It Starts With Courage

What does your personal energy say about? Simply put, personal energy is the amount of stamina, vigour, or "juice" you have to complete a given task or engage in a particular activity. Your energy is an integral part of who you are and how you perceive the world. Energy awareness ensures that we pay attention to the things that are important to our happiness and well-being, while they are happening. Why is Energy Awareness Important? When you have low energy, it can affect your life in many ways: Physically – you may find it more difficult to work or do what you love. Emotionally – you may feel burdened by the demands of others and lash out at them, causing your relationships to suffer. Mentally – you may feel confused, make poor decisions, or let others decide things for you. Spiritually – your life may feel empty, hopeless or overwhelming. BUT when your energies are strong and healthy, your life improves dramatically! You have energy to spare. Your relationships become fun and joyful. Your love flows. Your mind is clear and decisive. Your sense of self expands and your creativity bubbles up with new ideas for self-expression. Life becomes exciting and meaningful. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, what do you think your personal energy says about?We'd love to hear your success stories. Reach out to us on social media or via our website. Topics Covered -How we interpret other peoples energy customer service and energy Energy awareness Relevant links: https://iswcpodcast.com/ https://energyisreal.com/explore/about-personal-energy/#optimizer_front_text-16 Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Everyone can lead - yeah, that means you too! You have opportunities to take action and make an impact on others' lives. Being a leader is easier said than done, but it all starts with one small step; having the courage to believe you can! It’s a process of little choices, not one big moment. Leadership doesn’t start when hundreds are following you and it doesn’t need a title or position. Be encouraged as we talk about what leading looks like in your everyday life! COURAGE STARTER After our conversation, what do you believe is your strongest quality of leadership? Which one do you think needs improvement? Let us know! To do so, visit our website or reach out to us on social media. TOPICS COVERED What is leadership Different types of leaders Qualities of a leader @itstartswithcourage_podcast Catherine Takawira @insecure_fitness Jen Burns @jen.burnsrealtor

Success is an enchanting word. Why? Because it feels good to be at the top, to see your hard work pay off, to be smiled upon by the good-fate fairy. It’s a high like no other.The truth is that, we all have the ability to become successful and interpret success the way we want to – regardless of where we are in life. As it can be measured on several variables, in the is episode we llook at some things we can base our successes on. Below are three points to consider when measuring your own success: Develop an intimate understanding as to what success represents for you. Success is measured by a state of mind, not by tangibles. Don't let others keep score of your victories. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, what is the most important measure of success in your life?We'd love to hear your success stories. Reach out to us on social media or via our website. Topics Covered -Crash of the British pound how generations have chaged how they measure success menal health in success metrics to consider when measuring success in your life. Relevant links: https://iswcpodcast.com/ Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Do you ever worry that the prime of your life has already passed you by – and it didn’t even have the courtesy to let you know as it flew by. Is there an age limit to the prime years of your life? Better yet, how do you know when you are in the prime of yor life? The prime of your life is defined as the best years of one's life, when one is at the peak of one's powers, happiest, most successful time; the period when one has the most energy, vitality, and potential. In this episode we go over what making every season of your life the prime of your life. You are always in the prime of our ife, we just have to learn how to recognise it. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, is there a specific time in your life you can say you felt like you were in the prime of your life? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics 70 year old body builder Seasons of life Recognising your prime times i different seasons Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Peak ages according to science https://www.sciencealert.com/here-are-the-ages-you-peak-at-everything-throughout-life Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

This episode marks 1 year of the It Starts With Courage Podcast. In this episode Cat & Jen look back at the past year podcasting and discuss lessons learnt and favorite moments. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, we would like to know what your favorite episodes have been, and what other topics you would like ti hear us discuss. Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Celebrating 1 year of podcasting Favorite eprisodes 4 things we've learnt Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Every great achievement starts with a strong mindset. When we spend time alone, we can access our intuition and our deepest thoughts. Those thoughts are the fuel that tell us we can go the distance. We just have to listen. In this episode Cat & Jen discuss a book that is a powerful reminder that by believing in ourselves and changing our mindset, we're capable of achieving anything e set our mind to.The 12 Hour Walk by Colin Obrady seeks to inspire people to embark on their own 12 hour walk and seek mental clarity. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, if you had oto go on a 12 hour walk, where would it be? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Podcasting for a year Reading the 12 Hour Walk Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Colun O'Brady's 12 Hour Walk Book https://12hourwalk.com/ Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

