Early Accountability

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi gives an overview of the 8 domains of wellness, which she recommends you think through as you are considering your own well-being. These dimensions intertwine and come together to manifest your overall well-being, but it is helpful to go through the exercise of thinking through each one individually as well. Environmental – How well your surroundings and your current situation are conducive to your well-being. This could include security as well as your involvement in social good activities. Emotional – This speaks to how satisfying your relationships are and how you handle life's highs and lows. Physical – This dimension is comprised of your exercise routine, your diet, your sleep patterns, and your participation in routine medical appointments. Spiritual – Your journey of personal growth towards your sense of purpose. Intellectual – How well you are expanding your worldview, practicing creativity and critical thinking, and your involvement in new experiences. Financial – This encompasses the planning, saving, and investing you employ with your finances. Social – Your connections with others and the support system that you have around you. Occupational – There is no right or wrong when it comes to your career progression as long as you are pursuing what you like to do.   Resources: Topics Covered in this Episode: 8 dimensions of wellness Well-being in all areas of life Self-awareness Getting grounded to know where to focus Connect with Kimi: https://kimiwalker.live/squad http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Kimi has returned from her unplanned but very necessary sabbatical! And she talks on this episode about why she had to take some time away and how to know if you need to step away from something in your own life. This message has been very prevalent since the 2020 Summer Olympics (in July-August 2021) when Simone Biles chose not to compete in several gymnastics events due to mental health challenges and other things going on in her life. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in your life that will let you know that you need to take a break: If you haven't taken a break in a while – Kimi had been consistently posting one podcast episode per week for 3 years, and even though there were spurts of batch recording where she was building up a library of content to be posted on future dates, the pace of hosting a weekly podcast would take a toll on anyone. If you have been doing something for many months or years without rest, it could be time to press “pause”. If you have lost your clarity or purpose – For Kimi, the stress of having to perform and plot the direction of the podcast had gotten to be too much. Taking a beat to reevaluate, practice mindfulness, and get grounded in why you started doing what you're doing can bring back the clarity. If your performance isn't the same – Kimi's goal with the Early Accountability Podcast is to create meaningful content that will connect with the audience and make their lives better. Getting to the point where she wasn't sure if she was doing that anymore necessitated a sabbatical from podcasting. The same could be true for you – maybe you are burned out and you feel like you are just doing things to check them off your to-do list. Take some time to get back to where you want to be. If you are feeling too much real or perceived pressure – A lot of times, this looks like feeling like you are going to disappoint someone. But living with this fear is not healthy in the short-term or the long-term and it can take a toll. Kimi learned that even while she was not posting new episodes over the past 2 months, people were still listening to older episodes because the content was valuable to them.   Topics Covered in this Episode: Knowing when to take a break Honoring your needs Giving yourself the space to move and breathe   Connect with Kimi: https://kimiwalker.live/squad http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

The topic of this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast is stepping out on faith. Whether you are religious or not, you have likely encountered a time in your life when you could choose to stay where you are or step out in faith that something bigger is ahead. By choosing to get out of your comfort zone and entrust the results to a higher power, you have to potential to achieve great goals. Here are a few of Kimi's tips for stepping out on faith: 1. Learn to face fear – While you might still have questions and insecurities about the end result, facing your fears will build character and open up your potential for achieving great things. 2. Acknowledge unsettling feelings – Starting something new or committing to stop a habit is uncomfortable, and admitting that to yourself will make it seem less scary or unnatural. 3. Trust that there is good out there – Perhaps you have asked yourself “Is this really all there is?” The answer is no, there are bigger and better things in store for those who step out on faith. 4. Remember that you deserve good – Sure, you believe that other people deserve for good things to happen to them, but what about you? It is ok to be discontent with your current circumstances and want better things to happen. Believe that you deserve good and affirm those beliefs often. 5. Know that there will be challenges – Nothing good comes easily, so expect challenges and don't be discouraged. 6. Affirm that you are equipped to handle those challenges – Recognize that all of your previous challenges have prepared you for the ones ahead, so accept them when they come and be confident that you can overcome. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Stepping out on faith • Accepting challenges • Achieving your goals • Reaching for more • Trusting the process

