Friday, October 31, 2025

The Defiant Giver: Why I Stopped Letting Money Control My Value

The Defiant Giver: Why I Stopped Letting Money Control My Value:

I have a confession: for most of my life, I ran the money gauntlet. I’ve been wealthy, and I’ve been so broke I was shopping second-hand for Christmas gifts. I’ve had to sign a rental property back over to the bank. And yet, for years, I never talked about it. The shame, the stigma—I avoided that conversation like the plague.

I grew up in a home where I was never taught about money management. My entire financial life was an exhausting, relentless cycle: earn, pay, earn, pay. Money flowed in, and it flowed right back out.

But as a savvy leader, you can’t lead others if you don't lead your own finances. Over the past few years, through an incredible journey of reading, entrepreneurship, and now, even full-time RV life, I’ve finally found peace.

This peace came from realizing that true financial mastery isn't about math; it's about mindset, definition, behavior, and meaning.

Here is my personal roadmap, drawn from the best minds in finance and my own experience, to help you redefine wealth on your terms.

Part 1: The Abundance Mindset: Shattering the Shame

My biggest mental roadblock was a defiant thought: "I don't want money to have a hold on me." I truly believed my value wasn't defined by money, and my satisfaction came from hard work and putting creating experiences that put smiles on the faces of people I cared about. I convinced myself I’d work for free if I could.

I had to reconcile this inner rebellion. Here is the mindset that finally worked:

1. Money is Positive Energy (Jen Sincero & Wallace Wattles)

I found refuge in Jen Sincero's idea of money as energy. When I realized the joy of giving was just positive energy flow, I understood that earning is just the input side of that same beautiful process.

My Interpretation of Wallace Wattles: I learned from The Science of Getting Rich that the desire for wealth is simply the desire for a fuller, richer, and more abundant life. It’s not greedy; it’s natural. We must switch from a competitive mindset (taking from a limited pie) to a creative mindset (expanding the pie for all). Hold a clear vision, maintain faith, and act with gratitude.

2. Think Big (Napoleon Hill & David Schwartz)

You will never achieve more than you think you deserve.

My Takeaway from The Magic of Thinking Big: The size of your success will never outgrow the size of your thinking. Stop setting small, manageable goals that keep you stuck. Action Cures Fear. You have to banish self-doubt and start believing you are capable of the big vision.
My Takeaway from Think and Grow Rich: Wealth begins with a Burning Desire and a Definite Plan. It’s not a wish; it’s a commitment. This is the blueprint for programming your mind for success.

Part 2: The Freedom Model: Your CIL is Your North Star

Hard work is my cornerstone. I was always earning money, but it just kept me on the earn, pay, earn, pay treadmill. Hard work without a system and a target is exhausting.

1. The Psychological Win (Dave Ramsey)

The first step in any system must be eliminating the financial anxiety caused by debt. I love Dave Ramsey’s model because it's brilliant behaviorally:

The Debt Snowball method (paying off the smallest debt first, regardless of interest rate) is a psychological hack. It gives you the quick wins and momentum you need to build the confidence to stay the course.

2. Freedom is Your Target (Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy)

Once you clear debt, you need a target that isn't just an age. I love the concept from 10x is Easier Than 2x:

Financial Freedom is not an amount; it’s a feeling. It means your passive income covers your Current Ideal Lifestyle (CIL). The CIL is the number you need to live your best life right now.
When you hit that number, you're free to pursue your 10x opportunities—the big, impactful work you want to do—and avoid the busy work you have to do.

Part 3: The Behavioral Game: Defining Wealth on Your Terms

If the goal is Freedom, we have to look at how we behave. Morgan Housel taught me that financial success is more about how you behave than what you know.

1. Redefining Wealth: Are You Chasing Your Peers?

Living in abundance looks different for you than it does for anyone else. Are you chasing your standards, or those of your peers? Understanding what "rich" looks like to you is pivotal.

