Just One Simple Thing: Recent Episodes

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Could you meet your goals this fall by doing something called a "focused sprint"? It sounds intense, but don't worry — it’s really quite fun and fulfilling! In Episode 135 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn when and how to use this strategy in your ministry or business.

So grab your favorite pumpkin spice pick-me-up and let’s get started.

As I’m recording this episode, it is Labor Day weekend …. the unofficial that all things Fall have started.

Fall gives us a window to reassess and realign with our purpose. It’s the perfect opportunity to shake off any discouragement and lean into the rest of the year with intentionality and purpose.

A focused sprint is about dedicating a specific period — like several weeks — to give your all to one or two important goals.

But first, let’s agree on what a sprint is NOT.

A sprint is not about running yourself ragged or pushing beyond what’s healthy.

Proverbs 16:3 encourages us with these words: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Practical tips to help you make the most of your Fall sprint:
1.Set Clear, God-Centered Goals
2. Break It Down into Bite-Sized Pieces
3.Create a Focused, Time-Bound Plan
4.Find a Rhythm That Works for You
5.Create Results-Focused Accountability
6.Say "No" to Distractions
7.Celebrate Each Small Win
8.Rest, Recharge, and Reflect

A focused sprint works because it taps into that powerful ability God has given us to concentrate our energy and passion on a specific purpose.

ACTION STEP
I’ve created a Sprint Planner just for you. Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to download your free copy. And if you are listening in real time the first week of September, my membership group The Honor Circle will be working through our sprint plans during this fall session, and it’s not too late to join

Thanks so much for listening today. If this episode was helpful to you, share it with a friend who might want to sprint with you.

RESOURCES:
The Honor Circle membership group

++++++++++++++++++
What if there was one place you could be in community with other women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full-time?

There is, and it is open for registration now!

The Honor Circle is a membership for Christian Women who have a big dream but little time, to honor all of the work God has given us to do. Click here for details and to get signed up!

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Making decisions that stick can often be difficult for creatives and other communicators. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with ALL the things that we do nothing. A Decision-Making Framework can be the difference between nothing and the one thing God has called you to do. Tune in to Episode 134 of Just One Simple Thing to learn how to create your own custom framework.

Welcome back, friends! I hope by now, you’ve gotten a chance to listen to Episode 133, where I share the three reasons why you need a decision-making framework.

1. It helps you make decisions at all.
2. To make better decisions.
3. To stop second guessing.

That adds up to your framework acting like a filter.

You set up a way to evaluate tasks and ideas according to what matters to you. And then only the things that fit and are valuable will make it through your filter.

So how do you create a framework?

• Start by identifying the criteria you want to judge your ideas and tasks by.
• Choose four or five things that you value, or that support your goals.
• Next, list the ideas or tasks you have in front of you.
• Rate each one by how well it meets each of the criteria.
• Add up the scores and see where they land! You might be surprised which ones have the highest totals and which are near the bottom of the pack.

When you get to the end of your framework, you need to pray over the results. Always leave room for the Holy Spirit to direct and guide.

ACTION STEP

If you need to see an example, I’d love for you to join me at the Now, Next, Not Yet workshop. I’ll also show you what to do with all those ideas after you have ranked them...what’s for now, what’s next, and what’s not yet. It’s a free workshop that I’m hosting live on Aug. 22, 2024, or if you are listening after that, you can get the free recording. Just go to doanewthing.com/priority for all the details. And I promise, this is completely free with no sales pitch at the end.

Thanks for joining me today. I hope I see you at the workshop, and that you’ll bring a friend!

RESOURCES
Now, Next, Not Yet workshop - Sign up here!

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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The number one issue I hear from writers and other Christian communicators is they have too many ideas and never know for sure if they are working on the right things. If that sounds like you, listen in to Episode 133 of Just One Simple Thing as you’ll learn how a decision-making framework can help.

Hello, friends! If you are listening in real time in late summer, 2024, you might know that I have been on my regular summer break. I’m glad to be back. I didn’t do anything super exciting over the summer … busy at my full-time job and hanging out with my family and friends.

Many of you went to one of the amazing writers' conferences that happen over months when school is out. Whether it was your first time, or you are a conference veteran, the days and weeks afterwards can be hard. You are pumped up and excited about all the possibilities. But you are also overwhelmed by…. all the possibilities.

Even if you didn’t go to a conference, I bet you still have a tornado of ideas swirling around in your head.

Over the years, I’ve developed some strategies to sort through all the ideas and decide what is for now, what is next, and what is not yet.

It all starts with a decision-making framework.

What is a decision-making framework? It’s a set of criteria and a systematic way of evaluating options, filtering the million ideas floating around in your head.

Let’s look at some of reasons why you need a framework.

1. To make decisions at all. A decision-making framework can overcome that overwhelm … it helps you step back and gives you a basis for making sound plans.
2. To make better decisions. When we are making decisions from a place of overwhelm and stress, we usually make bad decisions. The framework takes away some of that bias and emotion because it is an objective evaluation based on specific criteria.
3. To stop second guessing. When you’ve made an objective decision or prioritized your ideas based on a repeatable framework, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence, and close the door on that second guessing.

You invested a lot to go to that conference, and you don’t want that investment to go to waste. In his second epistle, John gives us a warning: “Be careful that you don’t destroy what we’ve worked for, but that you receive your full reward.” Don’t let decision paralysis destroy all of the great ideas the Lord has given you.

Action Step

Gather up some ideas that you have been considering - maybe it is a long list of things you learned at a conference, or that never-ending stream of brilliant ideas that overwhelm you. Then join me back here for the next episode when I’ll teach you how to create your own decision-making framework.

If you went to a conference, be sure to send this episode to the friends you made there. If you are overwhelmed, I bet they are too.

RESOURCES

Now, Next, Not Yet: A Framework for Setting Priorities that Stick – Join me for this free workshop where I’ll share my own framework and how I use it.

Join our community in the free Facebook Group Plan & Play with Do A New Thing for support, encouragement, and follow up on your action steps.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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I say all the time that my favorite thing to do in my weekly tasks is writing my email newsletter. There’s just something special about connecting directly with the Do ANew Thing Community. My friend Ruthie Gray agrees with me. She and I sat down recently and talked about ways you can nurture your audience through your email newsletter. Listen in to this fun conversation.

Hello, friends, and welcome to Episode 132 of Just One Simple Thing! If you are a frequent listener, you know that I almost never have interviews on the podcast. I just don’t have the bandwidth forthe extra work that comes with having a guest.

BUT every once in a while, a fun opportunity comes along that I can’t pass up. Ruthie Gray and I recorded a two-part conversation .... Half is on her podcast, Authentic Online Marketing, and half is here. You can listen to them in either order, but this half has some specific ideas for what to put in your email newsletter. So listen in and then be sure to go listen to the other half of our conversation on Ruthie’s podcast.

Ideas For Your Newsletter:

• Personal reflections
• Specific tips or tasks to help people take action
• Ways to engage with your community
• Community member spotlight
• Recommended resources
• Book focus -suggested reading for your niche
• Flash Back
• Hot Topics
• What I Learned This Week

A Word about Quantity:

• People are busy and won’t read everything, even from their favorite sources
• Make sure it is sustainable
• Offer an opt-out during special promotions
• Re-send with caution

A Word about Unsubscribes

• Don’t take it personally ... if they unsubscribe, they aren’t your people
• Natural pruning of your list
• Bless and release!

ACTION STEP
Connect with Ruthie on her website, podcast, and Instagram.

Wasn’t that fun? Thanks for hanging out with me and Ruthie today. Be sure to head over to Ruthie’s podcast, Authentic Online Marketing, to catch Part 1 of this conversation in Episode 109.

RESOURCES
Authentic Online Marketing Podcast Episode 109 –Email Ideas (That Work) For Nurturing Your Audience

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you frustrated by all the complicated marketing jargon and overwhelmed by sales pages, value propositions, and check-out carts? Well, I have good news for you! All marketing can be boiled down to just one simple thing. Want to know what it is? Dive in to Episode 131.

Recently, I was working with a new client on articulating her brand.

She’s in a completely different field than me or the people I normallyserve ... not a writer, speaker, podcaster. A totally different field.

I realized that her clients feel the same way as my clients. And what she offers her clients is the same thing I offer mine.

The content and the methods are completely different, but the basic motivations are the same. In a world overrun with complicated strategies and tactics, we’ve made marketing way too hard. The truth is, at its core, all marketing boils down to one simple thing –connecting your audience's deep-felt need with your ability to help solve their problem.

When you can keep that simple truth in mind, you’ll attract the people who need what you offer, even if you don’t have the snappiest conversion copy or slickest checkout cart.

Let’s talk about some practical ways you can do that.

1. The first point is to keep your marketing relatable to your market.

2. Another important aspect of effective marketing is using your audience's own words to describe their problems and emotions.

3. If the key to good marketing is to understand your clients’ need and how you can meet it, keep this attitude throughout the entire sales funnel.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and grab your Business Thesaurus worksheet. Keep those words in front of you to reference often.

Let's remember that marketing doesn't have to be scary or complicated. By connecting with your audience's deep-felt needs and showing how your offer can meet those needs, you can build connections and drive results. Thanks for tuning in today. I hope you meet me back here next time, and bring a friend.

RESOURCES
Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing –Facebook group where you can find the Business Thesaurus worksheet

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Have you ever thought about the difference between goals and priorities? Did you even recognize that there IS a difference? Join me in Episode 130 of Just One Simple Thing as we dive into this idea. We’ll talk about the difference, what happens when they are aligned, and what to do when they can’t be aligned. Shall we?

Hello, friends! Today, I want to loop you into a conversation that’s been happening in my membership, The Honor Circle, AND in some real life circles where I have been hanging out. It’s this idea of the difference between goals and priorities, and, specifically, what to do when your goals and priorities are not aligned.

Goals are the targets we set for our ministries or businesses. They drive us forward, giving us purpose and direction. They are born out of the passion the Lord has given us for our message.

Life's priorities are the realities we face. They often dictate how much time and energy we can devote to our goals.

Aligning goals with life's priorities becomes a frustrating tightrope walk. You're torn between pursuing your dreams .... The dreams that God has given you ....and fulfilling your responsibilities, which have also been given to you by God. It's a dilemma many of us face, isn't it?

We can all agree that life is so much easier when our goals align with our priorities. We have clarity, balance, and consistent progress. But what do we do when our goals and life's priorities don’t match up?

First, we can practice patience and give ourselves grace. It's okay to reassess our goals and adjust our expectations as life unfolds.

Secondly, we can embrace flexibility and creativity in our approach.

Pro tip .... Keep a 20-minute List handy ... a list of quick but productive things you can knock out whenever you find a few unexpected minutes. You’ll find more ideas about this way back in Episode 11. It’s also something we work on in our monthly free Plan & Pray sessions.

And finally, let's prioritize self-care and rest. It may sound funny to say I’m working hard to rest, but I know you other go-getter Jesus girls totally get it.

You’ll never NOT feel a little guilty that you aren’t doing more for this dream that God gave you, because there will ALWAYS be more to do. But when God called you to this dream, He also knew your priorities.

ACTION STEPPut a circle around the last Saturday of every month. That’s when we have our monthly Plan & Pray or Quarterly Strategic Planning sessions. Keep an eye on my email newsletter or social media to get connected.

Thank you for joining me today on Just One Simple Thing. If you have a friend who is also struggling with the balance between goals and priorities, please share this episode with her. You’ll be glad you did, and so will she.

RESOURCES
Episode 11 How to Make 10 Minutes Matter
Plan & Pray Facebook Group
Build A Better Quarter Strategic Planning sessions

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Have you created your plan for this month? How do you know if it’s a good plan, or a frustrating one that will keep you from moving forward? In Episode 129 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing the four things I look for when I review plans for my clients.

As I am recording this, we are at the start of the 2nd quarter of 2024. I can’t believe the first quarter is over!

In this quarter of the Honor Circle, we are going back to the basics of creating solid plans to move our goals forward. I just finished reviewing everyone’s plans and giving personal feedback. I thought it might be helpful to share with you guys what I look for when I review plans, and some of the feedback I’ve given. So you can review your own plans for the month

Take a look at your plans for the month and

• make sure your actions support your priorities
• The plan is not unnecessarily complicated
• It can actually all get done, and predecide what will drop off if things go haywire
• And your plan fits into your life and is it good for your life?

ACTION STEP

Head over to my free Facebook Group, Plan and Pray with Do A New Thing, and grab my Monthly Plan worksheet.

If you are unsure about your plans and want a professional review, I’d love to do that for you. Click here to sign up! I’ll get personal feedback to you within 48 hours.

RESOURCES:

Personal Plan Review sign up

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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You’ve heard the question before … you’ve probably asked it yourself. If not now, when? But what are you really asking when you say that? It could be one of three things, depending on where you are with your ministry or business. In Episode 128 of Just One Simple Thing, we explore the rallying cry, the desperate prayer, and the honest question.

I know that stickers are a trendy marketing tool. I found a great designer who gets my vibe and she’s developed a whole bunch of stickers for me. Kelly was sharing some of her designs on social media and I saw one that I loved. It said “If not now, when?” Kelly re-created that sticker in my brand colors, and I used it in a promotion at a conference last fall, and in the Do Your Thing retreat swag and at home boxes.

As I was handing out those stickers, it hit me that you could ask that question in a lot of different ways at different stages of your ministry or business. And they are all ways that lead to a deeper understanding of God’s purpose in your current situation.

“If not now, when?” can be a rallying cry, a desperate prayer, or an honest question.

First, a rallying cry. When you first started, you may have asked the question then … if not now, when? There’s no time like the present! It motivates you to take those first actions that will lead to clarity in God’s calling. If you aren’t careful, that rallying cry can carry an undertone of hustle culture. Like if you don’t do it right now, you’ll never have another chance, so sacrifice everything to follow this dream.

And it can lead to the second way we think of this question.

A desperate prayer. Lord, if not now, WHEN will you bring growth and success? I see it happening for other people …. When is it going to happen for me? Friend, if you are hearing those thoughts in your head right now, I want you to shut off your social media, close your laptop, and invite the Lord into those emotions. God definitely wants to use you. He has gifted you with skills, abilities, resources, and a message that He wants to use in ways that maybe you haven’t imagined. Sit with Him and let Him unfold that vision in your heart. It may be more simple. It may be more grand. But you won’t know until you deal with those emotions with the Lord.

Then, you’ll be able to ask the honest question. If not now, Lord, when? What do you need to do in me before I can step into this calling? Where do I need to grow? What do I need to learn?

After evaluating it honestly, you may find that the when IS now. It may be time to take that first step, or the next step towards the vision God has given you. But you’ll be able to do it without the hustle or the desperation.

ACTION STEP
First, head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing , and grab your Honest Questions worksheet. It will help you think through all those things I mentioned.

And second, check out my group program, The Honor Circle. In the program, you’ll be surrounded by other ladies with a dream that are honoring all the work that God has given them to do. And they are working through these questions just like you are. You can learn all about it here.

Alright … that’s it for this week. Can you believe we are almost through the first quarter of 2024? It’s flying by. Be sure to invite some f

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Hey there. my friends. Let’s dive deeper into this idea of community and see what happens when you connect with others on a deeper level, and how I have seen this play out in different parts of the Do A New Thing community.

1. Connections between networks.

Now y’all probably know by now that making connections between people is one of my favorite things. I love to connect one person’s need with another person’s solution. But I am only one person. In a thriving community, you get access to EVERYONE'S network.

2. Over-the-top promotion for your projects.

Most communities give you a chance to share about your latest work and people may check it out or make a comment or share it on their own social media to help you out. But in the very best communities, the support is over-the-top.

3. Community offers comfort and confidence.

Discouragement and loneliness come so easily in the online space. It's so hard to NOT look around and imagine lions surrounding you to take what you have you have given your heart and soul to gather.

In community, encouragement is more than just peppy words. It is heartfelt belief in you and your message that reaches to your very soul. Friendship is more than checking in on a Voxer group. It's praying for your deepest needs and asking God to unlock his big picture plan in you. We see this every month in our Plan & Pray sessions.

ACTION STEP:

Look in the communities that you are a part of. Is there someone there that you can bless with one of these unexpected benefits?

And if you aren’t part of this type of community yourself, reach out to me. Let’s talk about some of the ways you can connect with the Do A New Thing community. You can find the link to schedule a free call with me in the show notes.
RESOURCES:

Finding Home by Susan Macias

Empty Nest Awakening by Ruthie Gray

Schedule a call with me

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Can an email list become a community? You bet it can! In Episode 126 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn how you can transform your email list into a vibrant community that nurtures, supports, and inspires.

Welcome back, friends! In the last episode, we talked about some ways that you can promote your email opt-in freebie. But once you’ve had some people jump at the chance to get their hands on your valuable resource, what do you do with them? How do you develop the relationships that turn freebie-seekers into connected community-members?

I have some ideas for you, but before we dive in, let's ground ourselves in the Word. In Romans 12:5 (NIV), Paul reminds us, "so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." This simple truth highlights the community and belonging we all want to see within our online ministries and businesses, and gives us clues on how to foster it.

Your email subscribers are more than just names on a list; they're individuals wanting connection, guidance, and encouragement.

Here are some practical steps to turn your email list into a thriving community:
Step 1: Personalize Your Communication
When crafting your emails, try to create authenticity and personal connection. Address your subscribers by their first names. share personal stories, insights, and struggles from your own journey.

Step 2: Foster Engagement
Encourage interaction and dialogue by asking questions, inviting feedback, and sparking discussions within your emails. When they feel heard and valued, they're more likely to engage and connect with you and each other.

Step 3: Create Exclusive Content and Offers
Make your email subscribers feel special by offering exclusive content, resources, or discounts that aren't available elsewhere. By providing unique value, you strengthen the bond between you and your community members.

Step 4: Facilitate Connection
Facilitate opportunities for your subscribers to connect with each other.
Consider creating a private Facebook group or other online space where they can share ideas, offer support, and collaborate on projects.

Step 5: Cultivate a Culture of Encouragement
Strive to cultivate a culture of encouragement, positivity, and love within your community. By being the hands and feet of Jesus in your interactions, you create a safe and nurturing space where women can flourish and grow together.

Remember, building a community takes time and patience. Be consistent in your efforts, stay true to your values and your voice, and trust God to work through your ministry or business to touch the lives of others.

ACTION STEP
Review your email communication strategy. How can you incorporate more personalization, engagement, and exclusivity to foster a deeper sense of community among your subscribers? Choose one practical step to implement this week and watch as your community grows and flourishes.

And if you aren’t already on my email list, you can join today to see all of these things in action. Just go to doanewthing.com/podcast and you’ll find a place to sign up. I’d love to have you as part of the community.

RESOURCES:
Plan and Pray Facebook Group
Sign up for my email list here

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you getting email sign ups from your subscriber opt-in freebie? You put a lot of work into it and it helps your audience solve a problem. But if you want to actually get people to sign up for it, you need to treat it like the valuable resource it is and give it a proper launch. Stay tuned for Episode 125 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll learn four ways you can launch your subscriber freebie.

I think we’ve all been convinced of the importance of growing an email list, especially if you are not too keen on using social media to promote your ministry or business. But I often hear from people who say they have created an amazing subscriber freebie but no one is signed up for it.

Crafting a great opt-in freebie and creating an easy, reliable way for people to sign up for it is only the first step. In order to actually get people to sign up, you have to treat it like the valuable product it is and give it a proper launch. Here are my best tips for launching your subscriber opt-in freebie.
1. Find your launch team

Prayerfully select a few people and ask them to help you promote your new freebie.
Send them a copy and ask them to help promote it. One fun way to do this is to line up a newsletter swap. You promote their freebie in your newsletter and they promote yours in their newsletter.

Make it easy for them to promote for you. Give them the URL where people can sign up, and one or two square graphics they can use. The easier you make it, the more willing they will be to help.
2. Send it to your current subscribers

Your subscribers have entrusted you with their email address and invested in your ministry or business. You should treat them like gold, because they are. Always send any new freebies to them first. You can incentivize them to share by offering a special bonus.

3. Mention your freebie in your social media and guest post bios

Sometimes we spend too much effort in our bios telling people what we do, instead of giving them an opportunity to experience a taste of it themselves. Your new opt-in freebie should be mentioned in your social media bio with a link to opt in.

4. Promote your freebie on social media

Create a couple of Instagram and Facebook posts about your amazing freebie and schedule them out over the next few weeks. Schedule your promos once a week for the first month, then once a month for a few months after.

ACTION STEP
Choose just one of these ideas and use it to promote your opt-in freebie. Hint: The easiest one is to send it to your current subscribers and incentivize them to share it. If you post about your freebie on social media, be sure to tag me @doanewthing so I can share it for you!

You worked hard creating something special for your audience. Now it is time to get it in their hands! I hope this episode made it easier for you to do that. Join me back here for the next episode, where we will talk about turning those subscribers into a community.

RESOURCES
You can see the Facebook ad for my subscriber freebie here!

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you constantly second-guessing yourself? Unsure of your next steps or the direction you should head? So were some of the women who attended the Do Your Thing retreat recently.

In Episode 124 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing my closing message from the retreat. I hope it encourages you like it encouraged all of us there.

Sometimes God brings together the perfect storm of people, place, and revelation to create a beautiful moment of clarity. I feel like that is what He did for us at the Do Your Thing retreat, my annual getaway for Christian women in ministry and business to focus on whatever needs doing.

We had an amazing time and God really showed up for us during the weekend.I thought I’d give you a little taste of what we experienced by sharing my message from the closing session. I’ll warn you now that the audio quality is not the best, I was emotional, and I was still recovering from a cough, so the recording is a little rough.

I thought about recording it fresh, but I knew it would not have the same power as the original.

ACTION STEP
Maybe you need to pull out a card, write down all of the things distracting you, concerning you, or worrying you. Then lay that card before the Lord. If you are comfortable sharing, snap a picture of it and send it to me in a private message on social media @doanewthing. I'd be honored to pray for you.

I hope this special episode encouraged and blessed you. We’ll be back next week with our normal format. In the meantime, I’m praying for you aswell that God confirms in you His calling .... that He sets you resolutely in a certain direction.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Finally! I’m back! After almost two months of an unplanned break, I’m so happy to be back to creating Just One Simple Thing. In episode 123, I’m sharing four things I learned while I was sidelined and how I’m using them to kick off the year.

You have no idea how glad I am to be back. It has been the most frustrating two months I’ve ever had! In mid November, I developed a cough and head cold. Not covid, strep or flu. Just a bad head cold. About the time I thought it was over, it migrated into bronchitis. And then it because pneumonia. And then I got covid. It’s been awful.

But we know that with God, nothing is wasted. Not even a never-ending cough. My podcast break was unplanned, but the Lord has been speaking to me. Here are four things I learned while I was sidelined.

1. Some of the things I considered non-negotiable are actually very negotiable.

2. Reducing down to the bare essentials shows me what is really important.

3. My hope is in the Lord, not in a new schedule or routine.

4. Rebuilding doesn't have to mean building the same thing again.

It's been an uncomfortable period, but I think it was necessary to teach me these lessons. My expectations of this new season were unrealistic and would lead me right back in to a place of burnout. And maybe that is the biggest lesson of all. If you get unexpectedly sidelined, instead of whining (and I did my fair share of whining), look for the lessons the Lord is trying to teach you. It may be a redirection or refinement of where you thought you were headed.

ACTION STEP
Re-evaluate your non-negotiables. If push came to shove, what would you adjust? What priorities would you use to choose? You’ll make better decisions about that if you do it now, rather than waiting until your brain is oxygen-deprived.

Thanks for your patience during my break, and your kind messages checking on me. I’m grateful to be back, and grateful for you. This year is going to get better. I just know it. So invite some friends to come along with us!

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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While it’s great to get encouragement and positive feedback, sometimes you need to hear the hard things. I call it “tough grace”. So here in Episode 122 of Just One Simple Thing, I’ll share five tough grace thoughts from me and my friends.

As we move towards the end of the year, you’ll hear me and others start talking about year end reviews and starting to make plans for next year.

Part of evaluating your year is getting very honest with yourself about where you have been and where you are headed. And once you admit it, give yourself some grace and move on.

So let’s dive into these things you may need to admit as you review your 2023.

1. Take care of the money stuff. Even if your thing is more of a passion project than a business, the money things can get away from you in a hurry.

2. Renew your mind because our thoughts really do matter and pave the way to our success. If your year hasn’t gone like you thought it would, it’s easy to get discouraged and feel defeated. Allow the Lord to speak truth into your situation ... to show you the learnings and the small steps of progress ... the ways He has been with you all the way.

3. Trying to push through when you are tired rarely yields the results you want. Sometimes you have to push through to make a deadline. Making that a way of life rarely yields the results you want.

4. Progress may be slow when life is full. We all have to make decisions about where we spend our energy and when life is full, we may not be able to focus on the dream work like we want to.

5. You can’t expect results like a business when you treat it like a hobby. You have to adjust your expectations to match your effort. Or find a way to ramp up your effort to match your expectations.

Okay .... I hope this hasn’t been a downer episode for you. We’ve talked about some tough things. But don’t forget the grace part. Give yourself a heavy dose of it, learn from where you are, and carry those lessons forward with you.
ACTION STEP
Grab your calendar and make an appointment with yourself to do your year end review and annual planning. If you want to plan your year with me, circle January 6th on your calendar and watch for details on my social media and in my newsletter.

And speaking of my newsletter, are you a subscriber? It's is a unique combination of encouragement, exclusive subscriber discounts, and resources chosen just for you. Subscribe by going to my website at doanewthing.com, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and sign up to get my best to-do list tips. I’d love to have you as part of the Do A New Thing community.

RESOURCES
Cindy Yorks His GPS for Your SOS Podcast
Erica Goode Coaches, Consultants + Money Podcast
Erika Millard Get Comfy With Numbers Podcast
Melissa Dickey Empty Nesting On Purpose Podcast
Cathy Lawdanski @retired_empty_nester IG
Grace Workman Beautiful Art and Meaningful Gifts

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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As we head into November, there is one thing on the minds of online businesses and ministries .... It’s not turkey or dressing. It’s “what will I do about Black Friday??” Join me for Episode 121 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll learn three ways to maximize your Black Friday, and two ways to stand out in the noisy crowd.

Hey friends! Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing, where we are motoring towards the end of the year. It will be here before you know it!

Black Friday isn’t just a day now ... it’s a whole week. And then you tack on Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. It’s enough to make your head spin.

But let’s simplify the whole thing with a few tips and two ways that you can stand out among the crowd.

1. Don’t feel like you have to offer major discounts, especially if you are a service-based business.
   Cutting the price on your regular offers devalues them, and if you get a big response, delivering on all of those cut-price sessions could be draining for you. Instead, try adding bonuses to your regular offers that increase their value or you can go the other way ... a mini-version of your regular offer to give people a taste of what you do and how you can help.

2. Create a signature Black Friday offer.
   My core audience expects it and plans to purchase that weekend so they get the best deal.

3. Leverage affiliate promotions.
   One easy way to do this is to create a gift guide

So you have a great offer in mind ... but with all the noise, how do you stand out in the crowd?

1. Tease your offer in advance.
   If you catch their attention before all of the noise starts, they’ll be watching for your email so they can jump on it.

2. Make it personal.
   Segment your email list based on previous interactions and send different emails to each segment, addressing their specific pain points and how your offer can help.

And finally, as just one word of caution ...As you make your Black Friday plan, keep in mind the other things you want to do during that week and the Thanksgiving weekend.

Think ahead about how much time you really want to spend during the weekend when you plan your promotions.

ACTION STEP

Look at what you already have available and how you might promote it over the big holiday weekend. Can you turn it into a signature annual offer? When you decide what to do, tease it on your social media. Be sure to tag me so I can cheer you on AND share the amazing things you come up with!

Thanks for hanging out with me today. I don’t know about you, but things feel really unsettled all around me. I’m praying that by keeping things simple, we can find peace in the chaos and use our gifts to bring peace to others as well. If you’re in on that, send me a DM and let me know! That would be a huge blessing to me.

RESOURCES
Go-Getter Jesus Girls Gift Guide

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Y’all know I’m a big advocate for doing quarterly planning for your ministry, business, or even just for life in general. But planning for the last quarter of the year has some extra things you need to think about. Join me for this super short episode to learn the two questions you need to be asking at the end of the year.

It happens every year. October gets here and we are surprised that it is already the last quarter of the year.

Last weekend, I met with some members of The Honor Circle for our quarterly planning time. They have been working their plans all year and seeing the benefits that come from consistently working on the most important things.

Our planning took on a little different vibe this time as we looked towards the end of the year. I asked the ladies a couple of important questions as they framed up their plans for the last quarter. And I thought they might help you as well, so let’s dive into them.

1. What can you do to finish the year well?
And finishing well does not necessarily mean killing yourself to catch up on work you haven't been able to do all year. "Finishing well" might mean taking the first few steps because making some progress is better than making none. Finishing well also means you need to take into account all of the things you have on your plate this season.

2. What can you do to set yourself up for success next year?
Start by looking back at the fourth quarter last year. How did it go? Were there lessons you can learn from the way things went? If you can name the things that derailed you then, you keep them from happening again.

Another way to set yourself up for success is to think ahead about what you want next year to look like. Themes you want to cover in your content, programs you want to start, products you want to develop. You’ll be miles ahead next year if you start being intentional about those things now.

That’s it! Two simple questions. What can you do to finish the year well? And what can you do to set yourself up for success next year? I told you it would be super short this time!

ACTION STEP
Grab a sheet of paper or your journal and write the answers to those two questions. I’d love for you to share what finishing well will look like for you. Shoot me a DM on FB or IG @doanewthing and let me know!

Thanks for being here with me for this quick little episode. If you are listening to this in real time at the beginning of October, hop over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing. I have a lot of exciting things planned for the end of year. The Looking Back to Move Forward challenge, Build A Better Year annual goal planning workshop, the Do Your Thing Retreat ... hang out in the Facebook group to get all the info!

RESOURCES
Do Your Thing Retreat –My annual “get it done” working retreat. Join us for a weekend designed to support and encourage you as you do whatever needs doing in your ministry or business!

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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It’s great to see numbers and sales rack up, but as a creative, it’s helpful to have a visual representation of your progress. In Episode 119 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn four fun ways to keep your eyes literally on the prize.

I’ve been traveling some lately and it’s nice to be home. When I’m traveling, I start off focused on the destination. I want to get there and get off the road. But shortly, I start looking for the mile markers. Those markers tell me how far I’ve gone, and how far I have left to go.

In Jeremiah 31, God was talking about gathering his nations that had been dispersed, and he said, “Set up road markers for yourself; make yourself guideposts; consider well the highway, the road by which you went.

Let’s talk about a few ways you can create visual markers for your business or ministry to reflect the progress you are making.

1. The classic kanban chart: The chart is divided into three sections: To Do, Doing (or In Progress) and Done. As you work on tasks, you move them from one section to another. Not only does the kanban chart help you see progress, it also is an accountability tool. Keep your eye on that Doing section. If you start accumulating things there that you have started, but not finished, you know it’s time to focus on actually finishing things to make real progress.

2. Put a name to a numbers goal: I had a goal to talk to 50 new people. After each call, I put the name on a sticky note and put the note on a big poster board. If the call resulted in an ongoing interaction, I put a check-mark on the sticky note. This process could have turned into a numbers game with a dopamine hit for every check mark. With the poster board near my work area, I often prayed over the names. It reminded me that my work isn’t about growing numbers. It’s about helping actual people with their problems using my expertise.

3. Use your progress to motivate people to be part of something important: During registration for the Do Your Thing retreat, as people sign up, I put their name on the floor plan of the house where we are staying, and share that on my social media. When they can picture themselves staying in a specific room, they want to be part of it.

4. Make a thermometer graphic: This seems to work especially well for sales or fundraising goals, because it makes people feel like their contribution, no matter how large or small, is part of making something special happen.

When your destination still seems far away, look at your markers and see that thus far, the Lord has helped you, and be encouraged that He will help you to the next marker.

ACTION STEP
Pick one of these visual markers and find a way to use it with your own goals. Snap a picture and share it on social media. Be sure to tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!

Thanks so much for listening in. I’m so grateful for every person who listens, shares, or leaves a review. Those things are an encouragement in a space that can feel very lonely, and I appreciate your generosity.

RESOURCES
Do Your Thing Retreat –Registration is open for the January, 2024 retreat!
Episode 54: Ten Creative Ways to Use Sticky Notes
Move Forward Journal –One year line-a-day journal

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you in a program that has group coaching or mastermind calls? Are you making the most of that opportunity? Listen in with me on Episode 118 of just one simple thing, and you’ll learn four ways to supercharge your group experience.

Let’s talk a little bit first about the difference been masterminding and group coaching. We often use these terms interchangeably, but they are really two distinct types of interactions. Group coaching is led by the coach. A mastermind is led by the group.In group coaching, the coach may have a specific topic to cover or a question to answer posed by a group member. They may teach by asking questions and leading group to their own answers.

In a mastermind, the conversation can be more free-flowing. There is often one person on the “hot seat” and everyone else offers input and insight into an issue based on their own experience.

Now that we understand the difference between group coaching and masterminds, that leads into our first tip for making that most of them.

1. Know what type of group interaction it is. If you aren’t sure, ask the leader.
2. Prepare for your mastermind hot seat. Remember that the hot seat is ALL about YOU, and it can be the single most valuable source of ideas and direction.
3. Help the person on the hot seat get to the heart of the issue by asking pointed questions and reframing the problem. Sometimes the most casual comment can make all the difference.
4. Group coaching is NOT all about you. If you coach asks for suggestions on questions she could answer during your group coaching session, this is the time to ask some of the bigger picture questions that may be applicable to several others in the group.

