Next Simple Step

Paul Goldsmith shares the power of having a singular purpose and eliminating distractions, even good things, to create a SURGE toward a bigger future in your life.

"Before you have Jesus, you have Joe Rogan". Known on social media as the "Recovering Californian", Comedian Carollynn Xavier sits down with Paul Goldsmith to discuss her unique faith journey, moving from California to Tennessee, marrying another comedian, and living in a tiny home in the woods. The conversation also explores how Carollynn plans to leave stand-up comedy, and what's next for her. Plus, Paul finally gets invited to a book club! Follow Carollynn on Instagram @CarollynnXavier.

Paul Goldsmith shares 4 steps to overcoming overthinking and indecision.

Paul Goldsmith shares the importance of taking the risk on yourself to do the hard thing, to focus on your future, and to quit something good that no longer serves you.

Paul Goldsmith shares how to stay focused while everyone else is distracted by the news of the day.

The future is uncertain. Embrace the uncertainty, and adapt as you go. Just keep moving forward. Enter the Danger Zone, that's where your great opportunity for growth is. Paul Goldsmith shares his insights on how to move forward with your vision or biggest goals when you're anxious or don't have all the information. For more, check out the book Mastering Uncertainty.

Paul Goldsmith shares his #1 piece of advice for starting a side hustle or doing anything else out of your comfort zone: LEVERAGE. Create leverage in your life, have the courage to embrace short-term discomfort for long-term gains, and have challenging conversations as needed, in person, not via text. Paul also shares how becoming an entrepreneur and getting fit has created the ultimate leverage in his life.

Paul Goldsmith shares the 3 questions he uses daily to get clarity around goals, clear up team confusion at work, and become a better communicator in life: What Is My End Goal? How can I Make This More Clear? How Can I make This More Simple? "Complexity is the enemy of execution." - Tony Robbins "Certainty is the enemy of growth." Mark Manson "If You Confuse, You Lose" - Donald Miller  

 You're Best Days Are Ahead if you choose to believe it. Paul Goldsmith shares his perspective on when you're feeling down to stay hungry and humble. If you are feeling like has gotten off course, it may be time to update your life plan. What do you truly want to do? Get started ... don't let anyone else judge you or hold you back. Take it one next simple step at a time.

The #1 quickest way to improve any work relationship is to NEVER ASSUME. Always ask what success looks like for every project, and every job. Managing expectations of your customers, employees, and managers is the key to long-term success in any company. Everyone want the same things on the deepest level, the 3 R's … to be Recognized Respected Rewarded You can't meet someone's expectations if you don't know what they are. Paul Goldsmith shares some tips on how to improve your workplace relationships and become a linchpin in any organization. He also shares some insights from Seth Godin's book Linchpin.

Paul Goldsmith discusses the importance of learning to say no to protect your time and energy. Drawing parallels to professional sports and entrepreneurship, Paul emphasizes the need for personal growth, risk-taking, and the importance of prioritizing critical opportunities over lesser ones. He shares three practical tips for learning the art of saying "No". Assert your boundaries clearly and politely – being direct,  Practice in low-stakes situations Offer alternatives.  Paul highlights how saying no can lead to increased productivity, better business decisions, and more meaningful relationships with those who matter most.

Paul Goldsmith challenges the notion that being perpetually busy is a virtue. It means you have a lack of priorities. Paul shares his journey from working in an office to realizing the freedom of owning his own time as an entrepreneur. Reclaim hours in your day through strategic planning and prioritization. The 8-hour workday culture, driven by corporate interests, keeps people in a state of dissatisfaction that fuels consumerism. Negotiate your time, prioritize self-care and your health! Being fit and focused creates margin in your life. Everyone gets sick, or worse, at some point, which is exactly why it's critical to be proactive with your health and build up as much health margin as possible. Train every day like your life depends on it because it does.