To help define your version of wealth, consider the Five Types of Wealth:

Financial Wealth: Do your resources give you freedom? (Housel says the highest dividend money pays is control over your time.)
Time Wealth: Are you satisfied with how you spend, literally spend, your time?
Physical/Mental Wealth: Are you prioritizing your health, resilience, and inner peace?
Social Wealth: Do you have a sense of belonging and support from your community?
Mental Wealth: Do you have inner peace, resilience, and curiosity? Do you continue to learn and grow?

Your goal should be to maximize all five.

2. The Value Principle (Pricing Your Worth)

This is the ultimate application of mindset to income: "If you don't see your value, you can't expect anyone else to either."

This is critical when pricing your products or negotiating a salary:

Value yourself highly because people want to pay you for quality. It can feel offensive if you offer discounts because you assume they can’t afford it. Honor the value of the exchange.
Housel's Reminder: Your ability to drive wealth growth depends on your savings rate—how much you keep. Your income determines the ceiling of that rate. Value yourself to raise that ceiling.

3. The RV Life Paradox: Intentional Spending

My life in a full-time RV perfectly illustrates the need for intentional spending:

We've drastically reduced our monthly overhead (no mortgage, fewer utilities), which automatically boosts our savings rate. This aligns with Housel’s insight that wealth is what you don't see.
But here's the paradox: While our fixed costs are low, the cost of activities is high. If you don't give yourself a clear activity allowance, you can easily blow all your cash in a weekend chasing local experiences!
The good news? You can't buy much by way of souvenirs—there’s nowhere to put them! So we take lots of photos and create travel logs instead. Our spending naturally shifts from possessions to experiences and memory dividends.

Part 4: The Ultimate Meaning: Maximizing Life Fulfillment

If we gain financial freedom, what do we do with it? My personal truth is: You don't get to take it with you, and why would you want to?

I found my final answer in Bill Perkins's Die With Zero.

Maximize Life Fulfillment: The goal isn't to die with the largest net worth; it’s to die with zero financial regret.
The Memory Dividend: This concept validated my biggest desire. Spending money on experiences (like that dream gathering of all our daughters, their spouses, and grandkids) pays compounding dividends in memories for the rest of your life. Don't defer the clutch experiences that have an optimal time window for enjoyment.
Strategic Generosity: I interpret this as a call to give while you live so you can see the impact and put those smiles on faces now. Share your wealth when it can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.

Your Call to Action

The Savvy Leader life is achieved by combining the Abundant Mindset with the Discipline to fund your Freedom, and the Meaning to maximize your joy and bless others.

Your challenge this week is simple: Stop playing the passive, silent money game.

Define Your Freedom. What is your Current Ideal Lifestyle (CIL) number?
Define Your Wealth. Which of the Four Types of Wealth are you prioritizing today?

Let that vision guide your actions.

Until next time, keep leading well.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

⛰️Travelog ~ Mile Markers & Mountain Views: Our Two Weeks of Colorado Contrast

⛰️Mile Markers & Mountain Views: Our Two Weeks of Colorado Contrast

You know how some trips just stick with you? Our two-week Colorado stint was exactly that—a total soul reset wrapped up in a perfect, slightly hilarious series of contrasts. As full-time RV'ers, establishing a temporary basecamp is essential, and our time anchored in Fort Morgan before tackling the mountains was just right.

Fort Morgan: Home is Where the Hookups Are

Fort Morgan: Earning Trust in a Tight-Knit Community

We planted our rig in Fort Morgan, a place that completely disproved the idea that you have to be in a resort town to feel good about the world. This is a community with a clear vision, one that even caught the eye of HGTV for a "Home Town" renovation episode a few years back! You can see the effort everywhere—the city lives by its mission: "beautiful, clean, and safe."

But unlike a breezy tourist town, Fort Morgan is a tight-knit community where relationships are everything. We quickly realized you need to earn the trust of the locals, but once you do, they are genuinely welcoming and warm. This focus on strong businesses and neighborhoods truly showed. We spent our chill days enjoying the open plains and soaking up the kindness of the people. Fort Morgan was the perfect, grounding prologue before we hitched the truck for a day trip to the literal high points.

Estes Park: Humbling Majesty and Black Friday Crowds

The main event was a classic Colorado day trip: an early start from Fort Morgan and a scenic drive up through the dramatic twists and turns of the Big Thompson Canyon Road. What a way to enter the mountains!

