What’s Next?!

by Nicole Walters | Mar 9, 2021

What’s Next?!

I went on one of my self-care sabbaticals last week and in this episode I’m sharing with what I came away from it with. I was asking myself, and God, what’s next? And he gave me an answer that you may need to hear too.

With so much going on, it’s so important to take a moment to ask yourself, what’s all this for? What’s this leading up to? I still have moments where I ask, what’s my purpose here?! And in this episode, I’m sharing what a little time off taught me.

Thanks for being here friend. I so appreciate you! Send me a message, I love hearing from you! Email, Instagram, Twitter, I’m @NicoleWalters everywhere! Thanks again friend, talk soon!

(00:00):
Hey friend, you’re listening to The Nicole Walters Podcast. I’m a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life that I built for myself but using my corporate skills I took to the Internet and built a multi-seven-figure business, showing others how they can build a life they love. Now on this podcast, I share stories of being an entrepreneur, a mom to my three amazing girls and a wife to my crazy, cooky dancing Hubbin. I’ve had a couple of viral videos too. So you know there’s going to be a lot of laughs here. So whether you’ve seen me on my viral vids or on the Today Show or read about me in Forbes, this is the place where we can meet, share stories, share laughs, and share fun. I’m your best friend in your head. So sit back, listen close, and let’s get started.

(00:50):
Hey friend. So I am super excited to chat with you today. Now I had to take a break last week from everything. If you followed me on social, you know that I was on one of my self-care sabbaticals. With all the things that have been happening in the world, with all the time we’re spending with our family and just really focusing on being available to others. It’s really important that we remember to take care of ourselves and you hear that everywhere. Self-care, self-care, self-care, but it always sounds like I need to plan a spa day or I’ve got to get away to some fancy resort or take time with the girls, whatever. Listen, I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have the time for that. And I remember the days when I definitely didn’t have the money for that. And it was then that I discovered that maybe I don’t necessarily need a big fancy trip because frankly it was pretty easy to put those off.

(01:44):
And instead, what I needed was something that I talked about just a few chats ago, micro moments. Well, a self-care sabbatical for me looks like a couple of micro-moments mashed together. I just book a hotel somewhere close and I have a mommy staycation. It can look like the DoubleTree down the street with those delicious chocolate chip cookies and hanging out in a bedroom by yourself for 24 hours, being nobody’s anything. Sleeping in the bed spread Eagle and keeping all the covers for yourself. One of the ways I treat myself as I turn up the temperature is warm as I want it because Lord knows in a house you don’t get to do that. That type of being about yourself and remembering what you like and watching the shows you want and showering for as long as you want to. And I mean, I know on my self care sabbatical last week, I shaved my whole leg. The whole thing, not just the bottom, I spoiled myself. Haha! I mean, for real, it’s just amazing when you take a couple of days to yourself to just be by yourself. Now, of course, with all the things happening in the world, be safe, make good choices. But if you feel like you might benefit, go ahead and book that date. It’s worth the splurge and you’re better for it.

(02:59):
Now I am back and there’s so much going on and I’m really glad for us to connect because as you’ve seen the TV shows on and I’m really loving everything, you’ve been saying about it, posting on social and showing all the support and in my DMs. And it’s just filled my heart to know that 1. We’re prayerfully covered by the Internet Aunties, right? All over it. That’s, it’s been amazing, but also that you’re laughing with us and that you are seeing exactly who we are, the same people that we are on social media you’re also seeing on TV and even better. It’s been a nice little break. I think the general feedback I’ve been hearing from the world is it’s really nice to see something positive and fun on TV. So, um, if you haven’t had a chance to catch it, every Thursday USA network at 10:30 PM, She’s the Boss is there. And you’ll get to see me and the family balancing business, balancing family, and lots of laughs. So definitely check it out.

(03:56):
Now, outside of that, I wanted to talk to you about the real real. I don’t know about you friend, but just, this is our time I’m going to keep it real, right? This is our time to connect. And I just want to let you know a little bit about what’s going on. So I’ve really been struggling with perspective if you will. we’re gonna dive deep in that because I, I do get this a lot, like in my, in the DMs and I’m sure we’ve chatted about it before, but people will reach out to me and say, and I get, this is probably one of the biggest emails I receive, which is Nicole, how do I know what business I should start? How do I know where I should start?

(04:32):
How do I even know what my purpose is and what my gifts are and how I should have it all figured out? And I always send them to MyFierceClarity.com, right? Because Fierce Clarity is this great tool, it’s like, we sit down and we kind of go through all that type of purpose stuff, you know, like, what does a successful business look like? and what would those obligations be? and all that jazz. And so it’s great that I have this opportunity for us to connect in a dedicated way about that. But what I wanted to talk to you about, and for us to chat about here is I just want to be really honest, sometimes I don’t know what my purpose is completely honest. I mean, I understand business.

