Write Your Outcome

 What happens when you strip away the titles, the achievements, the followers, and the applause? Who are you then? This week I'm having a deeply personal conversation about what I'm calling the death of the ego. Not the death of your ambition or who you are, but the death of your need to identify with anything outside of yourself.  I share what I've been learning about ego as an amplifier, why social media became a mirror I couldn't ignore, and what happened when I found myself shrinking in rooms full of accomplishment, wealth, and success. I also get honest about the moment I realized I was placing impossible demands on my life, and what changed when I stopped. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the ego is never satisfied, and what shifts when you move from your achievement brain into your awakened brain The difference between confidence and arrogance, and why confidence says "I'm the best I can be, but I'm not better than you" How to practice awakening in the present moment, where the thinking mind finally goes quiet What Wayne Dyer's water-in-your-hand metaphor teaches us about surrender and detachment from outcomes Why the world isn't here to make you happy. It's here to make you conscious. This isn't about becoming more. It's about remembering who you already are. You have nothing to prove. So if you had nothing left to prove, how would you live today, not someday, today?   0:00 Ego Crisis 2:11 Who Am I Without Applause 4:01 Social Media Ego Amplifier 4:27 Death of the Ego 5:33 Shrinking 8:57 Confidence vs. Arrogance 10:29 Is It Ever Enough 11:04 Social Media Mirror 13:21 Water in Your Palm 16:08 Practicing the Present Moment 19:32 Impossible Demands on Life 26:50 World Makes You Conscious   Referenced works/teachers:         Eckhart Tolle (ego, presence, "what's lacking in this moment?"),         Esther Hicks ("you can't get it wrong, and you never get it done"; "looking for love in all the wrong places"),         Wayne Dyer (water-in-your-palm surrender analogy)   Referenced in conversation:         Billy Joel interview (the silent limo ride home),         Sex and the City (Carrie's "models walking among us" line),        American Pie ("last summer at band camp"),         Everything Everywhere All at Once ("nothing matters / everything matters") https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC  

What if the most powerful thing you could do for your leadership isn't sounding polished - but sounding like you? Sandra Bargman spent her life on stage, but it wasn't until she stepped out of the spiritual closet that she found her real voice. As an actor, interfaith minister, and voice coach, Sandra teaches that authentic presence doesn't come from being bigger or louder -it comes from summoning the courage to be vulnerable. We talk about what it means to be an "edge walker"- someone who lives at the intersection of who we've been, who we are, and who we're becoming. It's messy there. It's also where the most creativity lives. Sandra's wisdom on staying present through loss, embracing the seasons of life, and helping others step into their truth is the kind of conversation that stays with you. In this conversation, you'll discover:   Why "edge effect" is a scientific term that perfectly describes spiritual growth How to renegotiate your relationships as you evolve Why grief and darkness are teachers, not enemies The B.I.G. approach to finding your authentic voice How to start going deeper when you're scared to look   0:00 Authentic Voice Defined 0:35 Welcome Sandra Bargman 1:29 Edge Walker Explained 5:01 Edge Effect Origin 7:24 Comfort Zone Edges 8:56 Born Performer 12:32 Called to Ministry 15:05 Mission Discovered 16:54 Good Girl vs Wild 19:34 Marriage as Archetype 22:15 Relationship Mirror 25:29 The B.I.G. Approach 31:21 Courage Is Muscle 33:48 Grief & Shadow Work 37:45 Seasons of Darkness 42:08 Staying Present Through Death 46:03 Embracing Life's Cycle 48:30 Pieces Must Fall 49:16 Where to Find Sandra   RESOURECS Want to learn more about Sandra Bargman and her work? Connect with her here:   Website: sandrabargman.com Book a 20-minute conversation: magicthreadmedia.com Podcast: The Edge of Every Day (available on all major platforms) YouTube: Sandra Bargeman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkZ1FE8OR10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrabargman/ Linktr.ee:  https://linktr.ee/sandrabargman Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabargman/   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC  

The words we speak to ourselves carry more weight than we often realize. They can light a fire within us or slowly dim our spirit. On this episode of Write Your Outcome, I'm joined by my dear friend and colleague Dr. Denise Williams, author of Wellspring of Words, to explore how our internal dialogue shapes everything—our energy, our relationships, and our ability to lead with intention. Denise brings decades of wisdom as a counselor, educator, and organizational leadership expert. Together we unpack what it truly means to become intentional about the words we use, starting with the ones we whisper to ourselves in moments of frustration or doubt. Her book, inspired by Proverbs 18:4, reminds us that words are like deep waters—they can nourish or overwhelm. If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'm so clumsy" or "I'm not good enough," this conversation will meet you right where you are. Denise shares practical steps for slowing down, paying attention, and replacing harsh self-talk with words wrapped in kindness. We also talk about the ripple effect of blessing others—even when it's hard—and how small shifts in language create lasting change. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult season, or simply wanting to treat yourself with more grace, this episode offers grounded wisdom for the journey. Because the words we choose truly do write our outcome. What you'll discover: ·        Why the source of your words matters as much as the words themselves ·        How to interrupt negative thought loops and replace them with truth ·        The science behind how positive words affect your brain and even your DNA ·        Why kindness toward yourself is the foundation for kindness toward others ·        Practical exercises to begin shifting your internal dialogue today   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Words Light a Fire 00:18 I See You 00:33 Finding Joy in Anxiety 01:02 Welcome Dr. Denise Williams 04:19 The Wellspring Meaning 05:49 Two Stories of Survival 08:15 Practice Before Game Day 09:48 Start With What's True 11:02 Look How Capable You Are 13:17 Being Intentional and Deliberate 15:28 Slowing Down to Notice 17:30 A Marriage Transformed 20:59 Peter Plants a Seed 23:58 Why Some Don't Believe 26:59 Strut in Your Heels 29:27 Pleasant Words Heal Bones 33:43 Bless Your Neighbor 41:05 Habits for Brain Health 46:15 Look for the Joy 47:58 Where to Buy the Book 49:13 Stop Saying You're Fine   Books & Resources Mentioned: Wellspring of Words by Dr. Denise A. Williams — Available on Amazon Stop Saying You're Fine by Mel Robbins — Book recommended by Denise Let Them by Mel Robbins — Book mentioned by Denise The Correspondent — Novel mentioned by Michele Lisa Miller — Researcher on spirituality and the brain, author mentioned by Michele Caroline Leaf — Neuroscientist referenced by Denise regarding words and brain function Avatar (film) — Referenced for the phrase "I see you" Proverbs 18:4 — Scripture that inspired the book title   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

