Discover
The BIGG Success Show
The BIGG Success Show
Author: BIGG Success
Subscribed: 59Played: 1,213Subscribe
Share
© BIGG Success. All rights reserved.
Description
You are the entrepreneur of your life.
BIGG Success is about taking charge of your future by thinking like an entrepreneur—even if you never start a business. We call it personal entrepreneurship: a mindset that empowers you to take control, make better decisions, and reach your goals faster.
We help you create the life you want. One that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. A life that’s fulfilling in all three key areas: personal, professional, and financial. Short-term wins. Long-term success. Holistic and intentional.
Your co-hosts, George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster, combine business smarts with heart. George, “The Professor,” is a serial entrepreneur and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at the University of Illinois. Mary-Lynn, a veteran radio host turned entrepreneur, brings warmth and wisdom to every episode.
Join us for straight talk, smart strategies, and uplifting stories to help you focus, move forward, and create the life you truly want. That’s BIGG Success!
BIGG Success is about taking charge of your future by thinking like an entrepreneur—even if you never start a business. We call it personal entrepreneurship: a mindset that empowers you to take control, make better decisions, and reach your goals faster.
We help you create the life you want. One that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. A life that’s fulfilling in all three key areas: personal, professional, and financial. Short-term wins. Long-term success. Holistic and intentional.
Your co-hosts, George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster, combine business smarts with heart. George, “The Professor,” is a serial entrepreneur and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at the University of Illinois. Mary-Lynn, a veteran radio host turned entrepreneur, brings warmth and wisdom to every episode.
Join us for straight talk, smart strategies, and uplifting stories to help you focus, move forward, and create the life you truly want. That’s BIGG Success!
1193 Episodes
Reverse
You’ve felt that little twinge of fear at some point, right? We're here to remind you that even the most successful people feel it too, so you’re definitely not alone!Fear of failure stops more progress than almost any external obstacle, and it often disguises itself as procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance.In this episode, #1195, George and Mary-Lynn explore why fear of failure shows up, how it operates beneath the surface, and what to do when it keeps you stuck.You’ll learn the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, why confidence comes after action, and five practical steps to break the fear cycle.BIGG Takeaways:Fear of failure is a common struggle that even the most successful people experience, so you're not alone.A growth mindset can transform your approach to challenges and help you see failures as learning opportunities.By taking small, actionable steps, you can build confidence and break the cycle of fear and procrastination.Tracking what you learn from both successes and failures can lead to faster growth and stronger confidence.BIGG Chapters[00:13] Confronting Fear of Failure[03:08] Understanding Mindsets: Fixed vs Growth[04:35] Breaking the Fear Cycle[07:59] Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence[10:14] Transitioning from Fear to ActionLinks referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1194: Ever feel like life is moving faster than you are? In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn explore:Why this feeling happens and the psychology behind it.How certain life traps keep us stuck.Practical steps to regain a sense of purpose and momentum. You’ll learn how autopilot living, the “someday” mindset, fear of judgment, and loss of purpose slowly disconnect you from what matters most, and how alignment can bring you back into your life.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Life passing you by can feel confusing and painful, but it can also signal a need for change.The sensation of time slipping away often stems from a lack of alignment in your daily life.To regain control, start by defining what a meaningful life looks like for you.Routines are essential, but when they become autopilot, life can start to feel stagnant.Creating new experiences can stretch time and help you feel more engaged in your life.BIGG Chapters[00:13] Feeling Left Behind: When Life Passes You By[02:16] Understanding the Perception of Time[04:11] The Autopilot Life[05:19] Traps of Autopilot Living[07:27] Regaining Control: Practical Steps for Time Management[10:39] Navigating Life with Intention Links referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1193: Are you building a life you love, or just escaping one that feels misaligned? In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn explore how distraction, busyness, and “someday” thinking can quietly pull us into coping mode instead of intentional living. Drawing on research and real-life experience, they unpack why escape isn’t the problem...it’s a signal.You’ll learn how meaning, alignment, and purposeful goals create a life you don’t need to escape from, and why stress isn’t the enemy when it serves something bigger. The episode ends with a simple BIGG Assignment to help you spot misalignment and begin shifting from autopilot to on purpose.