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Your life gets loud fast: notifications, inbox urgency, endless content, and the constant pressure to keep up. Then a real moment hits and suddenly the only questions that matter rise to the surface: What am I doing with my life? What do I actually want? Am I living the way I want to be living? Today's Monday Mindset is a quiet, honest pause for middle school ELA teachers who feel pulled in every direction and want their time and attention back.Here's to another week of living intentionally. If this hit home, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find the quiet, too.
Hi Mamas, Do you ever find yourself saying... "I'd love to spend more time with my friends... when life slows down." As busy working moms, we're constantly juggling work, kids, marriage, household responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. It's easy to believe we'll invest in our relationships once we have more free time. But what if stronger relationships aren't built because we suddenly have more time? What if they're built because we intentionally make time for the people who matter most? In this week's Monday Mindset, we're shifting the way we think about connection and reminding ourselves that even the smallest moments—a quick text, a phone call, a walk, or an hour over coffee—can strengthen the relationships that make life richer. In this episode you'll discover: ❤️ Why waiting for life to "slow down" usually doesn't work ❤️ How small moments create meaningful relationships ❤️ Why intentional connection matters more than having extra time ❤️ This week's simple challenge to strengthen one relationship If this episode encouraged you, share it with another working mom who could use the reminder. And be sure to come back tomorrow as we continue this conversation with practical tips on how to make and maintain friendships as a busy working mom—even when you feel like you have no time.
Another Monday Mindset, The fastest way to feel stuck as a middle school ELA teacher is to believe your peace depends on someone else doing their job differently. If admin were more supportive, if class sizes were smaller, if the district stopped changing everything, then you'd finally feel steady. I get it, and I've lived it, but that belief quietly gives away your power.If this lands, subscribe so you don't miss future Monday Mindset resets, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more ELA teachers can find the support.
Hi Mamas, Have you ever reached the end of the day feeling like everything went wrong? As busy working moms, it's easy to let one stressful meeting, one parenting challenge, or one unexpected inconvenience define our entire day. But what if we intentionally chose to focus on what went right instead? In this week's Monday Mindset episode, I'm sharing a simple quote that's been on my heart lately: "Every day holds a blessing. Don't let one hard moment make you miss it." We'll talk about why our minds naturally focus on the negative, how practicing gratitude can completely shift our perspective, and one simple habit you can start today to help you notice the blessings that are already all around you. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why one difficult moment shouldn't define your entire day How gratitude helps reduce stress and shift your mindset Why every day can be both hard and beautiful at the same time A simple question to ask yourself every evening This week's Monday Mindset Challenge This Week's Challenge Before you go to bed each night this week, ask yourself: "What was today's blessing?" It doesn't have to be something big. Maybe it was your morning coffee. A kind word from a friend. A hug from your child. A productive meeting. A quiet moment to yourself. Train your mind to notice what's good, even on the hard days. ✨ If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to share it with another working mom who could use the reminder. And don't forget to come back tomorrow for Part 2, where I'll share a personal story that brought this lesson to life in a way I wasn't expecting.
The moment you want to quit is often the moment you are about to grow. I'm sharing a simple phrase that has been sticking with me lately: stay brave. Not “be brave someday” or “become brave when things calm down” but stay brave right now, especially when you feel pulled back toward the familiar way of doing things because it feels safer.You'll also hear a practical way to handle rough days when a lesson bombs and students are checked out. Instead of spiralling, we try a “so what?” reframe and focus on what you can actually do next. If you're ready to strengthen student writing and your own confidence, join our FREE Writing Workshop this July: https://www.ebteacher.com/writing-workshopSubscribe, share this with an ELA teacher who needs a lift, and leave a review so more teachers can find the support.