I ran 6 miles in 100-degree heat today. Not because I wanted to ... it was just part of "the plan", my marathon training plan. My encouragement to you is to create your own life plans and be prepared for hard days, life's challenges, and setbacks along the way. Many people start out with the best of intentions and get lost along the way of life because they don't have a life plan. Once you have lifetime goals, break them down into yearly and quarterly goals. It's your life! Prioritize activities that yield the highest returns both in the short term and long and remain proactive and agressive in pursuing your life plans.

If you are disheartened in your current situation ... and thinking of making a pivot, listen to this episode. Paul Goldsmith shares his observations about how pride and fear often hold people back from making necessary changes. He shares inspiring stories of individuals who have successfully pivoted in their careers to be in alignment with their current interests, including an MIT-educated neurosurgeon who dramatically pivoted his life by quitting when he became disheartened by the medical industry. Be curious, and take proactive steps toward your desired future, and don't get tripped up by sunk-cost fallacies.

Paul Goldsmith shares 4 CORE lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners, inspired by Christian radio. If you want to make more money, you have to be worth more to your customers. 4 ways to do that is to prioritize: Connection Operational Execellence Relational > Transactional Evidence (Proof of Value)

Paul Goldsmith discusses the importance of overcoming fear to pursue your dreams. To become the person you want to become, you must have the courage to be disliked. Paul shares his inspiration from the book "The Courage To Be Disliked," highlighting key concepts such as the separation of tasks and choosing happiness. The overall message is to live authentically and pursue your goals with courage and resilience.

If someone was spraying acid with a hose, you wouldn't stand there and take it or even take the hose from them to spray others. You would, hopefully, find the source and turn off the hose. The same goes for negativity. If someone is negative to you, don't receive it and please, whatever you do, DO NOT SPREAD IT.  Your mindset is your property and responsibility to manage. No one else can do it for you.  Paul Goldsmith shares a few thoughts on how he thinks about taking ownership of his mindset, coaching others, and takeaways from the book EXTREME OWNERSHIP.

If you're feeling stuck, or like you're in "the wilderness" of life, let this episode be an encouragement to you. It's not too late to dream big! You Might Be a Late Bloomer, writes David Brooks in The Atlantic. Paul shares his thoughts on being a late bloomer and how to keep forward momentum on your dreams no matter your age. One way is to see obstacles in your way, rather than issues to be solved, maybe they are polarities to be managed. There's a whole philosophy called Polarity Management that can help you balance living in the now while also having big dreams for the future. If/when you hit the wilderness, just keep moving forward. In a previous episode of the Next Simple Step podcast, Paul interviewed Luke Lefevre. Luke describes the wilderness as a necessary part of doing Holy Work. What work do you need to do to achieve your dream? Take the next simple step today!      

Paul Goldsmith discusses how to achieve more calm and presence in your daily life. He shares three simple practices: writing morning pages to clear your mind, spending time outdoors to improve mental and physical health, and managing energy instead of time by prioritizing tasks when your energy levels are highest. 

Paul Goldsmith shares insights on the challenges that come AFTER achieving entrepreneurial goals, emphasizing the importance of planning, hiring, and teamwork. Using his recent experience of opening a Saladworks restaurant, he highlights the need to prepare for success beyond just getting started, stressing the role of a well-prepared team in sustaining growth. He also discusses the value of hiring strategically, even on a trial basis, to ensure long-term success. 

Paul Goldsmith shares recent life lessons from his challenging two-year journey of opening a Saladworks restaurant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. He highlights the importance of perseverance, integrity, and collaboration.  Reflecting on his struggles and insights from the book 'Power vs. Force' by David Hawkins, Paul encourages others to tap into their authentic power over using brute force.

It's not too late for you to pursue your long-held dreams and take care of yourself physically, spiritually, and mentally. Paul suggests 3 next simple steps to keep moving forward toward your own dreams and goals.  

This is Part 2, a follow-up to the previous episode "Turning Delayed Dreams Into Reality".  Paul Goldsmith shares his ongoing challenge of opening a Saladworks restaurant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Despite signing an agreement over two years ago, he has faced numerous setbacks including construction delays, disputes between contractors and the building owner, and the cable company cutting off his internet. Paul emphasizes the importance of perseverance, having alternative income sources anytime you launch something new, and learning from failure. Drawing inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger's approach to facing adversity, Paul encourages entrepreneurs to commit to Plan A as if there were no Plan B. 