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Reflecting on whether you are building a life you love or just finding ways to cope is crucial for long-term happiness.Daydreaming can be a double-edged sword; it can inspire creativity but also create illusions of achievement.Engaging with your life rather than escaping it is essential for true fulfillment and purpose.Alignment between your values, goals, and daily actions is key to preventing that drift into autopilot living.Understanding the difference between coping and creating can shift your perspective on how you approach challenges.Finding meaning in your life through service and contribution can lead to greater satisfaction and reduced anxiety.BIGG Chapters[00:14] Exploring the Concept of Escape[01:37] Escaping Default Lives[03:24] Understanding Avoidance Coping[06:16] Finding Alignment in Life's Purpose[09:08] Building a Life of PurposeLinks referenced in this episode:Research: Some key differences between a happy life and a meaningful lifeEpisode 1190: Crafting Purposeful Goals That Propel You ForwardLife Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1192: In this final episode of the Life Map Podcast Series, George and Mary-Lynn bring all seven Life Map Course steps together. They explain why true success comes from integrating your personal, professional, and financial plans into one intentional framework - and why that creates a clear path that keeps you on track. You’ll hear how each step in the Life Map Course builds on the last - from your baseline and vision to values, mission, goals, and contingencies - and why none of them stand alone. Most importantly, you’ll learn how your Life Map becomes a flexible, day-to-day decision-making tool that evolves as life changes.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Setting clear goals instead of just wishes is crucial for achieving big success in life.Your Life Map serves as a decision-making tool that aligns with your personal and professional ambitions.Integrating your personal, professional, and financial goals creates a balanced life that fosters fulfillment.Contingency plans are essential as they help you stay on track despite unexpected disruptions and setbacks.BIGG Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to the Life Map Course[01:28] Transitioning from Wishes to Goals[03:48] Defining Your Mission and Impact[05:16] Building Contingencies into Your Life Map[06:13] Introduction to the Life Map Course[08:32] Creating Your Life Map: A Clear Path to SuccessLinks referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseLife Map Podcast SeriesFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1191: Life doesn’t always follow the plan — and that’s exactly why contingencies matter. In this episdoe of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn dive into Step 6 of the Life Map Course: Your Contingencies — How to Stay on Track When Life Happens.They explain why even the best goals need flexibility, how contingencies help you adapt without losing momentum, and why planning for disruption is a sign of wisdom, not doubt. You’ll learn how to assess risks, create simple Plan Bs, so progress continues even during challenging circumstances.Inspired by a memorable fable and grounded in entrepreneurial thinking, this episode shows how to stay resilient, adaptable, and focused when life throws surprises your way.Be sure to get the free one-sheet that goes with this podcast episode to help you identify what might get in your way and create simple, realistic backup plans to stay on track when life gets unpredictable. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways: In life, unexpected surprises are inevitable, so it's essential to have contingency plans in place. Contingency planning is not a sign of doubt; it's a wise way to prepare for real-life unpredictability. When faced with obstacles, remember to shake it off and take one step at a time toward your goals. Planning for failure means preparing for success; create backup plans that support your main objectives. A solid plan is good, but a flexible plan that accommodates life's surprises is even better. Identify three potential challenges to your goals and develop simple Plan Bs to keep moving forward. BIGG Chapters:[00:16] The Fable of the Farmer and His Donkey[02:08] The Resilience of the Donkey[03:10] Understanding Contingencies in Life Planning[04:37] Responding to Life's Surprises[08:16] Challenges in Contingency Planning[10:33] Wrapping Up and Moving Forward Links referenced in this episode:Episode 1186 – Your BaselineEpisode 1187 – Your VisionEpisode 1188 – Your ValuesEpisode 1190 - Your GoalsMission statement podcast freebieFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1190: Aligned goals are the key to turning purpose into progress. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn dive into Step 5 of the Life Map Course podcast series: Your Goals. They open with a powerful story about misalignment and show how the wrong goal — even a “good” one — can pull you off course.Building on past episodes about your baseline, vision, values, and mission, learn how to choose goals that truly align with who you are and where you want to go. Be sure to get the free one-sheet that goes with this podcast episode to help you turn your vision, mission and values into focused, meaningful actions by giving you a simple framework to choose the right goals. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Crafting purposeful goals starts with understanding your mission, vision, and values clearly.Aligned goals transform your dreams from mere thoughts into actionable steps, driving real progress.Setting too many goals can lead to overwhelm; focus on what truly matters to you.Milestones are essential as they break down larger goals into manageable, achievable steps for motivation. BIGG Chapters:[00:18] Transitioning to New Opportunities[01:35] Setting Goals that Align with Your Mission[02:35] Creating Aligned Goals[04:12] The Importance of Aligned Goals and Milestones[05:21] Challenges in Goal SettingLinks referenced in this episode:Episode 1186 – Your BaselineEpisode 1187 – Your VisionEpisode 1188 – Your ValuesEpisode 1189 - Your MissionGoals podcast freebieFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
