For as long as I can remember, I’ve had all of these huge goals that I wanted to accomplish. I have had this feeling that I was destined for more than I was letting myself be and do on a daily basis. But, I haven’t been able to get around myself.

Do you know what I mean? It’s like you have everything all lined up and organized and there is LITERALLY nothing stopping you, but you still can’t seem to get it done.

I have had that with writing this blog, showing up consistently on social media, writing weekly emails. You name it in my work life, and I have studiously avoided it like carbs that one day I did Keto.

And I’ve been working my butt off to figure out why I self-sabotage at every turn. As I’ve cleared out excess “stuff”, one thing has become clear: I need to do everything differently.

Years of practiced avoidance and falling prey to fear mean my instincts are terrible and my patterns are even worse. So, I’m very consciously doing everything I can to do the exact opposite of what my instincts tell me to do.

I’m now a joiner, apparently.

For example, I’m not really – excuse me – I WASN’T really a joiner. I felt like I didn’t need anyone because I “had it all figured out” and others would “slow me down.” WRONG.

I’m now doing the exact opposite and have joined a Money Mindset class, a mastermind for creating online courses, I’m in an accountability pod, am helping out with the PTA and just joined a book club. I may have gone a bit too far in other direction, but I am JOINED.

Bam! Kara 1, Fear 0

I plan out my content. (WHAT?!?!?!?)

Another example is I never used to plan my content. I thought it was better to be “in the moment” and write about what came up organically so I didn’t seem “too corporate.” WRONG.

Not having a content calendar meant I never posted because when your to do list is longer than Santa’s, “organic” and “in the moment” don’t often make the cut.

Instead, I spent a (very) long time putting together a calendar that is making my life easier and getting content out the door (I mean you’re reading this right now, right?).

Bam! Kara 2, Fear 0

I get up early (truly I have no idea who you are talking to).

One more example, k? I used to leave all my work until the end of the day when I just knew I’d have LOADS of time after the kids went to bed and I’d crank out work like I was a 1990s party machine (those were fun years). WRONG.

I NEVER got my work because I had worked all day already. After a full day of mom-ing, the only thing getting my attention was Netflix and Mr. Cherry Garcia.

So, I turned it upside down and trained myself to get up early instead (it was a long road, but worthwhile). Now, I have a good chunk of work done before the kids get up and I know that I’ve put myself first so I’m less likely to resent their never-ending needs (less likely, people, I’m not a saint).

Bam! Kara 3, Fear 0

I’ll give you a guess as to why I was avoiding everything…

And guess what I’ve noticed time and again? The root of my avoidance and self-sabotage is garden variety Fear. I’ve been terrified that if I’m consistent, put myself and my work first, show I CARE then everyone will know I care and I have something to lose.

If I show up occasionally then I always have an excuse if it doesn’t work out.

So, I’m showing up. I’m posting consistently. I’m making space for my work. I’m moving forward, even though Fear is having a breakdown and telling me to go back to the old ways.

Sorry, buddy, but I’ve got all sorts of different things to try out.

Now, onto the fun part where we talk about all the things I tried and LOVED this month! And, please, treat it like shopping the sale rack – take what fits and feels good and leave the rest.

Things I tried and LOVED this month:

📚 I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. R. Eric Thomas’ “Here For It” is the best kind of memoir – hilarious, thought-provoking, and makes you see yourself in a new light. 

🤿 I’ve found the Holy Grail! A mask that actually fits and is comfy and looks cute! IT’S SO GOOD!

😎 It’s come to my attention that it’s time to (finally!) take care of my skin. I bought this and I think it is helping my skin look a little brighter and smoother (I’ll keep you updated). 

👗 This dress is getting me all excited for spring and summer. Comfy AND glitter-y!

💵 Are you following Allyson Byrd yet? I’ve been taking a money mindset class with her this month and it is blowing my mind! FOLLOW HER! 

🎉 I made two of my besties buy this jumpsuit. It looks good on everyone and you’ll be able to wear it forever, pinkie swear. 

🍹 How are you feeling about cane? I’m totally obsessed with it for the new house and just bought this bar for our living room from the Studio McGee line at Target. 

📺 This show, this show, this show. I loved every second of it. If you miss “Fleabag”, you will love it, guaranteed.  

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 We’re going to start doing family meetings with some of the tips I read here. Anyone else do family meetings with success? 

👟 I’m not really a track suit gal, but this green one has made me think twice. They keep selling out so fast, thought, I haven’t managed to snag one!

What have you been loving this month? Share below! And thanks, as always, for being here. 💖