Our first stop? The legendary Stanley Hotel. We needed a warm-up after the drive, so we ducked into the famous, slightly spooky halls for a coffee. It’s hard not to feel like a character in a Stephen King novel as you wander around that impressive architecture!

Recharged, we headed into the vibrant downtown Estes Park. We knew of Estes Park, but had never visited, making it an unexpected gem. That downtown, though? It was bustling! We’re talking Black Friday busy every single day, but the crowds just underscored its popularity as a true mountain escape.

We channeled our purchasing power into the most consumable souvenir possible: a hefty supply of that iconic Purple Mountain taffy. We enjoyed a peaceful stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, and admired the town’s ability to blend commerce with nature.

We were hoping to ride the Aerial Tramway, but the high-altitude winds were no joke—gusts upwards of 30 mph! So, no tram for us 😔. But the real reward was the proximity to the Rockies. Surrounded by that majestic Rocky Mountain scenery, the air was a literal breath of fresh mountain air. It was a humbling experience, leaving you feeling delightfully small against the towering peaks.

The Peak to Peak and Rolling South

The best part of the day trip was the return journey. Instead of the highway, we took the legendary Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. This drive was simply superior. It was a thrilling, winding journey past the continental divide, through historic mining towns, like Nederland and along constant, breathtaking views of the Front Range.

The Peak to Peak was an absolute highlight, a spectacular way to transition back to the calm of our Fort Morgan basecamp after a day of mountain drama and sugar overload.

After two packed weeks of plains and peaks, it was time for the next mile marker. We pulled in the slides and pointed our rig south toward Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our journey showed us that genuine fulfillment comes from both the community we build and the wild spaces we preserve. Now, with the mountains in the rearview, we’re chasing the desert sun, carrying forward a piece of that clear Colorado air and a whole lot of gratitude for the open road. New Mexico, here we come!

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

💥 Book Review: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero — A Wake-Up Call to Unleash Your Inner Power

Some books make you think. Others make you act.

Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life does both — with humor, honesty, and the kind of authenticity that feels like a heart-to-heart talk with your boldest, most confident friend.

When I first read this book, it was more than motivation — it was transformation. Sincero’s words landed with clarity and conviction, helping me not only embrace entrepreneurship on my own terms, but also shift my mindset, rebuild my habits, and unapologetically go after what I wanted.

“You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.” – Jen Sincero

What I loved most about this book was how relatable it was. Jen shares personal stories — the messy, funny, and real ones — that make each concept come to life. It wasn’t just theory or fluff; it was actionable and grounded. Her humor, humility, and self-awareness made me feel like I wasn’t just reading a self-help book — I was having coffee with a friend who gets it.

Even years later, I still cherish this book and recommend it to every newly self-employed person I care about. It was truly the first book that clicked for me — the one that catapulted my business, shaped my habits, and made it okay to grow through the chaos of entrepreneurship in my own authentic way.

🌟 Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown

Part 1: How You Got This Way

Chapter 1: My Subconscious Made Me Do It
Our beliefs, many formed in childhood, quietly direct our decisions. Jen helps us identify and rewrite the stories that limit us.
💡 Key Takeaway: You can’t change your reality until you change the story you’re telling yourself.

Chapter 2: The G Word
Sincero reframes “God” or “Source Energy” as universal creative power that we all share.
💡 Key Takeaway: You’re connected to something greater — tap into that energy to create what you desire.

Chapter 3: Present as a Pigeon
Life happens now. This chapter is a humorous nudge to stop waiting and start living.
💡 Key Takeaway: Presence is power.

Chapter 4: The Big Snooze
Your comfort zone (aka The Big Snooze) keeps you small. Waking up is uncomfortable — but necessary.
💡 Key Takeaway: The path to growth always starts with disruption.

Part 2: How to Embrace Your Inner Badass

Chapter 5: Self-Perception is Everything
How you see yourself determines what you attract.
💡 Key Takeaway: Upgrade your self-image to match your goals.

Chapter 6: Love the One You Is
A reminder that self-love isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.
💡 Key Takeaway: The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life.