During the process of goal activation, you are sure to run into discouragements and obstacles, and maybe these cause you to feel like you aren't making progress towards your goals. But you may be surprised how much progress you really are making, even when you don't see it. Tracking your progress towards your goals is an excellent way to stay motivated and on track along the way. Here are the Early Accountability Podcast tips for tracking your progress: 1. Break large tasks down into smaller tasks – While you may want to lose 100 pounds in 2 years, the thought of that drastic transformation is daunting and may seem impossible. However, focusing on losing 5 or 10 pounds in a month is much easier to comprehend, and it is easier to see what choices you need to make on a daily basis to lose those 5 or 10 pounds. Then you can move on to the next 5 or 10 pounds. 2. Celebrate small victories – These don't have to be extravagant celebrations, but they should be something out of the norm to reward yourself for accomplishing your recent milestone towards your goal. Binge watch a show, go out with friends, give yourself extra time on social media, or get your nails done – these are all great ways to celebrate. 3. Set daily goals – By tracking your progress daily, you have the opportunity to intentionally choose what tasks to do towards your goal and then look back at the end of the day and take stock of how you did and what needs to be done next. 4. Create deadlines/reminders – Take ownership of your time and foster healthy and productive habits by setting alarms, reminders, or timers to keep you on task and doing what you want to be doing. You may also find that writing yourself notes or using a visual map can help you maintain the right perspective. 5. Practice mindfulness frequently – Stilling your mind and focusing on the present moment has a way of keeping you grounded and affirming your goals and methods amidst the busy-ness of daily life. Find the right modality for you, such as yoga, journaling, exercising, or meditation. 6. Look for accountability – Research and reach out to accountability groups and networks in your geographical area and your area of need – there are plenty of groups out there if you will just look for them. Accountability partners can help you stay motivated, provide support, help you with problem solving based on their own experiences, and maintain your progress after reaching your goal. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Tracking your progress • Staying focused on your goals • Maintaining the right perspective • Reaching out for accountability support • Mindfulness

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi discusses the main reasons why people do not reach their goals. Setting goals is important for personal and professional inspiration and motivation and provides the tools needed to overcome adversity. 1. Setting the wrong goals for the wrong reasons. It is critical for you to recognize your “why” and analyze if you have the right motivations in your goal setting. If you set a goal based on pleasing others, fitting in, or having a “social media ideal” life, you will not be personally satisfied or fulfilled, so you should start out by setting goals for the right reasons. 2. Lacking accountability. When you set long-term and short-term goals, you should build in some checkpoints along the way that will allow you to gauge your progress and make any necessary adjustments. A great way to do this is by talking with your goals with a coach, trainer, accountability partner, or group that will check in with you and help you stay on track. Additionally, blocking off time on your calendar to commit to your various goals and assigning deadlines to the items on your to-do lists will create an element of passive accountability and make your goals seem more achievable. 3. You don't like to be uncomfortable. Good goals will challenge you to get outside your comfort zone, because that is where you can truly grow. The more you step out and choose to be uncomfortable, the more confident you will be and the less you will listen to those around you who intentionally or unintentionally discourage you as you strive towards your goals. Establishing a mindfulness practice such as meditation, exercise, journaling, or spiritual activities will help you keep your emotions in check as you change internally. Topics Covered in this Episode: • The main reasons why people don't reach their goals • Setting the right goals for the right reasons • Establishing an accountability system • Overcoming discomfort to grow, change, and achieve • Activating your goals