So there ya go … group coaching is driven by the coach and all about what you learn from her. Masterminds are driven by the participants and how they can learn from each other.
ACTION STEP
Give a shoutout to your group on social media and tag me so I can learn what y’all are up to.

Speaking of social media, are you following me there? If not, find me on Instagram and Facebook @doanewthing. I often use that space to expand on the podcast topic and go a little deeper. I can’t wait to meet you there.

RESOURCES
Do Your Thing Retreat – My “get-it-done” retreat opens for registration soon, so head over there to get your name on the priority list!

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What if there was one place you could be in community with other women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full-time?

There is, and it is open for registration now!

The Honor Circle is a membership for Christian Women who have a big dream but little time, to honor all of the work God has given us to do. Click here for details and to get signed up!

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Are you ready to join with other creatives and entrepreneurs in a membership program? There are a lot of things to consider before you join one, so listen in to Episode 117 where you’ll learn five things you need to know before signing up.

After a summer of fun and family (and maybe a little work!) it’s time to start looking at the last part of the year and make a plan for finishing the year strong.

One part of your plan may be to join a membership program. There are a ton of them out there, each with a little different twist, and you’ll see most of them open up this time of year for new members.

But let’s assume that you’ve decided that joining a membership would be helpful as you make the push towards the end the year. How do you decide which one is best for you?

Now, full disclosure .... I do have a membership program called the Honor Circle and I’ll share about it throughout this episode. I’d love to have all of you join us in the circle, but it may or may not be the right fit for you.

Let’s look at the some of the key things to consider as you choose.

1. Is the program a fit for your faith and values?
Make sure it’s not going to put you in conflict or make you uncomfortable.

2. Is it designed for the stage that you are in?
Information and training provided may not apply to you and it would be a waste of money.

3. Is it a membership or a mastermind? And which of those are you looking for?

• Membership is content-driven and tends more towards serving up training and information.
• Mastermind is relationship-driven and focuses more on community. It gives the members opportunities to get specific input from each other and from the leader on issues in their business.

4. Are you able to use the resources that are provided?Do the meeting times fit in your schedule?
5. Does it fit in your budget?
The more expensive programs tend to be smaller and have more personal input. Less expensive programs tend to be larger with less one on one.

With all the membership and mastermind options available, there is surely one out there right for you.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing. I’ve created a worksheet you can use to compare different programs.

I’d also love for you to check out my group program, The Honor Circle, and see if it is a fit for you.

Thanks for hanging out with me today. I bet you have some friends who are thinking about joining a membership so maybe you could share this episode with them? They would thank you, and so would.

RESOURCES
The Honor Circle –A group program for Christian women building their God-inspired dream with working full-time
Uplift Mentormind –Mastermind + Coaching for Christian Business Women
Christian Woman Business Podcast Epsiode 111–5 Problems a Business Mastermind Can Help You Solve

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What if there was one place you could be in community with other women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full-time?

There is, and it is open for registration now!

The Honor Circle is a membership for Christian Women who have a big dream but little time, to honor all of the work God has given us to do. Click here for details and to get signed up!

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There is a ton of information out there about creating a social media content plan. But content is only half of the social media equation. The other half is the most overlooked part of growing a social media presence. Wanna know what it is? Join me for Episode 116 of Just One Simple Thing.

Welcome back, friends! We are spending this month talking about social media. It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked. In fact, one of my clients asked me just this week. How much should I post on social media to grow my ministry or business?

It’s not surprising that many people want to limit their time on social media. Much of it has become a toxic, triggering place.

But engagement is not just randomly scrolling through your feed and sprinkling likes around. It’s also not sending spammy DM’s to every new follower. And it doesn’t have to take hours every week.

Let me share some of my favorite engagement tips that are genuine, strategic AND productive.

1. Engage at all levels
2. Use Comments and Likes strategically

3. Message

4. Remember that social media is meant to be social ... people don’t want to be marketed to. But they do want to feel noticed, that you understand their struggles, and that you have a solution.

5. Groups

6. Divide your FB groups into 2 categories: Interaction and Reference. Make a schedule to show up in your interaction groups weekly.

Let’s all go out and make social media fun again. It takes great content AND consistent engagement.

If you want to get more detail, check out my upcoming live masterclass, Simplify Your Social. It includes a quiz to determine your Social Identity, tells you your target number of posts, stories, and videos depending on your identity, and more than 50 ideas to get you off the blank page. Visit doanewthing.com/simplify for all the details.

ACTION STEP
Practice your social media engagement by snapping a screen shot of this episode where ever you are listening. Post it on your social media and tell me your favorite way to engage. I promise to share it if you tag me @doanewthing

RESOURCES
Simplify Your Social –Create a custom social media plan based on your Social Identity

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Are you overwhelmed by social media and wondering if it's even worth it any more?Join me for a 2-hour live masterclass where you'll take the Social Media Identity Quiz, find your style and then use 50+ ideas to fill your planning calendar.

As a Christian communicator, you CAN make a kingdom impact on social media. Register now for Simplify Your Social.

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How often should I post on social media? It’s a question that everyone who is building a business or ministry online has asked at one point or another. And no matter what the gurus say, the answer is not the same for everyone.

In Episode 115 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn four things that can determine how much time you need to spend promoting on social media.

If you are a regular listener, you know that the podcast has been on a break for a couple of months. I’ve enjoyed the time off, but I’m glad to get back here with you. You’ll probably notice a few changes.

I’ll be releasing a new episode every other week instead of every week.

Instead of having fully scripted episodes, I’m gonna try to work just from an outline.

Let’s dive into the topic for today .... How often do you need to post on social media?

I want you to know that Social media is A way to promote your business, but it is not the only way. For some people, social media is a toxic, triggering place. And the right choice for you may be to stay away from it. BUT, if that is the choice you feel led to, you’ll need to invest your time and energy into other ways to grow. Through referrals, collaborations, good SEO ... there are a bunch of other ways.

And if you need some ideas OTHER than social media for getting eyeballs on your message, check out my five-day email challenge, Rocket Your Reach, to learn how to create a visibility plan that doesn’t necessarily require social media. You can learn more about it at doanewthing.com/rocket.

Now let’s talk about what goes into deciding how much you need to post. There are four things to consider.

What type of ministry or business do you have?

• One-on-one coaches or service providers need less social media
• If you are more based on selling courses or products, you depend on volume and need to build a larger following to support sales

How many followers do you have?

• When you are starting, focus more on authentic, organic engagement
• As you get larger,those raving fans and partners will create engagement for you and you can focus on establishing your expertise through valuable content

How many hours per week can you spend on social media?

• The more time you can spend, the more you can do, BUT be sure you are getting a return on those hours

How do you feel about social media?

• If it is toxic for you, limit your time there, BUT be sure to find other avenues to increase your visibility
• If you love interacting on social, make the most of something that you love!

If you want to get more detail, check out my upcoming live masterclass, Simplify Your Social. It includes a quiz to determine your Social Identity, your target number of posts, stories, and videos depending on your identity, and more than 50 ideas to get you off the blank page. Visit doanewthing.com/simplify for all the details.

Join me back next week when we’ll talk about the most overlooked part of your social media plan.

RESOURCES
Rocket Your Reach –Create a visibility plan to increase your reach and impact
Simplify Your Social –Create a custom social media plan based on

++++++++++++++++++++++++
Are you overwhelmed by social media and wondering if it's even worth it any more?Join me for a 2-hour live masterclass where you'll take the Social Media Identity Quiz, find your style and then use 50+ ideas to fill your planning calendar.

As a Christian communicator, you CAN make a kingdom impact on social media. Register now for Simplify Your Social.

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Are you taking a summer break from your ministry or business? While you might want to just drop everything and head for the sun, a little bit of planning can make for a better break and a better return from your break. Listen into Episode 114 of Just One Simple Thing as I share the things I’m doing to prepare for my upcoming break and get ready for when I come back.

As I record and air this at the end of May, this episode is the last one before my break in June and July. So I thought I’d share with you some tips for preparing for a summer break and along the way, I’ll share exactly what my break is going to look like, so you’ll know what to expect.

1. Consider your goals for your break:

2. Reflect on the purpose of taking a break and what you hope to achieve.

3. Decide what you will do and what you won't:

4. Use a spreadsheet or similar method to outline activities.

5. Consider important tasks before and after the break.

6. Make a financial plan for your break:

7. Evaluate your finances and ensure you have sufficient passive income or savings to cover expenses.

8. Inform your team and be clear about what you want them to do during your break:

9. If you can’t afford to pay them during the break, provide notice well in advance.

10. Consider if your team members also wish to take a break.

11. Inform your audience:

12. Let your audience know about the upcoming break and when they can expect for you to be back.

13. Make a plan for coming back:

14. Consider making changes or pivots during the break.

15. Pray and seek fresh directions for your ministry or business.

Listen in to the episode to learn what my break will look like!

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan and Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your Summer Break Planning work sheet.

I hope this episode has been helpful for you and I really look forward to being back with you in August. In the meantime, revisit some of the old episodes you may have missed.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Summer is right around the corner, and maybe your mind has already started wandering in that direction. How will you keep up with your ministry or business with the kids out of school, changing routines, and a body of water somewhere calling your name? Join me for Episode 113 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll learn four strategies to keep your goals on track for the summer.

Among my Christian business and ministry friends and clients, I find there are two types of summer people ... some who shut it down and take a break during the summer, and others who try to keep the wheels turning while navigating all the challenges that summer can bring. And even some, like school teachers or staff, or homeschooling mamas, who use the break to lean into their work a little extra. This episode is for that second group ... some practical tips and strategies to keep you focused on your goals, while still enjoying the fun summer times.

First strategy: make sure your goals for the summer are realistic.
Before you run yourself ragged, adjust your expectations to fit easily into your summer plans.

Second strategy: automation and systematization.Small tweaks can have a big impact on your productivity, the power of delegation and getting some help.

Third strategy: the power of delegation and getting some help
You'll not only lighten your workload but also foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration within your ministry or business.

Fourth strategy: Find creative ways to involve your family in your work.
Your family members may find new passions and skills to develop.

Vacations and changing schedules may disrupt our routines, but they don't have to derail our goals. By applying these four strategies—set realistic expectations, automation or systematization, delegation, and family involvement—we can still have fun over the summerwhile staying firmly on track.

ACTION STEP
Lay out your summer on a calendar and make sure your summer goals are realistic. Then list out three ways you can use these strategies to reach those goals. When the leaves start changing in the fall, you’ll look back and be proud of what you’ve accomplished in your work and in your family.

I’d love to know what you are planning to do for the summer. Are you one of those who keep the wheels rolling or are you thinking about taking a break? Find me on IG or FB @doanewthing and let me know.

RESOURCES
If you need help with those systems and automations, check out my friend Shannon Baker. She’ll do an assessment of where you are now, and give you a plan to set everything up. You can find her on Instagram or at her website.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Have you ever been at a place where you didn’t feel like you had any goals? You are just rocking along, keeping up with your work, and content with where you are? Listen in to Episode 112 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll learn the benefits of having goals that are not related to big projects or results, and how they can keep your work fresh and fun.

A few months ago, I was doing some accountability check-ins, which happens to be one of my favorite things to do. Holly gave me a good report. Things were going really well in her business. Holly asked an interesting question. “Is it okay to not have any goals?”

Hmmm. I had to think about that for a minute.

I said, It’s okay to not have any major projects or big goals. You don’t have to always be creating something new, or stretching to push farther than you’ve ever been before. It’s okay .. healthy even ... to rest between runs. But you do need to have something that you are working towards, even if it is little .... A small improvement in a work process, learning a new skill, or intentional steps to grow your network.

Working towards goals accomplishes a lot more than just the results you achieve. Let’s explore some of the benefits:

1. Stewardship: As a Christian, you are called to be a good steward of the resources and talents God has given you. This includes your business.

2. Faithfulness: Without goals, it’s easy to become complacent and miss out on opportunities for growth. Setting goals allows you to challenge yourself while honoring God through your work.

3. Kingdom Impact: We’re called to be like salt and light in the world, serving and making a real difference in people's lives. When you set goals for your business, it's a chance to line up your efforts with God's purposes and find ways to bless others.

4. Personal Development: Setting goals can enable you to continually learn, develop new skills, and deepen your relationship with God.

When you are feeling like things are going great and you are searching for motivation beyond keeping things moving day to day, look at those four things and find ways to make progress in those areas.
Stewardship - How can you find new ways to use the resources you have?
Faithfulness –Have you gotten complacent and stopped doing the things that really light you up?
Kingdom Impact –How can you make a bigger impact in the things you are already doing?
Personal Development – What new skills or tools can you focus on to improve your operations?

ACTION STEP
If you feel like you are in a good place in your ministry or business and don’t have any big projects or major goals to work on, head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray With Do A New Thing and grab a copy of the Micro Goals Worksheet.

Keep your eyes open for an episode where I’ll share what I’m doing to prepare for my summer break. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen so you don’t miss a thing

RESOURCES
Rocket Your Reach –Create a visibility plan to keep your business moving during the summer without being chained to your computer with this five-day email-based mini-course.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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In uncertain economic times, you might feel like you are taking hits from things you can’t control. But there is one thing that can keep you growing when the world’s on fire, and it is totally under your control. That’s to develop a reputation for delighting your audience through above-and-beyond customer service. Here in episode 111 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn three ways that you can create raving fans who will come back again and again.

When something delights me, I am a loyal fan for life. Don't we all want clients and readers like me? People who come back time and time again because they are delighted by what we do?

Through the years I have been in business, I have been blessed by people who have truly delighted me. They have three things in common ... they are kind, generous and fair.

These aren’t just character traits of genuinely nice people. They are Biblical instructions on how we should conduct ourselves as Christians in the marketplace.

It is good for people to be kind and generous and to be fair in business. Psalm 112:5 (ERV)

How do we display kindness, generosity, and fairness? .
1. Show kindness by being there and being dependable.
There is a lot to be said for just showing up. In the big things, like consistently producing content and learning opportunities for your audience, but even more importantly, in the small things.

2. Be generous with your knowledge and your platform.
Share your platform. Your peeps want to know you see them. Watch for how they are using your products or sharing your content, and acknowledge what they are doing.

3. Display fairness by offering value above and beyond what is expected.
Ask a lot of questions of your audience to understand exactly what they want. When you tailor what you offer to what your readers or clients want, you are sure to delight them. Someone who offers personal service that meets a specific need at a fair price is going to have people returning again and again.

Kind, generous, and fair. Those guiding principles will help you weather the roughest economic storms. But that’s not the reason we do it. We operate that way because it’s the right thing to do.

ACTION STEP
Look at the people you follow and work with. Has someone delighted you recently? How can you emulate their kindness, generosity, and fairness? And while you are thinking about them, give them a shout-out to show how much you appreciate them.

I want you to know how much I appreciate you! We quietly crossed more than 25,000 downloads of the podcast last week and I’m thankful for each person who has spent a few minutes here with me. Reach out and let me know you are listening so I can tell you personally.

RESOURCES
These are some of the people who have absolutely delighted me with their products and services. Go get to know them:
Ruthie Gray –Host the Authentic Online Marketing podcast, Instagram Coach and Newsletter Strategist
Esther Littlefield –Host of the Christian Woman Leadership and Christian Woman Business podcast, business coach, and creator of the Uplift Mentormind.
Holly Williams –Conversion

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Have you ever taken a step you thought was the right one ... then it wasn’t? Or maybe you’ve made decisions based more on FOMO than faith. Those are just two of the things my friend Avery Forrest and I talked about, along with a little fashion advice. So join me for Episode 110 of Just One Simple Thing.

I’m so glad you are here because you are in for a treat! In the last episode, I shared part 1 of a conversation I had with my friend Avery Forrest a few months ago all about managing your capacity. If you missed that, head back to Episode 109 to learn the capacity equation and some thoughts on reframing your boundaries.

But we talked about so much in that conversation, I couldn’t leave all of it behind. So I’ve grabbed the best bits and put them all together for you here. It may sound a little choppy but I hope you’ll get something from this discussion about making good decisions AND bad ones, FOMO, and managing seasons.

In this episode, we discussed:

• What to do when you take a step and get ahead of God
• How to avoid getting too much on your plate
• My two best tips for managing your capacity.

You can’t miss out on what God did not mean for you. ~ Avery Forrest

I'm so thankful that God has put people like Avery in my life to help me wrestle through some of these rough spots that could derail me from His plan.

ACTION STEP
We talked about the capacity management tool in this episode, so head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab a copy for yourself.

This little change of pace has been a lot of fun! I’d love to hear from you this week. What stood out to you during the episode? Snap a screen shot of the episode wherever you are listening and share it on social media.

RESOURCES

Pastor Avery Forrest is a wife to her husband of 15 years and mother of two wild boys. She and her husband are the founding pastors of Anchor Point Church in Foley, AL. Avery spent the last two years coaching Christian female entrepreneurs for their mission in the marketplace through her podcast, mentorship program, and retreats. Recently, she stepped out of coaching into a full time position on the teaching and leadership team of their church. Her heart is for you to live in transformational relationship with God daily. She does this through preaching, teaching, and mentoring the people God has placed in her life. You can connect with Avery on Instagram.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

What do you do when your to-do list is longer than the space in your calendar? You might think you just need to figure out how to create more time in your day. But did you know that time is only ONE way you can manage your capacity? Join me for a special conversation in Episode 109 of Just One Simple Thing as I talk to my friend Avery Forrest to learn about the capacity equation and how God showed up on a physics test.

Today’s episode is a little different than normal. Last year, my friend Avery Forrest invited me to have a conversation about managing your capacity for her Christian Business Camp podcast. God had other plans for Avery and our episode never aired, but she graciously allowed me to use the audio so I could share it with you.

If you’ve been trying to figure out how you can get it all done, I think you’ll be encouraged by our conversation.

Let’s jump in. In this conversation, we discussed:

• The Capacity Equation: Capacity = Energy x (Time+Money+Experience)
• How God multiplies your capacity
• Reframing our idea of boundaries

This was such a rich conversation. I love talking to Avery because she challenges me to lean into the Lord rather than depend on my own experience and knowledge.

ACTION STEPHead over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your capacity worksheet. It will help you find realistic swaps you can make to increase your capacity and decrease your overwhelm.

That was only half of my conversation with Avery. I’ll air Part 2 in a future episode. Be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss a thing!

RESOURCESPastor Avery Forrest is a wife to her husband of 15 years and mother of two wild boys. She and her husband are the founding pastors of Anchor Point Church in Foley, AL. Avery spent the last two years coaching Christian female entrepreneurs for their mission in the marketplace through her podcast, mentorship program, and retreats. Recently, she stepped out of coaching into a full time position on the teaching and leadership team of their church. Her heart is for you to live in transformational relationship with God daily. She does this through preaching, teaching, and mentoring the people God has placed in her life. You can connect with Avery on Instagram.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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If you are a Words girl instead of a numbers geek, which I think most of you probably are, measuring what’s working and what isn’t might make your eyes glaze over. But I promise it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In Episode 108 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn the three types of information you should be tracking, and how to know if what you are doing is working.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about taking the next big step in your ministry or business.

How do you know if those things ... or ANYTHING ... are working? How do you know if you need to tweak it or head in a completely different direction?

Data can show progress when the ultimate results are not there yet, and help us see the connection between our efforts and our results.

Your data can keep you from giving up on things too soon, before you start seeing the results.

Three types of data we need to look at.

1. Lagging Indicators –these are usually the results we are looking for.
You need to know before you start what your goal is for each strategy and figure out how to measure it.

2. Leading indicators –these are the things you do that generate the results. When you can track leading indicators and correlate them to lagging indicators, you know how much effort it will take to get the results that you want.

3. Intangible indicators –These are things that are difficult to measure, but worth noting so you can spot the trends.

Those little accomplishments that help you know you are on the right track even if the numbers on the scale are not moving.

Another way to think of it is that leading indicators are things that you do, lagging indicators are things that your audience or clients do, and intangible indicators are things that fill you up.

ACTION STEP
If you are ready to decide on a few key indicators to measure, head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab a worksheet that will help you determine your lagging, leading, and intangible indicators.

I know that if you are a words girl, you may be feeling unsure about figuring this all out. If that’s you, feel free to reach out to me on IG or FB @doanewthing and I’ll be glad to see what I can do to help.

RESOURCES
Rocket Your Reach –A self-guided course to create a visibility plan that grows your reach and impact without feeling overbearing, overworked, and overwhelmed.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Is the next step you want to take in your ministry or business so big that it scares you? So scary that you can’t make yourself do it? In Episode 107 of Just One Simple Thing, I’ll share three ways you can right-size that idea and make it just scary enough that it excites you again.

Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing, where we are in the middle of a series about taking your next step ... not necessarily your first step, but the next one that is going to help you level up your ministry or business. Sometimes, that next step looks huge ... like, not even a step, but a mountain.

We need to figure how to right-size that step so it fits into our life. When you are trying to grow while working full time or have other major things going on, you may not be able to do things the way everyone else does. In fact, right here and now, I give you permission to adjust, modify, or down-size your big idea. It’s better to do it the way you CAN, than not do it at all.

1. Limit the scope.
You don’t need all the bells and whistles, especially when you are just starting something new. Limiting the scope means cutting out anything that is not essential so you can focus on doing the important parts really well.

2. Limit the scale.
If the thing is too big, make it smaller. Make it more simple. Make it shorter.

3. Limit the space.
Limit the footprint it takes in your time, your finances, your capacity.

Let me make this clear .... I’m not suggesting that you limit your dream, or limit what God can do through you. We aren’t about small thinking that keeps you stuck. We ARE about making the steps doable so you can keep moving forward.

Say you want to use Instagram to grow your influence and impact, but the thought of reels and carousels and lives and stories make you want to crawl back in your shell. You don’t have to put it off any longer. You can limit the scope by focusing only on feed posts and stories to get started. Limit the scale by only posting to your feed three times a week. Limit the space by repurposing your other content into captions and using a scheduler to auto-post for you.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab a free worksheet to help you right-size your next step.I’d love to hear from you this week. Which of the three tips ... Limit the scope, limit the scale or limit the space ... will help you most with an idea you have been toying with? Screenshot this podcast episode and share it on your social media. Be sure to tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!

RESOURCES
Podcast in a Weekend course from Esther Littlefield
Stories to Market Instagram workshop from Ruthie G

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

What is an influencer? Are you one? Are you trying to be one? Even if you don’t identify yourself as an influencer, to grow your ministry or business, you need to be able to influence people. So let’s learn how to ask for what we want, get people to say yes, and while we are at it, we’ll peek in on an OG influencer in the Bible.

We are in our Next Steps series. Maybe you’ve taken those first steps to establish your ministry or business and you are looking for the thing that will push you to the next level. Once you have the basics down, it becomes less about learning all the things and more about the behaviors and the way you operate to grow.

In this episode, we’ll look at influencing ... getting people to do what we want them to do.

It all comes down to the way you ask .... to ask in a way that makes people want to say yes. Here are four ways to do that.

1. Make it personal
Your ask should show that you understand the person and what they need.
Make sure it is something the person you are asking needs, and that your ask incorporates some of the language they use themselves to describe their need.

2. Make it direct
A clear and direct ask lets people know your offer should be seriously considered.

3. Make it easy
We often unintentionally put up barriers that keep people from saying yes.

4. Make it worth it
In addition to making the benefits of the ask clear and compelling, a little incentive can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be huge.

Going to the next level with your business or ministry will take a lot of yes’s. But if you can make it personal, make it direct, make it easy, and make it worth it, you’ll get all the yes’s you need to meet your goals.

ACTION STEP
Look at the next ask you need to make. How can you apply just one of these principles to improve the likelihood of a yes?

Well, we are halfway through our series on Next Steps. In the next episode, we’ll talk about right-sizing that step into something that is doable to reduce overwhelm and confusion. I hope you’ll join me then. And if these episodes have been helpful to you, I’d really appreciate it if you would leave a rating and review wherever you listen.

RESOURCES
Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication by Karen Laos

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What if there was one place you could be in community with other women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full-time?

There is, and it is open for registration now!

The Honor Circle is a membership for Christian Women who have a big dream but little time, to honor all of the work God has given us to do. Click here for details and to get signed up!

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Hey friends! Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing. With this episode, we are starting a new series about how to take your next step. I’m not talking about taking your first step ... we covered that way back in Episodes 8 -10. I’m talking more about the next step that is going to move you to a new place in your ministry or business. It may seem like a collection of odds and ends, but most of the things we’ll cover in this series are easier to implement than you think and can make a big difference.

I was recently listening to a podcast from Natalie Gingrich ... The Ops Authority. Natalie was sharing some spicy takes on advice she’s heard from influencers she follows. Her comments on social media were especially interesting. She said that service providers don't need a large social media following. Instead, they need to focus on making connections.

You can listen to all of her comments on the Ops Authority Podcast, episode 191.

The problem is that most of us are introverts.

So what’s an introverted communicator to do to grow her network?

1. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Nothing worth building comes easy. In order to grow your ministry or business AND yourself, you’ll have to do hard things that are uncomfortable.

2. Look for common ground instead of cold calls.
As an introvert trying to connect, the biggest fear is that someone will think you are bugging them. But when you start with common ground, there is a natural attraction that makes the connection intriguing instead of inconvenient.If you want to learn more about making connections that will grow your ministry or business, check out Esther Littlefield’s Consistent Clients Challenge.

3. Find common ground in a community.
Group conversations like this happen in masterminds, at conferences, around the table at writers guild meetings. If you are taking part in any of these things, don’t sleep on the networking time.

Find a structured networking event, where each person gets a chance to share something specific,I promise you will walk away with a new connection. It may seem counterintuitive for an insecure introvert with imposter syndrome to go meet with a bunch of other people. I mean, isn’t that where comparison and doubt can take hold? Maybe. But it’s also where you realize you aren’t alone on this journey ... where other people struggle with some of the same things you do ... where you have something to offer that may help someone else. Where the seeds of connection are planted.

ACTION STEP
Grab a sheet of paper and write down 5 people that you want to connect with. Then list what common ground you have and what groups or events you might experience with them.Make a plan to connect with at least one of them this week. Message me on FB or IG @doanewthing and let me know how it goes!

That’s the first of the Next Step series ... making connections, even if you are an introvert. Join me in the next episode, where we’ll talk about how to influence people to do what you want them to do. Curious? Go grab a friend and meet me back here.

RESOURCES
The Ops Authority Podcast Episode 191 –I’m Taking a Stand
Consistent Clien

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What if there was one place you could be in community with other women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full-time?

There is, and it is open for registration now!

The Honor Circle is a membership for Christian Women who have a big dream but little time, to honor all of the work God has given us to do. Click here for details and to get signed up!

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If you ask me how I keep things organized, my answer would be one word. Trello. Join me for Episode 104 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll learn how I use Trello to helpme and my clients save time and stay on track.

If you aren’t very familiar with Trello, it’s a visual organizer. Information is put on Cards, which are organized in Lists, and saved on Boards. You can assign people and due dates to cards, create checklists on a card, and It’s super easy to move cards around between Lists and Boards.

Now that you have a visual, let’s talk about a few time-saving tips. One of my favorites are Labels. These are little colored bars at the top of each card. You can set each color to represent whatever you want it to, and toggle between just a small colored dash, and a longer bar with the text of the label.

It's helpful if your colors mean the same thing across all your boards. For me, the black label always means the task is completely done. Red usually means something is on hold, or waiting for info, or otherwise stuck. Green might mean the VA has done it and it’s ready for me to check.

My other favorite time saver is Automation. I mainly use Rules and Board Buttons. For Rules, you set up a trigger that then starts one or more actions. Board buttons are similar, except the trigger is a button that Trello puts at the top of your board and the automation will start whenever you click the button.

Let’s wrap this up talking about a few of my favorite boards that keep my business rolling. My Weekly Plan board works with my To-Do List to keep me on track every week. I also have a Social Media board. Another favorite is the Do A New Thing Hub. This is where all the important info about my business belongs.

There’s also the Do A New Thing Team board, where I have all the projects and ongoing tasks that the VA’s are working on, so I can assign things to them, monitor the progress, and make sure they are not waiting on anything from me.

On the Clients board, I have a list for each of my one-on-one coaching clients. The first card in each list has their contact information, and a checklist of all the elements of their coaching package, so I can check them off as we do each one. Then there is a card on the list for each of our coaching sessions with my notes from the session.

And one of my recent additions .... The Strategy Six Pack. This is part of my Simple Strategy Solution that keeps me on track with my most important strategic plans, and also functions as an idea capture system.

ACTION STEP
If you are already using Trello, try one of these tips to make it even more efficient and let me know how it goes. If you aren’t using Trello yet, head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab one of the Trello template boards I’ve linked there and get started.

RESOURCES

Build A Better Quarter Workshop - learn to use the Strategy Six Pack

Using Trello Labels

Trello Automation

Back Office Assessment by Shannon Baker

FREE Define Call

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If you’re frustrated because your business or ministry has you so overwhelmed, you may need an upgrade to your systems. Shannon Baker is just the person to help you. She assessed my business and found the gaps in my systems, suggested tools and tech to fix them, and created a prioritized plan of action. Visit Shannon here to schedule time and get a plan to improve your operations.

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Still think Canva is just for creating nice graphics? Think again. Canva has continued to update their product so that it has a unique offering of branding tools, website, video, and document creation, automation, and of course, graphic design. In Episode 103 of Just One Simple Thing, we’ll look at some of the best time-saving tools for content creators inside Canva.

Hey friends! Welcome back to our Time-Saving Tools series. So far, we’ve looked at the AI program ChatGPT in Episode 101 and Gmail in Episode 102. In in this episode, we’ll dive into our favorite program for quickly creating high-quality graphics ... Canva.

Canva has become the go-to tool for content creators to generate the graphics they need for social media, websites, and products. But the more recent additions to Canva branch out from downloadable graphics to include websites, documents, presentation tools, and a long list of app integrations.

So let’s look into some of the best features that will save you time.

We’ll start with Brand Kits. Your brand kit includes your brand colors, fonts, and logos. When you create a brand kit in Canva, they become available to you throughout the platform.

Another easy one is Templates. Canva comes loaded with thousands of templates you can use to get started on your design. But you can also create custom templates.

Another really cool feature is Bulk Create. This auto-generates multiple graphics from a template and a spreadsheet.

We could go on forever about all the fun graphic elements and tools for creating the graphics, but since we are focused mainly on saving time, let’s move away from graphics creation to some of the newer tools.

Like Canva websites. Canva recently rolled out this feature that allows you to publish your design as a website. You can start with a Canva website template, or create your own. It’s super easy to build by dragging and dropping elements just like you do in a graphic, changing background colors, sizing images, and laying it out exactly how you want it. It is great when you need a quick landing page for a product or event, an information portal or a client portal.

Another new-ish feature is Presentations ... Canva’s answer to Power Point and Keynote.

There’s another feature where you can invite people to join you live while you are presenting without using any other software (like Zoom or Teams) and you can go back and forth between your presentation and other tabs on your desktop.

So those are some of my favorite time-saving features in Canva. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. Next time you are creating a graphic, scroll down to the bottom of the far left toolbar and click on Apps. There are tons of things there to explore.
ACTION STEP
Head over to Canva and try just one new thing you haven’t done before. And let me know how it’s working out for you. You can follow me @doanewthing on FB and IG. I’d love to see what you are up to.

In the next episode, we’ll wrap up the Time Saving Tools series with tips for using Trello ... my favorite project management tool. I’ll see you then, and I hope you’ll bring a friend.

RESOURCES

Visit the episode page here for links to instructions and tutorials for these features.

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If you’re frustrated because your business or ministry has you so overwhelmed, you may need an upgrade to your systems. Shannon Baker is just the person to help you. She assessed my business and found the gaps in my systems, suggested tools and tech to fix them, and created a prioritized plan of action. Visit Shannon here to schedule time and get a plan to improve your operations.

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How many emails do you get every day? It seems like I spend half my day in my email inbox. Thankfully, Gmail has some features that can actually save us time. Listen in to Episode 102 of Just One Simple Thing as I share my favorites.

Welcome back to part 2 of our Time Saving Tools series! As I was preparing for this series, I did a poll on my Instagram stories asking which tools you’d like to learn more about. And would you believe ... Gmail was dead last! Y’all are sleeping on Gmail. It has some built-in and add-on features that can save you tons of time.

Let’s talk about a few of my favorites.

1. Schedule Send- Allows you to pick a time in the future that your email will be sent. Very handy!

2. Snooze- I can schedule them all to pop back to the top of my inbox later in the evening when I know I’ll be able to read and respond.

3. Undo/Unsend-You may have noticed Gmail’s Undo option flash by when you hit send, but the default only gives you five seconds to undo. Sorry, but at my age, my reflexes are not that fast! However, you can go to the settings and change the default to 30 seconds, which is more doable (or undoable!) for most of us.

4. Templates-If you have emails with similar content that you send routinely, you can create a template of that email, then call up the template, adjust a few details, then send it off, instead of trying to re-type the whole thing.

5. Snippets –Similar to Templates, Snippets allows you to quickly add commonly used text into an email.

Our last two tips involve using folders and filtering to manage your inbox. If you listened to Episode 93 in the January Reset series, you know that I am not a big fan of having a lot of folders. However, there are a few things that are better kept all together and that’s where labels, folders, and filters come in.

1. Simple filters
   The first screen is where you tell it what you want to filter, either based on a from or to address, a word or phrase in the email, the size, etc. On the second screen, you select what you want to do with the filtered email. You can add a label, reply with a template, skip the inbox, and several other things.

2. Filters with Alias email
   In a paid Gmail account, you can add up to 30 aliases for your main email address. Google recognizes the alias as the same email address and will put it in your inbox, unless you have a filter that says to put it somewhere else.

