Dr Lisa Hoover

Tag: #JugglingCareers

  • Overcoming Fear: Setting Stretch Goals That Stick

    Overcoming Fear: Setting Stretch Goals That Stick

    Fear. It’s a powerful force that can either propel us forward or keep us stuck in place. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of success, or even fear of what others might think, it often stands between where we are and where we want to be. But let me tell you something: fear doesn’t have to win. It doesn’t have to define your journey. Instead, we’re going to lean into it and use it to fuel those stretch goals—the big, bold, audacious dreams that are calling your name.

    So, let’s dive in, girlfriend. It’s time to set stretch goals that stick and transform fear into your greatest ally.

    What Are Stretch Goals?

    Stretch goals are the game-changers of personal growth. They’re not the “play it safe” kind of goals; they’re the ones that make your palms sweat and your heart race a little. They’re ambitious, maybe even scary, but they hold the power to elevate your life in ways you can’t even imagine right now. Listen, I have been where you are and being on the brink of moving forward is scary but not impossible.

    Think of stretch goals as the ultimate reminder that you’re capable of so much more than you believe. But let’s be real—getting there requires courage, strategy, and a whole lot of intentionality.

    Fear: Friend or Foe?

    Let’s call fear what it is: a survival mechanism. It’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you. But the thing is, fear doesn’t understand the difference between a life-threatening situation and stepping outside your comfort zone. It just throws up roadblocks to keep you safe.

    Here’s the truth: Fear is normal. It’s human. And it doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it just means you’re stretching beyond what’s familiar. That’s growth, and it’s where the magic happens.

    How to Set Stretch Goals That Stick

    1. Find Your Driving Force

    Your “driving force” is the foundation of your stretch goal. So let’s ask the questions: What’s fueling your ambition? What’s the deeper purpose behind this goal? When fear creeps in, your driving force is what will keep you grounded and moving forward.

    Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:

    • What will achieving this goal mean for you?
    • How will it impact your life, your family, or your community?

    Write it down. Make it real. Your driving force isn’t just motivation—it’s your anchor.

    2. Make Fear Work for You

    Instead of running from fear, get curious about it. Ask yourself:

    • What exactly am I afraid of?
    • What’s the worst that could happen?
    • What’s the best that could happen?

    Often, you’ll find that the “worst” isn’t as bad as you thought, and the “best” is worth every ounce of effort. Fear is just energy. Let’s harness that energy and redirect it toward action.

    3. Break It Down

    Big goals can feel overwhelming, and that’s where fear loves to take over. The solution? Break it into smaller, actionable steps:

    • Identify what needs to happen first.
    • Create mini-goals with realistic timelines.
    • Celebrate your progress along the way.

    Every small win builds confidence and momentum, making that big, scary goal feel a little less intimidating.

    4. Surround Yourself With the Right People

    You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, as human beings we are designed for engagement and contact; relationships. With that being said, surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—mentors, friends, or even a coach. Share your goal with someone who will hold you accountable and remind you of your greatness when fear tries to convince you otherwise.

    Pro tip: Be intentional about who you let into your space. Not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your journey.

    5. Redefine Failure

    Let’s get one thing straight: Failure is not the enemy. It’s a teacher. When you stumble (because you will—it’s part of the process), don’t let it derail you. Instead, ask:

    • What did I learn?
    • How can I adjust my approach?

    Remember what I wrote in my book—it’s either a lesson or a win. The only true failure is not trying at all.

    Examples of Stretch Goals

    Need inspiration? Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

    • Career: Launch a side hustle or aim for that big promotion.
    • Personal Growth: Write a book or learn a new skill.
    • Health: Run your first marathon or commit to a wellness routine.
    • Financial: Save for your dream vacation or pay off debt.

    The key is to choose a goal that excites and challenges you, one that aligns with your vision for your life.

    Final Thoughts: Fear is Fuel

    Here’s the deal: Fear isn’t going anywhere, but it doesn’t have to control you. When you feel it creeping in, take it as a sign that you’re on the right track—that you’re growing, stretching, and moving toward the life you deserve. Setting stretch goals that stick isn’t about being fearless; it’s about being bold enough to act even when fear is along for the ride.

    So, what’s your stretch goal? Write it down, map it out, and take that first step today. Your future self is cheering you on.

    Let’s keep the momentum going! Drop your stretch goals in the comments, or schedule a session to strategize how to make them happen. Together, we’ll turn fear into fuel and dreams into reality. You’ve got this! 💪✨

  • Finding Balance During the Holidays: A Guide for Multi-Passionate Professionals

    Finding Balance During the Holidays: A Guide for Multi-Passionate Professionals

    The Holiday Hustle—And Why Balance Matters

    The holiday season often feels like a high-stakes balancing act. On one hand, you’re trying to check off your to-do list at work—finalizing year-end projects, meeting deadlines, and planning for the new year. On the other hand, there’s the never-ending cycle of holiday shopping, attending school plays or recitals, and keeping up with family traditions. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered how in the world you’re supposed to manage it all without completely losing your sanity.