EAP 177: Celebrating Wins With Caution by Kimi Walker

With Memorial Day signaling the unofficial start of summer, it can be easy to shift to “vacation mode” and start coming up short on your personal and professional goals. On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi gives listeners 4 strategies for enjoying summer while being productive. 1. Define your work-life balance – Understand your personal, professional, and family roles and goals. Think through your desires and what works best for you and those around you during this season and then define what and when your breaks are going to be. 2. Plan, plan, plan – Consult with the stakeholders in your various roles to make plans and then commit to them. Write them down, set reminders, create alarms on your phone, and use timers when you need to stay on track and hold yourself accountable. 3. Set contingencies for yourself – If you have something coming up that you are looking forward to, come up with productivity milestones along the way where you get to reward yourself with as aspect of the upcoming event. For instance, when you finish this thing on your to-do list, you can book your flight, etc. Not only does this build up the anticipation of the trip, but it helps you spur on your productivity ahead of time, so you can truly enjoy yourself without feeling stressed about the work that you didn't get done. 4. Intertwine work and fun – When possible, add on a few days of vacation to a work trip or schedule a meeting with a client if you are going to be in their area for vacation. Double-duty trips like this are cost-effective and beneficial because you are able to check a professional box and a personal box at the same time. Get out there and enjoy your summer and use these tips to maximize your time and productivity! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Productivity maximization • Intentional planning • Work-life balance • Time blocking • Self-awareness and motivation

EAP 175: Dealing with Differences by Kimi Walker

EAP 174: Mental Health Matters - Stabilize With Selfless Self-Care by Kimi Walker

EAP 173: Mental Health Matters - 3 Ways Your Mind Causes Self-Sabotage by Kimi Walker

Eap 172: Mental Health Matters - Handling Big Changes by Kimi Walker

EAP 171: Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 by Kimi Walker

EAP 170: Diminish Doubt with Discipline by Kimi Walker

EAP 169: Tackling a Lack of Motivation by Kimi Walker

EAP 168: Monotone Mediocrity - Signs You NEED New Goals by Kimi Walker

EAP 167: Overachiever Overload - Signs You Don't Need a New Goal by Kimi Walker

EAP 166: The Quickest Way to Ruin Your Progress by Kimi Walker

Eap 165: Spring Forward With a Digital Declutter by Kimi Walker

EAP 164: Planning for a Prosperous Spring by Kimi Walker

EAP 163: International Women's Day 2021 #ChooseToChallenge by Kimi Walker

EAP 162: Level Up - There Is No Growth in Your Comfort Zone by Kimi Walker

EAP 161: Moving Past Privilege by Kimi Walker

We are letting the good times roll over here at Early Accountability Podcast as we continue to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the show! On the last episode, Kimi talked about her first key takeaway from the show so far: do what works for you and be consistent. Going along with the overall purpose of the podcast, helping others set, achieve, and sustain their goals, the takeaway on this episode is finding your squad. As Kimi mentioned last week, she doesn’t ever relisten to her episodes after recording them, so she knew from day one that she was not going to edit or write show notes for the Early Accountability Podcast. She found Emmy to edit the episodes and he has been consistently editing the podcast for 160 episodes and counting! For show notes, Kimi started out using a service to do show notes and transcription, but she changed gears and found Kelsey to just do show notes a few episodes after launch. At this point, the editing and writing is basically a seamless and automatic process because the team has been working together for so long. Now that Kimi is expanding Early Accountability into a community, she is going to be adding a few more team members as well. When you are thinking about your own goals, take the time to evaluate what you want to do yourself and what would be better for you to outsource to save yourself time and/or stress. Good help is hard to find, but the right help can make all the difference. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 3-year anniversary • Find your squad • Outsource to make your life simpler • Collaborate with others • Evaluate where you might need help Connect with Kimi: https://kimiwalker.live/squad http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

EAP 159: Celebrating & Reflecting on 3 Years of Podcasting (Anniversary Special Part 1) by Kimi Walker

The Early Accountability Podcast has finally launched a community! This is the (FREE) place to be for all things early accountability and goal activation! There will be exclusive content, special events, opportunities to connect with past guests, and best of all, so many ways for you to STAY ACCOUNTABLE, no matter what your goals are! Here is the link to sign up: https://kimiwalker.live/squad