However,if you have the free account, you can create aliases without any extra charges. Just add a plus sign to the first part of the email address, then a word after the plus ... like christa+subs@doanewthing.com

So those are my favorite Gmail time-saving tips, but if you search around, you will find tons of other ideas to automate and streamline your inbox.

ACTION STEP
Pick just one of these tips and try it out. Share your favorite tip on social media and tag me @doanewthing so I can be inspired by how you are using it.

I hope you are enjoying this time-saving tools series. Do you have a friend who needs to save some time too? Be sure to share these episodes with her, so you both have more time for work AND play!

RESOURCES
Visit the episode page on my website for links to examples and tutorials for these tips.

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If you’re frustrated because your business or ministry has you so overwhelmed, you may need an upgrade to your systems. Shannon Baker is just the person to help you. She assessed my business and found the gaps in my systems, suggested tools and tech to fix them, and created a prioritized plan of action. Visit Shannon here to schedule time and get a plan to improve your operations.

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What’s the hottest topic right now out in the online business space? If you said “ChatGPT” or another AI program, you are correct! It’s what everyone is talking about. We are kicking off our Time Saving Tools series with 4 ethical ways you can use ChatGPT to make the most of your time. Curious? Keep listening!

It’s not very often that something dominates the conversation the way ChatGPT has the last few months. Since it came out late last year, everywhere you turn, people are talking about the AI-powered chatbot that generates human-like responses to written inputs. Opinions are strong ... people either love the idea or hate it.

In this episode, I’m going to share four ways that I’m using ChatGPT.

1. ChatGPT can be used as a research tool
The program is conversational ... you ask it questions or make a request, just like you would ask a person, and it responds.

You do have to be careful about using ChatGPT for research, because it does not quote its sources unless you ask, and it will state things that are opinions with so much authority, that you think it is a fact, especially when you are dealing with cultural or political-type topics.

2. ChatGPT can modify the tone of your writing
It’s still your voice, but ChatGPT helps you change the tone to be more appropriate for your audience.

3.ChatGPT can help you repurpose your content
Input your podcast episode script or blog post, and ChatGPT can create social media posts or an email promotion from the content you've already written.

4. ChatGPT helps you get off the blank page
If the blank screen and blinking cursor are big barriers keeping you from making progress, ChatGPT can help you get started until your creative juices get flowing.

Let me close with a few tips for using ChatGPT.

• Remember that the chatbot is not really writing original content. It’s aggregating existing content from the internet, and what it comes up with can be a fairly generic composite of the available information.
• It works better when you make small, incremental requests.
• The more broad and general the question, the more broad and general the answer.

ACTION STEP
Go to chat.openai.com and give it a try! Let me know what you think and how it works for you.

This is just the beginning of our Time Saving Tools series. Over the next few episodes, I’ll share some of my favorite ways that Canva, Trello, and Gmail streamline things for me so I can spend more of my time on the work I really love. Be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss a thing.

RESOURCES
These are some of the resources that helped me think through the pros and cons of ChatGPT:
AI Made Easy for Christian Business Owners –Free mini-class from Katie Hornor
ChatGPT Has A Bias Problem –Business Insider article
How to Use ChatGPT and Still Be A Good Person –New York Times article.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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It’s the 100th episode of Just One Simple Thing, and we are celebrating by answering your questions. Stay tuned for my thoughts on co-laboring with God, figuring out what to work on first, and how much of your time you should spend on promoting versus creating.

It seems like only yesterday that I said I would rather stick a needle in my eye than start a podcast! But here we are ... 100 episodes and almost two years later. It turned out to be a good decision and a lot less painful than anything involving needles. I asked my listeners to send in questions for me to answer in this special episode and I received some great ones!

In this episode, I’ll answer these questions.

From Carmen James –Certified Wellness Coach
IG: @carmenjamesfitness
Website: carmenjamesfitness.com
How do we co-labor with the Lord in our business, and how do we discern the voice of the Lord in our decision-making?

From Toni Thrash –Life Coach
IG @tonithrash
Website: fortitudelifecoach.com
My purpose is to coach women through life transitions and I want to write about that as well. Which should I work on first?

From Naomi Fata –Sustainable Sewing Coach
IG: @naomifata
Website: naomifata.net
What’s your rule of thumb for time spent networking or on social media vs. content creation and revenue streams?

From Renee Bethel –Life Coach and Enneagram Coach
IG: @findingmechristiancoaching
Website: findingmechristiancoaching.com
What’s your best advice for streamlining social media content? How do I determine if I have too many non-negotiables and not enough time for money-making things for my weekly business plan?

From Kim Wilbanks –Author and Blogger
IG: @kimwilbanks
Website: kimwilbanks.com
How do you do it all?

From Julie Lynn Ashley –Grief Support Coach
Website: julielynnashley.com
What keeps you moving forward on your God-dream even on your most disappointing days?

ACTION STEP
I’m going to ask you the same question that Julie Lynn asked me. What keeps you moving forward on your God-dream even on the most discouraging days? I’d love for you to share that on social media and tag me so I can give you a little encouragement today.

RESOURCES
Go check out some of the amazing ladies who submitted these questions! They have resources to support you in all stages of life.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Are you tired of struggling to establish good habits? In this last episode in the Habits series, you’ll learn practical steps and biblical principles to help you change your mindset, pick the most essential habit to change, and make a plan for consistently practicing your new habit for success. Let’s dive in.

Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing! We are at the end of our series about habits. In the last episode, we talked about three ways that you can break bad habits.

Once you’ve broken that bad habit, you need to put some good habits in place that will help you do the thing you want to do. So let’s look again at some Biblical principles paired with practical steps to create good habits.

1. Fix your mindset

You might be tempted to think of changing your habits as suffering or sacrifice. The new habit you are trying to create often doesn’t seem nearly as fun as the bad habits you are replacing.

In Hebrews 5:8, where it says Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered, the Greek word for “learned” is also translated as “being in the habit of”. Jesus was in the habit of being obedient, and we can also be obedient to what God wants to do in our lives by creating good habits, instead of whining about what we are giving up.

2. Stick to the essentials and make it easy

One of the biggest mistakes we make when creating new habits is trying to make too many changes at once. That complete disruption of our life’s routines overwhelms us.

3. Repeat, repeat, repeat

Make a plan for how you will consistently practice your new habit.

Every time you repeat your new habit, you are building your habit muscles. You see the results and gain confidence in your ability to do the right thing, so it makes it easier to do it again the next time.

To sum it up ... three ways to create good habits are:

• Change your mindset so you are focusing on obedience rather than sacrifice
• Pick the one most essential thing to change and make it easy to do
• Make a plan to consistently practice your new habit.

ACTION STEP
Make a plan for how you will implement these tips to create a new habit. If you didn’t get it after my last episode, head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab my Habit Planner. Snap a picture of your planner and share it on social media for a little more accountability.

RESOURCES
Create Holiday Wellness Plans –Jill Hoven –The concepts in this series can be used for any type of habit in any season of the year

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Tapping into the power of habits is not just about discipline and will-power hacks. By pairing up these hacks with sound Biblical principles, you can make real progress on the actions that will fuel your goals. Listen in to Episode 98 of Just One Simple Thing where you’ll get three tips for breaking bad habits.

I know you were really serious about those goals and plans you set up back in January. But maybe you’ve had a hard time getting started on them. It can take a while to get that ball rolling and gain some momentum. That’s where habits intersect goals. When you are trying to make the changes it takes to reach your goals, a bad habit can trip you up.

For a concept that has such power to help us make transformations in our lives, habits are not specifically mentioned in the Bible very often. And when they are, it is almost exclusively about bad habits.

By looking at these “bad habits” in the Bible, we can find some strategies for taming our own bad habits, and work on some practical ways to implement them.

Exodus 21:28 -29

One way to break a bad habit is to create a barrier between ourselves and the habit ... something that makes the habit difficult or unattractive.

1 Timothy 5

We can also break bad habits by replacing them with actions that are more beneficial or productive.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Having someone who spurs us on and encourages us can help us break a bad habit. This is where accountability and tough grace collide with habits.

So there you have it ... the three best ways to break a bad habit ... put a barrier between you and the habit you want to break, replace it with something more beneficial or productive, and get an accountability partner.

ACTION STEP
Pick just one habit you want to break, or behavior you want to change (just one .. too much change at once is overwhelming) and make a plan to break it using these tips. Head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and download my Habit Planner so you can jot down your ideas based on these tips.

Thanks for joining me for the Habits series. Be sure to head back to Episode 97 where my friend Merritt Onsa shared the three ways that habits can nurture your God-dreams. And we’ll see you back here for the next episode where we’ll talk about how to create new habits. Invite a friend to join you!
RESOURCES
Devoted Dreamers Podcast Habits mini-episodes
Atomic Habits by James Clear

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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What could you begin doing today that would impact your God-inspired dream for the long haul? Join me and my friend Merritt Onsa in Episode 97 of Just One Simple Thing as we kick off a month of equipping you to build small habits that can have a big impact.

We have just finished up our January Reset series, where we decluttered some critical areas of our work to make space for the new opportunities God will bring our way this year.

Now that you are starting to feel a little bit of space in your life, how are you going to keep it that way? The secret is developing good habits that are going to support the most important goals in your life. To help you do that, I’ve teamed up with my friend Merritt Onsa.

Merritt is a dream coach and the host of the Devoted Dreamers podcast, and she is an authority on what it looks like to pursue a God-shaped dream. In January, Merritt did a series of mini-episodes all about developing habits that will nurture your God-shaped dream all year long. Today, I’m going to share the first episode in Merritt’s series where she explains the benefits of developing these small habits.

Next week, I’ll share some tips for breaking bad habits, and the week after that, how to create good habits. If you dig into all of the habits resources, I know they will set you on the path to make progress on your dreams this year.

Ok, let’s dive on in to Merritt’s episode.

Building habits and setting goals and making resolutions are all the rage this time of year. There’s just something about making a fresh start.

The value of building new habits .... one or two at a time ... into your life:

• The consistency of building a new habit also builds competence and confidence.
• Building confidence builds courage.
• Consistency becomes self-perpetuating.Habits will nurture your God-shaped dream.

Don’t try to build all the habits at once. Just pick one or two to implement before you add another one. Tracking your progress helps you stick to a goal or habit.

I hope you’ll head over to Merritt's podcast and listen to all her episodes from January.

ACTION STEP
Grab the habit tracker Merritt mentioned and get started right away implementing one small habit every day. Snap a picture of your tracker and share it on social media for a little extra accountability.

And you know what else helps build new habits? Working on it with a friend. So share this episode with a friend and y’all work on your new habits together! You’ll both see the big impact that small habits make.

RESOURCES
Merritt’s Habit Series
The Devoted Dreamers Habit Tracker

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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This is it! The last episode of theJanuary Reset series... a month spent cleaning up our ministry and biz clutter to make room for the new opportunities God has for us in 2023. Are you ready to talk about financial stewardship? Let’s dive in to Episode 96 of Just One Simple Thing.

I know it is really not nice of me to ask you to look at your finances right after the new year. But maybe this is the be best time. Maybe after navigating the spending frenzy of the holidays, you are more sensitive to the need to be good stewards of our financial resources.

It's so easy to generate a load of online financial clutter. $5 per month here, $29 per year there, before we know it, we've burdened ourselves and our ministry with monthly and annual obligations that restrain our ability to freely respond to needs that arise.

Let's use this lens to examine two areas where we tend to accumulate financial clutter.

Review your monthly charges

As you look at each thing you are paying for, ask yourself if there are ways you can maximize a free tool to do the same thing... or almost the same thing that is good enough.

Also, see if you can combine some things into one resource with one fee.

Review Your Affiliate Programs
If earning an income through your writing or growing your business is one of your goals, sharing helpful resources with your audience is one way to serve them.

Faithful stewardship of these resources means that we are honest and transparent about the commissions we earn. It means we share only things that we truly believe in and can authentically convey how they help us and our audience. It also means we are choosy about whose products we promote. We should have high standards of service and values for those we lock arms with, not just promoting the brand that pays the highest commission.

So make a list of all the affiliate programs you are a member of and examine each one. Do they hold up to high standards you can stand behind?

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your January Reset tracker. You can check off the actions you took all month and look back at what a difference it made. Snap a picture and share it on social media so we can celebrate the progress you are making!

RESOURCES
Do A New Thing Preferred Partners

++++++++++

Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

In the January Reset series, we're spending a few weeks looking at ways to declutter our business and ministry to make physical, mental and spiritual space for the new opportunities God wants to bring us in the new year. In Episode 95, let's look at some simple ways to make space, and make peace, with our social media.

Social media may be a necessary part of growing online, but it doesn't have to be a necessary evil. We can bring peace to this part of our ministry or business by following a few simple social media guidelines.

1. Be you, because you are awesome
2. Be comfortable, because it shows
3. Be disciplined, because other things are just as important

Social media is just a piece of your overall strategy for growth. The longer you spend on social media, the more likely you are to get sucked down the rabbit hole of comparison.

To clear out some of your social media clutter, here are your January Reset tasks for this week:

Remove yourself from some Facebook Groups

We have a habit of accumulating Facebook Groups like we collect free downloads and stock photos. This week, take a look at your groups and remove yourself from some.

Update your Social Profiles

Facebook recently made some cool changes to Pages that will help us maximize the impact when people do find us there. My friend Ruthie Gray of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast keeps me up to date on all the things I need to know about Instagram.

Do a Review of Your Website.

My friend, Susan Mead, is a social media genius. I love the script she recommends for social media profiles:

I believe _____________. That's why I ___________ at __________.
I believe: a statement that relates to what your audience can expect to gain from you That's why I: write/speak/preach/teach etc.
At: Your blog, YouTube channel, podcast ... whatever you consider your "home base".

Susan's variation on Twitter is: I believe God loves us & wants us to know Him well. That’s I speak & write to help others find calm in the chaos at SusanBMead.com

Another version of this is:
I help ________________________________ by doing ____________________________ so they can ___________________________.

Mine says:

I help Christian creative ministry leaders and business owners overcome overwhelm and procrastination so they can turn their vague ideas into finished projects.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your January Reset tracker. You’ll be able to check off the actions you take all month and look back at what a difference it made.Snap a picture and share it on social media so we can celebrate the progress you are making!

Is this series helping you take some simple steps toward strengthening your foundations? I’d love to hear about it. Follow me on IG or FB @doanewthing and shoot me message!

RESOURCES
Updating to the New Facebook Page Experience: What You Need to Know
Authentic Online Marketing Podcast

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

It’s the second part of our January Reset ... time we have set aside to clear out some of our ministry and business clutter and make way for the amazing opportunities God has in store for us this year. In Episode 94 of Just One Simple Thing, let’s talk about some simple principles for organizing digital files.

In Episode 93, we started our January Reset with our email inbox. Did you make any progress?

In this episode, we'll tackle our digital files.

Keep files that are:

• Related to your purpose, niche or content
• Helpful to your friends
• Useful for your blogor podcast
• Contributing to your goals

Delete files that are:

• Outdated
• Available online
• Duplicate

Now that we have some guidelines on what to keep and what to get rid of, here are three things you can do to tame your digital files.

1. Develop an Electronic Storage PlanMap out a plan of what you will store where. If you are going to store everything in the same place, I recommend that you use some kind of backup system.

Free cloud storage is available on several platforms, but it has limits.

If you are not ready to invest in file storage and want to maximize the use of free space available, save different types of documents in different places. For example, save all your photos to Dropbox, your book manuscript on Google Drive, etc.

2. Clear Out your Downloads folder
Don't let your Downloads folder become like the pile of miscellaneous papers on the corner of your desk. Now that you have an intentional storage plan, spend some time deleting what you don't need from your Downloads folder and filing the rest.

3. Organize Your Most Unorganized Files
Or the ones that are causing you the most pain when you have to look for something. It's probably overwhelming to think about going through all of your folders and organizing everything. But organizing the one thing that is causing you the most pain is do-able. Keeping it that way is easier than getting it that way in the first place, and it will motivate you to organize other areas as well.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your January Reset tracker. You’ll be able to check off the actions you take all month and look back at what a difference it made. Snap a picture and share it on social media so we can celebrate the progress you are making!

I hope you are starting to feel a little bit of relief from all the clutter and seeing a firm foundation for build on this year. If this series is helpful, I’d love for you to leave an honest review on your favorite podcast platform.

RESOURCES
The Mind Your Time Podcast - How to Organize Your Documents

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Before we close our 2022 planners and open the crisp new ones, blank with possibilities for 2023, there are some things we can do to make way for all those possibilities. We need to unload some things and straighten up others. Let’s kick off the new year in Episode 93 with my best tips for managing email.

All this month, we'll work on getting organized ... just a little at a time. Think of it as a January Reset, opening yourself up and making room for all the new blessings God has for you in 2023. My one word for 2023 is "FOUNDATIONS," and I'm determined to shore up some of the foundations in my business. Wanna join me?

Each week in January, we'll focus on one area, and I'll give you two or three assignments to choose from. So let's dive right in to one of the biggest time sucks we face ... email.

Here are three tips for managing email and keeping things simple.

1. Review Your Subscriptions
   We know how important email lists are. Most of us with an online presence work to build a relationship with our audience using an email list. But honestly, if my email is just going to sit unopened in your inbox, that's not much of a relationship. So unsubscribe from my list or any other list that is not delivering something you love to your inbox.

2. Clear Your Inbox
   Once you've got the subscriptions under control, now it's time to clear that inbox. Michael Hyatt has a great method for clearing out the inbox.

3. Do –Take action on the task right now.

4. Delegate –Pass the task on to someone else
5. Defer –Consciously decide you will do it later
6. Delete –If you don’t need it for later, send it to the trash
7. File –If you need it for later, file it

A piece of advice from Mr. Hyatt :
Do not create an elaborate set of file folders. This is the single most important piece of advice I can give you. Just file everything in one folder called “Processed Mail” or use Gmail’s Archive function.

1. Remove Your Inactive Subscribers
   If you have people who have been on your list for over six months and not opened any emails from you in that time, there are several reasons why you need to remove them:

2. You are or will be paying for them at some point.

3. Gmail and other email services screen incoming messages to put them in Spam or Promotions folders. If your email routinely has a low open rate, Google is more likely to put it in Spam or Promotions.
4. Subscribers who open your emails are (for the most part) the ones who really matter.

If you are ready to do this, identify your inactive subscribers, send them an email asking if they want to stay on your list (I bet very few of them will even open it!) then archive the ones who don't respond.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your January Reset tracker. You’ll be able to check off the actions you take all month and look back at what a difference it made.

I’m excited about this reset. If you know someone else who needs clean up their foundations to make room for what God wants to build, share this episode with them so they can join us!

RESOURCES
Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt
Build A Better Year Workshop

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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We’ve covered a lot of ground in Just One Simple Thing in 2022. Decision-making, project planning, creating community, launching new projects, and one big pivot. Before we wrap up the year, let’s take a look back at the top five episodes of 2022.

If you are listening to this in real time, we are into the last week of 2022. I thought it would be fun today to revisit a few of the most popular episodes of 2022. You guys really got into the practical ones that gave you some tools to help grow your ministry or business. Like Episode 46: Your Discovery Call Toolkit where I shared three ways to keep your discovery call calendar full.

1. Talk about your discovery calls often
2. Set a goal and keep it visible
3. Make it easy to schedule

Creating systems for important processes creates time, consistency, and accuracy, as we learned in Episode 52: A Simple Process for Creating Simple Systems, including which systems to start with.

• The ones you use most often
• Ones that are complicated
• Ones you are likely to hire help for
• Ones you are likely to forget

One way to create a system is to map out the steps on the wall using sticky notes. But that’s only one of ten creative ways to use sticky notes in Episode 54. Here are three more of my favorites from that list.

• Annual Planning
• Keeping your focus during a work session
• Interactive Planning

Another theme of the most popular episodes was creating a framework for decision making. In Episode 60 Overcome the Idea Tornado & Get Clarity on Your Next Step, I shared this tip for deciding what that next step is.

What is the biggest issue you need to solve? The one thing that is blocking your path and preventing progress? It may seem like there are a lot of them, but if you look closely, you will likely find one thing that everything else hinges on.

And finally, in Episode 76, we learned about the four strategies you need to help you focus and save time.

• Content Strategy –All the things you deliver to your audience.
• Marketing Strategy –How you attract your audience
• Financial Strategy –How you keep things afloat
• Administrative Strategy –How you keep yourself from going crazy.

ACTION STEP
Which episode was your favorite this year? I’d love to hear how you put it into practice and your results. Share the episode on social media and tag me so I can cheer you on!

It's been quite a year. I’m looking forward to 2023. We’ll open a new group program specifically designed for women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full time, I’ll host my first in-person retreat, and we’ll celebrate the 100th podcast episode. And that’s just in the first two months! I hope you’ll hang around, and maybe tell a friend about Just One Simple Thing.

RESOURCES
Build A Better Year Workshop
E46: Your Discovery Call Toolkit
E52: A Simple Process to Create Simple Systems
E54: Ten Creative Ways to Use Sticky Notes
E60: Overcome the Idea Tornado & Get Clarity on Your Next Step
E76: Four Strategies You Need to Stay Focused and Save Time

++++++++++

Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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It’s that time of year where everyone is trying to be good. Kids are trying to be good so Santa will show up. Adults are trying to be good on their diet so they can indulge at holiday meals. But are we also trying to do good? Listen in to Episode 91 of Just One Simple Thing to learn eight simple good things you can do in this holiday season.

Author Stephen King once said, “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.”

“Doing good” can be thought of in two ways. It can mean “good” as in “beneficial”. Do something helpful for someone that they may not be able to for themselves.

It can also mean “good” as in “right”. Do the right thing at the right time. I think Paul had both of these meanings in mind when he encouraged the Galatians to do good.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

When we do things that benefit others, God will bless us in His way and in His timing. When we keep doing the right thing at the right time for our ministry or business, we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Either way, here are some good things you can keep doing, because it’s good to do them.

1. Stop checking social media continuously.
It’s good to have a solid social media strategy, but obsessing and measuring your value by the numbers is neither beneficial or the right thing to do.

2. Tweet in the morning.
If Twitter feels like a dark and negative place to you, try spending your time there in the early morning. A study showed that 5am to 6am is the happiest time on Twitter.

3. Volunteer to help others.
Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment. It can be just a one-time thing that’s helpful at the right time.

4. Count your blessings everyday.
Good things happened today. I know they did. Counting them up is another good thing.

5. Send a note to someone you’ve never met, but admire.
Reach out to someone and let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing.

6. Ask “How Can I Help?"
If you aren’t sure what the good thing is in a difficult situation, ask that question and see how it changes the mood of the room.

7. Share overheard compliments.
When something good is said about someone and she may not know about it, sharing what you heard can help her quiet the voices in her head saying she isn’t good enough.

8. Make a helpful introduction.
People know you trust them when you are willing to extend your circle to include them.

ACTION STEP:
Pick one and do it! Normally, I invite you to share your action step on social media so I can cheer you on, but this time, let’s not do it for the cheers. Let’s do it because doing good is the right thing.

RESOURCES:
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others with Losing the Best of Who You Are by Lysa TerKeurst

++++++++++

Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

2022 has been a tough year. Most people I know didn’t meet their goals this year. We can blame it on inflation, covid hangover, or just lack of energy. But is it possible that you sabotaged your own goals this year? Join me for Episode 90 of Just One Simple Thing as I share the five most common mistakes people make when trying to reach their goals.

It’s helpful to take a look back and see what we could do differently this year to make it better.

Here are five questions you can ask as you look back.

1. Was your goal too broad?
Your goal needs to be specific. If you’ve listened to Episode 40, you know I’m not all about SMART goals. But your goal does need to be specific enough that you can actually see your progress. It also needs to be flexible, because in a year like this, you need to be able to adjust as the year goes on.

2. Did you have a plan?
Often, I hear women say, “I’m just not good at planning ... I don’t like structure ... I can’t figure out what to do next ... I’ll just do what the Holy Spirit leads.” Many feel overwhelmed at the idea of gathering all their thoughts, or they feel pinned in by limiting their focus.

Planning is not about being a slave to your to-do list. It’s not about filling up every blank square in your planner. It’s not about shutting down the spontaneous, creative movement of the Holy Spirit.

Planning is about thinking ahead. Thinking ahead allows us to make the best use of the resources and opportunities God has given us. It gives us a framework to make good decisions as we are faced with new opportunities.

3. Did you try to go it alone?
God made us to work in community. Even if you are an introvert, you’ll be more effective if you are working with others along your journey.

4. Did you quit when you needed to adjust?
It’s frustrating when things don’t go as planned. Or when you can never do all the things on your to do list. But guess what? Those things happen to all of us! Explore all the options before you quit.

5. Too Much Learning, Not Enough Doing
You substituted gathering information for forward movement. It’s easy to become a course collector and information consumer, but never put any of that information into action.
ACTION STEP:
This kind of critical look back can be painful and discouraging if you don’t balance it with acknowledging all the things you did right .... All the places where God showed up and filled in the gaps of your mistakes. That’s exactly what we’re doing in the Looking Back to Move Forward Challenge. If you are listening to this any time the week of Dec. 12, 2022, it’s not too late to join us.

As we move towards the end of the year, I hope you are giving yourself some grace, enjoying the holidays, and setting yourself up for success in January. If you want to talk about some ways you can do that, reach out to me on FB or IG @doanewthing and we’ll set up some time together.

RESOURCES
Looking Back to Move Forward Challenge Free
DEFINE Call Grab an appointment for a FREE 20 minute call

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

Journaling is a habit that I was never able to develop. I saw the benefits of journaling for other people, but could never make it work for myself. Until I found micro-journaling, and then everything changed. Join me for Episode 89 where you’ll learn all about this practice and how it can make a difference for you, too.

I bet you have a friend who is a journaller. That serene person who pours her heart out across the pages of a well-worn journal with flowery, introspective words. She seems confident in her own skin and has this amazing record of her life.

I never that thought that was achievable for me. I just don’t have that kind of time. And the big blank pages of a journal are more intimidating than they are comforting.

The benefits of journaling are obvious. A journal is a place to process your thoughts. It’s a way to preserve the moments and memories that matter in your life. And it’s a way to create a legacy. I saw these benefits in others and didn’t think it was possible for me.

During the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, I had trouble sleeping. I heard Pastor Craig Groeschel on a podcast mention how he loved his line-a-day, five year journal. I loved the idea... even I could write just a sentence or two every day, but five years is a long time, and I figured I wouldn’t see any kind of pattern or results for two or three years!

So I devised my own version of the line a day journal, and instead of cycling through every year, my version cycled through every month with numbered pages one through thirty-one. Every night before I went to bed, I went to the page for that day and jotted down a couple of sentences. Then I closed the notebook, put it in the nightstand drawer, and fell fast asleep. It was like I was capturing those swirling thoughts and giving them to God. After just a few weeks(instead of years!), I was able to see God’s faithfulness and my progress.

You probably have everything you need already to get started with your own journal. And the best thing is that it is so easy to do, pretty much anyone can fit it into their day.

There are so many ways to use a line a day micro-journal. Most people use it for daily reflections. But others use it as a gratitude journal, a baby’s first year, daily scripture writing, food logs or habit tracking.

A couple of years ago, I created the Move Forward Journal ... a small booklet-style line-a-day monthly journal. It’s the perfect size to tuck in the back of your Bible or planner to be handy every day, and it comes with a list of journal prompts on days when you might feel stuck.

Last year, I added a Deluxe version of the journal that includes goal planning pages to start the year, and quarterly and annual reviews to check your progress. You can learn more about the Move Forward Journal and order your copy at doanewthing.com/journal.

ACTION STEP
Give micro journaling a try! You can start simply like I did in any notebook laying around. If you head to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you can grab a micro-journaling starter kit that includes one micro-journaling layout sheet, the list of prompts, and the instructions for creating your own journal.

RESOURCES

The Move Forward Journal

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

Have you found your 2023 Planner yet? There are so many amazing options these days, and it can be hard to choose! So here in Episode 88 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn three important things to look for in your new planner, and a little about some of my favorite planners.

If you're anything like me, picking out your planner for the next year can be exciting, but at the same time it can also be daunting.

Let’s dive into the tips first.

1. Think about how and where you’re going to use your planner.

Consider if your planner needs to be portable or will you only use it at your desk?

2. Consider how much time you can commit to spending with your planner each day.

Carefully consider what you need to keep track of in your "second brain".

3. Pick the most simple planner that meets your most important needs.

Most of us are pre-wired to be discouraged by un-used space. If you have a complicated planner and can't use all the features, you may feel like you aren't doing enough. Keep things simple.

Now, let’s talk about a few planners I love.

My favorite is the Golden Coil planner. Using the interactive tool on their website, you can select every page in your planner, plus plain or designer cover prints. Find it at goldencoil.com and follow them on IG @golden.coil.

Another of my favorites is the Spaces Planner. If you are a lover of making lists, this is the planner for you. Find it at spacesplanner.com and follow them on IG @spacesplanner.

I also love the Dream Planner from Horatio Printing. It has both vertical and horizontal versions, and plenty of space for dreaming and planning. You can find it at horatioprinting.com and follow them on IG @horatioprinting.

Grace Goals is a Biblical Goal Setting System to help you understand and fulfill the good works God has given you to do. If you want to make progress in your spiritual, professional, and personal lives this year, Grace Goals gives you the tools you need. You can find it here.

ACTION STEP
Before you get bombarded by the Black Friday ads, make a list of what you need from a planner next year, and set a budget. You can go to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab a worksheet to help you do that, and compare features of different planners. And if you have a planner you’ve created, or one you love, share about it on social media and tag me @doanewthing. I’d love to check it out, and you just might see your post shared in my feed.

RESOURCES
Golden Coil
PlannerSpaces Planner
Dream Planner
Grace Goals

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

Wonder what it looks like when someone makes a pivot in their business? How long does it take to re-gain forward momentum after a shakeup? In Episode 87 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing what it has looked like for me, almost two months after making some big announcements.

About two months ago, I started making a big change in my business. In Episode 80, I talked about how I made the decision to shift in a slightly new direction. I heard through my Instagram stories that y’all wanted to hear more about how it has been going, so that’s what we are going to do in this episode.

Let’s dive in to what I’ve learned and how it’s going since I made the announcement.

In shifting my focus to women pursuing their God-inspired dream while working full time, it’s been interesting to see how it applies to women in other situations. So while I worried that I was narrowing down too much, I found the audience is a little broader than I thought.

A survey of my new audience gave unexpected results, and is helping me frame the content. I was surprised to learn that only about 40% of women who identified as having a dream AND a job actually want to quit the job.

I’m currently considering how to use these results to create a new group program for them after the first of the year.

As far as how long it took to regain momentum, I’d say it took about six weeks.

I’m not sure if people were confused about what I was doing, or what, but everything dried up about the time of my announcement.

I’m so thankful for the friends in my network who have shared about what I’m doing, sent me referrals, and invited me on their podcasts. With their help, things started picking up again by mid-October.

Making a shift like this is a project that requires dedicated time in your weekly plan, just like any other project.

Pausing the mastermind was a difficult, but wise, choice. Removing that from the plate for a time has created a spacious place for me to be creative, to think, to pray, to talk, to experiment.

I knew the direction I was taking about a month before I announced it, giving me time to start putting some pieces in place (like a new email opt-in) before I made it public. Overall, I’d say the shift is going well.

I’m more relaxed and have accepted working at a little slower pace.

ACTION STEP:
If you feel God is leading you to make a shift in your focus, I encourage you to look at the things you keep bumping into.

Are they barriers that can be moved with a little hard work and patience? Or are they boundaries that could have catastrophic results if you cross them? If it’s time to make a shift, make a plan so you can do it with confidence and intention.

And I want to end today’s episode by thanking you ... the listeners of this podcast and my social media followers ... for going on this journey with me. The Do A New Thing community is the best, and your support has meant the world to me.

RESOURCES
Episode 80 How God Uses Boundaries and Barriers for Protection and Provision
How to Pursue Your God-Inspired Dream While Working Full-Time free guide

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

Over the past few weeks, I’ve talked to lots of women who are working while pursuing their God-inspired dream on the side. I bet you can guess the most common struggle they expressed. If you said it’s all about time, you would be correct. In Episode 86, we’re gonna chat about how to get all the things done ... and the way I do it might be a little surprising.

Hello friends! Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing. A couple of months ago I announced in Episode 80 that I’m narrowing the focus of my strategic planning and project management services to creative women (like writers, speakers, and podcasters) or small business owners, who are pursuing their God-dreams while they’re still working their full-time job. That is the situation I’m in and I feel like I have a lot to share in that area.

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know that the most common struggle they face is having time to do all the things.

So today I want to share with you how I get all the things done. Okay, here’s the secret. I don’t get all the things done because no one can get all the things done.

It’s not about getting all the things done. It’s about getting the right things done. And guess what? I don’t even get all the right things done.

Here is what I get done: I get done what I can get done. Sometimes that’s a lot depending on what’s going on, and sometimes it’s not very much but it’s always what I can do. And the really cool thing is that because I can’t get all of the important things done, I have to rely fully on God to do the things that only He can do.

So let’s dive into the things that I can do.

I rotate my strategic focus every month. I have a clear strategic plan for my business ... specific things I want to implement in the areas of Marketing, Content, Finances, and Administration. (For more details about these strategic focus areas, head back to Episode 76.) I’ve learned that I can’t focus on all of these areas at the same time every month. But I can focus on them one at a time.

I commit to a small list of non-negotiables... a very few things that I do every week no matter what.

Some weeks the only thing I get done may be those non-negotiable items and I don’t have any time left to work on new content and or new products or different projects. Those very important strategic focus areas just have to wait until I can do them.

