Recap & Your Weekly Challenge.Resources Mentioned:"The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level" by Gay Hendricks.This Week's Challenge:Take one of your big goals, write down what success looks like, and then list three new good problems that success will create.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieFollow the Paced App journey: getpaced.appMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#FearOfSuccess #ImposterSyndrome #SelfSabotage #PersonalGrowth #UpperLimitProblem #GettingItDoneKeepingItReal #RhondaLavoiePodcast

In this first "Check-in," Rhonda gives a huge thank you for the incredible launch week and shares a look behind the scenes at her other big passion project: an app she's developing called Paced.Learn the "why" behind the app, the simple philosophy of taking back "your time, at your pace," and how the journey of building it has been a real-life example of the very principles discussed on this podcast—setting big goals, breaking them down into systems, and learning to "bounce back faster" from inevitable "hiccups".In This Episode:(00:04) - A Huge Thank You for the Launch (00:51) - What I'm Building: An Introduction to the Paced App (01:08) - The Philosophy: Taking Back Your Time, at Your Pace (01:29) - The Journey: A Real-Life Example of "Bouncing Back Faster"(01:47) - How to Follow the Paced Journey (01:54) - Teaser for Next Week's Episode Resources Mentioned:Paced App Website: getpaced.app🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieTikTok: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#TheRhondaLavoiePodcast #PacedApp #GettingItDoneKeepingItReal #PersonalGrowth

If you've ever been stopped in your tracks by the fear of failing, this episode is for you. In this direct, "tough love" episode, Rhonda confronts the "what if" list that paralyzes us and reframes the entire concept of failure. Learn the "Fear Autopsy"—a simple, practical system for dissecting what you're really afraid of—and discover why the only guaranteed way to fail is to not give yourself the opportunity to try.In This Episode:(00:03) - The Hook: You're Asking the Wrong Question About Fear(00:54) - My Story: Feeling Trapped and the "What If" List(02:16) - The "Fear Autopsy": A 3-Step System to Dissect Your Fear(04:08) - The Reframe: Why You're Already Failing(05:12) - The Science (Part 1): What is "Catastrophizing"?(06:10) - The Science (Part 2): The Cost of Not Trying & "Loss Aversion"(08:00) - Recap & Your Weekly ChallengeResources Mentioned:Concept: CatastrophizingConcept: Loss Aversion (from Daniel Kahneman)This Week's Challenge: Pick one thing you're procrastinating on out of fear. Ask yourself, 'What's the real consequence, and what's the cost of the first step?' And then, just take that first step.🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoieFacebook: Rhonda LavoieTikTok:@ rhonda.lavoieMusic for The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast: "Sunny Days" by Jimmy Gunnarsson via Descript.#TheRhondaLavoiePodcast #FearOfFailure #Mindset #GettingItDoneKeepingItReal

How many times have you started a new habit, only to miss a day and quit altogether? In this episode, Rhonda tackles the "all-or-nothing" trap that derails our best intentions.Learn how to reframe "failure" as a "hiccup" and discover the simple, powerful rule that is the key to building resilience: Bounce Back Faster. This episode is packed with personal stories and scientific insights to help you stop punishing yourself for missteps and start celebrating the win of getting back on track.In This Episode:(Note: You will need to adjust these times to match your final video)(00:12) - The "Next Monday" Myth: Why We Quit(01:05) - The "All-or-Nothing" Trap & My Video Podcast Story(02:29) - The Reframe: Why "Hiccup" is a More Powerful Word than "Failure"(03:40) - The "Bounce Back Faster" Rule, Explained in 3 Parts(05:32) - The Science of Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff(06:18) - Recap & Your Weekly ChallengeResources Mentioned:Concept: Self-Compassion (Dr. Kristin Neff)This Week's Challenge:The next time you have a hiccup with a habit, notice that inner critic, tell it to take a hike, and then consciously celebrate the win of getting back on track.

Does your morning feel like a total gong show? For a longtime, Rhonda felt the same way.In the first episode of The Rhonda Lavoie Podcast, Rhondashares the relatable origin story of her belief in routines, explaining how she only realized their true value after experiencing the chaos of not having one.Learn why your brain might be fighting against you in the morning and the simple systems you can use to start your day with intention.In This Episode:(00:01) - The "Gong Show" Morning: Are You Starting Your Day in Chaos?(00:20) - The Story: My "Intentional" Routine & The Miracle Morning(01:55) - The Turning Point: What Happened When I Lost My Routine in Mexico(03:07) - The "Aha!" Moment on the Patio(04:24) - The "Unfancy" System: My Routine & Simple Ideas to Start(07:51) - The Science Behind It: What is Priming?(09:39) - Recap & Your Weekly ChallengeResources Mentioned:·      Concept: Priming·      Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman·      Book: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod This Week's Challenge: Your challenge for this week isn't to create a whole new routine. It's to pick just ONE simple thing from the episode that you can do consistently every morning.🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEYouTube 🔗 CONNECT WITH RHONDAWebsite: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoie Facebook: @rhonda lavoie

In this short, special announcement, Rhonda shares the exciting news that the "TUF Coffee Shop Talk" podcast is evolving. Listen in to hear the "why" behind the change and the new direction focused on personal growth and real systems.What's New:New Name: The Rhonda Lavoie PodcastNew Tagline: Getting It Done, Keeping It RealOfficial Relaunch: Tuesday, October 7thOn launch day, we'll be dropping three brand new episodes all at once!Make sure you stay subscribed to this feed so you don't miss a thing! Thank you for being a part of this journey!Connect with Rhonda:Website: rhondalavoie.comInstagram: @rhonda.lavoie

Is real estate as "cutthroat" as they say? And in a fiercely competitive industry, is being nice really a good idea? 🤔 This week on TUF Coffee Shop Talk, I'm tackling these tough questions head-on!We'll dive into why real estate can feel so competitive, but more importantly, I'm sharing why I firmly believe professional kindness and respect are your ultimate superpower. Learn how adopting an abundance mindset (instead of scarcity!) can transform your business, leading to smoother deals, unexpected referrals, and a much more fulfilling career.I'll share personal examples of how kindness pays off, strategies for cultivating genuine industry relationships, and actionable tips for showing up as the professional, collaborative agent clients and peers love. If you're ready to win with integrity and build a business rooted in trust, tune in!Timestamped Key Points0:10: Intro: Why real estate is often described as "cutthroat."1:24: The nature of the real estate business that contributes to competition.2:29: The fear that being "nice" might be perceived as a weakness.2:54: Why professional kindness and respect are your ultimate superpower in real estate.3:18: Rhonda's examples of professional kindness (correcting errors, kind negotiations).5:48: The critical shift: Moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.6:44: The massive benefits of practicing professional kindness and abundance (trust, smooth deals, referrals, well-being).7:39: Actionable ways to practice kindness and build relationships in real estate.11:06: The power of building your network intentionally and living your "Why."12:03: Recap: Why kindness and collaboration are true professionalism and lead to success.Like what you hear? I would love to hear from you rhonda@tufsaskatoon.comDon't forget to subscribe!! I love to see my following grow, makes my heart happy! Follow me @ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠~ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠TUF Institute Website (Client courses, coaching an TUF Collaborative membership) ~ ⁠⁠https://www.tufinstitute.com/⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to my newsletter ⁠http://rhondalavoie.exprealty.com/newsletter