EAP 157: Own Your Methods of Success & Apologize to No One by Kimi Walker

While a lot of the methods and platforms for reaching goals in 2021 have been altered due to COVID-19, Kimi says that there are 3 non-negotiables that you need to keep in mind as you strive to activate your goals and achieve success. These are things you should put into your own personal “accountability toolkit” that will guide you through the year. 1. Right words – Be clear about your goals. Write them down in a format that works for you. Make sure your goals are realistic and then declare them in a way that will cultivate accountability. 2. Recharge – Especially during 2020 and 2021 when so much of our lives are still based at our homes, it is easy to overlook your own energy level. Make sure you take the time to relax, refresh, and refrain from the things that are draining you. Take care of yourself, providing time to rest, sleep, think, and just be. 3. Relationships – Connection is the cure – not for COVID-19 unfortunately, but for goals that fall flat or fail to launch. Be intentional about nurturing your relationships and seeking out connections with people who are in alignment with your various goals. Seek joy and happiness through relationships rather than trying to achieve. If you stick to these 3 R’s, you will see your resolutions become results and you won’t become a victim of your circumstances. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 2021 goals • Activating success • Accountability toolkit • Resolutions into results Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Perhaps you are already finding yourself struggling to work towards your goals this 2021. On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi talks about the main barrier that could be getting in your way and how to shift your mindset to overcome. Your mind is the one thing that can make or break your progress towards your goals because it can either help or hinder you from getting there. Here are some of the reasons that your mind could be holding you back: 1. Worrying too much about other people – Your mind could get caught up in worrying about what people think or say about you and keep you from moving forward. Instead, work to shelter yourself from their thoughts. Funneling out the noise will help you get back on track and make progress. 2. Thinking that COVID-19 is a barrier – While there may be some changes or restrictions, you can still choose to adapt and be cognitively flexible and work towards your goals despite the effects of the pandemic. There are also opportunities such as virtual networking events, courses, and coaching sessions that you can take advantage of during this time that might not normally be an option for you. 3. Thinking that things need to be perfect – If you are worrying that what you have to say is not good enough for you to put it out there, you are really just procrastinating. Put some time and thought into a system of checks and balances that will help you know what is good enough to put out there and keep you from analysis paralysis. Do what you can with what you have and make the best of your circumstances. You will be stronger for sticking with your goals and overcoming the barriers in your mind. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 2021 goals • Crippling thoughts • Overcoming barriers to reaching your goals • COVID-19 • Get out of your head Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Happy 2021, everyone! While this new year may feel different than all the rest due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new year’s resolutions may be more important now than ever. On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi discusses four tips for coming up with pandemic-proof resolutions that can help keep you moving, give you meaning, and provide some structure to the daily grind. Establishing new resolutions or goals for the new year is a great opportunity for evaluating what things you need to stop, start, or continue, so consider these recommendations as you think through yours: 1. Think long-term – With so many unknowns in the world right now, it could be difficult to set many short-term goals or resolutions. Find one or more things that you want to accomplish in the next 6+ months, recognizing that restrictions may ease up a bit by then, or perhaps not. 2. Find short-term motivators – While you are setting your ultimate sights on a bigger goal, you will likely find it easier to break up that larger goal into milestones which you can check off and celebrate along the way. This helps to keep you motivated and on track to achieve your long-term resolution. 3. Remain flexible and open to alternatives – If you normally set your workout schedule based on your next race or competition, you might struggle to commit to a training regimen because of the lack of in-person races right now, but you could look for a virtual race or one in a socially-distanced format that you can set your sights on. You can change your methods and still achieve the same end result. 4. Commit to frequent accountability checks –The important thing is to remain in community with other folks who can encourage and motivate you because it is pretty tempting to just not work towards your goals when you are just at home alone. You may even find that it is easier to be accountable with your partner or group over text or video calls than it would have been in person. Topics Covered in this Episode: • New year’s resolutions • Pandemic-proof resolutions • Making smart resolutions • The importance of goals Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