When was the last time you did something outside of your comfort zone? Comfort zones make us feel good because we are not beng tested, we know what to expect and feel in control. To achieve results you've never achieved, you need to sweat out and complete tasks that make you uncomfortable. How do you get out of your comfort zone? Simplify the first step -If you make the first step easy to bear, you’ll increase your chances of making progress. Aim for smaller goals when you begin Identify the source of your comfort zone Try methods that you’re comfortable with first Get an accountability partner Reduce overthinking Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, can you recognise your comfort zone? Are you prepared to step out of it? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Jen being forced out of her comfor zone Why we remain in our comfort zone Benefits of sepping outside of your comfort zone. Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog How to step out of your comfort zone https://productiveclub.com/comfort-zone/ Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Do you have a bucket list? A bucket list is a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. In this episode we discuss Cat's journey as she completed her first body building competition, and discuss 5 things she wishe's she knew before doing it. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, do you have a bucket list filled with things you want to do? What would it take for yu to start going after oe of those? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Feeling sexy Going through puberty 5 things you should know before competing Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Do you do your homework before investing your money on a service or product? The due diligence process involves thoroughly identifying, evaluating and verifying all available information on a person, company or entity. Without it, you leave yourself open to the risk of the unknown.The goal is to protect yourself from wasting time and money. Are you asking the right questions? Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, would you say you do enough due diligence? h Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Air B'n' B redemption Rating systems Watching the news Mar a lago What is doing your due diligence? -Following trends Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Bad decisions, we all make them. Most bad choices are made quickly without much time, effort, or serious thought. Making choices based on what you wish would happen or should happen or might happen is not a good foundation for decision-making.The results will never be what you need them to be to move ahead successfully. Here are 5 tips to help you make better decisions. Quit avoiding reality. If you can’t realistically look at your life, then ask a good friend to be up front with you. Quit making excuses. Excuses keep you from being accountable for your own actions and the consequences that follow. Take charge and determine your own path and you will make better choices. Quit refusing to listen to good advice. Most bad choices occur because we listened to bad advice and CHOOSE to ignore the good advice. Quit being so impulsive. STOP and think for just a minute (or a day) before you rush into making decisions. Most choices affect you for a long time. So, take the time to do it right. Quit being so emotional. Emotional and impulsive usually go hand in hand. Emotions are great—sometimes. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, how would you rate your decision making on a scale of 1-10? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Bad Air B'n'B experiences Bad decion makers Tips on how to improve your decision making Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog 15 Ways to stop making bad decisions https://conniepodesta.com/15-things-to-quit-today-to-stop-making-bad-decisions/ Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Focus is the act of concentrating your interest or activity on something. Focus is the key to productivity because saying no to every other option unlocks your ability to accomplish the one thing that is left. Focus can only occur when we say yes to one option and no to all other options. In other words, elimination is a prerequisite for focus.You always have the option to do something else later, but in the present moment focus requires that you only do one thing. Focus doesn't require a permanent no, but it does require a present no. As Tim Ferriss says, “What you don’t do determines what you can do.” -James Clear Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, how do you maintain your focus when you are surrounded by distracttions and temptation? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics Cat's competition prep Sticking to a plan around distractions Tips on how to improve your focus Relevant Links Submit your stoy here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog 15 Ways to improve focus https://www.betterup.com/blog/15-ways-to-improve-your-focus-and-concentration-skills James Clear https://jamesclear.com/focus Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Forgiveness can be incredibly difficult. Some of us have misconceptions about what forgiveness really means—and may deliberately avoid it. Others may want to forgive, but wonder whether or not they truly can. Forgiveness does not always come easy; but it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. Keys to forgiveness include: Know what forgiveness is and why it matters -Forgiveness is about goodness, about extending mercy to those who’ve harmed us, even if they don’t “deserve” it Become “forgivingly fit” -Sometimes pride and power can weaken your efforts to forgive by making you feel entitled and inflated Address your inner pain. You may be able to do this accounting on your own, or you may need the help of a therapist. Develop a forgiving mind through empathy. Recognizing that we all carry wounds in our hearts can help open the door to forgiveness. Find meaning in your suffering. To find meaning is not to diminish your pain or to say, I’ll just make the best of it or All things happen for a reason. Forgive yourself. In self-forgiveness, you honor yourself as a person, even if you are imperfect. Develop a forgiving heart. When we overcome suffering, we gain a more mature understanding of what it means to be humble, courageous, and loving. Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, do you struggle with forgiveness? How can you implement the above tips? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics What is forgiveness What makes forgiveness difficult Relevant Links Submit your story here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Keys to forgiveness: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eight_keys_to_forgiveness Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Have you considered that achieving a happy life is not about trying to achieve some sort of illusory balance. Instead, maybe it’s about pursuing your interests fully, and finding the flow that works for you at a givent time. Living in this manner trumps balance any day, and is less pressure to equally balance all aspects that make up a dynamic livelihood. With balance, when one thing is up another is usually down. Do you know your flow? Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, do you struggle to find the perfect balanace? What type of flow would work better for you? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics What is balance? The difference between flow and balance Relevant Links Submit your stoy here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog New York Times article https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/well/mind/maybe-we-all-need-a-little-less-balance.html Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

Success is a Team sport and it is important to be surrounded by the right people. Along the journey of success, you will require the commitment of other people, the right people. Commitment and loyalty cannot be bought. Who’s on your Team? Are you surrounded by the right people Success is a Team sport Do you have the right people advising you Do your team members respect you as leader or do they think they are better than you Things To Consider When Building/ Re-evaluatingYour Team: Do you know who is on your Team? Do your Team members believe in your vision? Are you surrounded by the right people? Do you have the right people advising you? Do your team members respect you as leader or do they think they are better than you? Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, assess your own Team or the Team yu are part of, what have learn't? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Topics DIY Projects Gym wars event What makes a successful Team How to re-evaluate your Team Relevant Links Submit your stoy here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)

The level of success you see in your life is a direct result of your belief system. Wouldn't it be wonderful to truly believe in yourself and be that person you look up to? You can. And you should. Outside of religion, Believing in yourself means having faith in your own capabilities. It means believing that you CAN do something — that it is within your ability. When you believe in yourself, you can overcome self-doubt and have the confidence to take action and get things done. Ways To Help You Believe in Yourself include: 1.Embrace who you are. How can you have faith in yourself when you don’t know who you really are? 2.Be uncomfortable - To make real change in your life you have to get uncomfortable. Do things differently. 3.Surround yourself with positivity 4.Don't be afarid to speak up. If you have a question or need clarity, ask! Courage Starter After listening to this podcast, what have you learn't about how much you believe in yourself? Reach out to us on social media or via our website www.ISWCPodcast.com and submit your stories of courage. Relevant Links College World Series Baseball winners -What it means to believe in a positive outcome during tough times -What it means for other people to believe in you Relevant Links Submit your stoy here https://iswcpodcast.com/blog Catherine Takawira (@insecure_fitness) Jen Burns (@jen.burnsrealtor)