Chapter 7: I Know You Are But What Am I?
Judgment and comparison are mirrors of our own insecurities.
💡 Key Takeaway: What you admire (or resist) in others is a reflection of yourself.

Chapter 8: What Are You Doing Here?
Follow your passions unapologetically. Your purpose is meant to be lived, not pondered.
💡 Key Takeaway: You were born with unique gifts — use them.

Part 3: How to Tap Into the Motherlode

Chapter 9: Loincloth Man
A funny, vivid parable about trust and abundance.
💡 Key Takeaway: Have faith before the evidence appears.

Chapter 10: Meditation 101
A practical, non-intimidating intro to meditation.
💡 Key Takeaway: Stillness helps you tune into intuition and inspiration.

Chapter 11: Your Brain is Your Bitch
You are not your thoughts — you control them.
💡 Key Takeaway: Train your mind to serve you, not stop you.

Chapter 12: Lead with Your Heart
Logic is great, but intuition is wiser.
💡 Key Takeaway: Trust your gut — it knows your path before your head does.

Part 4: How to Get Over Your B.S. Already

Chapter 13: Give and Let Give
Generosity creates flow; scarcity blocks it.
💡 Key Takeaway: Giving freely opens the door to receiving.

Chapter 14: Gratitude: The Gateway Drug to Awesomeness
Gratitude shifts your focus instantly.
💡 Key Takeaway: Gratitude transforms scarcity into abundance.

Chapter 15: Forgive or Fester
Letting go is self-liberation.
💡 Key Takeaway: Forgiveness clears space for growth.

Chapter 16: Loosen Your Bone, Wilma
Don’t forget to have fun!
💡 Key Takeaway: Playfulness keeps your spirit alive and your creativity flowing.

Part 5: How to Kick Some Ass

Chapter 17: It’s So Easy Once You Figure Out It Isn’t Hard
Flow beats force.
💡 Key Takeaway: Ease comes when belief and action align.

Chapter 18: Procrastination, Perfection, and a Polish Beer Garden
Perfection is fear disguised as preparation.
💡 Key Takeaway: Done is better than perfect.

Chapter 19: Fear is for Suckers
Fear means you’re leveling up.
💡 Key Takeaway: Feel it, then do it anyway.

Chapter 20: Millions of Mirrors
Everyone around you reflects your own growth opportunities.
💡 Key Takeaway: Every trigger is a teacher.

Chapter 21: The Sweet Life
Sincero closes with a reminder that we already have what it takes — we just need to act like it.
💡 Key Takeaway: You already are a badass. It’s time to live like one.

💛 Final Thoughts

You Are a Badass is not your typical self-help book. It’s raw, hilarious, empowering, and refreshingly human. Sincero’s storytelling — equal parts vulnerability and sass — makes personal growth feel approachable and even fun.

It’s a book I return to often, not because I need to re-learn the lessons, but because her voice reminds me to keep showing up boldly. It’s the perfect kickstart for anyone stepping into entrepreneurship, chasing a new dream, or simply ready to stop getting in their own way.

If you’ve ever needed that push to believe in yourself again — this is it.

📚 Ready to Keep Growing? Join the Brainy Bites Book Society!

At LEAD Network Professionals, we don’t just read books — we live them.
Join our Brainy Bites Book Society, where we dive into books that inspire bold thinking, practical action, and personal transformation — just like You Are a Badass.

✨ Connect with like-minded professionals
✨ Explore powerful takeaways you can apply in business and life
✨ Build habits that help you lead, empower, adapt, and drive

👉 Check out our next Brainy Bites Book Session and see what we’re reading next at leadnetwork.pro.

Monday, October 6, 2025

🌽Travelog: Digging Deep and Soaring High in Lincoln, Nebraska

Travelog: Digging Deep and Soaring High in Lincoln, Nebraska

These past 2 weeks, our RV adventure took us to Lincoln, Nebraska—the quintessential prairie capital with a surprising blend of historic grandeur, underground secrets, and Midwestern heart. Navigating the city during a busy season presented its own challenge (more on that Husker game day below!), but we successfully hit all the must-see spots, from the highest tower to the deepest cave. Here's a look at the highlights of our stop in the "Star City":

1. The Architectural Crown: Nebraska State Capitol

We kicked off our tour at the magnificent Nebraska State Capitol. This isn't your average dome building; its iconic, tiered tower—known as the "Tower of the Plains"—is a breathtaking piece of architecture. Inside, the stunning mosaics and murals tell the story of the state. It's a must-see for capturing wide, grand shots and details of American history. Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the observation deck!