It is almost 2021, which means it is time to pick your word for the year. On this episode of The Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi explains the purpose behind choosing a word and gives listeners some simple and helpful tips for determining which word will be best for them. You want to choose a word that will inspire you, give you power, guide you, and give you a reference point throughout 2021’s ups and downs, so consider following these steps to figure out your word: 1. Reflect on 2020 – Think about what you were able to accomplish, what did not go as planned, the uncertainties you had to navigate, and the ways you had to be flexible. 2. Visualize 2021 – Think of what you need right now – what you need more of or less of. Ask yourself: Who do I want to be in a year? Where do I want to be in a year? Write your answers down and make your goals specific and realistic. 3. Brainstorm – Come up with a list of words that might work for you in 2021. 4. Pause, then pick – Take a few days to think over your list before you choose the one that you want to use to define the year. Here is Kimi’s list of sample words: consistency, commitment, improve, plan, positivity, connect, alignment, priority, delegate, listen, speak, faith, pray, improve, present, mindful, respect, appreciate, family, love, learn, give, grow, glow, try, vulnerability, discipline, determination, today, less, more, be, passion, purpose, shift, patience, manifest, grounded, simplify, relax, delight, unlimited, fearless, grace, compromise, teach, elevate, devotion, inspire, bravery, free, service, stability, organization, direction, resilience, heal, forgive, peace, tenacity, shameless, bloom, balance, laugh, whole, journey, expansion, change, and finish. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Word for the year • Word for 2021 • Power word • Commitment • Consistency

EAP 152: This IS NOT (a Good) Accountability Circle by Kimi Walker

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi expounds on her recent push to be more visible and encourage more of a community atmosphere through Early Accountability. A part of this is an accountability circle that she has been leading, and this episode of the podcast is about what accountability is and what it can look like. An accountability partner or group is: • Formed by people working on a common goal or task – You are likely in a similar stage of life, either personal or professional, and the group provides a place for them to share, discuss, and bounce ideas off of each other. • A way for people to remain committed and connected – You tend to experience similar hiccups and hangups as well as triumphs and wins. • A safe place for reflection – This could be on the good, the bad, or the ugly. • A safe place to brainstorm – Since you are all in similar situations, you can collaborate and give each other new perspectives. • A place for encouragement and affirmation – Sometimes all you need to take the next step is for someone to give you the hope that you can do it. • A place for new perspective – This is especially important if your friends and family don’t quite see your vision and you need someone else who does. • A breeding ground for initiative – Your accountability partner or group should spur you to take action rather than just talking about what you want to do. These groups can require a lot of work, but if you want to experience great change, you have to put in the work! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Visibility • Accountability • Understanding accountability groups • What you get out of accountability groups Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Our topic on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast is visibility: why it is difficult to do and why it is so important. Whether you are thinking of starting a podcast, writing a book, starting a blog, teaching a course, or just talking about an important subject, there could be many reasons why you are hesitant to put yourself out there: • Fear – Fear often holds us back. This could be fear of public speaking, fear of ridicule, imposter syndrome, or other obstacles that tell us we are not good enough to put ourselves out there. • Self-consciousness – This ties into fear, but it goes a step beyond to make us feel like there is something wrong with us. During the pandemic, this can manifest in not feeling “presentable enough” to record videos because of the lack of professional help for hair, makeup, photography, etc. and because you might feel like you don’t have a good space in your house to record video content. • You think people already know – Just because you know something doesn’t mean everyone who follows you does. Remember that you have a unique voice and perspective. Even if someone has heard what you have to say many times before, they might need to hear it from you in order to truly grasp it. • False perception of reality – Social media has made comparison far too prevalent. You might feel insufficient to be visible because you don’t think you can say things as well as that person you follow, but they probably feel the same way. Be confident in your message and don’t let anyone bring you down. But Kimi points out the reasons why visibility is important: • Building relationships – As humans, we need connection. We need to see that there are other people who have the same struggles and successes as we do in order to build up perseverance in overcoming adversity. • Increasing self-confidence – The more you do something, the more comfortable you will be doing it. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but practice makes better, and let that be good enough. • Leaving your mark on the world – With all of the technology available to us today, we have the capability to reach audiences far beyond those people we can see face-to-face. Take some time to dream about the mark you want to leave on the world and believe that you have something worth saying. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Visibility • Putting yourself out there • Overcoming fear • Building relationships • Leaving a mark on the world