Episode 1189: Finding your mission is the key to staying focused, motivated, and resilient—especially when life gets hard. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn explore Step 4 of the Life Map Course: Your Mission. They share why your mission matters, how it connects your daily actions to your bigger purpose, and simple strategies to uncover your why. You’ll learn the difference between goals and mission, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to create a mission statement that guides and inspires you.Be sure to get the free one-sheet that goes with this podcast episode to help you reflect on what drives you and draft your first mission statement. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways: Finding your mission is crucial because it connects your daily actions to your bigger purpose. Laura Bradford’s journey shows that passion paired with purpose leads to incredible achievements. Defining your mission statement can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be perfect initially. Reflect on moments of fulfillment to help uncover your why and what drives you. BIGG Chapters[00:16] Finding Your Passion[01:16] Facing Challenges: A New Purpose[02:28] Understanding Your Mission[04:19] Challenges in Defining Your Mission[04:29] Understanding Your Mission vs. Goals[06:11] Transitioning to Step Five: Setting Goals for Success Links referenced in this episode:Episode 1186 – Your BaselineEpisode 1187 – Your VisionEpisode 1188 – Your ValuesMission statement podcast freebieFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter
When life feels chaotic, it’s often because you’ve lost your sense of direction. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn reveal how your values act as your compass—helping you calm the chaos, stay focused, and make decisions that align with what truly matters.Get practical strategies to identify your core values, define what they mean for you, and bring them to life through simple, daily actions. Plus, learn how to avoid common pitfalls like choosing too many values or adopting ones that don’t reflect who you are.Be sure to get the free one-sheet that goes with this podcast episode to help you identify your core values. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways: To achieve BIGG success, you must identify and live out your core values daily. Your values act as a compass, guiding you through life's chaos and helping you stay focused. Avoid the common pitfall of having too many values; stick to 3 to 5 that truly matter. When facing tough decisions, ask yourself if the choice aligns with your personal values. Take small, actionable steps each week to integrate your core values into daily life. BIGG Highlights:[00:15] How to Avoid The Void[01:04] Understanding the Importance of Values[01:58] Identifying and Practicing Core Values[03:35] Understanding Your Values: Common Pitfalls and Solutions[05:18] Exploring Your Mission: The Why Behind Your Values Links referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.comValues Reflection Podcast Freebie
Every success story starts with a clear vision. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn reveal how your vision acts as your North Star - keeping you focused, motivated, and aligned with what truly matters.You’ll learn four practical ways to define your vision, blending your passions and strengths to create a vivid picture of your ideal life. Plus, you’ll see how this step builds on Step 2 of the Life Map Course: Your Baseline (where you are) and prepares you for Step 3: Your Values (your compass ) for staying true to yourself as you move toward your dreams.BIGG Takeaways: Defining your vision is crucial as it acts like a North Star guiding your life decisions. Without a clear vision, you might find yourself drifting aimlessly, much like a rudderless ship. Your vision should blend your passions and proficiencies to keep you excited and equipped. Writing down your vision in detail makes it more tangible and helps keep it top of mind. BIGG Highlights:[00:14] Navigating the Unknown[01:02] Finding Your North Star: The Importance of Vision in Life[02:04] Defining Your Vision: Strategies for Success[02:52] Defining Your Vision[04:32] Defining Your North Star Links referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.comPodcast Companion Freebie
Every great journey begins with one crucial step: knowing where you are. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn dive into Step 1 of the Life Map Course—Your Baseline.They reveal why this “You Are Here” marker is the foundation that powers your goals, how to assess your personal, professional, and financial starting point, and the risks of skipping this essential step. You’ll also learn practical strategies—from self-assessment and outside feedback to journaling and SWOT analysis—that help you capture a clear picture of where you are today.Be sure to download the podcast companion for this episode - a free one sheet with a few reflection questions to help you put today’s ideas into action. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here's to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways: Your baseline is the crucial starting point for achieving your big success; knowing where you are is essential. Understanding your current position allows for clearer goal-setting and prevents aimless wandering in life. Gathering insights from trusted friends and mentors can help uncover strengths and blind spots in your self-assessment. Regularly journaling your thoughts and progress transforms your baseline into a tangible reference for growth. Setting realistic goals aligned with your true priorities prevents burnout from chasing unattainable dreams. Utilizing a SWOT analysis can deepen your understanding of your current status and guide your success path.BIGG Highlights:[00:15] Understanding Your Baseline for Success[00:58] Understanding Your Baseline[01:59] Starting Your Journey: Self-Assessment in the Life Map Course[03:09] Defining Your Baseline for Success[03:56] Turning Self-Assessment into Future Vision Links referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.comPodcast Companion Freebie