2. Game Day Navigation: The Husker Factor

A crucial tip for anyone visiting Lincoln: If your trip overlaps with a Nebraska Cornhuskers home football game, be prepared! Husker Game Day transforms the city. Traffic downtown, especially around the Haymarket and Memorial Stadium, can be intense, with street closures and heavy parking fees. We learned that arriving early (or avoiding the immediate downtown core altogether on game day) is key. The energy is infectious, however, so embrace the scarlet and cream!

3. Natural Beauty: Sunken Gardens & Pioneers Park

For a tranquil escape, we explored two incredible natural gems:

Sunken Gardens: A true oasis of color and serenity, this beautifully landscaped floral garden changes seasonally and offers some of the most vibrant, peaceful shots you can capture in the city.
Pioneers Park Nature Center: Out on the city's edge, this park gave us that classic prairie vista. With hundreds of acres of trails and habitats for native wildlife like bison and elk, it’s the perfect place to capture the wide-open spaces of Nebraska.

4. Urban Hub: Haymarket District & Farmers Market

The Historic Haymarket District was the perfect contrast to the formality of the Capitol. With its cobblestone streets, converted brick warehouses, and bustling energy, it’s the city’s vibrant center for dining and entertainment. If you visited on a Saturday, you likely experienced the lively Haymarket Farmers Market, where local vendors and producers turn the area into an outdoor festival—a fantastic place to capture the local flavor and community spirit.

5. Hidden History: Robbers Cave Tours

Saving the most unique for last, we went underground to the nationally registered Robbers Cave. This isn't a natural cavern but a 5,600 square foot, hand-dug tunnel system that dates back over 160 years. Originally used as storage for Lincoln's first brewery, it later served as a secret meeting place, a dance hall, and a hideout, earning its legendary name. The tour is a fascinating step back in time, and an absolute must for a truly unique Lincoln story. (Pro Tip: Be sure to book your tour in advance—it’s a popular spot!)

6. Pioneers Park Nature Center:

To capture the genuine Nebraska landscape, we headed to Pioneers Park. Where we

walked the tranquil trails, and even caught sight of the bison and elk herds. This location offers the perfect wide-open prairie vistas that truly define the heartland.

Lincoln, NE, is more than just a college town; it’s a destination rich with history, natural wonders, and a vibrant culture. We packed a lot into one week, and the footage is all here. Hit play to see our full video log!

Friday, October 3, 2025

The Unveiling: Trading My Shield for My True North

As a strong, independent woman, I’ve spent the better part of my life believing that control was the ultimate superpower. I’m talking about that deep-seated, white-knuckle need to manage every outcome, every perception. Admitting my desire for that control—even to myself—was a vulnerability I didn't dare touch. For me, "vulnerability" was never in the cards. It felt like a four-letter word: weakness.

But now, at 54, I’m finding the courage to set down the shield.

The Presentation Trap: Trading Authenticity for Armor

The foundation of my defense mechanism was the power of presentation.

Despite a complicated relationship with my father, the one lesson I truly absorbed was this concept of presenting yourself impeccably. He commanded a room with strong, clear words and a polished appearance. I grabbed hold of this: if I could present myself flawlessly, I felt empowered. It was the ultimate magic trick: no matter the internal chaos—the fear, the insecurity, the messy feelings—I could wrap it all up in a neat, impressive package, and the people around me would be none the wiser.

This presentation became my shield. I never just put on clothes; I selected ensembles appropriate for every event, changing in the car if necessary. My professionalism, my appearance, my meticulously curated life—this was my buffer from pain, my padding against negative judgment. It beautifully soothed the perfectionist in me, keeping my true self safely out of sight.