Join my FREE 10-Day Video Visibility Challenge for Entrepreneurs. #WATCHMEWork2020 The kick-off meeting is on December 6th, 2020 at 7pm ET. https://kimiwalker.live/watchmework

Our topic on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast is being aware of the impacts that the holidays can have on mental health. This time of year can be characterized by stress, fatigue, expectations, travel exhaustion, financial strains, isolation, grief, and difficult relationships and interactions with loved ones, and the impacts of COVID-19 on our plans this season only escalate these feelings. Now – more than ever – it is important to be self-aware and take proactive steps to keep yourself happy, reduce stress, and take care of your mental health. Kimi outlines 5 things to try this season to make the most of this “different” holiday season: 1. Allow yourself to feel – Give yourself permission to be where you are right now. 2. Resist the temptation to give into social pressures – For the health of yourself and others, say “no” to events and gatherings that you don’t feel comfortable attending. 3. Enjoy the outdoors – Being outside is a great way to spend time with others in a socially distanced setting and to have a chance to unplug and get grounded in the serenity of nature. 4. Take care of your health – Get plenty of rest and exercise and be conscious of your food and beverage consumption. 5. Find new traditions – If you are not able to spend time in person with your loved ones, take advantage of technology that can help you stay connected: Zoom and Facetime, watching a Netflix Party together, and playing a game over the House Party app are great resources! Above all, know yourself and do what you think is best for yourself and others. Know that this season will not be normal, but do your best to make the most of it and check in with those around you to make sure everyone is doing ok. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Feelings around the holidays • Mental health • Isolation • Depression • COVID-19 National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

This episode of the Early Accountability Podcast contains the conclusion of Kimi and Tyran’s conversation in which they are going through the Resolutions to Results framework with Tyran’s goals for the next 90 days. We have reached the final stage of the framework: activation and creating a plan. Considering that Tyran’s achievement style is the Juggler, it is even more important that he think through and plan out his next steps towards achieving each of these goals. Regarding his goal of launching a new product for Life Behind the Beard, Kimi and Tyran determined that he can establish which product they are going to launch as well as make some decisions about marketing and potential pre-sales within the next 2 weeks. Within the next 4 weeks, Tyran can have labelling the products taken care of and he will have put some more thought into whether it is worth it to continue to use the marketing agency they have hired. Kimi recommended that Tyran and Gary leverage their social media to increase awareness and build buzz surrounding the launch, perhaps using a virtual assistant to help with these logistics. Tyran’s second goal was to increase the company’s sales and revenue consistently. Kimi’s advice was to work towards a 33% increase, bringing up the lower threshold of their monthly sales from $3,000 per month to $4,000 per month. This would be another good place to utilize a virtual assistant who could help by pulling reports, reviewing analytics, and taking notes during Tyran and Gary’s weekly strategy meetings. Finally, Tyran wants to increase his podcast production frequency. Kimi suggested that he work to get ahead on his evergreen content that can be scheduled and posted in future months which would free up some mental capacity to record episodes related to current events as needed. She also pointed out that this would be another good opportunity for a virtual assistant, helping out with scheduling episodes, posting episodes, and scheduling podcast guests. It could also help to build up his personal brand through live videos on social media which would increase his face time with his podcast audience. Tyran will come back on the show early next year to report back on his results! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Resolutions to Results • Goal activation • Taking action • Accountability • Setting milestones Connect with Tyran: https://www.lifebehindthebeard.co/ https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard101 https://beardtalkwithavet.com/