I don’t commit to things I can’t do. I have to be very careful about opportunities that come up and say no to things I’d love to do but I can’t do because it would impact my non-negotiables and other strategic focus areas.

Develop your network of partners. Sharing the workload with a friend can be a huge time-saver.

ACTION STEP:

Spend some time thinking about what your non-negotiables are and how will you fit those into your week. When you do what you can, I promise that God will show up and do what only he can.

RESOURCES:
Episode 78 Four Strategies You Need to Stay Focused and Save Time

Episode 80 How God Uses Boundaries and Barriers for Protection and Provision

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

It’s been a long wait. You’ve been patient and trusted God through the waiting. But now, God says it’s time to go ... to jump into the dream He’s given you. So, what do you do now? Welcome to Episode 85 of Just One Simple Thing, where you’ll learn what to do when the wait is over.

I hope you got some good tips in Episode 84 about how to get out of the procrastination pit. But in Episode 83, we looked at what David did between the time when he was anointed as the future king, and the time that he actually became king. You might think that after years of waiting for God to release you to do your thing, it would be easy to jump right in and finally take some action. But that’s not always the case. You’ll have to create some momentum to get things moving.

There are four things David did to make that transition and move into the space God had created him for.

1. Leveraged his relationshipsDavid didn’t have to go out and gather these people up. When he finally became King, they came to him. If you have been investing in people and relationships while you are waiting, when it is your time to step into the spotlight, people will rally around you and want to help you succeed.

2. Set up a home baseOne of the first things David did as king was to take back control of Jerusalem and set up his home. As he continued to go out and battle for his people, he always had a safe place for himself and his closest advisors to come back to. Find the safe place for you, your team, and your followers to land in a strategic plan. Head back to Episode 78 for more details on the four strategies you need to stay focused and save time.

3. ​​ Kept his eyes on God
David recognized that the Lord had established him, not for David’s own benefit, but for the sake of His people. Like David, we need to keep our eyes on God and remember that any growth or opportunity He gives us is for the sake of His people, not our own benefit.

4. Made imperfect progress
We know the stories well of all the ways David messed up. Adultery, scheming, murder, lying. But one thing David didn’t do ... he didn’t quit. He learned to listen to his advisors. He asked for forgiveness and leaned into his relationship with the Lord. And he kept moving forward, for the sake of God’s people.

As you step out in ministry or business, I promise you … you WILL mess up. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to quit. It’s time to learn from your mistakes, take refuge in God’s mercy and grace, and move forward imperfectly... for the sake of the people who NEED the transformation you can offer.

ACTION STEP:
What are you waiting for? Has God told you to go, but you’re still holding back? Look at these four things David did after the wait and decide which one will help you most .. then make a plan to do it! And if you need help making that plan, let me know!

If one of the waiting or procrastinating episodes 82 through 85 has been especially helpful for you, please share it on your social media and let me know.

RESOURCES:
Episode 78 Four Strategies You Need to Stay Focused and Save Time

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

Are you a chronic procrastinator? I think we could all say yes to that question at some point or another. Maybe you’ve tried all the tips and tricks to avoid procrastination and are wondering why it’s still a problem for you. In Episode 84 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn the one secret to overcoming procrastination.

We are in the middle of a series on Waiting and Procrastinating. In Episode 82, we talked about how to tell if you are waiting on God, or procrastinating. In Episode 83, we learned from King David about how to wait well. And in this episode, I’m going to share with you the one surprising thing you can do to overcome procrastination.

If you google “how to stop procrastinating”, you’ll find a ton of articles with all kinds of helpful tips .... Like starting with one simple step, making the thing you want to do the easiest thing to do, and creating short-term deadlines.

But jumping straight to those strategies skips an important step ... the MOST important step in overcoming procrastination.

You have to understand WHY you are procrastinating.

Because all those tips and hacks and strategies address the symptoms of procrastination, but if you don’t address the WHY, you’ll just find another way to avoid doing what you need to do.

Let’s look at a few real reasons you may be procrastinating, and how you can deal with those, and them maybe you can make some progress in your battle against putting things off.

1. Sometimes you procrastinate because you are overwhelmed by a big project and don’t know where to start. Either you have no plan ... just a long, jumbled to-do list, OR you may be trying to over-plan... lay out every little detail before you start. For a big project, it’s best to break it down into phases, then create a plan for each phase.

2. Maybe you procrastinate because you are afraid whatever you do, it won’t be good enough, so why even start? Remember that YOU get to define the standard of what “good” is ... of what “finished” looks like. Progress happens in different ways for everyone.

3. You put off doing the things you don’t like to do. And honestly, this one is the easiest to overcome. It’s where those hacks and tips come in handy ... make the thing you need to do the easiest thing to do, limit your distractions, commit to work on it just 10 minutes.

ACTION STEP
Look at the one thing you’ve been putting off the longest and figure out why you are avoiding it. Then come up with one simple step you can take to get started.

In the next episode, we’ll wrap up the series by talking about what to do when a season of waiting is over. I’ve heard from so many people about how this series has helped them. If you are one of them, please share it with a friend!

RESOURCES
14 Practical Ways for Procrastinators
A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

When God asks us to wait, He asks us to trust Him. But what should you do, if anything, while you are waiting? Listen in to Episode 83 of Just One Simple Thing to learn four things that King David did during his 15 year wait.

We are in the middle of a series about waiting and procrastinating. In the last episode, we talked about how you can tell the difference. If you missed that, head back to Episode 82 and check it out.

A few years ago, my friend Merritt Onsa did an episode on her Devoted Dreamers podcast with Holly Christine Hayes. One thing they talked about was how hard it is to pursue your dreams during certain seasons of life. Holly shared the difficult truth about pursuing a God-shaped dream –that it’s hard and it may require everything of you.

As a result, this may not the season for stepping out. It is a difficult truth, indeed. There are times in your life when your family, your job, your other responsibilities require all of your time, energy and focus, and there’s nothing left over for dream work.

It almost seems unfair, doesn’t it? I mean, why would God give you this dream and then ask you to wait? Why not wait to strike you with the inspiration at a time when you can do something about it?

David knew a little something about waiting. It was more than 15 years between the time that Samuel picked him out of the family line-up and declared that he would be king, and the time when he actually became king. So David did a lot of waiting.

Even though David spent a long time in a holding pattern, he also did some practical things that prepared him for his destiny without running ahead of God. And he gives us some clues of how we can wait well.

David stayed faithful to his current assignment.
God has something for you to accomplish in your current assignment. Staying faithfully engaged honors God’s purpose in your life and the work he’s given you to do.

David matured as a man after God’s own heart.This is when you learn the spiritual skills you’ll need to step into your dream .... to hear God clearly, to depend on him for direction, and to believe He is working for your good.

David learned what he needed to be king.David learned by serving before he stepped into his role as leader. Look for places you can serve while learning the things you’ll need to know when the waiting is over.

David built his tribe.Start developing a network of people who may be part of what you are doing in the future.

ACTION STEP
If you are in a time of waiting, create your own Wait Plan. Head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, to get a worksheet to help you step through these practical tips and decide which ones are for you.

In the next episode, we’ll tackle the second half of our waiting or procrastinating equation and talk about how to get out of the procrastination pit. I hope you’ll join me for that one.

RESOURCES
Episode 53: Simple Strategies for Capturing Leads and Ideas
Devoted Dreamers Podcast, Episode 115: 4 Opportunities You’ll Find On The Way To Your Dream.

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If you don't have time to sit down and journal every day, but you want the benefits of journaling, I've got you covered.

The one year, line-a-day Move Forward Journal has small spaces to write just a sentence or two each day. You'll cycle through each month and start seeing God's faithfulness and your progress unfold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about the Journal here!

View Details

Sometimes, God has us in a period of waiting. Sometimes, we put ourselves in a period of procrastinating. And often, we get the two mixed up. In Episode 82 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn ways to discern the difference between Godly waiting, and plain old procrastinating.

I’ve said before that many of the podcast episodes are based on old blog posts. This one is based on my very first blog post, from September of 2015, and I remember exactly how I was feeling. I had already launched my website to promote my coaching services, but I never thought I would actually blog. I procrastinated on the blogging for about three months, and when I decided it was time to just do it, I figured I should drag some people along with me!

Many times we truly are waiting on God before moving forward. We wait for God to make it clear it is time for a change. We wait. And we wait. And it is good.

But sometimes, we use "waiting" an an excuse ... as a euphemism for procrastinating. The challenge God has put in front of us is so big, so audacious, that we just can't wrap our heads around it. So we wait. And we wait. And it is procrastinating.

So how do we know the difference?

1. Waiting renews your strength. Procrastinating saps your energy.

When God calls usto a time of waiting, it's not for a time of doing nothing. He has a purpose when He is preparing us.

2. Waiting inspires hope. Procrastinating instills dread.
God-ordained waiting brings a hopeful excitement. Something big on the horizon is going to change everything and because God is in it, we know it is worth the wait.

Procrastination brings a burdensome dread.

If we don' t get up and do what God has called us to do, the loss will be crushing.

3. Waiting focuses on God. Procrastinating focuses on me.
When God asks us to wait, He asks us to trust Him.

We are listening for His voice and watching what He is doing around us. The fear of failure will cause us to put things off, being more concerned about how we will look than how God will move.

Waiting can be a productive time of refreshing, preparing and drawing closer to God. But when God says, "Go", it's time to jump in with our whole heart.

ACTION STEP

Do this little assessment. On a scale of 1 –10, are you getting stronger or feeling drained ... 10 for stronger, 1 for drained. 10 for feeling hopeful, 1 for feeling dread. 10 for focusing on God, 1 for focusing on you. If you scored less than 15 points, friend, you are probably procrastinating. Decide now to take your first step of obedience. (Check out Episodes 9 and 10 for more ideas on taking your first steps.)

RESOURCES
Episode 9 Take Your First Steps Part 1
Episode 10 Take Your First Steps Part 2

Do you procrastinate this time of year … best to wait until January to start something new, right? What if you started now and rolled into 2023 with momentum?

Click here to join me for Coachtoberfest … a special event with strategy, community, and accountability without the distractions of social media. It includes a 1:1 coaching session, a voxer accountability group, and access to my Plan & Pray workshop.

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Are you overwhelmed by trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Or maybe you are homeschooling, raising tiny humans, or caregiving in some other way. Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side? Here in Episode 81 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn four principles that will help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

It’s never been a secret that I work full time while working on my business on the side. But recently, I’ve felt led by the Lord to be more transparent about that part of my journey. I want to help answer those questions about if it’s worth it or possible to build a ministry or business while working full time.

I know those questions well. I’ve lived them for more years than I care to think about. I have good news for you.

It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

That’s why I’m glad to share with you the four-part Honor System, to help you build your work into your life, instead of building your life around your work. You can get the outline of the Honor System in my new guide How to Pursue Your God-Inspired Dream While Working Full Time at doanewthing.com/guide.

Principle 1: HONOR YOUR DREAM

Your God-inspired dream matters and needs to take its proper place in your life. The hard part is figuring out the proper place. Settling this in your heart is the key to avoiding unmet expectations, the comparison trap, and long-term dissatisfaction.

Principle 2: HONOR YOUR EMPLOYER

Whether you love your job or you hate it, God has a purpose for it in your life. No matter where your job falls in your list of life priorities, when you are at work, it is your top priority. Be all-in when you are the re and give it your best effort.

Principle 3: HONOR YOUR BOUNDARIES

God’s protective boundaries give you space to do His calling while helping you avoid overwork and burnout. We covered this pretty well in the last episode, so if you missed it, head back to Episode 80 where I shared about the difference between barriers and boundaries.

Principle 4: HONOR YOUR CIRCLE

Get input from a variety of perspectives, including others who are in a similar circumstance and those who are a little ahead of you in this journey.

Build your circle of support ... a coach or mentor, freelancers and contractors, a sharing community ... from people who are available when you are.

ACTION STEP
The guide I mentioned has some additional questions to ask and a worksheet to help you create an action plan. Grab the guide at doanewthing.com/guide and work on your action plan. Share a picture of your plan on social media and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!

RESOURCES
How to Pursue Your God-Inspired Dream While Working Full-TimeGuide–Brand new resource to help you work through the Honor System and create an action plan

Planning & Accountability Package–My most popular one-month one-on-one coaching package. Includes a strategy plan call and weekly accountability check-in.

Book a free call!–Let

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

View Details

Recently, I made three big announcements about the direction of my business. Here in Episode 80 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing how I made those decisions, and I hope it helps you make decision in your own ministry or business.

These decisions all stand on the foundation of a biblical principle that God has been unraveling in my heart for the past year.

In Jeremiah 5:22. God said, “I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.”

A barrier is movable. It’s usually temporary and there is a way over, under or around it.

Boundaries are more permanent ... an “everlasting barrier.”

In Psalm 16:6, David say, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant spaces; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

See, God doesn’t give us boundaries to frustrate us or harm us. He gives them to us for our protection and for our good ... and when we live comfortably within our boundaries, we find ourselves in pleasant, spacious places. Let’s talk about how that plays into the three announcements I recently made.

1. I’m making a shift to focus in on women who are building their God-inspired dream while working full time.

I'll be sharing more of what I've learned about doing both, and promoting my resources and coaching that are available nights and weekends. My goal is to provide for those of you experiencing these same boundaries the resources and opportunities it has been difficult to find for myself.

The first thing I’ve created for you is a guide to the Honor System .... The four principles that help me honor all the work that God has given me to do. You can grab it here.

2. The Move Forward Mastermind will end after September.

There is another verse about boundaries in the Bible and it speaks to the second big decision I made. 2 Sam 22:20 says, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

It will take a lot of work to make the shift, and I don’t believe God wants me to pile that work on top of all the things I’m already doing. Right now, I’m thinking I’ll come back in the first part of next year with a new group program based on what I learn about my new target audience.

3. I'm hosting a retreat!

I wanted to create a spacious place for you ... space for you to focus and set yourself up for success in 2023 by knocking out a big chunk of work. So, I'm hosting a working in-person retreat to give you 20 hours of time and space to do whatever needs doing in your ministry or business. You can find more info and reserve your spot at doanewthing.com/retreat.

If you don't fall in that group of "women working full time while building their dream on the side", I want you to know you are still welcome here.

ACTION STEP
Look at your boundaries and your barriers. Are you clear on which are which? Have you been treating your boundaries as a barrier, and killing yourself to move them?

RESOURCES
Download the new guide, How to Pursue Your God-Dream While Working Full-Time
Join us for the Do Your Thing Retreat!

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

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Curious about what I learned by doing 30 Reels in 30 days on Instagram? Maybe the better question is what did I learn by getting out of my comfort zone and doing the hard thing. I’ll answer both questions in Episode 79 of Just One Simple Thing. Stay tuned!

Y’all. Do you ever get a crazy idea and then wonder what ever in the world made you think it was a good idea? For a lot of us, that happens at least once a day.

I decided to do a series of Instagram Reels .... One every day in the month of August.

As it turned out, it wasn’t as hard as I expected and it was actually fun ... sometimes. So here are a few things I learned from doing 30 reels in 30 days.

1. There is no guarantee of instant growth.
While it may be tempting to buy into the hype that this is a super growth strategy, it actually re-inforced my belief that there is no “one thing” that is going to make all the difference in your ministry or business journey.

2. Some things work, and other things don’t.
It’s more important than ever to learn what works for you and what doesn’t, and doing a Reel every day gave me plenty of opportunity to try different things.

3. A plan and a system make everything easier.
I would have never made it to the end of the month if I had tried to create all new stuff for this series.

4. Everything is more fun with a friend.
My friend Wren Robbins and I discovered that we were both doing reels every day in August. During the month, we checked on and encouraged each other.

Overall, I’m glad I did 30 reels in 30 days. I learned a lot about how my audience consumes content on Instagram, how to create good reels, and how things are changing on the platform. But most importantly, I learned a lot about myself. I can do hard things outside of my comfort zone, but in order to do that, I have to set myself up for success.
ACTION STEP
What is the hard thing you feel God leading you to do? The thing that could help you grow or learn a new skill? Name it, then make a plan to do it! If you head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a template you can use to capture your commitment. Share it on your social media and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!
RESOURCE
Rocket Your Reach –Create a plan to increase your reach and visibility by showing up, growing up, and glowing

I'm honored to be part of the Flaming Business Summit with Katie Hornor. During this FREE event, you'll hear from 39 faith-based experts who share their best strategies for riding out the recession with grace and gains.

It's not at all about hustling harder from a fear mindset. It's about implementing smart strategies under God's leadership. Sign up here!

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In case you haven’t figured it out yet, relationships are the engine of growth. But some people struggle with building a network of relationships to support their ministry or business. Hang on for Episode 78 of Just Simple Thing, where you’ll learn the 4 things you need to be to make connections.

When I say, “What’s the key to growing your ministry or business?” what’s the first thing you think of? Social media? Paid ads? Splashy events?

What if I told you the best answer is relationships. Would you believe me? Well, it’s true. Relationships are the hidden passageway to open doors. Referrals, opportunities, resources ... they can all come through maintaining a wide network of relationships.

So if you are wanting to create new connections and develop relationships that can be mutually leveraged to help you both, listen up for these tips.

1. Be a noticer.
When you see the same person pop up in several places, you might want to get to know them better, because you obviously have some things in common.

2. Be a promoter.
Be generous with your platform even if your platform is much smaller than their’s.

3. Be an initiator.
Reach out with an email or message to initiate a relationship. If you are nervous about reaching out directly, see if you have any mutual friends who could make an introduction for you.

4. Be a connector.
Once you’ve gotten to know people, start introducing them to each other. Help them connect with people who can solve their problems or help them move forward in some way.
ACTION STEP
I want you to identify one person that you’d like to connect with ...just one. That’s not so hard, is it? Reach to them and ask if they’d be willing to have short call with you to get to know it each other. Then let me know how it goes for you!

And if you’d like to connect with me, you are welcome to schedule a free 20-minute Define call. I look forward to chatting with you!

RESOURCES
Schedule your DEFINE call here
Better Together: Grow Your Reach and Influence Through Collaborations and Partnerships

I'm honored to be part of the Flaming Business Summit with Katie Hornor. During this FREE event, you'll hear from 39 faith-based experts who share their best strategies for riding out the recession with grace and gains.

It's not at all about hustling harder from a fear mindset. It's about implementing smart strategies under God's leadership. Sign up here!

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Is your schedule changing as fast as the fall leaves on the trees? If you are adjusting to a new rhythm, jump into this episode where you’ll learn three ways to transition into the changing seasons.

For many people, the transition between Summer and Fall marks a significant shift in their schedule.

If you aren’t careful, you’ll wake up one morning and find yourself wrapping Christmas presents, wondering where the last quarter of the year went. But a few simple strategies can help you create some momentum and make progress on your goals and projects before the end of the year.

First, tie up all the loose ends from the summer. Unpack from vacation, close the books on any special events you did, change out your wardrobe .... Whatever that looks like for you.

Second, set aside a few hours to decide what you want to accomplish in the rest of the year. Check back in on those goals you set at the beginning of the year, but don’t be too proud to adjust them based on how the year has gone.

And third ... this is the most important ... block out your time and create a new schedule. And then for at least two weeks, violently protect the schedule.

While you are sticking to the schedule, keep a list of things that you wanted to do, but didn't.

Then, at the end of the week, look at the list of things you DIDN'T do.

Should you adjust your schedule to allow time for them? This method helps you balance your schedule between the things you NEED to do and the things you WANT to do and arrive at a middle ground that keeps you productive AND happy.

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the changes coming, and not just because I’m a lover of pumpkin spice everything. The change in seasons is a chance to reset ... to reconnect with what God has called me to do and who he has called me to serve. Afterall, the seasons may change, but God never changes. His calling hasn’t changed. So let’s huddle around our PSL’s, pull out all the plaid flannels, and bring our best to the new season.

ACTION STEP:
Grab your planner and map out that new schedule. Then stick to it! Snap a picture of it, share it on your social media and tag me @doanewthing so I can come cheer you on.

And I want to give a shout out to Kari Bartkus, host of the Let’s Encourage One Another podcast. Kari had this to say about Just One Simple Thing: I’m big on making sure that what I do is founded on what God shares with us in His Word, so I absolutely love that Christa offers us practical action steps based on His truth.” Thanks, Kari! If you want a shout out on a future episode, be sure to leave a review on Apple podcasts and you just might hear your name called!

RESOURCES:
Build A Better Week –my signature weekly planning system that will help you craft your new schedule.

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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Creating a strategy for your ministry or business may sound like a complicated, overwhelming thing. And who needs one more overwhelming thing on their plate right now? But when you break it down into four key areas, and keep things simple, you’ll get all the benefits of a strategy, without the overwhelm. Let’s see what that looks like.

On the last episode of Just One Simple Thing, we talked about strategy.

We broke it down into a simple formula to wrap our heads around .... Purpose + a Plan + a System = A Strategy. If you missed it, go back to Episode 75 and listen to a Biblical example and a modern-day example of how that breaks down.

A strategy is more than something you just write down in your planner and check back on a few times a year. It’s an important tool that can simplify things for you if you use it right. When you have taken the time to create a good strategy, that strategy will act as a filter.

It also helps you stay focused and saves time.

And when you are using it as a filter and to stay focused, you’ll have more confidence in your decisions and stop second guessing everything.

Four strategies that you need for your business or ministry.

1. Marketing Strategy

2. Content Strategy

3. Financial Strategy

4. Administrative Strategy

I know that sounds like a LOT ... but really, it’s not so bad. Break things down in these buckets, and then develop a strategy for where you are headed in each area.

You can put up simple, intentional guardrails to guide your work so you can move toward your goals with confidence.

ACTION STEP:
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab the strategy worksheet, if you didn’t already get after the last episode. I’ve also added a checklist to consider for each strategy area, and a few tips for creating your strategy. Pick the one area that feels the most out of control for you, and start working your strategy. Remember ... keep it simple .... A Purpose, A Plan, and A System

And hey .... Can you do me a favor? Let me know how this is working for you. I’m creating a new resource for you with more detail on developing your strategy, and I’d love to know what questions or sticking points you come up against. You can email me at christa@doanewthing.com or catch up with me on Facebook or Instagram@doanewthing

RESOURCES:
Confused to Confident Webinar -Three essentials to pick your next right step and implement it like a pro

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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You may have heard me talk about the Idea Tornado ... the swirl of ideas floating around in your head. But did you know you really have TWO tornados in there? You also have a problem tornado ... all the things you think are standing in the way of progress. The only thing that can tame these twin tornados is a strategy. So let’s dive in to Episode 75 of Just One Simple Thing and learn how to create one.

I’ve found that a lot of people, especially Christian women, and most especially Christian women in ministry, dislike the word “strategy”.

But if you’ve been around here very long, I hope one lesson you have taken away from Just One Simple Thing is that God is very strategic, and he left us many examples of his strategic nature through the stories in His Word. So let’s break down one of those stories and learn how you can create a strategy.

In 1 Kings 5, you’ll find the story of two kings ... Solomon, who was trying to build the temple, and his neighbor, Hiram.

In this simple story, we see all the elements for a good strategy. Purpose + plan + system = strategy.

It starts with a purpose. Solomon was very specific about the problem he was trying to solve. He needed wood and had no way to get it. When you are picking the problem you want to solve, be very specific, and get away from the low-hanging fruit. Solve the problems that are impacting you the most.

Which brings us to the second element of a good strategy ... a plan. Solomon’s plan was to reach out to Hiram for help. In his message, he was very clear about what he needed and how he hoped to get it with Hiram’s help. When you are creating your plan, you always want to be clear on what “solved” looks like and devise a plan that is going to deliver that solution.

And the third element of a strategy is a system. You need a way to implement your plan. Solomon implemented his plan by exchanging grain and olive oil for cypress and juniper logs. How will you implement your plan?

Purpose + Plan + System = Strategy

Solomon needed a strategy to get the materials needed for the temple. The purpose of the strategy was obtaining wood. The plan was negotiating an exchange with a friendly partner. The system was trading grain and olive oil for cypress and juniper logs. He had a strategy.

Let’s look at a modern day example. Say your problem is that your audience is not growing. You need a strategy to solve that problem.

The purpose is get in front of new people so you can attract new members to your community. Your plan could be to speak at more events. Your system might be to hire a speaker coach to help you develop your signature message, and research event planners and how to apply to speak at their events.

ACTION STEP

Head over to my free Facebook group Plan &Pray with Do A New Thing and grab the Strategy Worksheet. Use it to brainstorm through the purpose, plan and system for a strategy to solve one of your biggest problems.

Need some help taming your tornados? I have some spots open for free 20-minute calls and I’d love to help you. You’ll find the link to schedule your call below, or reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram @doanewthing

RESOURCE
Free 20-minute call with Christa –Schedule here
Idea Tornado Webinar –Capture, filter and prioritize the ideas swirling in y

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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Congratulations! Your ministry or business is growing! You are finally seeing the fruit of all your hard work. But that hard work has worn you out and it’s time to find some help! In Episode 74 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn four tips for building your team by looking at how Jesus built his.

I know that many of you are solopreneurs or ministry leaders and when you’ve built something born out of your gifts and passions, it’s hard to let anything go. Nobody can do it quite as well as you can, right? Deep down, you know that attitude is an accelerator on the road to burnout. When things get bigger than you can handle on your own, it’s time to build a team. But how do you find the right people? People you can trust? People are great at what they do so you can be great at what YOU do?

Whether you are hiring your first freelance help, or gathering a ministry leadership team around you, there are some lessons we can learn from the way that Jesus built the team that would share his work and his life.

1. He got to know them before calling them to His inner circle.
2. Jesus evaluated people based on their potential, not their current position.
3. Jesus watched them when they didn’t know he was looking.
4. And as he did before every other major event, Jesus prayed about it.

Yes, it can be scary to start building your team when you have been doing everything yourself. But when you build with the right people, it frees you up to do your own best work.

ACTION STEP
Head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and you’ll find worksheets to help you research and interview so you can make intentional decisions.

I love hearing from podcast listeners .... Kristine Brown, author of the book Cinched: Living with Unwavering Faith in an Unfailing God said, “I love listening to podcasts that help me grow as a speaker, writer, and communicator. But I also struggle to find an extra 45 minutes in my day to listen. Christa gets me on the right track with one simple, doable step forward in just 10 –15 minutes. Now that’s progress.

If you’d like a shout out, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. You just might hear your name on a future episode.

RESOURCES
Cinched: Living with Unwavering Faith in an Unfailing God by Kristine Brown

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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How do you handle doubt? Do you wallow in it and allow it to throw you off your game? Or do you confidently fight back with God’s Word? Somewhere in between? In Episode 73, we’ll learn how to stand up to doubt, whether it is attacking from the outside, or from inside.

If you are actively pursuing a calling, you have probably encountered doubt. It can come in different forms. Sometimes, it comes from the outside. Other times, it comes from the inside.

However it comes, we don't have to give in to the soul-crushing fear that often follows doubt. When we are confident in God's calling and are walking in faithful obedience to our purpose, we can stand up to those internal or external attacks of doubt. A great Biblical leader shows us how in Nehemiah 6.

When doubt and fear tried to attack Nehemiah with rumors and frightening thoughts, Nehemiah taught us two principles for standing in our calling with confidence.

1. When doubt attacks with hurtful comments from others, speak the truth.

Nehemiah spoke truth into the situation and didn’t allow others to fill in the gaps and tell their own version of his story. He didn’t allow them to assign motives that weren’t his. So own your story. Share it with passion and conviction.

2. When doubt attacks with frightening thoughts, pray for strength in the area of attack.

Nehemiah recognized the tactics of his enemies.

They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9 (NIV)

Nehemiah prayed for God to strengthen him in the exact place where doubt was attacking.

When God has given us a clear vision of our purpose, we need to rest confidently in that vision and faithfully ask for strength instead of constantly begging for confirmation.

I love Nehemiah. He was a strong, confident leader who never wavered in his dedication to his assignment. By speaking truth and praying for strength, he stood up to doubt and inspired a nation to do what his enemies said was impossible.

ACTION STEP

Let’s take a challenge together. What one area of your business or ministry is being attacked by doubt? Will you commit to praying for the next 30 days for God to strengthen you in that area? Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook and share what you are praying for so I can pray with you.

RESOURCES

Are you struggling with doubt because you haven’t figured out your next step? Check out my free webinar From Confused to Confident.

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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Have you ever joined a group or a community, or maybe started a new job … and they just threw you in, expecting you to know how things work? That’s what it’s like for your new email subscribers. They sometimes feel like they’ve dropped into an ongoing conversation and they aren’t quite sure how to catch up. In Episode 72 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn how to create a simple email welcome series to develop a relationship with your new subscribers and get them engaged.

Let’s think about why you need a welcome series. There are three main reasons:

• It Introduces you and your message to your new audience member and develops your relationship with them.
• It “trains” them to open your email.
• It weeds out unsubscribers, which increases deliverability of your main emails.

Before you start writing your welcome series, you need to know the goal of your specific series. What is the main thing you want readers to do when they complete your series?

People are more likely to do what you want them to do if they know, like, and trust you.

The basic welcome series has four emails ... the Know email, the Like email, the Trust email, and the Wrap Up or Buy email.

The Know email tells them who you are, what they can expect from you, and why it matters.

The Like email demonstrates your style and your voice. It is highly relatable, with links to your most helpful content.

The Trust email shows your experience and expertise, including feedback and testimonials from other readers, clients, or students.

The Wrap-up or Buy email is a gentle ask for what you want to happen next.

Tips for a Successful Welcome Series

• Be sure to let them know what to expect
• End each email with an opportunity to respond
• Leave a “cliffhanger” for the next email
• Give your current subscribers an opportunity to read your new series

Levitcus 19:33-34 says “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God."

I think that’s really good advice. I know I have felt like a foreigner in a new space, and in those situations, I tend to hold back around the edges until I feel like I know, like and trust the new people I am around. So that’s what you want from your email welcome series … to help your new subscribers go from foreigners to friends.

ACTION STEP:

Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your free Welcome Series planner. It’s a handy worksheet that will help you map out your Know, Like and Trust emails before you start writing.

RESOURCE:

You’re Welcome Webinar – A training webinar that goes into more detail about creating your welcome series.

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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What do you need to do in order to have a great launch? Is there a formula for guaranteed success, or is it all just one big shot in the dark every time you launch?

We’re wrapping up our mini series on launching with a special episode. You’ll hear a conversation between my friend Esther Littlefield and I all about how to have your best launch ever. You’ll learn the3 essentials to having a successful launch... including one that you may have overlooked in the past. Oh, and be sure to stick around to the end of our conversation for a special time-sensitive announcement!

Over the past 6 years, we’ve launched everything from coaching to services to freebies to courses and memberships... and we’ve had some launches that completely flopped, and others that flourished. After years of being behind the scenes of dozens of launches PLUS doing several of our own launches, we’ve learned that every successful launch must have 2 key components: A solid marketing strategy AND clear launch plan.

That’s why last summer, we created the Level Up Your Launch Method and taught it inside of a masterclass. But over the past year, we’ve talked with our community members and clients and we realized when you have to go through the launch process alone, it can be really tough. We realized that there’s one more key ingredient, aside from a strategy and a plan, that will supercharge a launch: support.

There are 3 main types of support that you could benefit from in your launch:
1. A guide / coach / mentor
2. Accountability
3. Community / friends / biz besties

We’ve learned that anyone can develop a strategy and create their launch plan-especially if they use our Level Up Your Launch method. And you CAN have a successful launch on your own. BUT it’s a whole lot more fun, and it’s often more successful, when you do it with support.

So now you know what you need in order to have your best launch ever. But we wanted to find a way to support you even more. We both have students and clients who are often looking for that added support to get their launch accomplished. So we have created Level up Your Launch LIVE -An 8 week guided experience to your best launch ever!

Level Up Your Launch LIVE will help you:

• Feel confident that your offer and marketing strategy will appeal to your community (instead of launching something that might not be what your community needs)
• Be prepared and equipped to complete the tasks necessary to get your launch out the door (instead of randomly doing tasks that may or may not be important)
• Actually enjoy the launch process (instead of feeling lonely and confused)

Learn more about what is included in Level Up Your Launch Live here.

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What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?

Instead of trying all the things and hoping something sticks, get UNSTUCK when you take this fun quiz and receive free resources to get you moving again!

Click here to take the quiz!

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If you are thinking about launching a new product, course, or service, you are probably mapping out your plan, figuring out tech platforms, and honing in on your sales copy. But there is one ingredient for a successful launch that you probably haven’t thought of. Join me for Episode 70 of Just One Simple Thing to find out what it is!

We’re here in the middle of a mini-series all about the resources you need to successfully launch a new product, service, or course. In the last episode, we talked about how much time you’ll need to launch. We went over a basic launch timeline, and you might have been surprised to learn that you need somewhere around 8 weeks to properly prepare yourself and your audience for your launch. If you missed that, head back to Episode 69 to get the breakdown.

Then if you are listening in real time, you may have seen a post on my Instagram feed where I talked about the tech resources and platforms you might need for your launch. I shared three priorities and three questions to ask when selecting the right systems for you .... Because what’s best for me is not necessarily what’s best for you.

So in today’s episode, let’s talk about the one resource you need for your launch that you probably haven’t thought of ... and that’s community and accountability. Actually ... that’s two different resources. Sometimes, you can get them in the same place, but it’s usually best if they come from different sources or perspectives. Community is built around a shared experience. It could be an experience everyone has had before, or an experience the group goes through together. The shared experience bonds the members of the community, even when they have very little in common otherwise.

Accountability is a completely different thing.

Accountability is more than just reporting in on how you are doing, and being encouraged and cheered along your path. True, active accountability comes after you when you don’t check in.