        Who is writing your life? Is it fear, old habits, or your need for approval? It's a question I've been sitting with for years, and today I want to go deeper into what it truly means to write your outcome. It's not about forcing results or controlling every variable. It's about consciously choosing who you are becoming in the process.        When I was at a workshop with Jack Canfield back in 1997, he said something that has never left me: "The goal isn't the goal. It's who you become in the process." That single idea has shaped my entire approach to life, business, and spirituality. We get so obsessed with the outcome—the job, the money, the relationship—that we forget we're writing a much more important story along the way.         In this solo episode, I'm exploring the three layers of this work: habits that change your behavior, energy that sustains the change, and consciousness that transforms everything. I'll share why two people can use the exact same strategy and get completely different results, and why your state always comes before your strategy. I'll also talk about the approval trap, the control trap, and how to recognize when fear has picked up the pen. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: Why writing your outcome is about direction, not control How to recognize when fear, old wounds, or your childhood is holding the pen The difference between your personality and your soul—and why it matters Why your energy changes everything, from your words to your results A simple practice to reset your nervous system and shift your state The three levels of happiness and how to reach the highest one What it means to live awake and make conscious choices from your higher self   You are writing your outcome every single hour of every single day. The only question is: who's holding the pen?   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Who's Holding the Pen? 01:09 Beyond Goals and Control 01:56 Who You Become 04:40 When Life Doesn't Cooperate 07:00 Personality and Soul 11:05 Flip the Script 14:07 Spirituality and Perspective 18:48 State Before Strategy 22:53 The Approval Trap 26:29 The Control Trap 28:14 When Fear Takes Over 32:30 Habits, Energy, Consciousness 39:05 Conscious Course Correction 45:33 Who Are You Becoming? 49:33 The Wake-Up Call Books & Resources Mentioned: The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller Happiness Is a Habit by Michele Phillips Energize Your Happiness by Michele Phillips Jack Canfield's workshop (Santa Barbara, 1997) Brian Tracy's teaching on the two types of millionaires Michael Singer's teaching: "When your mind runs away, you don't have to go with it." Wayne Dyer's teaching: "Have the goal, but don't be attached to it." Eckhart Tolle's teaching: "Life is the dancer, and we are the dance." The "Footprints in the Sand" poem Oprah's podcast with Mel Robbins   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

   I've always believed you don't leave your soul in the car when you go to work. This week, I'm joined by someone who has lived that truth in the most remarkable way — Dr. Mamta Bhatt, known as the joyful scientist.    Dr. Bhatt spent over two decades building an executive career in research and product development for Fortune 50 companies, holding a PhD in macromolecular science and completing executive education at Wharton and Harvard Medical School. Then one morning, she couldn't get out of bed. What followed was a years-long journey through chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and digestive issues that conventional medicine couldn't resolve.    Her search led her to study food as medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and eventually to time in a monastery, where she discovered something profound: you can be physically unwell and still choose joy. That moment changed everything.    Today, Dr. Bhatt helps high achievers reclaim their health, energy, and vitality through her RESET protocol — a customized approach rooted in restful sleep, nutrient-dense foods, stress reduction, targeted exercise, and positive thinking. She calls herself a recovering high achiever, and she understands the cost of running on adrenaline instead of alignment.    In this conversation, you'll discover: ●       The early warning signs your body gives before it screams ●       Why sugar is the most inflammatory thing you can consume ●       A simple alternate nostril breathing practice to calm your nervous system ●       The concept of "taste rehab" and how to reset your palate ●       Why joy and physical healing can coexist ●       The power of one minute of gratitude to interrupt your brain's problem-seeking default      Dr. Bhatt's wisdom is both practical and profound. Whether you're running on empty or simply want to live more consciously, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 The Joy of Finding Yourself  00:32 Welcome and Introduction  01:13 Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Story  05:00 Early Warning Signs  06:46 The Monastery Journey  09:45 Reconciling Science and Spirit  10:13 A Humbling Opening Process  12:40 Running on Adrenaline  14:11 The RESET Protocol  18:11 Customizing Your Wellness  18:49 The Three S's for Sleep  22:05 Taste Rehab Explained  24:05 Alternate Nostril Breathing  26:53 Real Food vs. Fake  29:36 Joy and Physical Healing  33:03 Simple Steps to Begin  33:48 Training Your Brain for Joy  36:22 Dr. Bhatt's Offerings  38:13 Final Reflections and Resources Reascoursces https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC   Learn more about Dr. Mamta Bhatt ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Website: www.drmamtabhat.com ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Email: [email protected] ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Phone/Text: 813-235-3724 ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Instagram: @thejoyfulscientist ·        Book: Recipes for Joy by Dr. Mamta Bhatt ●