EAP 146: Know Your Weaknesses, Play to Your Strengths by Kimi Walker

During the next few episodes of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi will be walking through her Resolutions to Results framework with one of her podcast mentees and former guests on the show, Tyran Cosby. Tyran is the co-founder of the Life Behind the Beard line of beard oil and personal grooming products and the host of the Beard Talk with a Vet podcast. On this episode, Kimi talks with Tyran about Step One of the framework and helps him drill down on his vision and goals. Tyran says that after 20 years in active duty, the most important thing to him is being able to spend time with his family to make up for lost time, and that he also enjoys cooking and acting as well as pushing himself outside of his comfort zone by doing his podcast. These elements make up the vision planning aspect of the framework by helping him define what he wants to see in his life. When it comes to goal clarity, Tyran has 3 main goals for the next 90 days: to podcast more, to increase sales, and to introduce a new product into the Life Behind the Beard inventory. Meanwhile, his personality often leads him to spending a lot of his time helping people, researching and learning on topics he is curious about, and being very involved in the lives of his kids. Kimi asked Tyran to pinpoint his motivations for each goal. The reason why he wants to podcast more is because he feels that he has a message to share to veterans and members of the military because he has been there and now he wants to provide what he can as an outreach. He wants to increase the sales of Life Behind the Beard so they will have the capital they need to expand their product offerings as well as their marketing efforts. And Tyran wants to add a new product to their inventory before the holidays because he genuinely believes that their products help people enhance their lives. Come back next week for the continuation of this conversation, focusing on Step Two of the Resolutions to Results framework! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Resolutions to Results • Vision planning • Goal clarity • Finding your “why” Connect with Tyran: https://www.lifebehindthebeard.co/ https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard__/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard101/?hl=en https://beardtalkwithavet.podbean.com/

Welcome to the second half of Kimi’s conversation with Angel Marchese, recent law school graduate. Angel talks about the ways that her support system provided her with the time and space she needed in order to complete her undergraduate degree as well as law school. She explains that mom guilt is a very real thing and the pressures of being a mother while working and/or pursuing a degree could affect your mental health if you let them. Bucking societal norms can be uncomfortable, but this can be a crucial part of the process of reaching your goals. Angel had to make many adjustments to her life and that of her family in order for her to become an attorney, from quitting her job to asking her mom to move to Oklahoma to help with childcare to talking with her kids (ages 13 and 4 at the time) about why she wasn’t going to be around as much. Along the way, she has realized the importance of being surrounded by like-minded people who will hold her accountable, push her forward, and reduce her chances of burnout. Her next career goal is to join the Department of the Army as a civilian attorney with the goal of helping people. She also plans to offer pro bono work to veterans, minorities, and those who have been wrongfully convicted, continuing her work with the Innocence Project. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Accomplishing goals • Having a support system • Making adjustments to reach goals • Setting new goals Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-lawrence-marchese-4b9453182/

EAP 143: Moving Past Comfort and Breaking Glass Ceilings by Kimi Walker

Procrastination is the topic of this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast. Especially for high-achievers, procrastination can either be a healthy thing or a barrier that keeps us from achieving our goals. Kimi breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of procrastination during this episode and provides listeners with some suggestions for moving forward in situations where we are prone to procrastinate. The Good: • Procrastination could allow more time for thought, giving you some time and space to process things before having to act • Procrastination also allows for prioritization, letting you focus on the first things first and getting to everything else in the right time • It may reduce your impulsivity or tendency to make bad rushed decisions • If you are a person that works best under pressure, procrastination could be the tool you need to achieve your best work The Bad: • If you are not a person that works best under pressure, procrastinating could lead to worse performance • Procrastination could cause you to lose some of the freshness and familiarity you had with the topic at first • When you procrastinate, you are reducing the time you have to complete the task, and you could run out of adequate time, perhaps causing you to have to go back and redo something to get it right • It could become frustrating for yourself or others if you continually put off a task that others are expecting from you The Ugly: • Procrastination could cause or worsen mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, reducing your overall wellbeing • It could lower your self-esteem or your belief that you can complete the task • You could start using your lower self-esteem as an excuse, creating a procrastination cycle • Worst of all, procrastination could cause you to start projects that you never finish because you are so overwhelmed by the tasks you have piled up In conclusion, while procrastination can be beneficial in some situations, habitual procrastination can lead to overwhelm and a snowballing of uncompleted tasks or goals. Know yourself and take the time you need while working towards your goals, but ask for help or accountability if you need an extra push. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Achieving your goals • Procrastination • Avoiding habitual procrastination • When procrastination can be helpful