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many options and not enough direction, you’re not alone! We’ve noticed that many smart, talented folks, just like you, can get stuck trying to chase every shiny opportunity. That’s why we created the Life Map course—to help you find clarity and create a clear, actionable plan that connects your personal, professional, and financial goals. Over the next several episodes, we'll dive deep into this course and transform that scattered feeling into focused action, so you can intentionally design the life you truly want. In our next episode we'll focus on Step 1: Your Baseline. Be sure to download the podcast companion for this episode - a free one sheet with a few reflection questions to help you put today’s ideas into action. Click here to get it.Thanks for listening!Here's to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways: We all juggle too many options in life, making it hard to focus on what truly matters. Creating a clear roadmap helps you take control and intentionally design the life you want. Our Life Map course connects your personal and professional goals into one powerful plan. Without a plan, life can fill your time with distractions instead of meaningful progress. In the next episodes, we’ll break down the Life Map course step by step for clarity. If you feel lost or overwhelmed, stay tuned for the actionable strategies we’ll share. BIGG Highlights [00:13] Observations on Smart Individuals[00:49] Choosing the Best Options in a World of Opportunities[01:08] Introducing Our Life Map Course[01:54] The Importance of Clarity in a Busy World[02:44] Introduction to the Life Map Course[03:22] Preparing for the Life Map Course Links referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.comPodcast companion freebie
Do you ever feel like complaining eats up too much of your time and energy? You’re not alone—research shows the average worker wastes more than 10 hours a month griping, especially about bosses and coworkers. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn share 7 steps to complain effectively, so your issues actually get resolved instead of stuck in a cycle of negativity. Inspired by Peter Bregman’s article in Harvard Business Review and Marshall Goldsmith’s research, this episode will help you turn venting into problem-solving. By shifting from destructive to constructive complaining, you’ll free up time, improve relationships, and feel more fulfilled.Takeaways: We complain about our bosses for an astounding ten hours every month on average. Effective complaining can actually save you up to ten hours of your month, so why not try it? By changing how we address complaints, we can transform negative energy into productive outcomes. Complaining the easy way feels good initially but ultimately leads to wasted time and frustration. BIGG Highlights:[00:02] Effective Complaining Strategies [03:19] Complaining: The Easy Way vs. The Effective Way [04:58] Effective Complaining Techniques [08:10] Effective Communication Strategies [11:04] Effective Complaint Resolution Techniques Links referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.comThe Abundant Living Kit
What really motivates you? Psychological research shows there are sixteen universal desires that drive all human behavior, from power and independence to family and tranquility. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, we explore these motivations, inspired by Dr. Steven Reiss’ book Who Am I? The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Actions and Define Our Personalities. You’ll discover how to rank your own motivations, evaluate whether your life aligns with them, and take steps to act on what matters most. Takeaways: Understanding your core motivations is crucial for achieving true happiness and fulfillment in life. Dr. Stephen Reese identified 16 basic desires that shape our actions and define our personalities. Finding and fulfilling your calling is essential to attain inner peace and feel like a success. Ranking your motivations can help you align your daily actions with your core values and desires. BIGG Highlights[00:12] Exploring Identity[01:30] Exploring the 16 Motivations Behind Our Actions[03:19] Exploring Human Motivations[04:08] Basic Motivations: A Deep Dive[05:13] Exploring the 16 Basic Motivations[07:39] Understanding Motivation and Fulfillment Who Am I? The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Actions and Define Our Personalities by Steven ReissLinks referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.combiggsuccess.com/blog
Change is constant—are you letting it knock you down or riding it toward your BIGG success? In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, we share four key steps to help you navigate personal, professional, and financial change with confidence. Learn how to understand your risk tolerance, challenge your perceptions, spot trends before they crest, and embrace mistakes as stepping stones. Whether you’re facing a career pivot, shifting market conditions, or a major life change, these strategies will help you catch the right wave instead of getting caught in the undertow.Takeaways: Change is the only constant in life, and we must learn to ride its waves. Understanding your risk tolerance is crucial; wealthy individuals often take greater risks successfully. Entrepreneurs are not risk lovers; they are skilled risk managers who mitigate potential losses. You should celebrate your mistakes as valuable lessons that lead you toward big success. It's essential to differentiate between trends and fads to capitalize on long-term changes. Don’t expect perfection; embrace the learning that comes from mistakes and failures. BIGG Success NewsletterEpisode 1182 blog postLinks referenced in this episode:biggsuccess.com/newsletterbiggsuccess.com
Ever catch yourself thinking, “If only I’d made a different choice…”? That’s if-only-itis, and it can keep you stuck in regret instead of moving toward your dreams. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn share three powerful steps to cure if-only-itis and take back control of your life. You’ll discover how to shift from “if only” to “what if,” determine which goals are worth pursuing, and challenge the limiting beliefs that hold you back. George even shares his own story of how examining the fit led him back to college after dropping out.Read the this full podcast episode summary on our website.Takeaways: The concept of 'if only itis' represents an unhealthy mindset that can hinder progress. Exploring possibilities by reframing regrets into 'what if' questions opens new opportunities. Examining the fit of one's goals and aspirations is crucial for personal growth. Propelling oneself forward requires asking why not, challenging self-imposed limitations and fears. Acknowledging that past choices do not define one's future is essential for success. Taking proactive steps towards change can transform regret into actionable plans for improvement.