I often see people going to their community, to their friends, for accountability. And I have to be honest with you ... most communities and even most friendships are not mature enough for the consistency and hard conversations that accountability requires.

So where do you find community and accountability for your launch? Here are three suggestions.

1. Launch with affiliates.
2. Launch with a partner.
3. Launch with a coach.

ACTION STEP:
Before you start engaging people for community and accountability, you need to be sure your business or ministry is ready to launch something new. Esther and I created an assessment you can use to figure that out. Go grab the assessment here, add up your points, and decide if you are Good to Go, On Your Way, Not Quite Ready. I’d love to hear your results. DM me on FB or IG @doanewthing to let me know what you have going on.

RESOURCES:
Instagram Post: Deciding on Your Launch Tech
Simple Conversations interview with Emily Saxe
Unearthing Everyday Faith subscription box
Pre-launch Readiness Assessment

Do you want to sell a new offer, product, or course in your business... but you're not quite sure if you're ready to put it out there?

My friend Esther Littlefield and I have created a FREE Pre-Launch Assessment just for you. We'll help you figure out if you're ready for your launch, and give you some tips based on your readiness level!

Grab your free assessment at here!

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How long does it take to prepare for the launch of a new product or service? It really depends on what you are launching. In Episode 69 of Just One Simple Thing, I’ll give you some rough guidelines so you can start thinking about your launch plan.

If you are planning to launch something in the Fall, it’s time to start thinking about your plan now.

Your launch will be as unique as you are ... a combination of your personality, experience, and resources. I like to compare a launch to the last instructions Jesus gave his followers in Acts 1:6. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,and to the ends of the earth.”

Amazing things can happen when you surrender your message, gifts, and skills to the power of the Holy Spirit. But there is also an orderly, logical process for spreading that message and using those gifts.

So to figure out how long you need to launch a product or service, we’ll work our way backwards from your launch date. Let’s start with how long the cart should stay open. For a standalone low-or medium-cost course or product, the cart is usually open 5 –7 days.

Before the cart or registration opens, you want to be preparing your audience for your offer. This could include blog posts, podcast episodes, emails, or social media content that highlights a specific pain point and helps your audience envision what life would look like if this problem was solved. You want to share this kind of content for 2–4 weeks before your offer is open.

Another common launch strategy is to build your email list prior to your launch by offering a subscriber freebie related to the content of your offer. This should be done 4 –6 weeks before your open cart, because you want time for those new people to get the freebie, then get through your welcome sequence and establish a relationship with you before your launch.

If you are planning to work with affiliates who will earn a percentage of sales they refer to you, you should start lining those up around 6 weeks before the launch.

And before you can do any of those things, you need a clear marketing message for your offer, so the first draft of your sales page copy should be done about 8 weeks before your launch.

You certainly don’t need to do allllll of those things and these are just rough guidelines, but when you add it all up ....
2-3 weeks of pre-launch content
2 –4 weeks of list building
2 weeks of messaging and copy writing

That’s about 8 weeks! It is definitely not too soon to be thinking about your fall launch.

ACTION STEP:
My friend Esther Littlefield and I created an assessment to help you decide if your business or ministry is ready to launch something new. Take the assessment here, and then let me know what your results are. You can tag me or message me at @doanewthing on FB or IG.

RESOURCES:
Episode 85 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast –All About Launching!
Sales Copy Shortcut –My favorite resource for quickly creating powerful sales copy.

Do you want to sell a new offer, product, or course in your business... but you're not quite sure if you're ready to put it out there?

My friend Esther Littlefield and I have created a FREE Pre-Launch Assessment just for you. We'll help you figure out if you're ready for your launch, and give you some tips based on your readiness level!

Grab your free assessment at here!

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One of my favorite things to do every month is review the plans submitted by the Move Forward Mastermind members. Whether it’s the plan for the upcoming month, or the plan for a major product launch, the characteristics of a good plan are all the same. In Episode 68 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m letting you inside my head to learn the four things I look for when reviewing a plan. (Be careful ... it’s a little scary in there!)

I love reviewing the plans that other people make. For me, a plan is just like a giant puzzle, and if any of the pieces are out of place, I spot them right away. So if you’ve made a plan for the rest of the year, or you are making one for a big project or goal, I want to share with you the four things I’d look for if I was reviewing your plan.

1. Is there alignment between your goals and your plan?
2. Is everything in the right sequence?
3. Have you allowed enough time for the tasks on your plan, AND left enough white space to handle the unexpected?
4. Do you have the resources you need to complete the plan?

ACTION STEP:
I’ve created a Plan Review Checklist you can use to evaluate your upcoming plan. Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab your copy and run through the checklist once you’ve completed your next plan. I’d love to hear what you learned or adjusted after using the checklist, so give me a shout on Facebook or Instagram @doanewthing.

RESOURCE:
Build A Better Week Toolkit –This simple pdf will teach you how to manage your quarterly to-do list and your quarterly plan using my Planning Six-Pack and Weekly Plan process.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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As we are coming up on the mid-point of the year, you may be asking yourself where six whole months have gone! I know I am! This is the perfect time to review your progress towards those goals you set back in January and update your plans for the rest of the year. In Episode 67 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m going through the process I use to conduct a quarterly or mid-year review. So grab your Planning Six-Pack, Powersheets, or whatever you use to set and measure goals, and let’s dive in.

Does anybody else start to get a little panicked when you go to write the date and have to start it with a 6? It makes me wince every time. Almost half a year gone. The questions come flooding in. Did I accomplish all I hoped to? Am I any farther along towards my goals? Is it still even possible to reach my goal by the end of the year?

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we are flexible and resilient in the face of chaos and capable of adjusting to whatever craziness comes our way. (Check out episodes 27and 28for a deeper dive on flexibility and resilience.)

Let’s go through the nine questions I ask myself during a quarterly review.

You can hop over to my Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and download a copy of the Quarterly Review worksheet. Or, if you purchased the Deluxe Move Forward Journal, you’ll find the quarterly review worksheets in the back.

1. What successes did you have that can be built upon?
2. What barrier held you back that you can learn from?
3. What good habits can you carry forward?
4. What bad habits need to stay in the past?
5. What was left undone and how did that affect you?
6. How can you celebrate?
7. What do you need to consider in prayer?
8. What themes and trends do you see?
9. What are your focus areas for the next quarter?
   ACTION STEP
   Head over to my free Facebook Group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, grab the quarterly review worksheet and complete your review. I’d love to know which of the nine questions gave you a new perspective or fresh motivation for the rest of the year. Snap a picture of your review and tag me @doanewthing when you share it on social media.

RESOURCES
Deluxe Move Forward Journal –This unique line-a-day journal includes quarterly review and goal setting pages to help you stay on track all year.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you facing a season of transition? It might a big one, like becoming an empty nester. Or a smaller one, like having kids out of school for the summer. If transitions and changes tend to bring anxiety and discomfort, tune in to Episode 66 of Just One Simple Thing, where you’ll learn four ways to keep things moving forward when life takes you on a detour.

Over the last couple of months, I have had three different clients reach out to me and ask for help navigating a life transition, from a time management standpoint.

As I’ve worked with these ladies, I’ve noticed some patterns that seem to pop up as we are moving from one season to another.

Transitions are a special kind of change. Most disruptive changes come up unexpectedly and without a lot of notice. But transitions happen over time and you usually know that they are coming.

If we let thetransition sneak up on us, the effect is more like a sudden change. But if we take advantage of the advance notice, we can be more prepared and able to make a graceful transition.

If you are going through a season of transition, here are few things to keep in mind:

1. Adopt an attitude of blessing.
2. Your new season may require a new schedule and priorities.
3. You’ll probably need some new processes and routines.
4. Set aside time to evaluate how things are going.

ACTION STEP:
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab the Transition Check-in Worksheet and map out your transition plan. Transitions can be unsettling, but they can also be a blessing and the next step in God’s plan for your ministry or business. If you need help creating your plan and someone to hold you accountable as you establish your new habits, let me know. I’d love to walk through it with you. We’ll work out your new schedule and processes, and I’ll check in with you every week to make sure you are working the plan. Let’s hop on a free call and chat about it.

RESOURCES:
Build A Better WeekToolkit–My signature resource for developing your weekly plan with any to-do list or planner you are already using, or you can use the worksheets included in the ebook.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Are you planning to go to a conference or in-person event soon? If you are an introvert like me (and I know that most of you are!), networking at in-person events can be nerve-wracking. Back in Episode 63, we covered my best tips for preparing for the conference. Here in Episode 65, you’ll learn how to survive networking during the event, and what to do when you get home to extend the impact. Let’s dive in!

I’m getting excited about the conference I’m going to later this summer. I’ve already been doing some of the prep work that we talked about back in Episode 63. I have a list of people that I want to be sure and connect with, and I’ve recently been working to clarify my elevator pitch.

I’ve got my mental attitude straight and I’m feeling equipped and prepared to have some great conversations, so now what? Here are some practical points to consider during the conference.

1. Put serving others before your own awkwardness.

2. Balance social time with alone time.

3. Sit in the middle of the room.

You survived the conference and now you are back at home. You may think you are safe now, but connecting continues after you get home. You probably collected a pile of business cards or digital connection cards along the way. Divide them into two piles: One pile for people that you met and just want to stay in touch with, and another pile for people who made a deeper impression on you... people who could be potential partners or clients.

Even if you implement all of these tips, I'm not promising that networking time won't be awkward or uncomfortable. But with a little preparation and confidence inspired by your God-dream, you can make it through without throwing up in your purse. That's progress!

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your Conference Networking Cheat Sheet. Tuck it in your conference notebook and take a peek when you need some conversation starters or a little pep talk! You’ll also find a handy Conference Planning Worksheet to keep all the important details at your fingertips.

I’d love to know what conferences you are going to this summer. Maybe I’ll see you there! Snap a screen shot of this episode, share it on your social media, and let us know where we can find you during this conference season. Be sure to tag me @doanewthing!

RESOURCES
These posts have some other great tips on how to networkat a conference:
10 Tips on Networking Like A Pro at a Conference
8 Great Icebreakers for Your Next Networking Event-Meredith Lepore for Levo.com (the conversation about a "whatsit" in the Comments of this article is really interesting!)

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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There is a lot of talk going around right now about stepping away from social media, either for an extended break, or for good. Is that the right decision for you and your ministry or business? In Episode 64 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn four things to consider as you make that decision, and a special word of encouragement for those who feel the Lord leading them to stay on social media.

Today’s episode is inspired by what’s been happening over in my Instagram stories. If you have been following me there @doanewthing, you may have seen me sharing about a podcast episode from my friend Esther Littlefield. In Episode 80 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast, Esther answered a question that’s been circulating among Christian business and ministry leaders for a while, but really amped up in recent weeks. “Can You Grow A Business Without Social Media? (And if so, should you?)”

As our world grows more divided and volatile, and the words used on social media become more harsh (even among Christians), more and more people are asking themselves (and God) if they should stay online or go.

There are four reasons that I hear (or feel) most often.

1. The barrage of information and harsh opinions triggers anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. If you need to step away in order to support your mental health, then by all means, do so. But first, you may want to try some of the apps or browser extensions that help you manage your news feed if that’s what is affecting you.
2. Overwhelmed by the pressure to show up all the time to engage and constantly create new posts, reels, and videos. It can definitely eat up a ton of time and energy. Keep in mind that YOU decide how often and what you post. Take in the expert advice, and then do what fits in YOUR life, for YOUR business, and for YOUR audience.
3. A prompting from God for rest and obedience. Sometimes God calls us away from what we are doing so we can quiet all the noise and hear more clearly from him.
4. You’ve been influenced by the influencers. When we see other people we love and respect making this decision for their business or ministry, we can feel guilty about staying. We feel less spiritually mature, or not as close to God. If you’ve settled this between you and the Lord ... if you feel like social media is where God wants you to show up and serve people with your gift, to connect with people you can help, then you don’t have to feel bad about that at all.

ACTION STEP
The most important action we can take on this topic is to pray. Spend some time with the Lord and allow him to examine your relationship with social media. Do you need to make some adjustments? Incorporate some tools or processes that make it a healthy place to show up? Or is it time to take a break and build your business or ministry in a different way?

RESOURCES
Episode 80 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast: Can You Grow a Business Without Social Media? (And if so, should you?)
Don’t Go Naked On Social Media - Do A New Thing blog post
Kill News Feed Chrome extension.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Conference season is almost here and amidst all the preparation and arrangements, we sometimes forget about one of the most important parts of attending a conference .... networking. It can also be the scariest part, especially if you are an introvert. In Episode 63 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn how to prepare for your next conference or in-person event, so it won't be quite so scary.

I’m always excited to go to an in-person even, but when I get there, I remember why I used to avoid networking.

Just the terms "networking" and "working the room" can bring to mind some negative connotations.

And when you think of networking as what you can get out of it and how it can benefit you, then it is pretty cheesy.

Think of it more as a way to make authentic connections with people who all have the same ultimate goal ... to bring a hurting world to the feet of Jesus. In fact, Jesus and his friends were great at making these kinds of connections themselves.

As Christians, making connections comes more naturally than networking. But still, it takes some practice and a bit of thinking ahead to get truly comfortable with it.

Let’s start by separating some truth from some lies.

These people are smarter/more experienced/more polished than me. Possibly TRUTH.

I'm not good enough to be here. Big fat LIE.

She has the same idea as me. Maybe TRUTH.

Nobody wants to talk to me. LIE, for sure.

Now let’s get practical. Before going to the conference, there are some things you can do to make your networking time more comfortable.

• Connect on social media.
• Research the speakers and conference details.
• Practice your elevator speech.
• Have some conversation starters ready.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab your Conference Networking Cheat Sheet. Tuck it in your conference notebook and take a peek when you need some conversation starters or a little pep talk!I’d love to know what conferences you are going to this summer. Maybe I’ll see you there! Snap a screen shot of this episode, share it on your social media, and share where we can find you during this conference season. Be sure to tag me @doanewthing!

RESOURCES
These posts have some other great tips on how to network at a conference:
10 Tips on Networking Like A Pro at a Conference

8 Great Icebreakers for Your Next Networking Event-Meredith Lepore for Levo.com (the conversation about a "whats it" in the Comments of this article is really interesting.

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time. Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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Join me for this bonus conversation with Laura Beck about how she has grown her impact and reach by being obedient to what God called her to do.  Follow Laura on Instagram at @laurakbeck

Did last month get away from you with little progress on your plans?

If only someone could make sure you are working on the right things at the right time.  Let me review your plan for the month and give you personal feedback, just like my one-on-one clients get. It's the most cost-effective way to get personal coaching and feel confident in taking your next steps.

Click here for details!

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It’s summer and everyone is ready to go out to play. But you’ve worked hard to build your audience and don’t want to put it all on hold. If you want to roll into the fall with some momentum without missing out on all the sunshine and fun, Episode 62 of Just One Simple Thing is for you! So grab your favorite umbrella drink and let’s talk about staying visible over the summer.

This time of year I start hearing two refrains from my online ministry and business friends .... “I’m going to take a break for the summer.” And “I want to launch a new product in the fall."

Both of those are legitimate things to be thinking about and planning for right now. The problem comes when the same person says both of them!

You can’t disappear over the summer and expect to have a successful launch in the fall.

On the flip side, you don’t have stay chained to your phone and laptop and be distracted from all the family fun.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,12 says:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ...I know that thereis nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

So in this summer season, let’s find some ways that you can be happy, and also do some good work to set yourself up to roll into the fall with some momentum.

1. Make a visibility plan.

2. What can you automate?

3. What can you repurpose?

4. Combine work and play.

5. Build relationships for Fall collaborations.

6. Brush up on your SEO skills.

Do you see the common theme with these suggestions? It’s not about creating more stuff and spending all your time on social media. It’s about leveraging what you have, expanding your reach and reputation, and setting yourself up for future success.

ACTION STEP:
Create your summer visibility plan. You don’t have to do ALL of these things. Start by looking at what your goals will be in the fall.

Make a plan for a few things that will support those fall goals.

RESOURCE:
If you need some help with that, join us for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge. In this live five-day event, you’ll learn the Visibility Acceleration Processto sort through all your ideas and decide which visibility options are right for you, create your visibility plan, and measure what is working and what isn’t. If you want your summer to matter for your work AND your life, this is the resource you need. Check it out at doanewthing.com/rocket

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Are you having trouble getting your message out to more people?  Struggling to grow your audience and your reach? In this bonus mini-episode of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn why this area may be difficult for you, and what you need to do about it. 

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Hey I see you out there ... sharing your message with passion and conviction ... working hard .... Celebrating the small victories. But I also see your frustration ... though you value every life that you touch, you know you have capacity to serve more people, but you aren’t growing as fast as you expected. Well, friend, having a great message or service or products is only half of the equation. In Episode 61 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn about the other half, and three ways you can fuel the growth of your ministry or business.

I’ve worked with dozens of women in the early stages of their ministry or business. They all have big dreams and brilliant ideas.

But many of them aren’t taking off as fast as they expected, not selling as many products, not signing up enough email subscribers. And have hit a wall of frustration. Does that sound familiar?

It takes both compelling content and effective visibility to get where you are trying to go. I’ve noticed that a lot of people focus on the content, but not on the visibility.

They’ve fallen for the “build and they will come”, “content is king” message that at best is only half the story, and at worst, honestly just doesn’t work any more.

Your content and your visibility plan work together. Your content will attract the people right around you ... the ones who are already watching what you are doing. But if you want to attract people from outside your circle, you need a visibility plan to get their attention. Stellar content alone is not going to get you where you want go.

How do you create a visibility plan? Well, I think it has three parts.

First, you have to show up. That means going where your ideal person hangs out.

Second, you have to grow up. You have to do the things that make you uncomfortable to put yourself out there.

And third, you have to glow up. Take what you already have and make it shine.

ACTION STEP:
Pick just one thing in each of these areas ... Show up, Grow Up, and Glow up ....and make a plan to focus on it for one to two months. Measure your progress so you’ll know what is working and what isn't.

RESOURCES
Need help creating your visibility plan? Check out Rocket Your Reach ... a five day challenge where you’ll learn the Acceleration Process for choosing, planning, and measuring your next steps to get off the ground.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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The Idea Tornado. The swirl of ideas flying around in your head. You see one whiz by and before you can even reach out to grab it, here comes another one.

It can be overwhelming and frustrating. Sometimes it's easier to eliminate some things and then look at the things that are left to see what bubbles up to the top. So let's weed out the things we don't need to do, to make room for the next right step.

1. Use Your Purpose as a Filter

I’ve talked before about how much I love Noah. He may have been the very first Project Manager. God gave Noah a very specific assignment and Noah got after it. God told him to build an ark, and anything that did not contribute to that purpose didn’t get any space on Noah's list.

Before we can prioritize ideas, we haveto know what we’retrying to accomplish.

1. Stop Making Decision

We revisit too many decisions that have already been made. Noah had a blueprint for the ark from God, and he just got busy building it according to that plan.

If some of those ideas swirling by are things you've already decided and have clear direction on, let them fly on by. Stop making decisions you have already made.

1. Your Biggest Issue is Your Next Right Step

Our biggest issues are often the most difficult to solve. Usually we focus on the easy little things, checking quantity off our to-do list instead of quality. Noah had a mission to build an ark. It was hard work. Noah was single-mindedly focused on building the ark.

What is the biggest issue you need to solve? The one thing that is blocking your path and preventing progress? It may seem like there are a lot of them, but if you look closely, you will likely find one thing that everything else hinges on.

Genesis 6 and 7 says repeatedly that "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." And ultimately, that is how we find our next right step.

ACTION STEP
I want you to reach out and tell me what that biggest issue is that you need to solve. What was the one thing that caused your last launch to fail? Or your last project to not meet your expectations? See, I have a theory about what it is for most of you. I’ll let you know in the next episode if I was right! And if I am, I have an easy formula to help you solve it. So find me on Instagram or Facebook @doanewthing and let me know. Then be sure to tune in to the next episode, and invite your Christian creative friends who need some help with their own goals, plans, and strategies.

RESOURCES
For more help with defining your purpose, check out Episode 19 to find it at the intersection of your Why, your Who and your You.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Looking for something to break up your work routine? It might help to get out of the house for a day and take a working staycation. I did this recently and it was my most productive day ever. In Episode 59, you’ll learn four things that made the day so successful, and I’ll share what I Iearned about myself and my work style during the day.

I work best when I have a little distraction going on around me. The quiet stillness bores me and I end up wandering around the house to distract myself. Usually with a snack. So when someone gave me the idea of a one-day working staycation, I thought I'd give it a try, just for something different. The idea is that you go someplace nearby ... a coffee shop, restaurant, anything with a good wi-fi connection .... work for a while, then go to another place, giving yourself some variety throughout the day. I loved it!

So I want to share with you four tips for turning a working staycation into one of your most productive days ever:

1. Pick your spots carefully.
2. Travel light.
3. Plan your time.
4. Mind your power.

Here’s what I learned on my working staycation:

• I am 10 times more productive when I have a little activity going on around me.
• McDonald's was my least favorite.
• By traveling light and staying close, the time between stopping and starting was only 30 -40 minutes.
• I consumed at LOT less calories than when I work at home.

My working day around town reminded me of this Bible verse:
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14 (NIV)

I love how this verse tells me that being productive is something we must (and can) learn.

ACTION STEP
Plan your own working staycation. Snap some pictures around town as you work and post them on social media. Use the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing so I can see all the work you are getting done! I can’t wait to see if this idea works out as well for you as it did for me.

RESOURCE
Have you checked out the FAITH Journal? This gorgeous quarterly print magazine for Christian women is filled with articles, activities, reading plans, and recipes you can use all quarter long. The Spring edition “Grace” is available now. The Summer edition “Breathe” will have an article from me about planning a personal retreat, with more tips for combining working with resting.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Have you ever felt like you are the only one who doesn’t “get it”? The only one who is struggling or who will never do it all “right”? In Episode 58 of Just One Simple Thing, you learn three things I noticed recently when I opened up and made a little confession to some friends.

I’m so thankful that you are hanging out with me today, because I want to start off with a story. Actually, it’s a story about a story that I shared in my Instagram stories. I know that’s kinda weird but I hope you can follow along. You’ll have to listen to the episode to hear the story because it is complicated to explain in the notes.

Now, here are three things I learned from this story about a story.

1. If something is keeping you stuck, or frustrating you, try to figure out exactly what about it is causing you to stay stuck.
2. Sharing your struggles is the first step to finding solutions.
3. Everybody is not doing what you think everybody is doing.

In case you are wondering, I want you to know:

• Everybody is not posting to their IG feed every day.
• Everybody is not self-publishing books and devotionals. Everybody is not checking all the things off their to-do list.
• Everybody is not starting a podcast.

You are not falling behind, not doing too little, not squandering your gifts. If you are caring for the people God has put in front of you and making the most of every door he opens for you, you are doing exactly enough.
ACTION STEP
Share something that is frustrating you like I did and see if someone can help you find a solution. On your social media, post this statement “I’m frustrated by [fill in the blank]. Can you help me find a solution?” If you head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a template that will help you do that in your stories.

Thanks so much for being part of my community. You guys are so smart and so generous with sharing your ideas. If you download the Castro app, use it to share this episode with a friend!

RESOURCES
The Castro app (duh!) -The podcast app for podcast lovers. Castro podcast app makes it easy to manage lots of podcasts, and enjoy the best episodes of all your favourite shows.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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What kind of projects do you have going on right now? Even very small projects have a way of growing legs and becoming more complicated and time consuming than you expected. In Episode 57 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn three principles for planning your projects well so you can reach your goals.

We are going to dive into some of the practical aspects of project management, and as you might have guessed, it all centers around having a great plan. But you could be surprised to hear me say that creating a plan is also one of the biggest project management mistakes. At least, creating a plan too soon.

Our projects need a little time to mature and develop before we can create a good plan.

Let’s dive in to the three things you need to create your project plan.

1. You need time in your schedule for your most strategic projects or tasks.

If I find that the schedule is too full, I I know I need to extend the timeline for my project, or take some other things off my plate.
2. You need to break the project down into steps.

Pull the steps into buckets to give them some structure.

3. You need a timeline.

In Episode 55, I talked about using sticky notes for interactive planning and this is the perfect application for that.

ACTION STEP

The Planning Six-Pack is what I use personally and what I use with all of my coaching clients. It’s a simple, flexible tool to create a road map that guides you from beginning to end. Head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and grab your free copy!

If these three tips for creating your project plans have been helpful, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram@doanewthing

RESOURCES
The Planning Six-Pack is part of my Build A Better Week planning toolkit. Learn more about the toolkit and get your copy here!

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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You know I love a good project and a good plan. But sometimes, we get caught up in checking off the tasks and lose sight of what God is trying to do. In Episode 56 of Just One Simple Thing, we’ll learn to find God’s purpose in our plans.

Welcome, friends! I’m so glad to have you hanging out with me today as we talk about two of my favorite things ... projects and plans.

In his book, Getting Things Done, David Allen defines a project as anything that takes more than one action to complete. So almost EVERYTHING is a project! Which makes my project manager heart so happy.

Over the next few episodes, we’ll talk about some tips and tools you can use to complete your projects. But before we do, let’s talk about why it’s so important to complete our projects well. Friend, God has a profound purpose for yourvery practical projects.

Sometimes, he shows you that purpose before your start. Sometimes, you discover it along the way. And other times, you don’t really understand what he is up to until long after the project is complete.

God gave Noah a big project ... build an ark and repopulate the earth.

God said to Noah, “I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.” Gen 6:18. For Noah, it was all about saving his family.

Nehemiah thought God was sending him to rebuild a wall. But when he got there, Nehemiah found not only a broken wall, but a broken people.

So as he was leading them to rebuild the wall, he was also leading them to rebuild their confidence and their identity as God’s chosen people. And being the great leader that he was, Nehemiah was able to steward both parts of his projects well.

Joseph had a big project ... save Egypt from a famine.

Says in Gen. 41that he stored up so much grain, he stopped even trying to keep up with how much he had. Not only did he have enough grain to save Egypt from the famine, but he had enough for the surrounding countries as well.

What if Joseph had only completed his project halfway? His brothers would not have come to Egypt to get grain, and they may never have reunited. Because Joseph executed his practical project well, God was able to complete his profound purpose.

So as we get wrapped up in our projects, checking the boxes and closing out the Trello boards, let’s keep our hearts and minds open to God’s profound purpose. Even the smallest, most mundane two-step projects can be used in ways we can’t imagine. So let’s do them well.

ACTION STEP:
Look at the projects you have on your plate. Can you see God’s profound purpose in them? Watch for the Lord to start revealing more about His purpose as you cross things off the list. Be sure to join me in the next episode when I’ll share some tips for breaking your projects down into small steps so you can make a plan to get them done. You’ll learn the process and the tools I use for all of my projects. So if you haven’t already, follow the podcast where ever you listen so you don’t miss a thing.

RESOURCES:
Learn more about Noah and his ark project in this blog post: Find Your Next Right Step to Build Your Ark

Book Recommendation: Loyal Judas: “What If ...” Biblical Fiction

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• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
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• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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We are celebrating the 1 year birthday of the podcast! In this special episode, I thought you might be curious to know which episodes have been the most popular. And I want to share a few things I’ve learned about you!

The most downloaded episode is an early one .. Episode 4: The 5 P’s of Decision Making. And other episodes about making decisions, like Episode 3 and Episode 50, were also popular.

The episodes with the highest engagement (meaning people are listening to them more than once) are Episode 25: 4 Reasons God’s Plans Are Betterand and Episode 21: Creating a Presence that Makes God Famous. That is a powerful statistic. The ones you listen to over and over remind us that it’s not about us ... it’s about what God is doing with our gifts and talents.

Episode 34: Are You Building a Platform or Cultivating a Community had the most downloads in the first seven days. As I said in that episode, a platform is something you stand on and a community is something you stand in, and I love standing in community with you.

The last episode, about 10 ways to use sticky notes, almost caught up for 7 day downloads. Y’all love the office supplies .... Especially the sticky notes! Which leads me to Ruthie’s favorite episode ... the early one about mind mapping and using the little post-it notes. That was Episode 12: Brainstorming Methods that Really Work.

Cassie is a newish listener who said she loves the podcast because it is so actionable and there’s no fluff. Laura said Episode 48 really hit home with her. That was the one about overcoming shiny object syndrome.

Jamie’s favorite episode was number 40, about setting PEACE goals instead of SMART goals.

Michele said, “When I need a calming and sound voice I can depend on your podcast to help me not be overwhelmed with all the things.” We are all about ditching the overwhelm and using gifts and talents in ways that serve people and honor God. Let’s do it for another year, okay?

ACTION STEP
If you are listening in real time.. the week of March 28, 2022, share this episode, or another favorite on your social media and invite a friend to listen ... be sure to tag me @doanewthing. Or leave an honest review to let others know how the podcast has helped you. At the end of the week, I’ll choose three shares or reviews to win Starbucks gift cards. I can’t wait to hear from you!

RESOURCES:

Maybe this episode has inspired you to start your own podcast! I know you have important things to say! I learned everything I needed to know to get started from Esther Littlefield’s Podcast in A Weekend course. It simplified the decisions and guided me step by step to the launch. Grab your copy here.

Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go Getter Jesus Girl by me!

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• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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What’s your favorite office supply? I bet if I took a poll, sticky notes would be the runaway winner! So let’s have a bit of fun and run through some creative ways to use sticky notes to organize and manage your ministry or business.

We just finished up the Simplifying with Systems series and I hope you were able to create some new systems to save time and frustration. So I thought before we move on, we’d do something fun and maybe a little silly. No deep spiritual principle this week ... just celebrating our favorite office supply ... sticky notes.

10 creative ways you can use sticky notes in your ministry or business.

1. Mapping out a process or workflow
2. Track Discovery Call contacts
3. Celebrate people who sign up for your course or program
4. Create your book outline
5. Tabs in a book
6. Urgent Reminders
7. Brainstorming
8. Annual planning
9. Keep your focus in a work session
10. Interactive Planning

ACTION STEP:
Go get you some sticky notes and start planning! Share on social media your favorite way to use sticky notes and tag me @doanewthing so I can share your great ideas!

In the next episode, we’ll celebrate the one year anniversary of Just One Simple Thing. If you haven’t left an honest review yet, go ahead and do that ... it would be the very best anniversary present.

RESOURCES:
I have some pre-printed sticky notes that you can use to keep your focus during your work session. Visit this page to check them out!

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Where do your ideas go to grow? Do you have a place where they can mature and develop while you are working on other things? What about your leads on potential clients? Are you cultivating those so your pipeline stays full? In this last episode of the Simplify With Systems series, we are going to look at two simple systems that have made a huge impact on my business ... the idea capture system, and the client lead followup system.

There are some basic systems that every ministry or business needs to have .... Document filing, appointment scheduling, email management, and the like.

But today, I want to cover a couple of systems that are not talked about as much, but have been a key part of managing and growing my business. Let’s start with the Idea Capture System first, then touch on the client lead follow up system.

Before we talk about how to develop a capture system, let's talk a bit more about why we need one.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Many of my ideas come from the lofty opinions of others ... what I could do, or should do, or think I ought to do because the ever-present they are doing it.Capturing the idea parks it in a place to rest while I pray and seek God.

At first, you may feel like your capture system is a place where ideas go to die.
But, you'll find it is really a place where ideas go to grow.

Some things to consider when setting up your capture system.

• A space to capture - Set up a place where you can capture every idea as it comes to you.
• Your capture system is more than a list.
• A home for shiny objects.
• Create the habit - The more you use the system, the more it will naturally become the first place you go when inspiration strikes.
• Process, filter and prioritize - About once every three months or so, run through your captured ideas.

Keeping my head clear of all this extra information and activity gives me more capacity to focus on the things God has assigned me to do right now. Preserving the ideas in a place they can live and grow (or not) releases the guilty feelings that I'm not doing enough.

Let’s touch briefly on the client lead follow up system.

When I make a connection with a potential new client, I add them to a list on my Clients Trello board ... close to the top if I want to follow up soon, or in the middle when I want to follow up in a few weeks.

Each Sunday evening, when I do my planning for the next week, I send a quick email to the top 2 or 3 people on the list, referencing things we mentioned the last time we talked. Then I move them to the bottom of the list, and do 2 or 3 more the next week.

I hope this series has helped you develop some simple systems that free you up to do the work you love most. In our next episode, we’ll take a little break and do something a little silly, just for fun. I hope you’ll join me!

ACTION STEP
Which one of these two systems would make the biggest difference for you? Spend a little time this week setting it up so you can capture your big ideas AND your potential customers.

RESOURCES
More Than Capable Momprenuer Podcast with Shannon Baker: The Business Systems Every Mompreneur Needs
Book Recommendation:

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Do you know how to create a system? How to document the steps? And then how to review and refine your system? Listen in on Episode 52 of Just One Simple Thing as I share my simple process for creating simple system.

While I love organizing people and events and ideas, I am personally one of the most unorganized people you know. If I had a dollar for every number in my phone screen notification bubbles, I’d finally have that six-figure business all the gurus rave about.

But even in the middle of my mess, I have some key, documented systems that keep things flowing in my ministry and business. The last episode of Just One Simple Thing kicked off the Simplify with Systems series. We covered exactly what a system is and why you need it. If you missed it, head back to Episode 51 and check it out.

In this episode, I’ll share with you my simple process for creating simple systems.

We start with decidingwhat process we need to create a system for. Here are some criteria to consider.

• The ones you use most often
• Ones that are complicated
• Ones you’re likely to get help
• Ones you are likely to forget

Next, you want to document the steps you currently take to complete this task.

Now you need to pick the type of system you want to use. In Episode 51, we talked about checklists, workflows, and automated systems and when to use each of them. Refer back to that episode and pick a place to start.