That moment when you open a brutal parent email before sunrise, or realise your admin still doesn't see how hard you're working, can hijack your whole day. We're sharing a simple mindset that cuts through the noise: “Let them.” Two words, but they can change how you carry the job.We talk through the “Let Them” theory (popularised by Mel Robbins) and why so much teacher burnout comes from the mental, emotional, and energetic load of fighting what we can't control.If you want a practical teacher mindset for classroom management, boundaries, and educator wellness, press play. Then subscribe, share this with a teacher who needs it, and leave a review so more educators can find the message.Please join us for our FREE Writing workshop this July: ebteacher.com/writing-workshop
Hi Mamas, As working moms, it's easy to spend our days taking care of everyone else. Work deadlines, kids' schedules, laundry, meals, errands, and endless to-do lists can quietly push our relationships to the bottom of the priority list. In this week's Monday Mindset, we're talking about one simple but powerful truth: "Love grows best in the spaces we intentionally make for it." If you've been feeling disconnected from your spouse or wondering where the spark has gone, this episode is a reminder that strong relationships aren't built by waiting for life to slow down—they're built by intentionally creating moments of connection, even during life's busiest seasons. Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating 25 years with my husband, Russ, and sharing our love story along with the habits that have helped us stay connected through work, raising three kids, and all of life's beautiful chaos. In This Episode, We Cover ❤️ Why busy seasons can unintentionally push your marriage to the back burner ❤️ The difference between making time and waiting to have time ❤️ Why intentional connection matters more than grand romantic gestures ❤️ Small ways to reconnect with your spouse this week ❤️ A simple challenge to help you prioritize your relationship This Week's Challenge Take 10 intentional, uninterrupted minutes with your spouse or partner. No phones. No TV. No talking about schedules, bills, or the kids. Just be together. Because love grows best in the spaces we intentionally make for it. ✨ Share your challenge inside our free Facebook community—I would love to cheer you on!
Our Monday Mindset Episode for today is about Discomfort is not your enemy, it's your evidence. We open with a raw teaching memory: a first day in front of students, every word scripted, terrified of getting it wrong and being exposed. If you've ever tried a new lesson, a new routine, or a new approach and immediately thought, “That was messy, so I should never do it again,” you'll feel seen here. We dig into why our brains chase certainty, how perfectionism sneaks into classroom decisions, and why the shaky moments often mean you're right at the edge of real growth. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find it.
Hi Mamas, As working moms, many of us take pride in doing our jobs well. We show up. We work hard. We care deeply about the quality of our work. And whether we absolutely love our jobs or simply see them as a way to provide for our families, many of us have something in common: We don't know how to stop. In today's Monday Mindset, I'm sharing a powerful reminder that has been on my heart lately: You can be committed to your career without being consumed by it. This episode isn't just for the moms who are passionate about their careers. It's also for the moms who show up every day, do their best, take pride in being high performers, and carry a lot of responsibility—both at work and at home. We'll talk about the difference between being committed and being consumed, why so many working moms struggle to separate the two, and how to create more space for the life you're working so hard to build. Because at the end of the day, your career is part of your life. It shouldn't become your entire life.
In today's Monday Mindset episode, I talked through the mindset shift that changes the game for teachers and for anyone chasing a bigger life: Ready isn't a feeling, it's a Decision. I share what I told a friend who asked how I went from an idea to building EB Academics, and why the real “secret” isn't a magic checklist. It's the willingness to take the first step and keep taking micro steps, even when the outcome is unclear. We also get practical about the mid-June to August spiral: you promise next year will be different, you rest, you plan, you delay, and then you return overwhelmed because nothing got implemented.Along the way, we reframe classroom mistakes as feedback, not failure, and we look uncertainty in the face instead of sprinting back to comfort. If you've been telling yourself, “I'll do that when I'm ready,” this is your nudge and your permission slip. Listen, then share it with a teacher friend, subscribe for more Monday Mindset episodes, and leave a review with the one thing you're done waiting on.Join me in our Free Summer Workshop: ebteacher.com/workshop
Hi Mamas, Have you ever found yourself saying:
Hi Mamas, Have you ever found yourself saying:
Barry conducted a Monday Mindset training focused on leadership development, emphasizing that leadership is not something people are born with but must be learned, developed, and earned through caring about others and building trust. He discussed how genuine empathy and understanding people's goals are foundational to leadership, using the example of asking new team members about their real estate business dreams and goals. Barry explained that great leaders develop great people through a ripple effect, using the candle lighting metaphor to illustrate how sharing knowledge and expertise with others creates more light than darkness. He shared his personal vision of leaving a legacy that extends beyond his lifetime, using the example of a grandfather telling his grandson about the impact of his great-grandfather, with Barry wanting to be remembered as someone who helped others achieve their dreams.
Hey mama…
In today's Monday Mindset episode, You'll hear concrete mindset shifts: separating valid feelings from limiting narratives, finding gratitude without pretending, advocating for yourself, and returning to the one lever that actually moves your life your choices. We end with a question you can sit with all week: where are you placing your happiness in someone else's hands?If this lands, subscribe, share it with a colleague or friend who feels trapped, and leave a review so more teachers can find this Monday Mindset.
