The Intentional Advantage

I want to challenge you to make some choices as we end season 4. Rethink what it means to be 'busy' and how you may be allowing insignificant tasks to run your time. I'm sharing how you can start making choices to live life how you want, from little wins and small habits to changing your mindset and maintaining routines. After this episode, you'll be more prepared to take control and own your time...

After recently reading a short article by Carl Richards in the New York Times, I wanted to share it with you because of how powerful it was for me. It's more than an article, it's also a quick exercise that will change your perspective and mindset about failure. I've talked about failure a lot this season, and this activity will push you to move forward in a positive and optimistic way when you fe...

Getting started on your passion project and staying motivated can feel difficult. Today, I'm discussing how our mindset plays a big role in how we work, and ways you can shift your thinking so that actionable steps are taken towards your passion project. I'll give you examples of how you can better prioritize what's important so you consistently feel motivated, your deadlines are met, and goals ar...

Today, I want to share a powerful poem with you by Sadhguru, an Indian mystic and humanitarian. I listen to this poem at least once per month during my meditations, and at this time of year, I think everyone could benefit from reading or hearing it as well. The poem asks several questions throughout that will make you think and reflect on how you spend your time. At the end, I have a little challe...

Overcoming naysayers and pushing herself to do her best work, world famous chef, Niki Nakayama, opened up her own highly acclaimed restaurant, n/naka. Niki discusses how she broke through personal and cultural expectations to go after her big dream. Learn about an inspiring woman who is pursuing her goals in spite of limitations, rules and criticism. After today's episode, you'll be motivated to t...

Today, I want to share a quick story with you about my first bite of Jeni's Ice Cream, and how that led me to learn more about her story, buy her cookbook and set a small culinary goal for myself. After this mini-episode, I think you'll feel more inspired to figure out and follow your passions and set small goals to work towards them. Is there something you can't stop dreaming about? What can you...

It's time to weed through our ideas and look at them with a fresh perspective. Learn how you can let go of old, stale ideas in order to pursue your new, tweaked ones. I'll share ways you can boost and foster your creativity, as well as tips for getting past your creative roadblocks. After listening to today's episode, you'll be able to embrace the whitespace and allow yourself to work effectively...

When I go to speaking events and conferences, I usually talk with people about their personal goals and dreams. The question, "What's holding you back?" often comes up. They say they're just waiting for the perfect time or opportunity, but that never actually happens. I'll share how this relates to why I started my podcast and where I record my episodes… and here's a hint - it's not in a glamorous...

Today, I'm talking about the reasons why we allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed by our ideas, and how that can keep us from working toward our goals. I'll share solutions for your overwhelm and tips for narrowing in on your ideas. We'll discuss the importance of being a beginner and how to embrace the whitespace in life so you can actually work more effectively. What's In This Episode : • How to s...

Recently, I came across a documentary about writer, director and producer, Nora Ephron, with the same title as this mini-episode. Nora said, "Why would anyone write fiction when what actually happens is so amazing." Learn how Nora thinks we can all 'win' when we own our stories… the good and the bad. In turn, we can be heroes in the midst of struggle and tragedy.

I'm continuing my conversation with blind adventurer, Erik Weihenmayer, in part two of his interview. Today we're discussing failure, how trauma affects us and being confronted with setbacks. Erik has kayaked through rapids and climbed numerous mountains around the world including Mt Everest. He uses his experiences to inspire others through his No Barriers mission. His mindset and advice  will in...

Throughout season 4 of the podcast, I've talked a lot about making choices, and how our attitudes and mindset directly correlate to decisions we make. Today, I'm sharing what we can learn from an study on choices to help understand what motivates us. I'll also share one of my favorite quotes from my guest this week, Erik Weihenmayer, about how we are more likely to push ourselves and choose challe...