    Let’s be real: navigating the holidays as a multi-passionate professional isn’t just about squeezing more into an already packed schedule. It’s about the expectation to do it all—perfectly. We’re expected to be stellar at work, present with our families, and somehow find time to pick out the perfect gifts, decorate, cook, and maybe even enjoy ourselves.

    And the stats don’t lie. Studies show that 70% of professionals report increased stress during the holidays, with top contributors being time pressures, financial strain, and unrealistic expectations. For many, this isn’t just a season of joy—it’s a season of exhaustion.

    Here’s the thing, though: at the end of the day, it’s not about showing up perfectly for the holiday party, crushing your work deadlines, or even sticking to every single family tradition. What truly matters is how we show up—for the people who matter most, yes, but also for ourselves. Finding balance is about recognizing that we can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not just about surviving the holiday hustle; it’s about thriving in the midst of it. And that starts with giving yourself permission to prioritize what’s most important and letting go of the rest.

    source:google

    Strategies to Stay Grounded During the Holidays

    Let’s face it—staying grounded during the holidays is easier said than done. The constant tug-of-war between career responsibilities and personal obligations can make anyone feel like they’re running on empty. But here’s the good news: finding balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about having a plan that works for you. Let’s talk strategies that can help you thrive instead of just survive this season.

    1. Master Your Time
    Time management is your best friend during the holidays. Start by getting a clear picture of what your next few weeks look like. Pull out your planner (or open that calendar app) and block off time for non-negotiables: work deadlines, holiday events, even downtime. Yes, schedule your downtime.

    • Pro Tip: Bundle similar tasks together. Have shopping to do? Knock it out in one trip. Planning holiday emails for work? Draft them all in one sitting. Batch processing saves time and energy.
    • Why It Works: When you see your commitments laid out, it’s easier to avoid overloading your schedule—and your sanity.

    2. Prioritize What Matters Most
    Here’s a truth bomb: not everything on your to-do list needs to get done. Yep, I said it. Focus on what really matters. Maybe that’s finishing a work project that will set you up for success in the new year or making memories with family at one key event instead of saying “yes” to every invite.

    • Make a List: Write down your holiday goals—both professional and personal. Then divide them into two columns: “Must-Do” and “Nice-to-Do.” Let go of the guilt about skipping the “Nice-to-Do” items.
    • Why It Works: When you give yourself permission to let go of the fluff, you free up energy for what truly matters.

    3. Communicate Boundaries Like a Pro
    We all know that one person who will try to pull us into their last-minute chaos. (Hint: it could even be us!) The key is setting boundaries early and sticking to them.

    • At Work: Politely but firmly communicate your availability. For example, “I’m happy to help with this, but I’ll need to step away by [time].”
    • Why It Works: Clear boundaries save you from overcommitting and ensure you have energy for the things you’ve prioritized.
    • With Family: Be honest about what you can realistically take on. “I’d love to help with the holiday dinner, but I’ll only have time to bring dessert this year.”

    4. Blend Work and Festivities
    Who says you can’t sprinkle a little holiday cheer into your professional life? Combine work tasks with seasonal joy to lighten the load and make it more enjoyable.

    • Examples:
      • Host a holiday-themed team meeting or lunch to knock out both connection and productivity.
      • Send festive emails or small gifts to clients as part of your workday.
    • Why It Works: It allows you to stay engaged at work without feeling like you’re missing out on the holiday spirit.
    source: google

    Bottom Line:
    The holidays will always come with a little hustle, but you don’t have to let it steal your joy. By managing your time, prioritizing what matters, and creating clear boundaries, you can stay grounded and present in the moments that count most. Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself and others in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

    Let’s make this holiday season one to enjoy, not just endure.

    Feeling inspired but unsure where to start? Join our Parallel Path Mastery coaching program to learn how to balance your passions year-round. Click here to learn more!

  • Thriving on Parallel Paths: Set New Year Goals That Work for You

    Thriving on Parallel Paths: Set New Year Goals That Work for You

    Yeah, formerly known as dual career

    Embrace the Power of Micro Goals

    Forget massive resolutions that fizzle out by February. Instead, focus on micro goals—small, actionable steps that align with your larger vision. For example:

    • Professional Path 1: Commit to learning one new skill each quarter to enhance your career.
    • Professional Path 2: Build a portfolio or complete a project that aligns with your side hustle.

    By breaking goals into bite-sized pieces, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to celebrate wins along the way.

    Create Goals with ‘Cross-Pollination’ in Mind

    One of the advantages of parallel paths is the ability to leverage skills and resources between careers. When setting goals, think about how they can complement each other.

    • If one career path involves public speaking, set a goal to use those skills to promote your side business.
    • If your side hustle taps into creativity, let it inspire innovation in your primary career.

    Build in Flexibility and Grace

    Life happens, and rigid goals can lead to burnout or guilt. Make flexibility a key part of your goal-setting strategy.

    • Example Goal: Instead of “I’ll finish this project by March,” reframe it as “I’ll dedicate 3 hours a week to this project and reassess in March.”

    This approach allows you to adjust without losing momentum.

    Summing it Up!

    Goal-setting for parallel paths isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. By aligning your goals with your passions, creating synergy between paths, and staying adaptable, you can step into the New Year with confidence and clarity. Let’s make this the year your parallel paths not only coexist but thrive.