That will give you a basic system. So next, you want to review and refine the system by eliminating, delegating, and automating.

• Eliminate unnecessary steps
• Eliminate anything out of sequence.
• Eliminate recycles.
• Delegate anything that someone else can do.
• Automate things that are done very frequently.
• Automate things that are labor-intensive.
• Automate things with steps that may be easily missed or need frequent monitoring.

ACTION STEP
If you didn’t grab the system creation worksheet last week, head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and download your copy. Use it to create a system for something that is holding you back with busy work in your business or ministry. Snap a picture of your worksheet and share it on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething.

Tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on. I can’t wait to see the systems you create. In the next episode, I’ll share details on two of my favorite systems ...the idea capture system, and the client lead followup system. I’ll see you there!

RESOURCES
My friend Jamie Russell is starting a new podcast, Faith & Funnels. Be sure to listen and subscribe for great ideas that will step up your marketing efforts.

Book Recommendation: Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive by Jordan Raynor

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• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
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• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Does the word SYSTEMS make you break out in a sweat? It sounds so formal and complicated, doesn’t it? If you’ve ever checked steps off a list, or scheduled a blog post or email to go out at a certain time, you’ve used a system. It doesn’t have to be scary. Join me for Episode 51 of Just One Simple Thing as we kick off the Simplify with Systems series.

Systems don’t have to pin you in. In fact, having structured, repeatable ways to go about your ministry and business can be the very thing that sets you free to do your best work.So for the next few weeks, we’ll talk about systems ... what they are, when to use what types of systems, how to create one, then we’ll dive into one particular system that has really given me a lot more brain space.

Systems don’t have to be fancy or complicated.

But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Cor. 14:33(ESV)

Why do we need systems?

• Consistent results and experiences.
• Consistency saves time.
• Easier to engage and train others.

Let’s break down exactly what a system is.

• Documented steps of a repetitive process.
• Breaks down thesequential steps.
• Some kind of visual representation.

Three types of systems and when it is usually best to use each type.

1. A Checklist is best used for a process with several steps done by only one person (or maybe two people at most).
2. A workflow is a checklist on steroids. The workflow can be a list, but its usually better to be displayed visually using a flow chart, especially if there are parallel paths decision points, or places where responsibility changes from one person to another.
3. Automations can be self-contained within a program you are already using (like email sequences in your email service provider). Or they can be connectors that move information from one program to another, such as Zapier or If This Then That.

ACTION STEP:
Head over to my free FB group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab the systems worksheet. But don’t worry .... All you need to do right now is identify one process in your business that needs a system, and what type of system it needs (a checklist, a workflow, or an automation). Then in the next episode, we’ll talk about how to create your system.

RESOURCES:
This series is based on a training topic from the Move Forward Mastermind, where we work together in a community of accountability to make progress on our most important goals and projects. Learn more about the mastermind here.

Book Recommendation: The 15 Minute Formula: How Busy Moms Can Ditch the Guilt, Say Yes to What Matters, and Conquer their Goals by Cara Harvey

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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How many times have you made a decision. And then made it again? And then made it again? Second guessing our decisions is one of the biggest time wasters. In episode 50 of Just One Simple Thing, you’ll learn three ways to close the door on your decisions so you can keep moving forward.

You’ve probably heard that we make some huge number of decisions every day. I don’t even want to Google the exact number. I think it would scare me. But I WOULD like to know how many decisions we make for the second or third time because we second guess ourselves.

No sooner have we made a decision than the doubt sets in.

So these are the three things that will help you stop wasting your time revisting your decisions over and over:

1. Get clear on your values and priorities and use them as a filter for your decisions.

2. Do your research.

3. Talk it over with a friend, mentor, or coach.

And finally of course, wrap all of this up in prayer.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”ACTION STEP:
I want to focus in on that first item again. Write your values, purpose and focus areas for this season on a sheet of paper and hang it where you can see it. I truly believe this is the foundation for making decisions that stick. Snap a picture of it and post it on social media with the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can cheer you on!

RESOURCES:The most downloaded episode so far is Episode 4: The 5 P’s of Decision Making. Check it out for more decision-making support.

Need help hashing out a decision? Click here to schedule a free 20-minute call with me!

Book Recommendation: The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Sometimes, our plans don’t go as planned. Even for those of us who try to make the most intentional plans and think of all the scenarios. It can be frustrating and demotivating. In Episode 49 of Just One Simple Thing, we’ll look at how to respond to derailed plans from both a spiritual and a practical perspective.

I get frustrated when my carefully-made plans get derailed. I want to force everything back into its calendar square where it belongs! But since the plans were God’s in the first place, maybe .... just maybe ... He has a purpose in the derailing. In the Bible, the apostle Paul often had his plans derailed. With a vast network of churches and co-laborers in Christ, he was always planning to go somewhere.

Those plans got interrupted, hindered or re-directed when God had something different in mind. It doesn’t mean the plans were wrong in the first place, but it may mean God’s got some work to do in you or others. Paul tell us there is no yes and no in Christ. There is only yes and yes.

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” 2 Corinthians 2:18-19 (NIV.)

So when we feel like God is saying no to some of our plans, we need to look for what He is saying yes to. It may be one of these things:

1. You are needed more elsewhere.

2. The conditions aren’t right.

3. An opportunity for someone else to serve.

When I look for God’s yes in the midst ofthe no’s, the jumbled calendar squares get filled with hope instead of frustration, anticipation instead of discouragement and deeper faith in the One who knows better.

How do we practically respond when things get out of whack?
1. Reevaluate your plans

1. Identify your problem areas

2. Figure out if there is anything you can salvage and start again

It’s important to develop a different mindset in regards to plans -one that believes that every mistake and obstacle is meant to help you grow.

ACTION STEP:
Do a quick review of your past week. Identify what didn’t go according to plan and see what you can learn from it. Maybe one of these strategies will help you see how to make it better next time. You can head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and get my Weekly Review worksheet to help you do that.

RESOURCES:
Episode 48: Stop Following Shiny Objects
Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way Build Good Habits and Break Bad Onesby James Clear

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Nothing gets a passionate creative off track faster than "shiny object syndrome" .... dropping your current project to chase off after something new. But this type of distraction is one of the biggest barriers to making progress on our goals and projects. Listen in on Episode 48 of Just One Simple Thing for three tips to avoid shiny object syndrome.

I’ve worked with dozens of Christian writers, entrepreneurs and other creatives, but the ones that have struggled most to make progress on their goals have had one common barrier … shiny object syndrome. Before they can finish what they are working on, they get another great idea and off they go.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul was encouraging the church to follow through with a commitment they made. I love the Message version of verse 11, where it says, “The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart’s been in the right place all along. You’ve got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it.”

So if you want to get better at finishing what you start, and avoid the shiny object distractions, here are four tips to help you focus until the end.

• Define what "finished" means.
• Remember that the reward comes after the finish.
• Put the shiny object at the finish line.
• Be sure your support system includes accountability.

ACTION STEP

I’ve created an accountability template for you. Head over to my free FB group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and grab a graphic you can use to publicly declare what you are going to finish and what idea you’ll work on next when you reach the finish line.

RESOURCES

Schedule a free DEFINE call and let’s talk about how accountability can keep you on track.

More Than Capable Mompreneur Podcast Episode 97: 4 Productivity Tips for When Batching Doesn’t Work for You

Book Recommendation: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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"Adapting to change” gets a lot of attention. Even though we have some tools to intentionally deal with changes, that is a reactive approach. In Episode 47 of Just One Simple Thing, we'll learn a more proactive approach, where we anticipate things that could go wrong and develop a plan to deal with the ones most likely to derail us. Because I believe that all those things we fear are just risks to be managed.

Raise your hand if you’ve laid awake at night with the “what if” tape looping through your head. What if I launch and no one buys? What if I take a step and don’t do it right? What if I send a proposal and get told no? The What if loop is endless.

We often let the “what ifs” paralyze us with fear and uncertainty. We let those fears keep us from doing what God called us to do. The fears take up more room than they deserve until we completely give up. But what if we had a better way to deal with those “what ifs”.

Let’s look at someone in the Bible who created a risk management plan that derailed a fearful response.

Nehemiah had a big assignment from God, leading the Israelites as they rebuilt the crumbling wall around Jerusalem. It was a risky endeavor. (You can read all about this in Nehemiah chapter 4). Not only did Nehemiah address the specific threat facing them but he addressed the consequences that the people most feared. Let’s dive into the details of how to create a risk management plan that silences the fearful “what ifs”.

1. Clarify the Risks
   What could happen?
   Why might it happen?
   What would be the impact?

2. Rank the Risks
   First look at the Likelihood - How likely is the event or the cause to happen? Give it a score of 1 if it is unlikely to happen, 2 if it may happen, 3 if it is highly likely to happen. Next, evaluate the Level of Impact-How damaging would the consequence be if the event happened? Give it a score of 1 if it would be minimal impact, 2 for some impact and 3 for major impact. Finally, calculate the Significance Score - Add the Likelihood and Impact scores for each risk on your list. Highlight the ones with a score of 4 or more. These are your Significant Risks that you need to focus on.

3. Create Mitigation Plans
   For each Significant Risk, create a plan that reduces the likelihood that the cause or event will happen or reduces the impact if it does happen.

Just clarifying the “what ifs” and ranking them will help you see that some of them are not as scary as you think. And you can kick fear to the curb when you’ve create a plan to overcome the scary ones.

ACTION STEP:Think of the three biggest what if’s that keep you up at night, rank their likelihood and potential impact, then create a mitigation plan for the significant risks. If you head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a worksheet and some examples to help you do that.

RESOURCES: This episode is based on a module from my Move Forward Mastermind, a group coaching program helping you make progress on your goals and projects through training, accountability, and community.
Book Recommendation: Fear is Not The Boss Of You by Jennifer Allwood.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Holly Williams is a conversion copywriter who specializes in using the power of story to create irresistable emails.  In this Simple Conversation, she shares tips for getting your emails noticed in a busy inbox, and how to keep your readers opening your emails every week.

Connect with Holly on Instagram @thehollycwilliams and get on the waitlist for her upcoming Email Class here.

Ready to grow your reach and impact?  Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Want to consistently work with new clients? Learn more about what your audience wants and needs? Make connections that lead to collaborations and partnerships? Accomplish all of that through free discovery calls. This is a key Business Builder, especially if you are just getting started, making a shift, or going to the next level in your ministry business. So let’s talk about what to do before, during and after discovery calls, shall we?

We are wrapping up our Business Builders series.

In 2021, my game-changer was holding discovery calls with new connections and potential clients.

Consistently talking with potential clients and partners in discovery calls is one of the best ways to keep your client calendar full. But it begins with keeping your discovery call calendar full. So let’s start with some strategies will help you do that.

1. Talk about your discovery call offer
2. Set a goal and keep track visually
3. Make it easy to schedule
   During the Call1. Questions to ask

These are some of my favorite questions to ask during a call:

• Tell me about your ministry/business and how you got started.
• What goals do you have for the next 3 - 6 months?
• What barriers are keeping you from reaching those goals?
• What would things look like if that problem was solved?

• What have you tried in the past to solve it?

• Offering your solution

Give your potential client a quick win. This allows her to experience what it would be like working with you.

Be prepared to give a pitch at the end of the call and explain how your services work.

1. Set up for the follow up
   Set up a specific time for follow up …. usually within a week.
   After the Call1. Set a time to follow up

2. Be prepared to offer alternative resources

3. Check back in periodically ACTION STEP:
   Head to my free FB group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab the Discovery Call Toolkit, including a worksheet to keep up with your discovery call strategy this year.

RESOURCES:

TidyCal – simple but powerful appointment scheduler at one low cost

Click here to schedule a free DEFINE call with me.

Book Recommendation: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Podcasting is the hottest thing on the block. While it has been around for almost twenty years, it seems to have exploded in the last couple of years as it has become easier than ever to put your voice out into the world. Being a guest on podcasts is one of the best ways to increase your visibility and get your ministry or business off the ground. In Episode 45 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing the best practices that get me a 75% success rate on podcast guest pitches.

Landing those coveted guest spots takes some intentional and sincere effort.

So, if you want to reach new people, establish credibility and use your God-given skills and talents in new ways, try these methods for landing podcast guest spots.

Identify Your Goals and Boundaries

Understanding these goals will help you strategically pick the podcasts to pitch.
Identify Good Matches

Listen to at least a few episodes, watching especially for places where you could add value or extend the conversation the host is already having with their audience.

Be part of the audience

Get to know the show, host and audience to refine your topic idea and make it clear that your intention is to serve the audience.

Send the pitch

Your pitch should be personal and specific, based on what you have learned about the podcast

Plan your Call to Action

This is your chance to be strategic in achieving your goal for being on the podcast.

Using these practices, I had a booking success rate of around 75% of my pitches. I hope you have great success with it too! ACTION STEP:Make a list of five potential podcasts that you can be a guest on and start getting to know the host. Hop over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and share your progress. We want to celebrate with you!

Thanks for hanging out with me. If these tips were helpful, share the episode with a friend who may also need the Business Builders series!

RESOURCES:

My Better Together course includes detailed training, worksheets and swipe copy for podcast guest pitches and a dozen other creative ways to collaborate.

Here is a page I created for one of my recent podcast guest appearances.

For more tips on being a great podcast guest, check out Episode 139 of the Business, Jesus and Sweet Tea Podcast from Heather Heuman

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Getting started at just about anything is the hardest, right? Whether it is a new diet, a new hobby, a new business or a new blog, there are a million things to learn and about 10 million things to add to your to-do list! In this episode of the Business Builders series, we are talking about how to get noticed online, whether you are just starting out, or just ready to take your idea to the next level, listen in to Episode 44 of Just One Simple Thing for my top four tips to get noticed online.

I have four tips based on four verses to get you started.

1. Leverage the contacts you have

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)

2. Know who your ideal clients are and go where they are

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

3. Collaborate with others

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Ecclesiates 4:9 (ESV)

4. Guest Posting or Podcast Appearances

So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth. 3 John 1:8 (NLT)

ACTION STEP:

Make your Get Noticed Game Plan. Head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and you’ll find a worksheet to help you do that. Snap a picture of your plan and share it on social media. Tag me @doanewthing so I can come cheer you on.

We are halfway through the Business Builders series. I hope it is giving you some things you can put in place this year to make 2022 better than 2021.

RESOURCES:

Better Together: Grow Your Influence and Impact Through Collaboration – my self guided course that teaches you all about growing your relationships with like-minded partners and developing creative collaborations that benefit you both.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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It’s the beginning of a new year, which means new ideas, new goals, new directions. And maybe it means new approaches to building your business or ministry. This week, I’m kicking off the Business Builders series. We start makin strategic investments in your work in the areas of coaching, memberships, and training events.

You’ve probably been looking ahead at the new year, setting goals and making plans. If this is the year you are committed to taking things to the next level, this Business Builders series is for you. But wait … you might be saying “I’m a ministry, or a writer, or a podcast … not a business … I don’t have any plans to sell products or become a business.” Well, here’s an extra tip for you … if you’ll treat your ministry, writing, or podcast LIKE a business, it will grow faster and you’ll have the opportunity to share your passionate message with more people. So I think there is a lot here for you in these business-building principles.

In this episode, I want to focus on coaching-related investments because I’ve seen that this is one area where people often put off spending money.

My favorite example of coaching in the Bible is the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. In Exodus, chapter 8. Jethro looked over the situation and quickly knew that Moses needed help. He laid out a simple plan for Moses to delegate the tasks to other trusted men, so he could spend time on the big things related to accomplishing their mission.

What is coaching?

Coaching is basically when someone shares what they know to help you get where you want to go.

When do you need a coach?

• When you have reached the end of what you know or can do on your own.
• When you need help making decisions.
• When you feel stuck and overwhelmed.

Tips for choosing a coach.

1. Know your own objectives.
2. Make sure your coach is qualified in the area you need help and teaching at your level.
3. Understand how they will communicate with you.
4. Make sure you can afford it.

ACTION STEPS:

Look over your needs and goals for this year and decide what type of coaching support will help you move the needle to success. I have openings in my one-on-one accountability coaching and my Move Forward Mastermind group coaching program. I’d be glad to chat with you about either of those options, or recommend another one of my coaching friends if you need something different. You can sign up for a free call here: DEFINE CALL

RESOURCES:

In addition to my Move Forward Mastermind, these are some of my favorite group coaching programs for people growing ministries or businesses online:

Esther Littlefield’s UpLIFT Mentormind - For motivated, multi-passionate Christian business women who want to find their sweet spot, optimize their marketing, and reach their financial goals.

Alli Worthington’s The Coach School: A 12 week program that takes the mystery out of how to grow a successful coaching business

Book Recommendation: Dream Come True: A Practical Guide to Pursue the Adventure God Has For You by Jenny Randle

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Wow ... where did 2021 go?? It seems like just yesterday we were saying “good riddance” to the dumpster fire that was 2020. 2021 turned out to be better in some ways and disappointing in others. Listen in as I share my top three takeaways from 2021 and what will be different for me in 2022.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy hearing other people share about their lessons learned and how they make decisions to move forward in their ministry or business. It always makes me feel less alone when I see that others have struggled some of the same things I have, and I learn new tips and strategies by hearing how they solved them. So I thought as we wrap up this year, I’d share the three biggest things I’ve learned, and give you a preview of where I am headed in 2022.

1. It’s ok to do things my own way.

2. I can’t be in task-mode and create-mode at the same time.

3. I learned (again) the value of recycling content.

Now, where am I going in 2022? Well, I have a big change coming. I’ll be working 50 hours a week and have little or no time or privacy on my lunch hour. It’s a significant shift in my schedule, in terms of number of hours I can devote to Do A New Thing and when I can devote them.

As I move into this new season, I recognize that I have three things going for me … I have an engaged audience who is so supportive of my crazy schedule, I have six years of solid content that seems to be more applicable now than ever. And I have a broad network of friends and partners that I have worked with over the years. So, my strategy this year will be to offer the content I have to my network of partners to fill gaps they may have in their own businesses … to serve them and their audience as a guest expert or podcast guest, and grow my reputation as a leader in my zone of genius.

Instead of focusing on the time I am losing, I’ll choose to focus on maximizing what I do have to continue serving God’s girls. Because in the end, that’s what I’m all about.

Action Step:
I’d love to hear one of your key takeaways from 2021 and how you’ll use it in the next year. Share it on social media and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on. Or share it in my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing.

Resources:
If you need help evaluating your strengths and gaps, and figuring out how to fill them, check out the Move Forward Mastermind. You’ll learn to how to create doable weekly plans, repeat what’s working, and fix what isn’t Plus you’ll be part of a community focused on reaching their goals by being accountable to each other. Visit the Move Forward page to learn more about our next enrollment period.

Book Recommendation:
Your First 1000 Copies: The Step by Step Guide to Marketing Your Book by Tim Grahl

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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As we move towards the end of the year, many of us are setting goals and making plans for next year. We have high hopes and great expectations. But as I look back on the last several years, it is the unexpected things that have made the biggest impact on me and the people around me. Here in Episode 41 of Just One Simple Thing, I’ll share three ways to embrace the unexpected things God has in store for you.

Can you believe the end of the year is almost here? We’ve made it through a second year that has been full of so many twists and turns, you’d think we were going for the world record in roller coaster rides!

Even when I have clear goals and plans, some of the best things are the unexpected ones that God drops into my life. After all the craziness we’ve been through the last couple of years, we may have been conditioned to brace ourselves for the unexpected … to steady ourselves through strength of will and endure whatever pops up next. But I’ve learned that instead, if I embrace the unexpected … greet it with a big warm hug and find all the best things in it … I usually see that it was truly a gift that brought new purpose and opportunity into my life.

Let’s look together at three ways we can embrace the unexpected.

1. Embrace unexpected answers to prayer.

There may be things you’ve been asking God about for years … you’ve got a picture in your mind of how that answer looks … but God may be trying to answer that prayer in a completely unexpected way and you’ll miss it if you are only looking at that picture in your mind.

1. Embrace unexpected ways to use your gifts and talents.

You have gifts and talents and experiences that God wants to use in unexpected ways, but perhaps you are not recognizing the value of those gifts. Be on the look out for unexpected ways to use your gifts and talents.

1. Embrace unexpected change.

This next year may be smooth sailing, or it may be full of unexpected twists and turns. But what I know is this: Nothing is ever unexpected by God.

ACTION STEP:

Look back at those three ways to embrace the unexpected and find evidence of one or more in your life. Head over to my free FB group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and share it with us there. Because the more intentional we are in recognizing the good that comes from the unexpected, the easier it will be to see and embrace it in the future.

RESOURCES:

The Build A Better Year Workshop ….. Re-connect with your WOW, silence the If Only’s that keep you stuck, make a plan for next year to be better than last year. Learn more and sign up here.

Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go Getter Jesus Girl

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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The gold standard of goals training is SMART goals. Everyone teaches it. Many people try to do it. But what if your smart goals make you feel dumb? What if there is a better way to have goals that are meaningful and bring you peace instead of stress? In Episode 40 of Just One Simple Thing, I’m sharing a new goal-setting acronym and I think you are going to love it.

I’m sure you’ve heard about SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound ... or some slight variation. For sensitive, creative types, I’ve found that SMART goals can make you feel dumb. Because SMART goals are results-focused ... all-or-nothing.

And If you don’t hit the target, you label yourself a failure for not being SMART enough. What if we took a different approach to goals? What if we focused more on theprocess than the results? If we valued making progress towards the goal as much as crossing the finish line? What if we set PEACE goals? I’m going to teach you a new goals acronym so you can replace SMART with PEACE. Ready?

P is for Purposeful - Your goals should align with your deepest purpose. They should resonate with the core of your being.

E is for Essential - Prioritize your goals so that you are moving forward in the most important ways in the most important areas. Conquer the essential tasks and behaviors that may impact your life in multiple areas.

A is for Adjustable - Rather than setting a single goal, think of “Good, Better, Best” versions of your goal.

• Good –the minimum that would be “good enough” for you
• Better –the target that would satisfy you and feel like an accomplishment
• Best –a stretch level that would be better than you could imagine.

C is for Current –We should all have an eye on our long-range goals. They help us prepare for our future. But we also need goals that impact our present. We can break down our long range goals into the smaller steps we’ll take now to get there.

And the second E is for Enjoyable–How do you feel when you think about your goals? Are you motivated and encouraged? Or dreading the worthy work it will take to get there.

Pursuing PEACE goals will keep your actions in line with your principles and use your limited time and resources to make progress where you can. You’ll be actively engaged in the most important areas of your life and advancing the causes you care about. Now that’s what I call SMART.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and grab the worksheet to evaluate your PEACE goals. Snap a picture and share it on social media. I’d love to hear how these PEACE goals are different than the SMART goals you’ve set in the past.

RESOURCES:

• Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Episode 28 Three Practical Approaches to Goal Setting
• Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Episode 181 Setting Goals and Making Plans that Bring Peace Instead of Stress

Book Recommendation: Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Bohannon.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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It’s that time of year where we start to think about setting goals for next year. That’s an important thing to do, and I’ll be talking about it more soon, but before we can move forward, we need to pause and take a look back. Join me for Episode 39 of Just One Simple Thing. This episode is a little different ... in these short few minutes, I’ll lead you through a powerful time of reflection and prayer. So if you can, grab a pen and piece of paper, your cozy beverage of choice, and spend some time looking back with me.

As the new year approaches, this is the time we start longing for a fresh start.

We need to close the door on the past year. But if you've ever tried to put a child to bed, you know it's hard to close the door on something that is still calling out to you. They'll keep calling your name until you come back, tuck them in with a sweet kiss, say a prayer over them and gently pull the door to with an emphatic click.

Closing the door on a year can be much the same. Without that emphatic click, the events of the prior year will keep calling to you, dragging you back into places you may not need to or want to go. So before you cozy up in front of the fireplace with your clean new planner and start mapping out the next year, spend time reviewing where you've been over the last 365 days.

Start with a look back at last year. Take a deep breath, put your emotions aside and take an honest look at what happened last year.

Don’t just look at the events themselves, but how they impacted you, your family, ministry or business. Dive in that deeper layer to uncover the truths that can transform the next year.

Tuck in what gets left behind. Now that we've identified what we can learn from the past year, it's time to tuck in the parts we need to leave behind and give them a sweet good night kiss.

We need to separate the valuable lessons from the broken places and leave what's broken behind.

Praying over the past. Leaving behind that baggage is much easier said than done. In fact, even for the most disciplined among us, we can't do it based solely on the strength of our own willpower. Only with God's help can we truly walk away from those things that don't line up with His best plans for us.

Closing the door. Before we head out the door, we have one more task. We've focused on letting go of the hard things, but let's not forget there was an awful lot of good along the way. Gather those things up and hold them tight.

Now, turn with excitement and anticipation towards the new year, take those first faith-filled steps and pull the door closed behind you. And keep walking.

ACTION STEP:
I’d love for you to join me for the Looking Back to Move Forward Challenge. In this free, 5-day challenge, we’ll dive in to each of these steps and prepare our hearts and minds to walk boldly into 2022. The challenge starts on December 13 and you can sign up for the challenge at Doanewthing.com.

Book Recommendation: If you struggle with knowing how God sees you, check out the book "More Than A Name: Discover Who You Are By Studying Who Jesus Is" by Liz Giertz.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Throughout the Old Testament, God designated special feasts, festivals and holidays to recognize important milestones ... times of harvest, provision, and deliverance. These holidays combine reflection, celebration, and serving others. In the middle of this busy holiday season, you can use the time to reflect on all that God has done, celebrate the progress you’ve made, and prepare to serve others in even bigger ways next year. In Episode 38 of Just One Simple Thing, we’ll dig in to four ways to do that.

With all the fun of the season and the extra things added to our to-do lists, it’s tempting to put aside our business or ministry work until the New Year.

But thankfully, you don’t have to put it all on the shelf and lose your momentum in the last month of the year. Let’s look at some easy ways that you can continue to grow during the holidays. Pick just one or two that will keep things moving forward.

1. PLAN
Y’all know making plans are my passion! If you have tons of ideas for next year and haven’t quite sorted them into a plan, spend some time with those ideas.

You are probably already seeing promotions for year-end goals and planning workshops. Make sure whichever one you choose, it is not just about goal SETTING, but also includes goal PLANNING. Having a plan will give you a jump start into the new year.

2. LEARN
School may be out for the holidays, but that doesn’t mean the learning should stop! Check your local museum or library for special programs for the kids.

And while they are occupied, you can take an online course to grow your business or ministry. I bet you’ve purchased some this year that you never completed. A cozy afternoon while the rest of the family is occupied is a great time to learn something new.

3. COLLABORATE
Sharing the work of an event or promotion is the perfect way to get the most out of your efforts. These collaborative relationships will often develop into ongoing friendships and partnerships that will benefit both of you throughout the year. If you have a little extra time, try to set up some coffee chats to get to know others around your niche and brainstorm some ways you could work together.

4. REST
God wired us to need rest, a Sabbath, to function properly and to focus on the many ways He has provided for us. So take a rest during this holiday season to provide some space for growth.

ACTION STEP
Make your holiday growth action plan. Pick the one or two that will help you most and lean into those. Then maybe dabble a little bit in the others. You can head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab a planning worksheet. Then share on social media one thing you are going to do to grow during the holidays. Be sure to use the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!

RESOURCES:
Cultivate Your Community is the course for Christian online entrepreneurs who want to grow a community that buys or buys in. It also includes fresh ideas for creating partnership through collaboration. Learn more here.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living by Mary Geisen.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Have you ever been frustrated when you’ve launched something and no one seemed to want to buy it?

I have a secret for you: growing an audience is the wrong goal.Join me for this fun conversation with Esther Littlefield in Episode 37 of Just One Simple Thing as we talk about how to grow a community instead .... And not just any community, but a community that buys or buys in.

If you are a regular listener of Just One Simple Thing or the Christian Woman Business podcast, you know that we’ve both been talking about creating a community instead of an audience or a platform. We’ve covered the value of focusing on community over platform or audience; the benefits of community, receiving from your community, and we’ve shared some conversations with others who have built communities on various platforms. And now,we want to share with you HOW to cultivate your community.But before we get there, we want to give you a little more context.

We’ve been through some of the struggles of building a business.

We believed we had to reach a lot of people in order to make a difference or earn an income.

But after 6+ years in the online space, we have come to recognize 2 things:

1.You don’t need a huge audience to make an impact.
2.When your focus is on growing an audience, it can be incredibly draining and it can keep you from doing the work you’re meant to do.

The solution is really quite simple:Focus on cultivating a community rather than building an audience or platform.

We’ve discovered a philosophy that forms the foundation of strong communities.

The Cultivate Your Community Philosophy

• Community is built one person at a time.
• As Christians, we value people over profits
• A thriving community provides value to all members, not just the founder or leader
• It’s okay to charge for the time invested & value you bring to your community / people value what they invest in.
• When you have invested in your community, they are excited to pay you to help solve their problems.
• It’s better to grow deep roots before trying to grow wide.

Applying this philosophy is similar to growing a healthy garden. So we want to share with you what we have termed The Cultivate Method-it’s the 4 elements necessary to growing a thriving community.

You need good soil -that’s the content you create that connects with your community.

You need sunlight -that’s the conversations you have with your community (and that they have with one another).

You need water -that’s you showing up with consistencyto keep things growing.

And you can grow your garden even faster with fertilizer -that’s thecollaborations you create with others.

If you do these 4 things, you can build a thriving community that wants to be connected to you and is willing to pay for the products and services you create.

Of course, you can take what you’ve learned from our podcasts and the other resources we’ve shared, but if you want step-by-step instructions, templates, tools, and scripts, we’ve created the Cultivate Your Community course. The course will be available over Black Friday (Nov. 26) and we can’t wait to get it into your hands. Head over to cultivatecourse.com andif you are listening before Nov. 26, 2021, you’ll be able to join the wait list to get a reminder when it is open.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Wren Robbins is the host of the Friends of a Feather and Don't Wing It podcasts.  She's a podcast coach who works with female entrepreneurs who want to launch a podcast. She offers 1:1 coaching as well as VIP days. Wren's fun vibe has attracted a growing community, and she shares her best tips for growing your community through podcasting.

Connect with Wren on Instagram @wrenrobbinscoach and at wrenrobbins.com to download your First 6 Steps to Start Your Podcast.

Ready to grow your reach and impact?  Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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A small community can be a powerful catalyst for your business or ministry. But is your small thinking keeping your community small? In this episode, we’ll look at three myths about community that result from small thinking, and bust them by looking at community in the early church.

The #toughgrace truth is that you can’t depend on Google, or social media, or Pinterest to get your great idea in front of people who are going to snap it up. It doesn’t happen that way. You need a following that is going to actually see your offer. And here’s a little secret ... if you’ve built an engaged community, instead of just a following, you can have successful offers without a huge audience. An example of this is my friend Eva Kubasiak, who said on a recent bonus episode that she made her first $1000 when she had less than 1000 followers. Listen to the bonus episode with Eva here.

But just because your community starts small doesn’t mean it is best for it to stay small. Throughout this series, we’ve been looking back at the early church in Acts chapter 2, where it says: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” This verse gives us a basis to address some of the biggest myths about building a community.

Let’s see if you have heard or believed any of these myths.

1. Community only happens in private groups
2. Community only happens in small groups
3. Community only happens with high-maintenance effort

These three myths have a common theme ...they are based on small, closed thinking centered on a personality, rather than open, expansive thinking centered on common goals, passions, ideals and messages.

ACTION STEP
Dive into your community and spend time with them. Whether it’s in the comments of your public social media posts, your private group, or in your direct messages ... build those strong ties that will connect people with your message.

There are two other special opportunities to learn about growing a community that buys or buys in. Check out the Christian Woman Business podcast with Esther Littlefield, starting at episode 57.

And as part of this series on building community, I’m releasing a bonus episodes with some of my friends about how they built communities around their message on different platforms. The next one is with Wren Robbins, who shares how she has built a community through podcasting. You’ll be encouraged by our conversation, so be sure to follow the podcast where ever you listen so you don't miss it.
RESOURCESEsther Littlefield and I have a new resource coming to help you build a community that buys. Visit the Cultivate Your Community page to sign up and be notified when it is ready!

Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl by Me!!! (The Find Your People section has some good thoughts about community.)

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Arabah Joy helps people have a vibrant and flourishing relationship with God through Bible study and other spiritual disciplines.  Listen in as she shares how she grow the community around her blog into a thriving business, and it is different now than when she started.

Connect with AJ and download her free resources at ArabahJoy.com

Ready to grow your reach and impact?  Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Y’all are generous people, and I know you are great at giving. But how are you at receiving? As part of our series on building community, we’re going to talk about what giving AND receiving generously looks like. It might be hard to process, and you might not agree with me, but hear me out.

It’s probably not surprising that our Biblical inspiration for this series is the early church, described in the first couple of chapters of Acts. In this episode and the next one, we’ll break down parts of Acts 2:44-46 and see what we can learn about community from them. In the NIV, the verse says: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”

The ESV gives a little different picture at the end of vs. 46. It says:“...they received their food with glad and generous hearts”

Most of the time, when we talk about community, we focus on verse 44, where everyone is selling things and giving to each other, but we miss the part in v. 46 where it says they RECEIVED generously as well.

Whether your roadblock is on the giving side or on the receiving side, I want to share three things you can give and three things you can expect to receive from your community.
Giving

1. Your uncommon perspective.
2. Your platform.
3. Your best content.

ReceivingNow remember, in community, we RECEIVE generously, so this is what you can expect to receive from your community.