ROI is over-rated. The most important success metric for businesses and nonprofits is not one most organizations currently measure: ROR or Return on Relationships. Everyone knows relationships are important. Why don't businesses measure them like they do other metrics like ROI or CAC? In this episode, Paul shares his insights, as an entrepreneur, how he learned this hard way. He assumed people cared most about results and has since learned, that results are secondary. Relationships are the key to long-term growth as an entrepreneur, business, or nonprofit leader.

Paul Goldsmith chats with entrepreneur Bethany McVay. Bethany shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of community, mental health, and empowerment in achieving personal and professional success.  Bethany shares her challenges and achievements as a military spouse and mother, and how opening a Burn Boot Camp franchise has enabled her to impact women's lives positively. The discussion also touches on the broader impacts of fitness on life, the value of support systems, and maintaining balance and focus in pursuit of one's goals.

I'm planning to live to 120. Individual results may vary but no matter what age you live to, it's important to take care of your most important asset... YOU. "Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until they are 75." Benjamin Franklin Are you truly living? Paul Goldsmith shares 3 things essential for daily life. Mentioned in this episode: JAMA article on the importance of getting at least 7,500 steps per day: Association of Daily Step Count and Step Intensity With Mortality Among US Adults Next Simple Step episode with Dr. Jack Kruse on the critical need for people to get daily sunlight.  

What do you really want? Do you even know? What makes a great day? Paul Goldsmith shares his thoughts on how to find joy in your daily duty, accept what comes, and do your best. He leans heavily on Viktor Frankl's "Yes To Life: In Spite of Everything". I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was duty. I worked — and behold, duty was joy. - Tagore Paul also introduces a new tagline for the podcast. Listen to the end to hear it.

Most social rules are invisible. Paul Goldsmith chats with Cole Jennette, a coach who helps people with learn social skills, to become more self-aware, and emotionally intelligent. Cole talks about the importance of building emotional equity before having crucial conversations at work and home. They also discuss how to navigate sticky text and email conversations.  You can find Cole on Instagram @ColeJennette  and his company is Overt. Below is Cole's Gradient of Directness, a tool to help you end conversations politely.

In this thought-provoking episode, Paul Goldsmith chats with Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon and CEO of the Kruse Longevity Center, about his perspectives on what's wrong with American healthcare and how foundational to human health it is to respect light and dark cycles in human biology and start each day by seeing the sunrise. Dr. Kruse asserts that 99% of conventional health and wellness knowledge is incorrect, blaming centralized science and its departure from nature for many health misconceptions. The conversation delves into deep criticisms of centralized healthcare, the influence of big pharma, and the disconnection from nature as fatal errors in modern medical practices.  Dr. Kruse advocates for a decentralized approach to medicine, emphasizing a return to nature, and the importance of patient empowerment and informed consent. In a decentralized system, doctors work directly for their patients rather than healthcare systems or insurers, thereby reducing conflicts of interest and fostering patient-centered care. People can take charge of their health by seeking knowledge and making informed decisions independent of the healthcare system's influence. The problem with centralized healthcare is its flawed incentive structure, where the profit motives of big pharma and medical device manufacturers overshadow patient health. Financial incentives in the healthcare system adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Dr. Kruse also shares his experience writing a constitutional amendment in El Salvador, offering insights into how different cultures and systems approach healthcare. 

Paul Goldsmith chats with Eva Daniel, founder and CEO of The Speak Shop, about how to become a better public speaker and conversationalist. Eva shares how she coaches people to overcome nerves before giving an important talk. Eva also provides tips on crafting a compelling speech and offers advice on reframing negative self-talk. They also discuss the 12 Questions You Must Ask for a Killer Speech and Eva shares her love of TED Talks, which is perfectly parodied in this Tedx Talk entitled How To Sound Smart.    