Erik Weihenmayer is a blind adventurer who has climbed Mt. Everest, tackled the Seven Summits and kayaked the Grand Canyon. Today he's sharing his journey, struggles and traumas. After listening to our conversation today, I know you'll walk away feeling inspired to overcome your own obstacles, big or small. This interview was so powerful, I've split it into 2 episodes so part two will follow next...

This week on the podcast, I talked about the power of choices and our internal locus of control - the belief that we have control over the outcomes of situations and decisions throughout life. Today, I want to share with you how to instill a locus of control in your own kids. Learn how giving your kids more choices  will prepare them for success in  the future.

Today, I'm talking about how we all have the power to make our own choices and decide which opportunities we want to take on. I'm sharing 5 actionable steps you can take to change your attitude from "I can't" to motivated and driven. After today's episode, you'll feel more inspired and ready to begin making purposeful choices that lead you towards big dreams. What's In This Episode: • How 'learned...

This season, we've been discussing our big dreams, fear of failing, how to take action, and more. Now, I want to tell you about an episode of The Great British Baking Show that actually has an insightful lesson hidden in there. Listen and learn how someone's first time baking Dampfnudel (with no instructions!) leads to adopting a good attitude about opportunities we encounter throughout life.

Today I'm hosting an Ask Tonya episode, where I'll be answering listener questions. I talk through actionable strategies to create order when you feel inundated by all that you have to do on the path to your dreams. I'll be giving advice on  how to keep yourself moving forward when you feel like you are juggling too many projects and tasks in order to push through those stumbling blocks to get to...

Let's DO, not just THINK, when it comes to our dreams and goals. In episode 043, I talked about Analysis Paralysis… and that's all about being a doer, not just a thinker. I know it feels difficult, but learning to build momentum with a series of small actions will always beat intentions. I'll give you the single question you should ask yourself so that you can start taking action today.

Today, I'm discussing analysis paralysis. Overthinking our goals and our progress towards them can actually get in the way of success. I'm giving you 5 different tips for how you can overcome analysis paralysis… instead of letting it keep you stuck and acting as a roadblock between you and your big goals. I know it can be hard to take the first step (and even the next one after that!) but after to...

I know it's hard to let go of our expectations of a 'perfect' holiday. Today, I'm sharing a personal story from Thanksgiving years ago when I was struggling. We all have times when we need to call in the reinforcements and give ourselves the grace to do so. That's one of the reasons I created the 'No-Stress November' challenge... full of tips, advice and planning for the month of November so that...

Fear of failure can feel overwhelming and scary, so today I want to share with you how we can 'fail' successfully. As you're navigating the path towards your dreams and goals, you may hit some bumps along the way. It's important to know how to shift your mindset and pick yourself back up when you've fallen down. I'm giving you my best advice & tips on how we can do this, along with examples of how...

Today I want to talk with you about being fearless vs. being brave. I'm sharing why fear is a necessary feeling, even though it can be an issue we struggle with. It's often about how we think about fear and deal with it from there. When setting our goals and looking forward, we need to live bravely and overcome fear so those goals can become reality.

Fear… we've all had to face that feeling of uncertainty and insecurity throughout our lives. But I'm talking with you today about how we can understand fear, deal with it and then use it as a motivational tool to propel us toward that goal or dream we want most. When you're aware of which type of fear you're experiencing, and the steps to take next, you'll be able to achieve great things.   What's...

This season is about big goals, so I want to share quick story of how I accomplished a big dream myself. In October of 2013, I had lost all the passion and drive for my business. While it put food on the table and a roof over our family's head, the business wasn't fulfilling. I didn't let that get in the way and, in fact, let it inspire me to open up my dream business. I hope this mini-episode is...

Today we start season 4, and I'm discussing BIG Goals & Dreams. Your dreams and goals can bring feelings of motivation and excitement, along with thoughts of fear and failure. I'll guide you through the questions you should ask yourself before and during your journey toward whatever it is you want most. Learn why your mindset is a powerful tool when shifting your path and plans toward your big dre...