1. Feeback
2. Testamonials and Referrals
3. Buying (or buying in)

I know some of this episode may have been hard to hear, and you might not agree with everything I’ve said. That’s okay. Just head back to Acts 2:44-46 and ask God how that applies to where you are in your community-building process.
ACTION STEP:I know you guys are great at giving to your community. I see you out there doing it all the time. So for your action step, I want you to stretch a little bit into your DIS-Comfort Zone. Let your community know what you need. Give them an opportunity to buy or buy-in. If you do it publicly on social media,tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can share with my community too. Let’s practice receiving generously.

RESOURCES: Esther Littlefield and I have a new resource coming to help you build a community that buys. Visit the Cultivate Your Community page to sign up and be notified when it is ready!

Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl by Me!!! (The Find Your People section has some good thoughts about community.)

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

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Eva Kubasiak helps people learn to study the Bible through the community she has grown on Instagram.  Hear what she has to say about creating gifts for your audience, and the biggest mistake she sees people make on Instagram.

Follow Eva on IG @evakubasiak

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Has someone ever told you that your platform is not big enough for them to work with you? Episode 34 of Just One Simple Thing kicks off a series on building a community instead of a platform. In this episode, you’ll learn three things I love about about building a community, and why I’m okay if I never have a platform that impresses a publisher.

If you are trying to build a ministry or a business online, at some point, someone has probably told you that you need to build your platform. I’ve talked to many writers, podcasters and business owners who have been deflated by the dreaded “p” word.

A “platform”refers to an established media forum where an author or speaker connects with their audience. It could be a blog, a podcast, a YouTube channel, TV or radio program, social media, or newsletter, or a combination of all of them ... where ever your audience finds your content. And of course, the bigger the better. But what if you don’t have a big platform? Does that mean your dream of seeing people transformed through your writing, your services or your products is dead? Not if you focus on building a community instead of a platform.My favorite verses about communities come from Acts 2: 44-46. At its heart, a community is a group of people united around a common idea or message, taking care of each other, and intentionally growing together. They are invested in each other and the success of one person in the community is celebrated by everyone.

The three things I love about building a community.
1. Relationships are more important than numbers. A platform is measured in quantity ... how many people are following you? A community is measured in relationships ... how deep are your connections?

1. Platforms can be built on perception, but community is built on authenticity. When we feel the pressure to build a platform quickly, we often think we have to show only the Insta-perfect parts of our world. But in community, we can show up as our authentic selves. In fact, the things that make us quirky or different or a little undone are the very things that help people relate to us. It gives them that “me too” moment where they think, “If she can do it, so can I."3. A platform is something you stand on. A community is something you stand in. There is nothing like standing shoulder to shoulder with the people in your community. Community builds loyalty, trust, and bonds that will be the foundation of your ministry or business for the long haul.

ACTION STEP:
I have a fun This or That template you can use to see where you are on building community or a platform. Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab the template. Then post it in your stories on social media and tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can come celebrate your community.

RESOURCES:
Esther Littlefield and I have a new resource coming to help you build a community that buys. Visit the Cultivate Your Community page to sign up and be notified when it is ready!

Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl by Me!!!

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As we wrap up the Productivity Myth Busters series, we are going to hit on a couple of popular productivity tips and some tweaks that have helped them work better for me. Before I dive into that, let me give you a little view of what’s been happening on my side of the mic.

The original idea for the series was to look at common productivity tips and hacks, and determine if they really work for everybody.

As I studied, I came across Psalm 16:6 and 2 Samuel 22:20. In these two verses, I was reminded that God has given us boundaries for our protection, and he desires for us to live in spacious places because he delights in us. You may have noticed that message getting stronger and stronger throughout the month, because God just wouldn’t let me let go of it.
This is the heart of my message. This is where I want to lead you in the coming weeks and months. To make the most of God’s calling on your life while still honoring the boundaries he has given, and operating in a spacious place. So even though we are wrapping up this series, this isn’t the last you’ll hear from me about these ideas. I hope you’ll be able to recognize them as a thread tying together all the other topics we cover.

Let’s get into these last two productivity tips.
Pomodoro Plus

In the classic Pomodoromethod, you work for 25 minutes then take a 5 minute break. But I found I am just getting on a good roll after 25 minutes, and 5 minutes isn’t enough time for me to do ... well ... anything. So I’ve adapted it to work 45 minutes with a 15 minute break.

Eat the Tadpoles, Then the Frog

In his popular productivity book Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy advises to do the most challenging and difficult tasksof the day first thing in the morning when you are most fresh and motivated.

I feel most motivated when I can check things off my list, so I try to do a couple of easy things first thing so I can check them off, then I eat the frog. This approach takes a little bit of discipline so you don’t go off chasing rabbits, but it helps me to transition into my work zone and overall improves my productivity.
ACTION STEPPick one of these two tips ... Pomodoro Plus or Eat the Tadpoles, Then the Frog ... the next time you sit down to work. Let me know how it goes for you by tagging me on social media @doanewthing and using the hashtag #justonesimplething

I hope this series has been as meaningful for you as it has for me. I appreciate all the feedback I’ve gotten and look forward to seeing how it helps you maintain your spacious places and pleasant boundaries. If that message is giving some relief to your weary heart, be sure to follow the podcast where ever you are listening and continue on this journey with me. And share it with your friends who could use some space as well.

RESOURCES
I’ve gathered up my top four productivity tips for go-getter Jesus girls. You can head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab your copy.

Book Recommendation: Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Don

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As we move towards the end of the year, you may have started thinking about what type of planner to buy for next year. With more of our lives moving online and on our phones, you’ll hear people say that it’s “more efficient” to use a digital planner instead of a paper planner. But is it the best for everyone? Let’s take a look in this episode of the Productivity Myth Busters series.

Productivity shouldn’t be about stuffing more and more into our already-full lives and crossing over the boundaries God has given for our protection. It’s about honoring those boundaries and creating spacious places to live the delightful life God has planned for us.

2 Samuel 22:20 - He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Psalm 16:6 - The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Digital planning offers some distinct advantages over paper planners but I DON’T believe going 100% digital is the best option for most people. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of digital planning, and then I’ll give you some ideas of how to use digital and paper planning TOGETHER to develop the best system for you.

Digital Planning is Flexible.
Digital Planning is Faster.
Digital Planning is Portable.
Digital Planning is Searchable.

Here are some common planning tasks and which are more suited for one method or the other.

Calendars and Appointments –Putting every appointment and activity into the calendar on my phone is probably the single most impactful thing I’ve ever done to keep myself organized and on track.
To-Do List –If you’ve used my To-Do List Toolkit, you know I suggest keeping multiple to-do lists, sorted by categories or focus areas. This is easier in a digital format you can assign the categories and move priorities around. Weekly Planning –The important part of this one is being able to see the week as a whole and get the big picture of what you are trying to accomplish. Long-term Planning –Hands down, my favorite process for this is sticky notes on a wall or big table. But once the plan is set, then I think it’s best to put in a digital system to monitor it.
Notes and Brainstorming –This one is all paper.

Choosing between digital and paper planning also depends a lot on your work style. If you do most of your important tasks in one location where you can keep your paper planner out and open on your desk all the time, paper planning may be best. But if you are on the go a lot, and need quick access to all your info on the spot, some digital tools may help.

Check the shownotes here for a list of my favorite digital tools and paper planner. The most important thing about your planning system is that it is based on tools you will actually use.
ACTION STEPWhat part of your planning system is not working for you and causing the most pain? Focus on that one and pick a digital or paper tool to solve it. Pro tip: if you answered “all of them”, start with your calendar or your to-do list.
RESOURCES
Check out these blog posts to help choose the tools that work for you: MyFavorite Digital Planning Tools How to Choose Your Next Planner

Book Recommendation:

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Hey and welcome to Episode 31 of Just One Simple Thing, where we are in the middle of the Productivity Myth Busters series. We are looking at common productivity advice that might not be working for us ... and reframing it so that we are creating spacious places in our lives and working within our boundaries. In the last episode, we challenged the myth that you need three priorities to work on every week or every day. And in this episode, we take on task batching. Is that really best for everyone?

One of the most common things we hear from the experts is that batching is the most efficient way to work. If you are familiar with this term, it is usually described as working on like tasks in one sitting.
There is also a Biblical example of batching, in the creation story. God did a specific task on each day and did it until it was complete and he could call it good. He did them in a specific order that made sense ... he didn’t create animals before he created land for them to live on.
I know many people swear by traditional batching and it is a key part of their time management strategy. And I tried it. Sooooo many times. But it just did not work for me. I could not get the hang of batching.
In the last year, I’ve started batching in a different way and it’s really working for me. Instead of batching by TASK, I’ve started batching first by TOPIC and then by TIMING.

The point is that just because something works for “everybody” doesn’t mean you have to force it to work for you. There’s nothing wrong with you because you can’t make it work! On the flip side, if it doesn’t work for you, you don’t need to throw it out completely. Find the key concept behind it and adjust it in ways that suit your style. ACTION STEPIf you’ve failed at batching before, pick just one aspect of it and try it again. Can you find a way to get the benefits in your own way? If you are a batching pro, think of some other common productivity advice that hasn’t worked for you and how to make the best parts work for you. Share your story on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing. Your story may give someone else an idea that expands their capacity into spacious placesand pleasant boundaries. Let’s learn from each other.I hope these Productivity Myth busters are giving you a new way to look at your time. In the next episode, we are going to talk about planners ... because everybody knows that digital planners are a lot more effective, right? Or maybe, it’s paper planners that are better? I don’t know ... we’ll figure it out next time. Be sure to follow the podcast where ever you listen so you don’t miss it!RESOURCES:
My friend Susan wrote a guest blog post for me about the way she has adapted batching to work for her. You can read it here.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Things Done by Kendra Adachi

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In a world that values getting things done, have we gone too far in our pursuit of productivity? Have we stretched our boundaries beyond what God intended and made productivity an idol? In this first episode in the Productivity Myth Busters series, I’ll share how we can start reframing some of our productivity habits so that, as David says in Psalm 16, our boundaries fall in pleasant places.

There is nothing wrong with being productive. The Bible instructs us to make the most of our time .... to make the most of every opportunity. But on our worst days, we’ve made productivity our idol, the checks on our to-do list our offering, and our emotional and spiritual well-being our sacrifice.

For the next few weeks, we’re going to look at some common productivity advice, and re-frame it. We’ll find ways to use the concepts in ways that create space, rather than chain us in. In this episode, we’ll start with one of the most common: this whole idea of choosing three top priorities for a day, a week or even a month. Who decided that 3 was the magic number?

Rather than planning around an arbitrary number of things to do during a period, it’s more important to understand our capacity and plan accordingly.

Capacity is like a balloon ... it can stretch and shrink depending on the atmosphere inside and outside, and if you try to cram too much in it, it will burst and fail. Capacity is not just about time. It’s also a function of your energy level and your resources. Being in tune with your capacity will help you make better, more productive plans.

Let me share two tips for learning more about your capacity .... One micro and one macro. On the micro side,sometimes when I have a large block of time, like a whole afternoon or even a whole day, I’ll make a list of the things to do on a sticky note and an expected start and finish time for each item. Then I stick it on the edge of my computerso it stays in front of me as I work.

On a macro level, doing weekly reviews consistently is a great way to learn more about your personal capacity.

When you use these methods to get a handle on your capacity, you will be able to make plans that fit within your boundaries, whether that is one thing, three things or 10 things.

I do want to say that I’m not criticizing anyone who gives time management or productivity advice. Afterall, that’s a lot of what I do myself! But I want us to start thinking of our time as a boundary that protects us from overwhelm and overcommitment, rather than a barrier to keep pushing against.
ACTION STEP
Try one of these two tips this week and let me know how it goes. If you hop over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a weekly review worksheet to get you started.
RESOURCES:
As a busy, multi-passionate woman, you always wonder if you are doing the things that really matter. If your to-do list gets longer and longer as your frustration gets higher and higher, and you get to the end of the week and don’t know where your time went, the Build A Better Week system can help!

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance by Christy Wright.

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If you've ever fallen victim to great marketing for product that wasn't exactly right for you, raise your hand. I’m raising mine too, because we've all been there. So let’s learn how to make decisions that are a little bit better than that, right now, in this busy launch season.

If you've been around me for very long at all, you know that I talk often about the idea tornado...the swirl of ideas we have in our brain of all the things we could do or should do, but we can’t figure out which one is the right thing to do next.

But there's also a second tornado that we have swirling around in our heads. And that is the problem tornado. We have all of these issues and barriers and problems that are holding us back and keeping us from doing the things that we really want to do or that we know we need to do. Naturally, we like to think about shiny object ideas a LOT more than we like to think about unresolved problems. So we go chasing after good ideas without knowing if they will actually solve a problem. I suggest that you swap the tornados around instead of focusing on your ideas, focus on the problem you want to solve and then find a product or a solution or a resource or an idea from your idea tornado that is going to solve your biggest problem.

1 Kings 5 tells the story of a powerful king who needed a resource to solve a problem. Solomon demonstrated a strategy that we can use for our own purchase decisions. **Purpose + Plan + System = Strategy.

Start with a purpose.** Get away from the low hanging fruit and work on your biggest problems. Make sure you know what solved looks like because even though you can identify your problem, if you don't know what “solved” looks like, you can't find the right tool.

Have a plan. Identify all the possible ways to attack the problem. Make sure that the ways address what solved looks like.

Have a system to implement your solution. Make sure that whatever solution you're putting in place doesn't have any unintended consequences. It will help you evaluate the different resource opportunities you’ll have during launch season.

So when you have a purpose that defines your problem and what solved looks like, you have a plan for the type of solution you can invest in, and a system to implement the solution, then you have a strategy. ACTION STEPHead over to my free FB group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab the worksheet and do the work.

As I am recording this in late September, I realized that this marks the six-month milestone of Just One Simple Thing. So I want to take a minute and say thank you to everyone who has listened to even one episode, shared your takeaways, left a review, or said a kind word about this podcast. It’s my honor to speak into your journey and to have you as part of mine.

RESOURCE
One of my favorite planners is the Golden Coil customizable planner. Choose your cover and all the interior pages, including pages you can use to plan projects, brainstorm, and keep lists of important resources you need. Learn more about Golden Coil planners here.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets: 5 Questions to Help You Determine Your Next Move by Andy Stanley.

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Sometimes we need to stand strong, and others, we need to bend so we don’t break. How do we know the difference? In Episode 28 of Just One Simple Thing, let’s look at how Paul showed flexibility and three practical ways we can incorporate flexibility into our live.

I’ve spent most of my life near the southeastern coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. So hurricanes are just part of our way of life. After one of these storms, it’s always interesting to observe the damage afterwards. Our former house had some large oak trees in the front yard, with huge trunks and big, spreading branches that shaded the whole front yard. We also had some tall, spindly crepe myrtles that lined the driveway. They respond to the high winds of hurricanes and tropical storms in different ways.

The oak tree is strong but when faced with the winds of a storm, it tries to hold its place. As the winds continue to buffet the branches, they break in their weak places and tumble to the ground. The oak may be still standing when the storm is over, but it has lost large pieces of itself that will take years to grow back.

The crepe myrtle approaches the storm differently. It bends in the wind, almost doing a merry dance as gales whirl around it. When the storm is over, the crepe myrtle still stands tall, all its branches in tact, bent but not broken. Which leads us to the dictionary definition of flexibility –“capable of being bent, usually without breaking; easily bent; adaptable."

While Paul was an oak tree with regard to his commitment to spreading the gospel, he was more like the crepe myrtle when it came to the day to day operations in his ministry. He also spread this attitude of flexibility to his ministry partners.

Timothy voluntarily gave up his own rights and personal comfort so that he would not be a barrier to the greater work of Christ. Most inflexibility is rooted in pride. We think our rights, our plans, our way of doing things is better than God’s or someone else’s. But when we allow our desire to do God’s will drive our decisions, we will find that humility and flexibility go hand in hand.
Paul went looking for believer by the river outside a city. Instead of preaching to Jewish scholars or influential businessmen, he found a small group of women. He could have just left and gone back into the city, hoping for something that was a better fit for his own vision. But instead, Paul embraced this unexpected opportunity.

How can we develop flexibility like Paul? Here are 3 practical ways:1. Envision multiple outcomes.
2. Evaluate your current plans based on new information.
3.Create flexible time blocks.ACTION STEP: I have a worksheet available to help you with those three practical tips. Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab it.

RESOURCES:I’d love to support you as you embrace this new season! I have some openings for a free 20 minute DEFINE call wherewe can talk about what you learned from your worksheet. CLICK HERE to sign up for your free call.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Help, I’m Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope by Sally Clarkson

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It’s been a rough couple of years, hasn’t it? Maybe with all the chaos around us, you didn’t reach your ministry growth goals, you didn’t actually launch that new program you wanted to, you didn’t get the support you hoped for. You might be wondering if you really have the energy or the heart to have high expectations again?

In Episode 27, I'll share three principles for developing resilience we can learn from the life of Joseph in the Old Testament, and three practical ways you can develop resilience in your own life. The dictionary definition of resilience is “returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.” I can’t think of anyone in the Bible who was bent, compressed or stretched more than Joseph.

The first thing we learn from Joseph is to know where you came from and where you are going. Joseph knew where he was headed. When he looked around and saw something different than what God had shown him, he knew it was not the end. God still had more for him to do, and God still has more for you to do.

The second thing we learn from Joseph is to use our gifts and find joy in our difficult circumstances. Through all of these setbacks, God was putting Joseph in a place to hone his leadership skills. He was developing a reputation as a man who could be trusted with things. God and Joseph both knew these setbacks were not the end of Joseph’s story. They were only stepping stones to prepare Joseph for his ultimate calling.

And the last thing we can learn from Joseph about being resilient is to continue to trust God and believe the best in people.When things fall apart, it is so tempting to find someone to blame. In Joseph’s case, there were plenty of people to blame. After being let down by the people in his life so many times, it would be natural for Joseph to become distrustful and withdrawn.

If we grow frustrated, pull back and become distrustful and cynical, we will never see what God truly created us for. So how do we develop resilience like Joseph? Here are three practical ways:

1. Write down the dream or calling God has given.
2. Be faithful in doing weekly, quarterly and annual reviews.
3. Shift from blaming to believing the best.

The last two years have been hard. They have bent us. They have compressed us. They have stretched us. But they have. not. broken us. Our calling is strong. Our faith is strong. Our God is strong. So let’s bounce back until God leads us exactly where we were meant to be all along.

ACTION STEP:
Head over to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and to grab a worksheet that will help you implement the three tips.
RESOURCES:I’d love to support you as you bounce back! I have some openings for a free 20 minute DEFINE call where we can talk about what you learned from your worksheet. CLICK HERE to sign up for your free call.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Big Hunker Down: 7 Take-Cover Strategies to Weather the Storm of Job Loss and Keep Your Destiny out of the Bar Ditch by Brenda McDearman

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I’ve heard from a lot of the Do ANew Thing community that you are feeling unfocused and unmotivated in a season where we should be excited about ramping up for the end of the year. If you are struggling to get your mojo back after taking some time off this summer, here in Episode 26 of Just One Simple Thing, I have three tips to get you moving forward again.

If you are listening to this in real time, it’s early September ... Labor Day week. For many of us, Labor Day marks the unofficial beginning of Fall.
This is when we start feeling a little extra tug towards our goals. Time is running out on the year, and if we can’t get all the way to the goal, at least we can make a good dent in it.

Even though your right brain may be telling you it’s time to go, your left brain just wants to trade your flip flops for some comfy slippers and a cup of your favorite pumpkin spice beverage. After a summer of fun and sun, you may feel unmotivated, unfocused, and unproductive. It’s a weird place where we crave the routine, but dread the work.

For the next few episodes, I want to give you some tools to help you leap back into your rhythm. We’ll start with my three best tips for gaining some momentum. Then we’ll look at two characteristics you need .... Flexibility and Resilience .... to navigate whatever the rest of the year throws at you.

Here are those top three tips:

1. Double down on your planning.

2. Lean in to accountability.

3. Get some input into your plans.

Whether you are listening in real time in September or some other time of the year, we all go through ebbs and flows in our level of energy, focus and motivation. But we don’t have to stay stuck in the ebbs. We can take positive action to get ourselves in the flow and remain steadfast to see those dreams turn into reality.

ACTION STEP
Make a little checklist of the top 4 or 5 things you want to get done in the next week. Visit my Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do aNew Thing to grab a template and post it on your social media using the hastag #justonesimplething. Tag me @doanewthing so I can come cheer you on!

I’m excited about these next few episodes where we’ll help you re-set for the end of the year. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our episodes about resilience and flexibility. If these have been helpful to you, I’d love for you to give the podcast some rating and review love. You never know when YOUR words will convince someone to listen so they get the help that THEY need. RESOURCES
To get input on your plans, check out the Move Forward Review. Submit your plan to me and I’ll give you feedback on it just like I do with my one-on-one coaching clients. It’s a great, cost effective way to get input on your plans. Plus it’s one of my favorite things to do.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION:Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us Out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode –and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber.

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As Christians, we can be very conflicted about planning. In one place, the Bible says God knows the hairs on our head, so don’t worry about tomorrow. In another place, it says the wise man plans ahead. What’s a go-getter Jesus girl with wild, audacious dreams to do? Let’s dive in and see why God’s plans are better than anything we could imagine.

I am all about making plans to meet your goals. But I know some of you struggle with that tension between making plans and trusting God. I don’t think they are mutually exclusive.

Jeremiah tells us that God knows the plans He has for us, and we can place our confidence in God’s plans because God’s plans are better than anything we could come up with on our own. Let’s look at four areas that we often mess up when making plans, and see how God’s plans are better.

1. God’s Plans are better because they Count the Cost. 2. God’s Plans are better because they Allow for Rest. 3. God’s Plans Are better because they are Orderly. 4. God’s Plans are better because they Include Women.That’s a wrap on our Success Foundations series. I hope this has given you some specific next steps you can take as you move forward with what God has called you to do.

ACTION STEP
Head over to my blog and grab the Six Pack Planner ... my simple, signature tool to help you map out the next six or twelve weeks.

RESOURCES
Ready to create doable weekly plans aligned with your goals and your capacity? Learn the Build A Better Week system. The little ebook is packed with tips and simple steps, plus paper and digital tools to make next week better than this week! Click here for a discounted offer on the system.

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In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

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• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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For the last several episodes, we’ve been talking about Success Foundations ... the things you need in place to build something that will last. Maybe you’ve gathered a list of things you need to do as you explore your purpose, create your pieces, find your people, hone your presence and position your resources. But before you start making a plan to do all the things, there is one thing you probably haven’t thought about. Accountability could be your missing piece.

If you are listening to Episode 24 in real time, Labor Day is just around the corner. It’s that time when we face the end of the yearand maybe wonder why we aren’t as close to reaching our goals as we expected to be. Is there something we could have done differently? (Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling like that??) Perhaps the missing piece is accountability.

Although most people would agree that accountability is important, we still don’t prioritize like we should. Let me share three things you need to know about accountability, and then some tips for incorporating it into your strategy.

• accountability can be uncomfortable.
• accountability validates our ideas ... or not.
• accountability turns hard places into soft landings.

How do you find the right accountability partner?

Your hard-driving, go-getter side is looking for a drill sargeant who will make you drop and give ’em twenty if you are late on a single task. Your overwhelmed, too-much-to-do side just wants a friend who will sweetly ask about once a month if you’ve posted on Instagramlately. Either one of those choices is completely legitimate, depending on your situation and your goals. So before you start trying to find an accountability partner, it might help to decide what you really want.

Once you have a clear picture of what you are looking for, there are several places you may find your ideal accountability partner, and each have their pros and cons.

Check out this blog post to learn more about them: How to Find An Accountability Partner.

ACTION STEP:

Take this quick quiz to see what type of accountability partner is best for you.

RESOURCESLearn more about the Move Forward Mastermind here.

Book Recommendation:
Learning to Lead Like Jesusby Boyd Bailey

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Do you ever wish you had unlimited resources to invest in your ministry or business? What if God has already given you everything you need to do what he has called you to do? In the fifth part of our series of Success Foundations, we are looking at how you position yourself for success by using the resources you have to fill the gaps of what you are missing. We’ll learn how God used a woman’s ordinary possessions and abilities to do something extraordinary.

As our work grows, so do the demands on our resources ... on our knowledge, our time and our money. We want to be wise in the way we use those resources, and sometimes it is hard to know where to focus. We often feel like we lack the one thing that will make all the difference. No matter what you feel like you are lacking, God is going to provide all the resources you need to do the thing He called you to do.

Jael was a woman who used the resources she had at hand to impact her nation’s future. You can find her story in Judges 4. In this episode, I’ll share three important lessons we can learn from Jael.

1. We don’t want to rush things and run ahead of God. But when God says, “Move”, we need to move and not waste the little bits of time we have.
2. When we are looking for resources to solve a problem, it may not be our money, but rather, our possessions that God puts in play.
3. God doesn’t need you to have any special skills or abilities. He will use your ordinary to do something extraordinary.

ACTION STEP

Do an assessment of your resources. But instead of focusing on what you DON’T have, focus on what you DO have. What small blocks of time could you put to good use? What assets do you have around you that you could use? What have you learned in your profession or your volunteer work that you can apply to your ministry or business? Get creative and use you have in one area to make up for what you lack in another. If you need some help with this, visit my Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and grab a free resource assessment worksheet.

RESOURCES

More Than A Blog: Success Foundations –A six-module self-guided course to assess five key areas of your ministry or business, and discover a defined purpose, a clear path forward and the steps needed to reach your goals.

Book Recommendation: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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As Christian leaders, we often feel alone. We sit behind our computers and write, study God’s Word looking for direction and watch our budgets and pinch the pennies. Alone. But God clearly did not intend for us to do this alone. In this Episode, we are continuing our Success Foundations series by examining the four people we need around us.

1. The Partner: When God came calling at the burning bush, Moses gave Him a long list of excuses and limitations. God gave Moses a partner in Aaron. Aaron filled a specific gap for Moses. A partner does not necessarily have to be part of the day-to-day operations and activities. It can be an accountability partner, a critique partner or someone that you collaborate with regularly.

2. The Mentor: We all need someone who is a few steps ahead of us who will share their experiences and wisdom. Moses had his father-in-law, Jethro. In Exodus 18, Jethro displayed the characteristics of a good mentor. They had a close personal relationship, Jethro was wise and stable and he was respectful of Moses’s position. He celebrated victories, and showed care and concern when he saw Moses in over his head. Jethro provided practical advice with an actionable plan, and then stepped back to let Moses lead.

3. The Apprentice: A good leader identifies and grows someone to take her place. Moses found such a person in Joshua. Joshua first shows up on the scene to lead the Israelites in a critical battle against Amalek (Exodus 17). But later references tell us that Joshua had been Moses’ aide “since his youth.” (Numbers 11:28) Moses had been pouring into Joshua for a long time. And when the time came, he was readily accepted by the Israelites as their new leader.

4. The Unsung Hero: Hur was a behind-the-scenes support guy. The one who took care of the little details that the flashier guys overlooked or didn’t have time for..who saw a problem or a need and took care of it, without making a big deal..who made Moses, Aaron and Joshua look good by making sure they had everything they needed. Every leader needs that kind of behind the scenes support. It may be a technical support person, a trusted virtual assistant, or a talented editor or proofreader.

Your work is too important to be limited by your talent and dedication alone. The fresh ideas, wise counsel and expertise that come from a partner, a mentor, an apprentice and an unsung hero could be just the thing you need to move forward.

ACTION STEP: Look at your ministry or business and identify these four important people. One person may be filling multiple roles, or you may be missing one entirely, and that’s okay. Now that you are aware, you can be on the lookout to fill that gap. On your social media, give a shoutout to your people and use the hashtag #justonesimplething. Follow the podcast on your favorite platform, or subscribe on my website so you don’t miss the rest of the series.

RESOURCES: More Than A Blog: Success Foundations –A six-module self-guided course to assess five key areas of your ministry or business, and discover a defined purpose, a clear path forward and the steps needed to reach your goals.

Book Recommendation: Start With Your People by Brian Dixon

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Establishing a consistent brand is an important part of growing any kind of ministry or business. In our series on Success Foundations, let’s look at how to build a God-honoring presence that delivers on a promise.As Christian creatives, we all say we want our business or ministry to glorify God. But we spend a lot of time getting all the fonts and colors on our website to match, and being sure we have exactly the same profile picture across our social media to draw attention. It feels so self-centered, and it can be if our focus is on ourselves. Your brand is your promise. You do not choose your brand. You earn it. Not many people in the Bible made God more famous and earned their brand than David. As a shepherd and a harpist, as a warrior and a king, he brought honor and attention to God. God uses a good reputation to open ministry and business opportunities to us. A first step to building a good reputation is being an active, supportive member of the online Christian community. You have to deliver on your promise. When King Saul needed someone to take on a big challenge, David delivered on the promise of his brand. David made some astounding claims. The young man who spent his time tending sheep claimed to be able to take down a battle-hardened warrior that dwarfed him in size. The powerful combination of experience, faith and reputation are the same key components of building a Presence that makes God famous today. God changes lives when you make Him famous. David’s experience and reputation may have helped him get the opportunity to fight Goliath, but when that opportunity put him center stage, it was not about anything he had done. It was all about God. After David took Goliath down with a stone and cut off his head, the enemy fled. And the men of Israel destroyed them. God gave them the courage to do what they couldn’t do before. As we make God famous through our ministries and businesses, we give people the opportunity to do what they couldn’t do before. The courage to change. The hope to overcome obstacles. The power to step out in faith. The grace to weather a storm. Your brand isn’t measured by numbers. In an environment where downloads equal legitimacy and email lists determine worth, the expectations can be crushing. David knew a thing about those expectations. When he returned from the battle where he killed Goliath, the people were cheering and chanting in the streets. But David was keenly aware that his purpose was to be king.

ACTION STEP: As you establish yourself online, what is the promise you are making to your audience? Is that reflected by the reputation you’re earning? Or have you gotten distracted by all the trappings of branding, and lost sight of your brand? Visit my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do a New Thing for a worksheet to help you process these questions.

RESOURCES: More Than A Blog: Success Foundations –A six-module self-guided course to assess five key areas of your ministry or business, and discover a defined purpose, a clear path forward and the steps needed to reach your goals.

Book Recommendation: Let.It.Go: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith by Karen Ehman

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Sometimes we get so caught up in doing so many things. We start things, we get them going, then we have another great idea and we start something else. But at some point, we hit a wall. We have started so many things and trying to keep them all running. Ever been there? It’s time to examine all of our Pieces and be sure they fit with our Purpose.

Pieces are anything that you are managing as part of your ministry. It could be your website, blog or podcast. It's your services, products, social media and the groups that you lead. It's not the things you do to promote your ministry, it's the things that are actually the work you do. The original disciples were wise in how they managed their Pieces and stayed within their Purpose by following three important principles.

The first principle is listening to the Holy Spirit, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" Acts 1:8 (NIV).

The promise of the power of the Holy Spirit was way bigger than the disciples could have imagined. When the Holy Spirit gets involved in our work, we become equipped for things we never imagined we could do.

The second principle is staying within your purpose. The disciples were rightly focused on the assignment to preach the gospel and make disciples. They knew it would not be best for them to be distracted from that purpose.

The last principle is equipping others to serve and go. Often as our ministries and businesses grow, we can get our eyes on ourselves and become “follower hoarders”. It feels good and strokes our ego to keep all of our followers close by and dependent on us. But if we truly desire transformation and growth in them, part of our work should be about equipping them to go and meet needs for others.

Using your Purpose as a filter and these three principles as your guide, you can examine what you are currently doing or have planned to do in your business or ministry. Ask yourself:

• Is it lined up with your purpose?
• If you stop doing it today who or what would be harmed? Would your work be damaged? Would you have to stop and regroup?
• Is there someone else who is better equipped than youtodo this?

Once you’ve looked at your current pieces, think about the pieces that may be in your future. Consider:

• what would benefit your audience
• new services they need
• new guidance or topics you could cover
• what would take you to a new level or would expand your skillset

ACTION STEP
For your one simple action step this week, do the exercise I just mentioned. Evaluate each of your current and dream pieces and make sure they fit. Visit my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to download a worksheet that will help.

RESOURCES
More Than A Blog: Success Foundations –A six-module self-guided course to assess five key areas of your ministry or business, and discover a defined purpose, a clear path forward and the steps needed to reach your goals.
Book Recommendation: Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Are you just getting your creative ministry or business off the ground? Have you been at it a while and it’s time for a refresh and refocus? You'll need a strong foundation to build on for success! In Episode 19, we’ll kick off the Success Foundations series as we explore six key building blocks you need to start and grow an online ministry or business.

For the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about launching something. After months of brainstorming and creating, you are finally at the end of the project. You can go back to Episodes 16, 17 and 18.

I know that many of you are truly at the beginning. More than 400 people have taken the What Type Of Stuck Are You quiz, and half of them found out they are Day Dreamers …. You have a vague idea that God wants to use your gifts and talents , but you aren’t quite sure what that looks like, and you don’t have specific ideas or plans take your first steps or you’ve been working at your ministry or business for a while but feel like you’ve hit a wall…

Over the next several episodes, we are going to walk through some Success Foundations that you need in place.

That blog, podcast, Instagram account or membership...Often we get all caught up in those tools and focused on graphics and microphones and algorithms, and we lose sight of the real calling and God's purpose for us.

You will find your purpose at the intersection of WHY, WHO, and YOU:

1. Your purpose intersects with your WHY.Your Why is the foundation of your calling. It is the thing that excites and energizes you, but it can also be the thing that grieves your heart. It motivates you to action.

2. Your purpose intersects with your WHO.
   Your Who is the group of people who need what you have. These are the ones that you are able to build special relationships with and that seek you out for advice.