#1180 - Success is sweet—but only if it’s on your terms. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George & Mary-Lynn explore a classic analogy from "Success Is Within You" by Howard Jay Whitman: the ice cream soda and the straw. What does it have to do with how you define success? Everything. One represents what others think of your achievements. The other is how you feel about them. Tune in to discover why your own definition of success is not just nice—it’s necessary. You’ll also walk away with key questions to help you define success your way. Find our show notes here: https://biggsuccess.com/?page_id=12732 Thanks so much for listening, - George aka "The Professor" & Mary-Lynn P.S. What's your definition of BIGG success? Do some self-discovery with our free Life Purpose Quiz: BIGGsuccess.com/LPQ
#1179 - Life happens — sometimes because of us, sometimes to us. But our reactions shape what happens next. In this episode, George & Mary-Lynn share how to rethink the story you tell yourself about life’s ups and downs. Learn the 2 kinds of life events and the 3 ways people typically react. You’ll discover how to frame your past so your future gets brighter, not bitter. BIGG Takeaway: Your self-talk makes you the hero or the victim. Reframe it to create your BIGG success story! Find our show notes here: https://biggsuccess.com/?page_id=14402 Thanks so much for listening, - George aka "The Professor" & Mary-Lynn P.S. Want to change your future? Be proactive and take our free Life Purpose Quiz: BIGGsuccess.com/LPQ
#1178 - Why are there two G’s in BIGG Success? It’s a question we’re asked all the time—and in this episode, we reveal the answer. BIGG is more than a name—it’s a powerful acronym that highlights four key measures of success: Believing, Implementing, Goal-getting, and Giving back. George and Mary-Lynn break down what each one means, how they apply to entrepreneurs (including those who don’t run a business), and how to use them to build a life of meaning, momentum, and impact. BIGG Takeaway: Use the four true measures of BIGG success to guide your journey and create the life you truly desire. That’s BIGG success! Find our show notes here: https://biggsuccess.com/?page_id=13929 Thanks so much for listening, - George aka "The Professor" & Mary-Lynn P.S. Want to go deeper? Take our Life Purpose Quiz to uncover what success really means for you. BIGGsuccess.com/LPQ
#1177 - Leadership isn’t just for people in top positions—it’s for anyone willing to act with purpose. In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn revisit a powerful graduation speech by former Nebraska coach and congressman Tom Osborne. He tells the inspiring story of Brook Berringer, a backup quarterback who became a team leader through his actions, not his title. Drawing from this story and other examples, George and Mary-Lynn share three simple but powerful tips to help you lead from wherever you are—whether you’re at the top, in the middle, or just starting out. BIGG Takeaway: Leadership is about impact, not titles. Find our show notes here: https://biggsuccess.com/?page_id=13613 Thanks so much for listening, - George aka "The Professor" & Mary-Lynn P.S. Want to serve more people and make a BIGGer difference? Take our Life Purpose Quiz today! BIGGsuccess.com/LPQ
#1176 - Recent studies show happiness is a key factor in success. So, we found 5 ways - each backed by research - to get more happiness in your life. Find our show notes here: https://biggsuccess.com/?page_id=14066 Thanks so much for listening, - George aka "The Professor" & Mary-Lynn P.S. Another great way to add happiness is to be true to yourself. Take our FREE Life Purpose Quiz: BIGGsuccess.com/LPQ





value your values 👌