You can't “think” your way into becoming a new version of yourself. You become them by collecting proof one small action at a time and that's the Monday Mindset I'm bringing to you today. If you've been waiting for motivation, clarity, or the perfect moment to finally feel ready, this conversation is your reminder that readiness is often the result, not the starting line. I walk through the idea of creating evidence for the person you want to become, and why lasting change happens at the identity level, not just the goal or habit level. I share a personal story from my recovery after a cerebrospinal fluid leak and major spinal cord surgery, where rebuilding strength required showing up before I felt confident it would work. That daily practice turned tiny milestones into real proof and shifted what I believed was possible. If this message hits home, subscribe, share it with a colleague or student who needs it, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the podcast.
Hi Mamas, Welcome back to another Monday Mindset—a short, powerful reset to help you start your week with clarity, confidence, and intention. This week is especially meaningful as we celebrate 3 years of the Mom. Wife. Career. Life. podcast. And in this episode, Kerri shares a vulnerable reflection on where she thought she would be… versus where she is today. And maybe… where you are too. If you've ever felt: Behind in your career Behind financially Behind in motherhood Or like everyone else has it figured out except you This episode is your reminder that you are
The podcast is going on pause while I take a six-month sabbatical, but there is still so much here to support you in the meantime. In this short update, I'm sharing what to expect while I'm away, where to start in the podcast archive, and how to continue using these resources to support your growth as an interior design business owner. Whether you're new to the show or have been here for years, this is an opportunity to revisit episodes that resonate, explore topics that meet you in your current season, and stay connected through Monday Mindset. I'll be back this fall with new episodes, and until then, there are plenty of tools, resources, and guidance to support you and your business. Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/ Get my free Life & Business Vision Journal: https://www.desiid.com/vision Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/planner
Hi Mamas, Do you ever feel like your brain is holding everything? The appointments… The school reminders… The emails… The groceries… The things you don't want to forget… It's not just your to-do list… it's the constant mental load. In this Monday Mindset episode, we're talking about how to declutter your mind, reduce overwhelm, and stop trying to remember everything. Because most working moms aren't overwhelmed by their schedule… They're overwhelmed by what they're mentally carrying. This episode will help you release mental clutter, create clarity, and feel more calm going into your week. In This Episode Why mental clutter creates overwhelm The connection between mental load and feeling behind Why your brain was never meant to hold everything How digital clutter adds to mental overload The power of getting things out of your head How clarity instantly reduces overwhelm A simple mindset shift for working moms
What if the challenges you're facing in your business aren't coming from just one place, but from a combination of how you're thinking, how you're feeling, and what you're doing? In this episode, I'm sharing the Designed to Thrive framework, my holistic approach to growth that brings together mind, body, and strategy so you can build a business that actually works for you. As this is the final episode before my sabbatical, I wanted to leave you with a core framework you can return to while I'm away. I walk you through each part of this approach and how to use it as a lens when something feels off in your business. Instead of jumping straight to fixing the strategy, you'll learn how to look at what's happening from multiple angles so you can identify what truly needs attention. By the end of this episode, you'll have a new way to evaluate what's working, what isn't, and what to do next. This is a framework you can come back to again and again as your business evolves, helping you move forward with more intention, confidence, and trust in yourself. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/169 If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
In today's Monday Mindset episode, Your toughest habits don't break in big dramatic moments. They break in quiet negotiations you barely notice, the quick “just this once” you tell yourself when you're tired, overwhelmed, or craving comfort. We're sharing one mantra that has become a steady compass for intentional living: never question the decision.If you want a stronger week, write the mantra down, name the decision you've been renegotiating, and commit to living it. Share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more teachers can find it. What's one decision you're done debating?