3. Your purpose intersects with your YOU.You have unique life experiences that give you something to offer. Think of the things that are burning in your heart to share with someone. Your You includes your personality traits that contribute to the way you will reach your Who.

God sees things in us that we have no idea are there, and he challenges us to use those things for His glory. God sees something valuable in you that you may not see, and using that “thing” is part of your Purpose.

ACTION STEP:
For your one simple action step, spend some time thinking of your Why, Your You and Your Who. Look for the threads that tie them together and that’s where you’ll find your purpose. Visit my Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to download a template you can use to share them on social media. Be sure to tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can some cheer you on!

RESOURCE:More Than A Blog: Success Foundations –A six-module self-guided course to assess five key areas of your ministry or business, and discover a defined purpose, a clear path forward and the steps needed to reach your goals.
Book Recommendation: Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Bohanno

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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So you’ve just created something new and amazing ... or maybe you are working on a product or service you haven’t offered before. Have you thought about creating a launch plan for it? Maybe it is obvious that you want to do a launch for a new course or a book, but there may be some other pieces of your ministry or business that need a launch plan. In Episode 18, I’ll share eight things that need a launch plan ... and some might be ones you haven’t thought of before.

For a few weeks here, we are talking about all things launching. Last week in Episode 17 I shared what a launch plan is and why you need one, and my friend Esther Littlefield shared on Episode 46 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast what a launch strategy is and why you need one. If you’ve listened to those, I hope you’ve learned that a launch plan and strategy are
meant to create interest and excitement around what you are offering. Through the launch period, you’ll educate your audience on the problem they are having and how you can help them solve it.

So what kind of things need a launch? I bet it is more than you think. Let’s talk about some of them.
1. New Products and Services, Courses, Masterclasses, Webinars

2. Memberships
3. Books
4. Your Subscriber Freebie
5. A blog or website rebrand
6. A Podcast
7.A Bible Study
And this last one may seem a little weird, but ....

**8.Your affiliate program

ACTION STEP**

So, were there any of those you haven’t thought of before? Just like last week, for your one simple action step, I want you to head over to Esther’s Christian Woman Business Podcast and listen to Episode 47 where she is sharing the things that most commonly go wrong during a launch. Then join us in my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and brainstorm your next launch with us!

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when they have something to offer is a lack of having a launch plan. You may think you can create something cool, and then just flip on the switch, and people will come. Unfortunately, that is not the way it happens. In fact, if all you do is flip the switch I can guarantee that your launch is going to flop. In Episode 17 of Just One Simple thing, I’ll share how to keep your launch from flopping by having a launch plan.

Whether it’s a launch for a new product, service, or course, there is one thing all launches have in common: They can flop if you haven’t properly prepared for them.

Successful launches don’t just happen. They require 2 big components to really be effective:
A Marketing Strategy AND a Launch Plan.

Let’s start by looking at the greatest launch plan ever created … the one that Jesus gave the disciples and early church to spread the gospel. In Acts 1, before he ascended to heaven, Jesus ordered the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came to equip them.

You need a launch plan because:

• A time of preparing and equipping before you send out what you created helps you reach as many people as possible.
• Having a structured launch plan allows you to better manage your time.
• Your launch plan will identify in advance the resources you need to successfully carry out your launch.
• Having a launch plan helps you get over the bumps that come with every launch.

So now that you are convinced you to need a launch plan, what does one look like? A launch plan is simply having an intentional and focused way to put your amazing creation out into the world. It involves a sequence of activities aimed at educating your audience and helping them decide if your offer is right for them.

A launch has a specific beginning and an ending. And there is no “one-size-fits-all” launch plan. You’ll create a plan that is fit for the purpose of your offer and what you are able to put into it.

Your timeline will vary, but here are some general timing guidelines:

• The preparation period happens long before you start talking about your new product. 4–6 weeks before the actual launch or open cart.
• The prelaunch period, where you are educating your audience and creating interest. Can be 2–4 weeks long.
• For a typical online event (like a masterclass, webinar, or short online retreat), the open cart period will be one to two weeks before the event.
• For a course, membership, or one-time purchase, the open cart is typically 4–7 days.
• For something evergreen in nature, like a book, a new podcast, or a journal, the launch promotion period can be 2–3 weeks.

Combining the preparation, prelaunch, launch, and open cart periods, your total launch plan may cover up to 8 or 10 weeks. You can see why it is important to start thinking about your launch plan long before you are ready to offer your new thing to the world.

ACTION STEP:
I told you that your launch needs both a plan and a strategy. My friend Esther Littlefield is sharing what a launch strategy is and why you need one on her Christian Woman Business Podcast, so head over there and listen to Episode 46. If you are planning to launch something soon, come join my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Launching is hard work. Whether it's a podcast, a business, or a new ministry idea, there's always much to learn, and so so much to do. In Episode 16, I’m sharing the lessons I learned when launching this podcast. Some are specific to podcasts, but some I think will encourage you no matter what you are launching.

Here are a few things I learned while launching my podcast:

1. Your Thing Can Be Whatever You Want: Whatever you are trying to start, don't feel boxed in by what you see others doing. Focus on YOUR people and what they need, not on OTHER people and what they are doing. Just because something works for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s right for your audience.

2. Limit the Input: In this case, less was definitely more. I didn't have time, money, or energy to consume information from a lot of different sources. And I know that when we get too much input, it leads to confusion and contradictions.

I have several friends in podcast education and support, so I decided to use each one for what I saw they were best at. Here's how I divided it up:

Podcast In A Weekend from Esther Littlefield! It is no fluff, with the basic things you need to get started.

Launch Coaching from Wren Robbins Wren is one of the most enthusiastic, creative people I know, and while she offers a complete range of podcast coaching services, I did just one session with her to map out the launch plan.

Tech Support from Ian at Phillip Productions I wanted to be sure I was doing the best I could from a technical standpoint. Ian was a calm, steady hand that kept me from freaking out when surprises came up along the way.

1. A Plan and Accountability Keep You on Track: My plan wasn't very detailed. Just the first steps at the beginning, and the launch date at the end. As soon as I was pretty comfortable about that launch date, I started telling people about it. No big splashy announcements yet ... just the people I am close to. Accountability was a huge part of launching on time.

2. Involve Your Audience In Your Work: From the beginning, I wanted my audience to follow along on this journey. We did a fun Podcast Naming Tournament on my Instagram stories that gave me so much insight into how they view me and what they need.

By the time I announced the trailer and the actual launch date, they were completely invested and I was confident I was producing something they would love.

ACTION STEP:
Look at the four lessons I've learned and pick one to implement in your upcoming project plan. You can also head to our Facebook Group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to download a Project Planning Worksheet that helps you think through these things. Tag me on social media @doanewthing using the hashtag #justonesimplething to let me know which one you try!

RESOURCES:
Four Gospels, Four Audiences By John Barnett

Book Recommendation: Standing Strong: A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence by Alli Worthington

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Feeling trapped on the content hamster wheel? In Episode 14, we talked about maximizing the new content you create. Here in Episode 15, I’ll share some creative ways to repurpose your old content and focus on refreshing and republishing content on your website. Ready to make old things new again?

Creating 8–10 new pieces of content every week can wear out even the most dedicated, gifted, and inspired writers. How about if I give you permission to just stop doing it? To step off the content hamster wheel, but still spread the message God gave you to share?

If you’ve been creating content consistently for a long time, you are sitting on a gold mine that can be repurposed or republished. Maybe you feel funny about that. Are you cheating your audience by using the same content again? Will they get bored if they hear something they’ve heard before? Not to worry. The Bible is full of examples of God repeating himself.

Much of your repurposed content will land in front of people who've never seen it before. Your audience has grown, and even your long-time people haven’t seen everything. But even for those who see it again, it may be God’s way of giving them the same message that will resonate in a different way at a different time of their life.

Repurposing content comes in many forms:

• Convert an old blog post into a podcast episode
• Break up an old subscriber freebie into several social media posts.
• Edit clips of related podcast episodes into a “Best of” series to run through the summer.

One of the most effective ways to repurpose is to simply clean up and republish old posts. Follow these four steps to give your old content a fresh new life:

1. Update any outdated or time-sensitive information
2. Give it an SEO refresh
3. Create a new subscriber freebie or freshen up one you already have
4. If you are monetizing your content, add an affiliate link

If you want to get serious about SEO, check out SEO for Christian Bloggers from Kingdom Bloggers Academy.

Repurposing your old content finds the balance between consistently speaking to your audience, and having time and space to create your greatest work. So if you’ve been hesitant to do it, go ahead - I give you permission!

ACTION STEP:
Find your best post more than a year old, give it a little makeover, and republish it. If you visit our free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a checklist to guide you. Promote your republished post on your social media. If you’ll tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething, I’ll stop by and give it a little engagement.

If you don’t have anything more than a year old, look at your three top-performing posts and decide how you can repurpose them. You can make a big dent in your social media plan for the month by using small bits of each post as a caption.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

RESOURCES:Book Recommendation: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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As leaders and business owners in the online space, we often fall victim to the mantra that “content is king”. We get trapped on the content hamster wheel, constantly creating, sometimes forcing things even when we feel like we have nothing to say. Blog posts, newsletters, podcasts, Facebook Lives, Instagram Stories .... All in an attempt to be unique and engaging. In Episode 14 of Just One Simple Thing, I’ll offer you a way to get off the hamster wheel by creating less content but using it more intentionally.

I’m going to share how you can maximize your content and have more time to do the things you love. But this isn’t just about making things easier on you. It’s also about delivering more value to your audience.

The best way to get the most out of any new content is to create a core piece based on a theme and use it to develop a week-long (or even month-long) conversation with your audience.

Pretty much no one in your audience sees every piece of content you put out there, but there is an even deeper reason for centering your content around a theme.

If you are putting out 8-10 pieces of different, unrelated content each week, and say your core audience sees half of it, that’s 4 or 5 different things you are asking them to think about and try torelate to. It’s just adding more clutter to their brain. But if you give them several related pieces of content in a short time, now you have the opportunity to take them deeper ... to really drive home the important parts of the message.

Going deep with one theme is a better way of serving your audience than cluttering their
brain with scatter-shot.

So here’s my simple system for creating a week-long conversation.

1. Start with one piece of core content. This could be a blog post, podcast, YouTube video, Bible Study ...whatever you consider your “home base” content-wise.
2. Once your core content is complete, pull out six distinct pieces. Start with finding three short sentences. These should be three “sticky statements” that are memorable, actionable and attention-grabbing.
3. Next, choose two medium-length passages .... Around 200–300 characters or 50–60 words. One passage should be a keyword-rich summary of the content.Choose one other medium-length passage that can be used for a Facebook post, Instagram caption, or podcast audiogram.
4. Finally, choose one long passage .... up to 200 words. This one can be used as a micro-blog on Instagram, or the beginning of a script for a Live video

Creating this week-long conversation makes your content more recognizable and consumable ... and better able to make a real impact.

Head on over to the Facebook page: Plan and Pray with Do a New Thing where you’ll find a spreadsheet template to plan your weeklong conversation. Use the hashtag #justonesimplething with one of your conversation posts so I can check out what you are doing.

RESOURCES:Content Conversation Course: Creating a Blueprint to maximize your Message

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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In the last episode, we talked about the importance of brainstorming to get all the ideas out of your head and into a space where you can deal with them. But once you have a whiteboard covered in lists, circles, arrows, and stars, what do you do next? In Episode 13 of Just OneSimple Thing, I’ll share the four steps you need to take after the brainstorm, so you can capture the momentum in the time you’ve spent.

More often than not, we don't take the time to clean up the mess after a brainstorming session. We quickly lose the hope and enthusiasm (and adrenaline) that fueled our session when faced with the reality of all we carried in our heads. Where do we even start?
Here are four things that will keep your brainstorming session from being a washout.

1.Make assignments with due dates.

• There are probably some items from your session that are no-brainer things you know you just need to do. Before leaving your session, assign someone to complete each of those things, and give them a reasonable due date.

2. Filter the items through your vision and purpose.

• Not all great ideas are ideas you need to implement. If they don't support your overall vision, it's okay to let them go.

BONUS: Take the ones that are great ideas but not for you and pass them on to someone who may be better suited.

3. Focus on things that are broken.

• Broken pieces of the organization or your business get in everyone's way, reduce your productivity and limit your effectiveness.
• Starting a bunch of new initiatives on the back of broken pieces is a plan that is doomed from the start.

4. Put things on the shelf.

• My friend, Lisa Allen at Proverbs 31 Ministries taught us this great concept of putting things "on the shelf." Things you know you want to do but don't have the ability, capacity, or resources to do right now go on the shelf.
• Keep a list of your "shelf" items and review them with your team periodically to see if it is time for any of them to come off the shelf.

ACTION STEP:Alright ... you know what time it is! Ready for your one simple action step? If you listened to episode 12, I asked you to take one idea and brainstorm your way through it.
Now, use these four tips to sort through the ideas and make a plan to implement at least one of them. For a little accountability, share the idea on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on.

If you just happened to stumble across this podcast, consider following it and leaving a review where ever you listen. I would truly appreciate it.

RESOURCES:More Than A Blog: Success Foundations–A six-module self-paced course to set your writing ministry up for success.
Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Brainstorming is not just a random dumping of ideas. The most effective brainstorming is a purposeful balance of free-form thinking and strategic organization.

How could brainstorming be a game-changer for your ministry or business? Here are four ways:

1. Brainstorming gets you out of your own head

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

Brainstorming is a creative way we can partner with God. We can empty ourselves of our own will and desires, and allow Him bring fresh, creative solutions

2. Brainstorming brings structure to your ideas

If your big vision can stand up to the scrutiny of critical thinking, you'll know it's one worth pursuing.

A structured approach can remove barriers and set us in a position for God to do His greatest work.

3. Brainstorming brings different viewpoints

A fun brainstorming session is the perfect way to bring in some like-minded peers and let them speak into your dreams and ideas.

By bringing in the views of others, the options become deeper and richer, with more detail and completeness.

4. Brainstorming builds teams

The most important ground rule of brainstorming is that there is no rank in the room ... everyone's opinion matters and contributes to the end result.

This environment builds trust among team members.

So now that you are intrigued by the idea of brainstorming, how do you go about doing it?

Structured brainstorming methods often yield a more realistic view of the situation, and one that lends itself to plans and solutions.

These two brainstorming methods are my favorite.

1. Sticky Note Wall

Grab some 3 x 3 square sticky notes in different colors, clear out some space on a smooth wall and start writing every idea in your head on a note. Arrange them in endless combinations until they make sense.

2. Mind-Mapping

When there are too many ideas floating around in your head, capture them using a mind map. I try to keep my mind mapping fairly simple, focused on dumping everything from my head to the paper.

ACTION
Brainstorm your way through one idea. Use either of these methods I suggested, or a different one that works for you. Snap a picture of your brainstorm. Share it on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on. You can also stop by the Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing where you’ll find a template and more detailed instructions for mind-mapping.

In the next episode, I’ll share some tips on what to do AFTER you’ve completed your brainstorm, so be sure to follow the podcast where ever you listen or come subscribe at doanewthing.com/podcast so you’ll be notified of every new episode.

RESOURCES

Sticky Note Apps: Mural or Miro
More tips on Mind Mapping: Get the Clutter Out Of Your Head
Book Recommendation: Chaos Can’t: Overcome What Comes Against You in the Shaken World by Allen Arnold

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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How often do you find little bits of time scattered in your day? 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there .... Are you using those small chunks effectively? Or wasting them because you think you can't do anything productive in only a few minutes? Join us for Episode 11 of Just One Simple Thing, where we share some tips for making just 10 minutes matter.

Every once in a while a random burst of time pops up unexpectedly in our day.

What do we do with those short minutes? I don't know about you but I let those precious 10-minute moments slip through my fingers because I think they aren't long enough to accomplish "real" work.

What if we can snatch back the short bits of time so easily wasted and use them in purposeful ways for ourselves, our ministries, and our families?

This isn't about stuffing every spare minute full of tasks and work. We need time to rest and relax. Freeing our brains from constant engagement can spark creativity and lighten our moods.

It’s about making the most of the time we’ve been given... so that we can one day say to our Father, as Jesus did in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

The best way to do that is to keep a list of things you can do in 20 minutes or less. You can keep the list in the notes app on your phone, or an easily accessible page in your planner...break down all the barriers between you and your tasks.

What goes on the list?

1. Organize your desk so it is set and ready to go next time you sit down.
2. Use a great app to accomplish something on your phone instead of playing a game(like Canva to create a graphic or Amazon to order your next Bible study book).
3. Do something to bless someone else. Recently, I had about 15 minutes in the airport before my boarding time. So I spent that time sending testimonial emails to three people who had helped me with my podcast launch. Before my plane took off, I heard back from two of them, saying how surprised they were to get the email and how much it encouraged them. What else can you do to bless someone else in just 10 minutes?
4. Draft an invitation for guest posting or a podcast guest interview pitch.
5. Look at your schedule for the week and be sure you are prepared for everything.

Listen to this episode for 5 more ideas

Let's be faithful finishers of the work the Lord has given us to do, even if we have to do it just 10 or 20 minutes at a time.

ACTION STEP:
Make a list of productive things you can do in 20 minutes or less, or when your energy is low, or in other small cracks of time in your day. Post three of your ideas on your social media.
Tag me @doanewthing using the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can share your ideas. In our Facebook group Plan &Pray with Do A New Thing, you’ll find a template to help you do that. I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!

RESOURCES:Plan and Pray Monthly Co-working Session:
Book Recommendation: Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life by Crystal Stine

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Are you ready to take your first steps towards a new ministry or business? Or even a new product or service in something you are already doing? In this second of two episodes about taking the first steps, you’ll learn about the connection between excuses and fear, and the one decision we all have to make on our own.

In Episode 9, we looked at two lessons we could learn about taking our first steps from the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda in John chapter 5.

So now let’s dig into two more lessons about taking your first steps.
Lesson #3 - Stop making excuses.
He may have been in the right place at the right time, but this man was not in the right frame of mind. He was still finding reasons not to take that step.

Excuses are your brain's way to cover up fear. When you are about to do something huge for God, fear is going to be your constant companion ... lurking behind every little bump in the road.

I don’t know how to do this really means I’m afraid I’ll fail if I try
Someone else is doing the same thing really means I’m afraid I’m not good enough.

Lesson #4 - Take the step of obedience at once.

When Jesus tells you it is time to take the step, he's not messing around. He means it's time to take the step at once. Not after you figure everything out. Not after all the stars are aligned. Not when you get around to it.

At. Once.

In the end, our first steps require one choice that is totally in our control. It's the choice to be obedient.

Our choice transfers responsibility from our frail shoulders to the big strong shoulders that carry the world. God makes the decisions, opens the doors, brings the opportunities, inspires the words, sparks creativity.

It's all Him!

So there is no need to fear those first steps. When we embrace obedience, those steps will always be on the right path.

ACTION STEP
For your one simple action step this week, head to our Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and download the 12 Fear-Busting Scriptures to encourage you in your first steps. Then share your favorite on social media. Tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can cheer you on.

RESOURCES:
Book Recommendation: Fear Is Not The Boss of Me by Jennifer Allwood

Thanks for joining me for this milestone episode #10. I’m so thankful for every person who has left a review, subscribed, or shared with their friends. I’d love to hear from you. Email me at christa@doanewthing.com or DM me on Instagram to let me know which one has been your favorite.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Are you waiting for the perfect time to take your first step? Are you afraid it is too late? Join us for Episode 9 of Just One Simple Thing as we explore an encounter Jesus had with a man sitting by a pool. You'll be encouraged to discover it’s never too late to take a step of obedience.

There was a man in the Bible who also needed some help taking that first step.
There are four important lessons for us in this story in John chapter 5. We’ll talk about the first two this week, and then cover the others next week.

1. It’s never too late to take the first step.
There are a lot of reasons you might think it’s too late to take your first step.
No matter how long you've been waiting to take your step, how long you've been sitting by the waters with a dream on your heart, it's not too late.
God has not given up on you. Don't give up on yourself. Your dream still matters.

2. Take your step at the right time.
If you are waiting for the perfect time to take your first step towards your God-dream you will never take that step.
There is no such thing as the perfect time. But there IS a right time.
As you prepare to take your first step, watch for the right time to take it ... when the waters around your idea are stirring and interest is high.

• What kind of conversations are people already having around your idea?
• How can you enter into those conversations with a unique perspective?
• A fresh solution to the problem?

The right time to take your first step is also when you are set up for success .... When you have time to work on it, you have the right resources in place, and you have a plan to guide you.

Watch for the waters to stir, then confidently take your first step.

Action Step:For your one simple action step this week, I want you to really hone in on this idea of taking your step when the waters are stirring. Look out at your potential audience. What are they talking about? How can you position your offer as part of that conversation? Or how can you create conversations about your topic?

On your social media, ask a question that starts the conversation. Tag me @doanewthing and use the hashtag #justonesimplething so I cheer you on.

Resources:
Book Recommendation: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Next time, I’ll be back with two more lessons from this story. Be sure to follow where ever you listen so you don’t miss it. Or visit doanewthing.com/episode9 to sign up for notifications every Monday morning when a new episode goes live.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Welcome to Episode 8 of Just One Simple Thing. I’m so excited to be kicking off a new group in the Move Forward Mastermind and our focus for the month of May is Starting... That could be starting a business, a ministry, a podcast, or even a new product or offer in whatever you are doing now. I have a couple of episodes coming with some practical tips on taking those first, scary steps. But before we dive into the doing, let’s spend some time getting ourselves grounded.

I don’t know about you, but for me, almost every idea I have starts out simple.

But then, what we thought was simple becomes complicated.

What if we tried something different? What if we simply started .... and started simple.There's freedom in starting when you don't know the "right" way to do things.

Starting simple is surprisingly difficult. There is incredible pressure to jump in and do everything at once, or risk being left behind.But starting simple does not mean we don't have big dreams. Our time of simple can also be a time of intentional learning that sets us up for success. So whether you are starting to create a new course, a new product, or a whole new thing, I have three things to keep in
mind during your simple start.

1. Learn what works for you and what doesn't.
Depending on who you listen to, one person's "must-do" is somebody else's "never do”.
Through prayer and experimentation, starting simple allows us to try different things to see what works before we commit to something forever. It also helps us find mentors and experts whose advice always seems right on target.

2. Master one thing before adding on something else.
Do one thing ... master it ... do it well.
Then add another. Some things will take weeks to master.
Others will be only days before you feel comfortable enough to add on another layer.
But if you try to do too many things at one time, you can’t possibly be all-in on any of them.

3. And lastly: Develop systems and processes that will grow.
When things are simple, we don't give much thought to the way we get them done. But as things grow and naturally get more complicated, these foundational systems need to grow with us.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 says in part: Think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; God chose the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

So focus on the simple things God has called you to do, and start these new things one simple step at a time.Start simple and grow into your dream. There is power in simply starting.

If you’ve had fun with these first eight episodes, how about leaving a review and subscribing on your favorite podcast platform? And if you have feedback or topics you’d love to see me cover, or just want to say hi, feel free to email me anytime at christa@doanewthing.com
See you back here next time.

ACTION:Look at one thing you are planning to start, and simplify it. How can you figure out whether it is working or not? Or isolate it to one new thing at a time. Or create a system around it that will grow. Pick just one and share it on social media. Tag me @do

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Time management seems to be a universal struggle. But no matter what tools and tips and techniques we use to gain control of our time, instead of letting time control us, we'll never find any that work better than these three time management tips I learned from Jesus. Join us for episode 7 of Just One Simple Thing

My Favorite Bible verse...my life verse... is Matthew 11:28-30.
That verse touches a tender spot way deep in my soul because I so often feel tired worn out and burned out.

But another part of the verse I love is where Jesus extends his invitation to us: "Walk with me and work with me-- watch how I do it."

I saw three things that we can apply to our lives and move towards living freely and lightly.

• Jesus focused on what was in front of him at the moment.
• Jesus was totally present wherever he was present.
• He listened, focused, and took care of tasks where he was without being distracted by what was happening elsewhere.

How much more could we get done if we could truly focus on what we are doing at the moment?

• Jesus didn't worry about what was going undone.
• He didn't worry about what was going undone because he knew it would be done when it was time to do it. He had in mind a specific time and place where those needs would be taken care of.
• Jesus didn't try to achieve "balance"

Balance is the greatest time management "myth".

• Balance means applying equal effort to all things at all times.No wonder we feel so guilty when we fall short of that "ideal" balance.
• If balance is what we seek, we are set up for failure from the beginning.

"Jesus had no concept of balance. The rhythms of grace guided him where his attention was most needed."

No matter what tools and tips and techniques we use to gain control of our time, instead of letting time control us, we'll never find any that work better than following these three time management tips I learned from Jesus.
ACTION STEP Create your own categories and separate your to-do list. You can do this using a to-do list app on the phone that lets you assign a category to each item. Or by highlighting each category in a different color in your planner. Or you can download these to-do list tips.

RESOURCES
Book Recommendation: Off The Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done by Laura Vanderkam
Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield, Episode 34 Is Balance Possible?

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Most of the advice we hear about dealing with the comparison trap is focused on our mindset ...valuing our own unique gifts and experiences, not comparing our beginning to someone else middle. In Episode6 of Just One Simple Thing, we'll talk about some practical steps we can take, and the healthy way we should compare ourselves to others.

Key Points:

• Looking at other people to see how you measure up can kill your inspiration and drain your motivation.
• You SHOULD compare yourself to others who are successful, not as a way to measure up, but learn what they are doing and how you can apply it to what you are doing.
• Be careful who you look at. Watch people who are mature in their faith and have similar values as you.
• Enter prayerfully- Ask God to protect your mind and heart as you study what someone else is doing.
• Take inspiration but don't copy.
• God has given you a unique vision of your dream, so filter what you learn through your vision and make it new and fresh.
• Stay within your strategy
• When you someone else's success, it's tempting to dump everything you are doing and change directions
• Show gratitude- write her a note to let her know how much you love what she is doing and what you have learned from her.
• Comparing yourself to others does not have to become a depressing, de-motivating pity party. If done prayerfully and with the right attitude, it can be inspiring and energizing as you incorporate fresh ideas that have proven to be effective.
• If seeing those things day after day sucks the life out of you and puts your mind in an unhealthy place, it’s okay to unsubscribe, unfollow, or mute them. It’s a smart way to protect your mental health and a practical way to help you stay in your lane.

Action Steps: Now time for your one simple action step. Use the comparison trap worksheet to compare yourself with someone else! Then give her a shout out on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething Comparison Trap Worksheet

Resources:Book Recommendation:
Over It: Conquering Comparison to Live Out God's Plan By Kristine Brown

My friend Amber from the Grace Enough Podcast has a lot to say on this topic.
Check out her IGTV here.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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If you aren't making progress on your goals and projects, you may think it is because of some skill or expertise that you lack, or some opportunity you don’t have. But friends, that is rarely why you are really stuck. Here in Episode 5 of Just One Simple Thing, we'll talk about the three types of “stuck” I see most often and give each type a specific tip to help them get moving again.

Key Points:

• What if the real reason you are stuck is not what you think it is?
• When there is something standing between us and progress on our goals and projects, we look around and see what everyone else is doing.
• Most of us fall into one of three types that define why we are stuck.

The Day Dreamer

• The DayDreamer knows that God wants to use them to make a big impact on the world around them, but exactly what that looks like is still fuzzy. DayDreamers usually get stuck because they don't want to run ahead of God.
• If you are a DayDreamer, keep your eyes open for new opportunities to serve ... dabble in anything that interests you until you find the one thing that really lights you up.

The Idea Factory

• While they have a pretty good vision of what God has called them to do, the IdeaFactory brain is FULL of brilliant ways they could do it.
• You can get stuck when you don't know which one of the brilliant ideas you should do.... and you certainly can't do them all. Rather than listening to everyone, find a few experts that really resonate with you and mute the rest.

The Go-Getter

• Go-Getters have a very clear idea of what God has called us to do. We generally know how we want to do it, and we probably even have a plan to help us get there.
• Sometimes we get distracted in the going and the getting and we don't finish what we committed to.
• GoGetters usually need two things to get unstuck ... some strategies to help you focus (on the big things AND the little things), and accountability that keeps you connected to your commitments.
• Helpful Tip: Put the Shiny object at the finish line.
• We have to discipline ourselves to complete what we started before we start something new. It helps me stay focused and complete my projects more quickly when I know I have another fun project to start when I get to the finish line.

Action Step:Here is a fun quiz to help you figure what kind of stuck you are.
What Type of Stuck Are You?

With your results, you’ll get an action plan checklist with links to proven resources that help you get moving again.

So head on over to doanewthing.com/quiz and take the quiz!

Once you find out if you are a Day Dreamer, an Idea Factory, or a Go Getter, post your result on social media and tag me @doanewthing using the hashtag #justonesimplething.
I can’t wait to see what you get!

Resources:It’s About Time Podcast with Anna Dearmon Kornick Episode 44
Book Recommendation: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Welcome to Episode 4 of Just One Simple Thing! In this episode, we’ll continue our discussion about decision-making with five verses you can pray and five questions you can ask as a filter to help you make decisions. You’ll also learn what to do when a decision gets stuck in the middle of your filter. You ready? Let’s get to it!

Key Points:

• Here are five practical things we can pray through when deciding what to do next in our ministries or businesses.
• Ask these questions:

1.Is it consistent with your purpose?
2. Does it fit in with other pieces of your ministry or business?
3. Does it reflect a God-honoring Presence?
4. How does it affect your people?
5.Are you in the right position?

• Clarity comes from action. By taking the first few simple steps towards that decision, you'll bring closure to the decision faster than if you just sit and ponder.
• There is a place where micro steps towards what seems like a good idea can give us clarity and confidence to either move ahead or step back.

Action Step:
Download the Decision Making Filter, print it out, fill it in, and keep it handy for your next big decision. Then snap a picture and share it on social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething.

Resources:
If you are having a hard time making a decision that sticks, it might help to talk it out with someone. You can use this link for a free Define call and we can filter through it together.
Book Recommendation: The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman.

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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It’s Episode 3 of Just One Simple Thing and I’m delighted that you’ve hung in there with me for these simple beginnings. In this episode, we’ll tackle one of the top struggles we face ... making decisions. My favorite tool for making confident choices is the Decision Making Framework. It will help you make good day-to-day decisions in your ministry or business. So let’s dive into the framework.

Key Points:

• The struggle with making decisions is that we don't have a method to evaluate one option versus another.
• Having a Decision Framework makes it super clear in our heads and keeps us focused.
• The second part of the Decision Framework is to move closer to solving our biggest pain points, not towards making them worst.
• The third part of the Decision Framework is thinking about our resources and what we do have instead of what we lack.
• By combining your why...with your pain points...and your resources, you have a framework for making decisions.

Action Step:
Download the Decision Framework worksheet. There is a place to record your why, your pain points, and an assessment of your resources. Complete the worksheet, snap a picture of it and tag me on social media with the hashtag #justonesimplething so I can cheer you on!

Resources:
Join our community in the free Facebook Group Plan & Play with Do A New Thing for support, encouragement, and follow up on your action steps.
Book Recommendation: The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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Hey Hey! It’s Episode 2 and we are really rolling now! In this episode, you’ll learn what “tough grace accountability” means, how you can take part in every episode, and what REALLY happens when you take just one small step towards your goals.

Key Points:

• Tough-grace accountability means you won’t always be perfect and life happens, but we love you too much and care too much about your dream to let you keep making excuses.
• Unless we know specifically the problem we are trying to solve, a lot of the things we try may not help, and could actually make things worse, substituting activity for effectiveness.
• The value of that one small step is so much more than the incremental result that you see. That one step creates movement, motivation, and momentum.

Action Step:
Download the Dream Blockers template for Instagram Stories or Facebook. Use it to list the top three things that are standing between you and the dream God has put on your heart, then post it on social media and tag me @doanewthing and #justonesimplething.

Resources:
Follow me on Instagram or Facebook @doanewthing for tips, encouragement, and resources as you do your thing!

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

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Welcome to Episode 1 of Just One Simple Thing! In this episode, you’ll learn how an engineering and construction project manager ended up serving creative Christian ministry and business leaders like you, and what I hope we can do together. You’ll also see how God can take just one simple step that makes no sense at the time, and turn that obedience into a whole new thing.
Action StepDownload this Instagram Stories or Facebook post template to share your why. Tag @doanewthing and use #justonesimplething so I can come cheer you on! ResourcesIf you are struggling to put your purpose or calling in words, this post on my blog and this classic TED Talk may help.

Special thanks to these people who helped make this whole podcasting thing a reality!

• Alli Worthington - Business Coach and Author of Standing Strong
• Podcast in a Weekend from Business Coach and Podcaster Esther Littlefield
• Wren Robbins - Podcast Coach
• Phillip Productions - Tech Genius Ian Phillip
• The Spark Collective - Podcasting Membership Community from Misty Phillip and Spark Media

If this episode has sparked your interest, subscribe in your favorite podcast app and leave us a review!

Ready to grow your reach and impact? Join me for the Rocket Your Reach Challenge.

In this fun, 5-day event May 23 - 27, you'll:

• Get fresh ideas for attracting your ideal audience
• Learn how to decide which ideas are for you
• Create a plan to implement over the summer
• Develop ways to measure what’s working and what isn’t.

Get all details here.

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If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by too many ideas or one big decision, been frustrated because your brilliant idea didn’t quite work out, or gotten derailed when your color-coded plans were interrupted, this is the place for you.

The podcast will launch on March 29,  2021.  Here are some ways you can help me celebrate and spread the word:

• Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen
• Share about the podcast on your social media using the hashtag #justonesimplething
• Visit the shownotes to subscribe to my weekly NewLetter to get tips and resources, discounts, and all the podcast updates delivered straight to your inbox!

I can't wait to go on this journey with you!