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi discusses her 3 recommended ways for making the most of the final quarter of 2020. It seems like everything is different in 2020, so it is important to plan and prepare for the next 3 months so they don’t slip away. 1. Allow for extra time – Include a buffer in your schedule surrounding certain activities that might take longer than normal such as traveling, going to doctors appointments, working with technology issues, or shopping. 2. Plan for holidays early – Talk to your family and loved ones sooner rather than later about what the holidays might look like this year. Will there need to be adjustments made to your usual traditions? Will you need to make new traditions this year? Will you need to stay local or are you going to travel? Do your best to keep everyone safe and be respectful, especially around those who might be high-risk. 3. Remember your primary goals – Keep a flexible mind as we have all had to do in 2020 but remain focused on your goals that you set for yourself, especially if the end is in sight. Live each day with intention and purpose, perhaps by setting micro-goals for yourself every day or every week to help keep you on track for your bigger goal. While we all have high hopes that 2021 won’t be as unprecedented as 2020, that doesn’t mean that we should wish the next 3 months away. You can still accomplish a lot while accommodating for the current environment.

It is officially fall (or autumn), and on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast Kimi discusses using this change of seasons as an opportunity to make some mental shifts and recalibrate before the final quarter of the year. During this time of year, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and forget to enjoy this season, but it is important to regroup, especially after everything that has happened during 2020. Here are a few ways that Kimi suggests you take advantage of this time: 1. Redecorating – Take out your fall decorations that signify the change of seasons and make you feel festive. If you haven’t already, you could also shift your space around to accommodate for virtual working and learning, creating a space so you can feel prepared and confident when you need to use it. 2. Looking at your end-of-year goals – Evaluate which ones are still feasible and which ones may need to be postponed for now. You could also schedule a virtual hangout with some of your friends and/or accountability partners to discuss your goals and brainstorm new ones together. 3. Enjoying the outdoors – Go out and do all of the fall things: pumpkin patches, apple picking, hiking, etc. Enjoy the beauty around you and spend time with loved ones safely. 4. Focusing on your own world – There are so many stories in the news right now that could distract you from what is going on in your own world, so be mindful of your consumption and create healthy boundaries. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Seasons changing • Mental shifts • Start of fall/autumn • Recalibrating

EAP 139: How to Say "No" Without Saying "No" by Kimi Walker

EAP 138: Reasons Why You Can't Say "No" by Kimi Walker

EAP 137: Dealing With "No" by Kimi Walker

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi talks about recognizing the difference between slow progress and no progress when it comes to long-term goals. It is easy to get discouraged when you are working towards a goal that is a long way off, especially when it may have been derailed by COVID-19, so Kimi offers these self-evaluation questions as a way of checking in with yourself on those goals: 1. Do you still have actionable steps that you’re taking? – Are those steps written down? Are they measurable? Do you have milestones set up? Even making slow progress should mean that you are consistently taking steps and checking in with yourself. 2. Are you still immersed or in touch with resources? – This could be your network, a mentor, or the community that is supporting you in this goal through motivation, enrichment, and/or accountability. It is important to know your achievement style as well as your procrastination style so you don’t get sidetracked. 3. Are you still revising your plan? – Chances are, if you are consistently working towards a goal, you will need to make adjustments. If you aren’t, you might be procrastination or your goal could be on pause, which is ok. Be intentional with your time and energy and be honest with yourself. Are you pivoting, pausing, or procrastinating? Topics Covered in this Episode: • COVID-19 • Long-term goals • Slow progress • Self-awareness Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

EAP 135: How to Beat Brain Fog by Kimi Walker

EAP 134: Lifelong Learning & Intellectual Wellness by Kimi Walker