It's a new year, which for many means New Year's resolutions.They often start with hope but quickly turn into pressure, comparison, and self-criticism—which is why so many of them don’t last. In this episode, we talk about why traditional resolutions fail and how chasing perfection can drain motivation and joy. You’ll learn how to approach your goals differently by adding AIR: Appreciation for the people and world around you, Inspiration to try instead of compare, and Recognition of your progress along the way. This episode invites you to start the year with intention, not shame, and to pursue growth that feels sustainable, meaningful, and kind.

The beginning of a passion project feels exciting. The ending feels worth it. But the middle? The middle is messy.

In this episode, I’m talking about the messy middle, that uncomfortable season where the excitement fades, the work feels heavy, and comparison creeps in. Inspired by a candid post from Monica Packer reflecting on nine years of podcasting, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what meaningful creative work really looks like.

I share honestly about moments in my own writing, speaking, and podcasting journey when I felt misunderstood, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or ready to quit—and why those moments didn’t mean I was failing, but creating.

We explore how comparison turns the reality of doing the work into a false story of failure, and why the messy middle is where so many people give up—not because they aren’t capable, but because they didn’t expect this part.

To help navigate this season, I introduce AIR—Appreciation, Inspiration, and Recognition—as a practical mindset to keep going when doubt shows up. From the power of one kind message to recognizing progress you can’t yet see, this episode is a reminder that your work matters.

In this episode, Kathie shares a real moment from her recent family vacation when comparison almost stole the joy right out of the trip. After feeling frustrated and unprepared, she realized she was comparing this vacation to perfectly planned trips from the past, and it was making her grumpy and disconnected. She walks through how she used the SOAR steps to shift her mindset, let go of self-blame, and fully enjoy the moment. If you’ve ever let expectations or comparison ruin something good, this episode will help you reset, reframe, and reclaim the joy that’s right in front of you.