Grit Versus Courage: The Karaoke Confession

The idea of truly being seen is where the shield does its best work.

Honestly, even the word vulnerability feels cringey. It seemed to grate on my long-held concept of courage and wear it away. As the always "I got it girl," I had plenty of grit and unshakeable defiance—a stubbornness to push through obstacles. But that was a doing kind of courage, not a being kind of courage.

For example: I love to sing. I’ll belt out 80s tunes in the car, and I’ve sung for crowds. But do you think I have ever participated in karaoke? Nope. The idea of being in the spotlight, singing for all to see and HEAR, is mortifying. Singing is so personal, and I want so badly to not suck that I haven't yet had the courage to put that part of myself on public display. The exposure feels riskier than any professional challenge I’ve ever faced.

The Barrier to Love: Silent Affection

My shield wasn't just about protecting me from criticism; it was also a barrier to love.

I showed my love best in thoughtful gifts. Those tangible items felt safe. But using actual words to articulate my true feelings—to say, "I love you," or "I need you"—was a serious vulnerability I rarely afforded anyone. My husband can certainly attest to my former inability to share my affection through words. The right words would escape me, and the opportunity would often pass in silence.

I held onto the false sense of value derived from my offerings and my fierce independence. This self-reliance felt like strength, but it was actually a wall that blocked emotional intimacy. Looking back, I wish I had encouraged more, loved more openly, and simply allowed love in. Because a shield, while it keeps pain out, also prevents connection from getting in.

The Unconditional Gaze: Finding Love in God

The journey toward releasing my shield has become deeply connected to my reliance on God.

If I am constantly trying to hide my flaws, my mess, my chaos from the world, how could I ever stand before God? The beautiful truth is, there is no hiding anything from God. He sees my faults and my chaos, and yet, His love remains.

This discovery of His unconditional love for me, faults and all, forced me to examine my own heart—the heart of the matter. My fear of human judgment seemed absurd when contrasted with a divine love that accepts me completely. Being constantly aware of where my heart is at in any given situation helps me keep my priorities and values at the forefront. When the shield drops, grounding the authentic self in faith makes the exposure less terrifying.

The Freedom of Limited Time: What's the Worst That Can Happen?

As a full-time RVer, I have a literal advantage in practicing vulnerability. The people I see face-to-face are often around for such a limited amount of time that if I say or do something I think is stupid, I can rest assured that after a week or two, I'll probably never see that person again.

But that concept can hold true even in our permanent circles. Our coworkers are only in our lives for a season—not our whole life. And I ask myself now, and I ask you: What's the worst that can happen?

What if we found a way to articulate our authentic voice in a way that didn't put people on guard? What if we were able to share our ideals with our peers constructively? Or better yet: what if the words of the people we care about didn't hurt us, because we were so steadfast in our resolve that we could hear and respect the ideals of others without letting them dismantle our core self?

Stepping Out of the Safe Room: A Timeline to Freedom

Vulnerability is not about being susceptible to harm; it is a courageous choice to be transparent about one’s true feelings. It is the ultimate act of courage—a willingness to risk being seen without the armor.

One powerful technique I use to build this courage is the "timeline" session I learned in hypnosis therapy. I visualize my memories as a timeline ahead of me, pick up a "pain point," and ask myself: "What did I learn from this experience?" By extracting the lesson, I integrate the experience into my strength, rather than letting it remain a source of fear.

This journey to finding my True North Self in solitude is about allowing that fragile, imperfect self I’ve been hiding to finally take the stage. It is the unveiling, and the true work of courage is just beginning.

Your Move: Steps to Embrace Vulnerability

If you’re ready to set down your shield, remember these steps:

Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same love and kindness you would offer a close friend.
Examine Your Heart: Ask yourself, "What are my true motivations and values in this moment?"
Use the Timeline Technique: Look at an old "pain point" and ask yourself, "What did I learn from this experience?"
Ask the Question: When facing a moment of fear, ask: "What's the worst that can happen?"
Take Small, Courageous Steps: Practice vulnerability by taking minor risks, like sharing a true feeling with a trusted person.

What is one small act of emotional honesty you can commit to today to begin the unveiling of your True North Self?