Hi Mamas, Paper clutter has a way of piling up fast… The mail on the counter… School papers in backpacks… Receipts, bills, and forms… That stack you keep meaning to go through… And before you know it… it starts to feel overwhelming. In this Monday Mindset episode, we're breaking down this quote by Barabara Hemphill: "Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions." We're shifting how you think about paper clutter and why it creates so much mental load. Because paper clutter isn't really about paper… It's about postponed decisions. Every piece of paper represents something unfinished — something to review, sign, file, or throw away. When those decisions get delayed, the pile grows… and so does the overwhelm. This episode will help you simplify your approach to paperwork, reduce visual clutter, and create more calm in your home. In This Episode Why paper clutter creates mental overwhelm The connection between paper piles and postponed decisions How unfinished tasks increase mental load Why paper clutter creates visual stress A simple mindset shift for managing paperwork How quick decisions reduce clutter instantly One small step to start decluttering paper
Hi Mamas, Digital clutter is easy to ignore… but it's quietly stealing your time, energy, and focus. The unread emails… The overflowing downloads folder… The screenshots you meant to go back to… The notes, files, and apps everywhere… It all adds up to mental clutter and daily friction. In this Monday Mindset episode, we're breaking down this quote: "Clutter isn't just the stuff on your floor — it's anything that stands between you and the life you want." — Peter Walsh We're talking about how digital clutter stands between you and the life you want… and how simplifying your digital spaces can instantly reduce overwhelm. Because clutter isn't just physical… It's anything that slows you down, distracts you, or makes you feel behind. When you reduce digital clutter: You save time searching for things You reduce mental load You feel more organized and in control You improve focus and productivity You create more presence with your family This episode will help you shift your mindset around digital clutter and take one simple step toward creating more calm in your day. In This Episode How digital clutter creates overwhelm The connection between digital clutter and mental load Why email and file clutter drains your energy How digital clutter steals time in small ways The importance of reducing friction in your day A simple way to start decluttering your digital life How small changes create more calm and clarity
Have you ever felt like you need to hit pause, take a step back, and re-evaluate? In today's episode, I'm sharing why I've decided to take a sabbatical and what that means for me, my business, and you. I'll also dive into how you can navigate your own major life changes, whether it's a sabbatical or another type of transition. I walk you through the internal work involved in making decisions, why taking time off can actually be a game-changer for your business, and what can happen when you embrace new paths. This episode is a personal behind-the-scenes look at my decision, and I'm sharing my process to help you move through your own moments of transition with confidence and clarity. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/168 If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
In this Monday Mindset episode, Dan Gomer discussed the concept of leaving an intentional legacy. He explained that everyone leaves a legacy whether intentionally or unintentionally, and emphasized the importance of being clear about what legacy one wants to create and why it matters. Dan shared personal experiences and suggested practical exercises like the "30 days left to live" experiment and the "cubicle mate" value identification method. He stressed the need to align daily actions with one's values and emphasized that feedback from others should be considered as long as it aligns with personal goals. The discussion highlighted the importance of consistent self-reflection and making intentional choices to create a meaningful legacy.
Barry presented on "AI-Driven Mindset" during a Monday Mindset session, sharing four strategies for using AI as a thinking partner in real estate business development. The presentation covered reframing daily mindset through AI prompts, building identity through becoming the person needed for success, using AI for role-play to build confidence, and leveraging AI as a content curator for motivation and learning. Barry emphasized that while AI can't replace human mentorship, it serves as an accessible 24/7 thinking partner that can help with mindset shifts, confidence building, and content curation to support real estate business growth and consistency.
You can look fine on the outside and still feel alone on the inside and that gap can get painfully wide when you're a teacher expected to carry everyone else. Today's Monday Mindset is a short reset built around a simple truth: you're not the only one quietly struggling, even if it looks like everyone else has it figured out. We start with the idea of “three hearts” the self the world sees, the self close people see, and the self only you see and why the hidden parts of us can become the home of loneliness. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find these Monday Mindsets.