Paul Goldsmith offers encouragement to anyone feeling discouraged or off track in life or business right now. He offers a GPS to get back on track: Gratitude Progress Service Paul also shares a summary and recommendation of the book Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson.

Modern life is overwhelming. In this episode, Paul Goldsmith shares 3 key strategies for overcoming overwhelm in life and work:  Do Less but Better Collaborate More Get Back to Nature Included in this discussion is the importance of focusing on your most essential tasks, delegating everything else, forming partnerships, and spending time in nature, specifically the sun to improve overall well-being and productivity. If you're interested in the Rick Rubin podcast with Dr. Jack Kruse all about the benefits of the sun, it's here.  

This episode delves into the art of waiting well for delayed dreams, emphasizing the importance of taking daily action, creating the right environment, and not settling for lesser dreams. It also features insights from an interview with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers on perseverance and self-motivation.

If you've ever had a long-held dream delayed or denied, this episode explores how to keep moving forward in 3 steps: Get Curious Get Help Get Moving Paul Goldsmith shares how his current dream business is delayed and how he's navigating the challenges.

Paul Goldsmith discusses the importance of creating a healthy work culture and addressing the challenge of dealing with toxic individuals. Paul shares personal experiences and offers valuable insights on embracing healthy boundaries, standing up to bad actors, and taking ownership of the situation even if the toxic person is your boss. Whether you're a leader or a team member, discover practical strategies for identifying and addressing toxic behavior to foster a more positive and healthy work environment.

Paul Goldsmith shares five tactics for dealing with people you find difficult. These tactics include walking away if that's an option, communicating early and often, disagreeing and committing, documenting everything, and not taking things personally. Paul emphasizes the importance of clear communication, handling disagreements upfront, and maintaining confidence in your abilities while managing your most challenging relationships.

There is a cure for overcoming imposter syndrome. Do the work that matters to you, personally, and don't worry about what anyone thinks. Your life matters, and you have a unique contribution to give the world. Paul Goldsmith shares his personal experience with overcoming imposter syndrome and encourages listeners to do the same, to up-level your life while you still can. Also, Paul celebrates and finds inspiration from the life of world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident.

Paul Goldsmith offers a reality check for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. From the isolation felt at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey to the ongoing challenges of meeting customer expectations and the humility of learning from failures. Paul shares some recent struggles from his own ventures, including marketing for his gym business and the multitude of issues in opening a restaurant. There is a silver lining ... it's an privilege to serve loyal customers, provide meaningful employment, and grow as a person as you navigate the entrepreneurial path. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the courage it takes to choose your own adventure in business and life, offering a message of hope and solidarity for anyone walking the entrepreneurial road.

Most of your limits are self-imposed. Make today day 1, not one day, to pursue your next level. Paul Goldsmith explores the profound impact of mindset on personal and professional growth, sharing actionable strategies to overcome barriers and achieve exponential development. From enhancing physical capabilities like VO2 max to mastering new languages and even authoring your first book, discover how to turn aspirations into achievements within surprisingly attainable timeframes. This episode offers the motivation and practical advice needed to start measuring progress, embrace learning curves, and cultivate a lifestyle of continuous improvement. If you've ever felt stuck or doubted your potential, let Paul guide you through redefining what's possible, proving that with determination and the right approach, you can indeed become virtually limitless.

You don't need more information. Prioritize what's important to you and start taking action today. In this episode, Paul Goldsmith shares some tips on how to overcome procrastination and take the next simple step toward what matters most to you. You don't need anyone's permission, just say no to things you don't really want to do, and keep moving forward on the things that matter to you. 

Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life. Paul Goldsmith delves into the complexities of making tough decisions and the importance of being true to yourself and your calling. Addressing the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany difficult choices, Paul recommends focusing on what you truly want; rather than seeking external validation or trying to meet others' expectations. Paul emphasizes the distinction between making choices for personal fulfillment versus those made to impress others or keep up appearances. What is considered "normal" is not optimal, like accumulating debt or conforming to unhealthy lifestyles. Rethink these norms and choose paths that align with your true self. Live a life by design, using your unique talents and intentions to make meaningful contributions to the world. Have the courage to face discomfort and unpleasant emotions head-on. These moments are opportunities for growth, wisdom, and strength. Take time to write down your thoughts on a hard choice, and honestly assess what is holding you back from moving forward. True courage lies in making choices that reflect our authentic selves and in taking the next simple step toward our goals, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Can you increase your tenacity and become a more driven person? Yes! Drawing inspiration from Admiral Jim Stockdale's harrowing experiences in a Vietnam POW camp and the insights of Jim Collins' "Good to Great," Paul explores the remarkable resilience and unwavering faith that define true tenacity. Discover the "Stockdale Paradox" – a compelling lesson on balancing faith in your ultimate success with the discipline to confront harsh realities. Paul also delves into the influential "4C's Formula" by Dan Sullivan, a roadmap to achieving seemingly impossible goals through Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence. Also, he sheds light on the fascinating neuroscience behind tenacity, featuring insights from Andrew Huberman's podcast and other research on the anterior mid-cingulate cortex. Understand how this brain area shapes our ability to endure challenges and how you can strengthen it. Whether you're facing personal hurdles or seeking to elevate your leadership skills, this episode offers practical strategies and motivational insights. If you're ready to transform challenges into triumphs and cultivate a life of purpose and achievement, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Paul Goldsmith offers insights and some motivation for turning your passion into success. Get inspired to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality, one step at a time. Paul shares news of the latest business venture in Spring Hill, TN and a bit more background on his entrepreneurial journey, from leaving his job in 2017 to founding a successful fundraising agency and owning a fitness franchise. Whether you're dreaming of starting a business or expanding your existing venture, make this the year you take massive action!

Paul Goldsmith delves into the transformative power of creativity and how embracing it daily can redefine your life. This year marks a turning point. It's not just another year; it's the year where everything changes. Paul shares his journey of shifting from being an employee to an entrepreneur, igniting a significant change in his life. This shift stemmed from a simple, yet profound realization: you are inherently creative, and this creativity can shape your life's trajectory. Paul discusses how taking ownership of your creativity can lead to remarkable achievements. He shares his experience of starting four businesses and the continual journey of discovery and growth. This episode isn't just about entrepreneurial success; it's about unleashing the creative spirit within you that yearns to make, create, and innovate. Identify the dreams you've been postponing, whether it's starting a business, learning a new skill, or embarking on a personal project. Move beyond dreaming and start doing – take 'the next simple step' and keep moving forward. Creating isn't just an activity; it's a spiritual act, a fulfillment of the innate human desire to bring something new into the world. This episode isn't just a call to action; it's a roadmap. Paul provides practical steps to kickstart your creative journey, including dedicating time each day to your craft and adopting tools like gratitude journals to maintain focus and intentionality. It's time to embrace the mindset shift that will redefine your 2024: You are creative, and your creativity can change your life. Let's take that next simple step together.

Discover practical strategies for crushing your goals in this episode, Paul Goldsmith chats with Carrie Jackson, a renowned Mental Skills Coach and author of "On Top of Your Game. Carrie enlightens us on the roles of mental and emotional aspects in achieving peak performance. She highlights the importance of developing a vision, connecting deeply with your goals, and the effective ways to set and pursue them. Carrie shares the common pitfalls in goal setting and offers insights on overcoming setbacks and staying motivated. Paul and Carrie also explore broader topics such as adapting a growth mindset, understanding the psychology behind setting and achieving goals, and the interplay between physical and mental training. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to enhance their performance and achieve their goals with a winning mindset.