Hi Mamas, Grab your free spot for the Calm Connection Parenting online summit happening April 20th-24th: Click here SAVE MY SEAT! Have you ever opened your closet in the morning and felt like you had nothing to wear… even though it's completely full? Closets can easily become packed with clothes we no longer wear, items that no longer fit our lives, or pieces we hold onto out of guilt or “just in case.” And over time, that clutter can start to create mental overwhelm. In today's episode, we're breaking down this quote by Cheryl Richardson: “If you want to improve your life immediately, clean out a closet. Often what we hold onto holds us back.” Decluttering isn't just about organizing your home. It's about creating mental space and letting go of the things that no longer serve you so you can move forward with more clarity and intention. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this Monday Mindset episode, you'll discover: Why clutter can quietly increase stress and overwhelm • How your closet can hold onto more than just clothes • Why letting go of items you no longer wear creates mental clarity • The connection between your environment and your mindset • How small decluttering wins can create momentum
Hi mama, Have you ever walked into your house and immediately felt overwhelmed? Laundry piles, papers on the counter, toys on the floor, closets that feel impossible to organize… sometimes it can feel like clutter is everywhere. For busy working moms juggling careers, kids, schedules, and responsibilities, the state of our home can quietly impact our stress levels and mental clarity. In this episode we break down this quote that is so true… “The state of your house is the state of your mind.” This short mindset shift will help you see how your environment can influence how you feel… and why even small decluttering steps can create more calm in your day. And if this is something you've been struggling with, make sure you come back tomorrow for the next episode where Kerri shares 10 practical tips to help you start decluttering your home without feeling overwhelmed. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this Monday Mindset episode, you'll discover: Why clutter can increase stress and mental overwhelm for working moms • How visual clutter creates “mental noise” in your daily life • The connection between an organized home and feeling calmer • Why your house doesn't have to be perfect to feel peaceful • How small decluttering wins can create momentum and clarity
What if the stress you're feeling with clients or your team isn't actually about what they're doing, but about what you expect them to do without ever saying it? In this episode, I introduce the concept of manuals, those unwritten operating rules you have for other people, and how they quietly create frustration, miscommunication, and emotional friction in your interior design business. I walk you through what manuals are, how to spot them, and why they lead to disappointment when they go unspoken. You'll learn how these hidden expectations show up in your relationships with clients, team members, and partners, and why relying on others to meet them keeps you stuck in frustration. I also share a simple exercise to help you identify your own manuals and begin releasing the ones that are no longer serving you. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/167 If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Today's Monday Mindset, We challenge ourselves to teach for the “May us” by making choices now that reduce end-of-year stress and strengthen student skills. We unpack why readiness and motivation rarely show up first, and how holding the line on routines builds future peace for us and a foundation for our students.• picturing the “May you” and making March and April decisions with the end in mind• rejecting the myth of feeling ready before taking action• naming common temptations like shortening writing tasks or skipping justification• holding steady on policies, routines, and writing frameworks to make grading and the final stretch easier• balancing survival days with consistent expectations most days• remembering students watch what we reinforce and carry those skills forward
Hi Mamas, Download my free guide: ✨ ChatGPT Prompts Made Simple for Moms ✨ If your home sometimes feels like another source of stress instead of a place where you can relax… this Monday Mindset episode is for you. For busy working moms juggling careers, kids, schedules, and never-ending to-do lists, home can start to feel like just another place where work needs to be done. But what if we shifted the way we think about our homes? In this episode of Mom. Wife. Career. Life., Kerri Patt shares a powerful mindset shift inspired by organizing expert Peter Walsh: “Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause of it.” – Peter Walsh If your house has started to feel overwhelming, cluttered, or mentally draining, this short Monday Mindset episode will help you reset how you think about your space and take one simple step toward creating a calmer environment for you and your family. And make sure to come back tomorrow for Episode 306, where we dive into practical strategies for spring cleaning as a busy working mom. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this Monday Mindset episode, you'll discover: Why many working moms feel overwhelmed by their homes • How clutter and disorganization can quietly increase daily stress • The mindset shift that helps you view your home as a place of restoration • How small changes in your environment can improve mental clarity • One simple question that can help you start creating a calmer home today
In today's Monday Mindset, March and April can feel like the point where everything starts slipping at once. You're running on fumes, your students are restless, and the pull of summer makes every small task feel bigger than it should. We're talking about that exact moment and the counterintuitive fix that actually makes the rest of the year easier: leaning into structure instead of letting it slide.We unpack why loosening routines, expectations, and boundaries doesn't bring relief, it creates more chaos. The key mindset shift is simple but powerful: what's hard now is easy later, and what's easy now is hard later. When your classroom management stays clear, your late work policy stays firm, and your routines stay steady, students stop negotiating and testing. That consistency isn't rigidity. It's a signal that says, “You don't have to guess. I've got this, and I've got you.”
What if better clients and smoother projects start long before you ever begin designing? In this episode, I sit down with Jaquilyn Edwards of Ochre & Beige to talk about how the words you use on your website, in consultations, and throughout your process, shape the kind of clients you attract and the experience you create. This conversation is all about being more intentional with your messaging so you can build trust earlier and lead your projects with more clarity and confidence. Join us this week to hear how language can either strengthen your positioning or quietly undermine it, why leading is more effective than justifying, and how your values can come through in ways that create a stronger connection with best fit clients. Jaquilyn also shares how small shifts in wording can influence client behaviour, reduce pushback, and support a more aligned and collaborative working relationship from inquiry to install. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/166 Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/