Paul Goldsmith delves into the core essence of entrepreneurship:  Freedom. He shares his own journey and the three biggest lessons he has learned over the past six years as an entrepreneur. Firstly, the importance of physical fitness, and how having discipline in personal health translates into entrepreneurial resilience. Paul recounts his own experiences, from feeling boxed in during a pandemic to gaining momentum and clarity through regular exercise, healthy habits, and journaling. This segment is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship demands mental, physical, and spiritual investment. The second lesson revolves around cultivating curiosity. Paul discusses the humbling nature of entrepreneurship, stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He encourages listeners to identify their unique strengths, delegate effectively, and remain open to learning from mentors and industry shifts. This part of the episode is a roadmap for navigating the complexities of business ownership while maintaining growth and innovation. Lastly, Paul tackles the critical concept of 'getting going.' Stressing that perfection is often the enemy of progress, he advises budding entrepreneurs to start with what they have, seek feedback, and develop a minimum viable product. This practical advice is aimed at overcoming inertia and building momentum in the early stages of entrepreneurship. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness their entrepreneurial spirit for greater freedom and success. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into the sacrifices and rewards of the entrepreneurial journey. 

Paul Goldsmith explores the concept of 'amygdala hijack' and emotional intelligence. The discussion delves into the neuroscience behind stress responses and how understanding our brain's mechanisms can help us manage life's challenges more effectively. The episode also introduces the PRINT® Survey, a tool for uncovering personal motivators and triggers. Key Topics Covered: 1. Understanding Mid-Life Crises:    - How unaligned goals and life's unforeseen events contribute to mid-life crises.    - The impact of not adapting to one's current reality. 2. The Concept of Amygdala Hijack:    - Definition and explanation of 'amygdala hijack'.    - The role of the amygdala and frontal lobes in stress response.    - Real-life implications of this neurological phenomenon. 3. Emotional Intelligence (EI):    - Insights from Daniel Goleman's book "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ".    - The importance of EI in managing stress and emotional responses. 4. Introduction to the PRINT® Survey:    - Overview of the PRINT® Survey and its purpose.    - How understanding personal motivators and triggers can lead to better emotional management.  NextSimplestep.com

Whether you're an aspirating entrepreneur, a creative soul trapped in a conventional job, or someone seeking to redefine success on your own terms, this episode is your invitation to step into a world where your unique gifts are not just accepted but celebrated. Join Paul Goldsmith as he chats with Heather Parady, host of the Unconventional Leadership podcast. Heather is a former therapist who boldly transitioned into the world of unconventional leadership and online entrepreneurship. Heather shares her inspiring story, providing valuable insights for anyone yearning to break free from traditional career paths and embrace their unique creative potential. From discussing the challenges of feeling like an outsider to uncovering the power hidden in our quirks, Heather's experiences offer a beacon of hope and guidance for those questioning their place in the creative landscape. This episode is not just about career transformation; it's a deeper dive into the essence of personal development and spiritual growth. Heather's perspective as a former therapist adds a profound layer of understanding to the conversation, making this a must-listen for anyone on the cusp of their own creative breakthrough.

Your entrepreneurial business will only grow to the extent you do.  It is very risky and not for everyone. Know your Why before you start. What would you do even if you knew you wouldn't succeed? Paul Goldsmith shares about some of the obstacles he's faced and you will as well if you become an entrepreneur. He also shares his thoughts on the popular "Think and Grow Rich" book. (Spoiler: It's the work of a conman).    

If you have a family history of Alzheimer's Disease, listen to this episode to learn about things you can do right now to prevent or slow Alzheimer's Disease and cognitive decline. There are simple things you can do right now with your diet, daily movement, and sleep to increase your healthspan to match your lifespan.  Paul interviews Angela Chapman, founder of Age On Purpose. Angela is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who is certified in the ReCODE 2.0 protocol for the Prevention/Reversal of Alzheimer's Disease.  

Passion for your business is not enough. If you want to stay in business and grow, you have to master sales. Paul Goldsmith chats with Fitness Business Coach Chris Tate. Chris helps gym and fitness studio owners produce $1 Million/year locations. He previously worked as the Corporate Director of Sales at Orange Theory Fitness and now works with dozens of brands including Burn Boot Camp, F45, ISI Elite Training, and Gold's Gym. It doesn't matter what your business is, this conversation will help you think about sales differently. If you do own a gym and want to hire Chris Tate as your coach, check out FitBizAcademy.com.