(05:16):
I know that it is my job to honor these sweet babies by being the best mom I can be. And I’m committed to my marriage and you know, working hard to make sure I do everything I can to be a great wife, but I got to tell you sometimes I’m like, what am I doing? And I know you’re probably like having a semi chuckle slash like, yeah, me too, girl. You know, like, what am I even doing? And why am I doing it? And it feels crazy. But the reason I wanted to like, say it openly to you is that I know that you feel this way sometimes too, where you’re like, what’s the point, kind of, where am I aiming? Like I’m so caught up in the routine of the day to day that I’m like, what is, what exactly is the end goal?

(05:53):
And not in like a bad,I don’t feel good about life, type of way. Just kind of like, what does it all adding up to? You know? And I one, I just want you to know, I feel that way too sometimes. And it’s so hard because I feel like social media and the internet space has made almost a business of people being all, my purpose is figured out and I use this journal to know my purpose and look at my amazing system for getting everything perfect. And I’m working every day with intention and, you know, and I just never want to contribute to the noise of a narrative, But doesn’t actually serve because it’s not put into context with the honesty of real life confusion, sometimes the highs and the lows. And that’s what I wanted to let you know, is that I have those too.

(06:36):
So right now, part of why I scheduled this sort of self-care, I was because I’ve been building up to this show thing for a while, right? Like we can all relate to this. I know it’s like, Oh Nicole, yeah TV show, sure. But no, like you’ve had weddings, you know, where you’re building up to that or planning up until the baby’s born and then being like, okay, now what, you know, like they’re just, life can sometimes feel like a series of planning up to something and then kind of afterwards being like, okay, so what’s the recalibration. Or if you’ve planned up to something, then afterwards being like nothing happened the way I thought so now what?

(07:11):
And if you’re in that space right now, part of my honesty around it is I do want to let you know, it’s nothing that if you had more money or lived in a different place or less children or more freedom, that it would be different. You would be just as confused or figureout-y about something else. So, you know, I know that we have a ton in common, but the stuff we don’t have in common, I’m letting you know, isn’t the factor that’s making it so that I have it figured out you don’t, it’s not that. I will let you know that where I’m really confused right now is that I had this that’s so fun and I’m so excited too, with the kids and I’ve been having a blast with it. And I have this amazing, incredible business and inherit learning company where I get to serve people every single day,

(07:57):
I mean, it’s just beyond, the change I’ve seen in people’s lives, businesses and bank accounts, by being able to support them. I mean, it’s just really amazing work. So I’m really stupid, happy right now about like how things have been structured. I’m hitting my goals, I’ve done the things, but now I’m asking myself what’s next? And I’m working on a book, you know, and you haven’t heard me talk about it much anywhere, but it’s like us talking right now. So like I’m working on this book thing and it’s like four hours a day of writing and I’m reading it. Like I got my first notes back from the editor last week, which also may be part of this. You know how, whenever you’re already in your head, I had that, like if little things pop up, you’re like, Oh God, I’m really not good at this. Haha!

(08:41):
I think that, like, when that came in, I was like, Oh, like my notes my editor came in and I was like, this book is not, it’s not ready. You know? And my editor is like, it’s a rough, rough, rough, rough, rough, rough draft. But I’m like, it’s not ready. And they’re like, it won’t ready till December, you know where you’re going to pour in more, you know, where you’re going to dive deep. And like we’re touching in the book, we’re touching on some stuff that like, I’ve never talked about before. I don’t even know if I have the guts to say some of the stuff I’m writing down, out loud. It’s like, I need you to hold it and reread it and like, see it with your eyes to like, believe so working on the book. But I’m like, man, I’m really doing all the things that I said I would do. You know? And I really feel like I’m showing up in the world for my friends, you know, for you, like I’m showing up the way that I want to for my family.

(09:30):
What next? Like, what is it all leading up to? Am I using it as a verb to Oprah? Right? Is that it? I don’t know. I don’t know about that. You know what I mean? Is it that I want to make movies? Nope, definitely don’t think that’s what I want to do. You know? Like what is it? And so here’s, here’s what I want to get to. Right. It’s that sometimes it feels like things are pretty quiet or not even quiet but they’re like the normal chaos and you’ve adjusted. Right. Maybe you got comfortable in the chaos that sometimes the answer is to go back to basics and you may have heard me say this before about business, but during my sabbatical, it really came back to me, you know? I spent a lot of that time in prayer. I spent a lot of that time, just sort of listening to God versus doing all the talking I do. And the thing I realized is like, it’s back to basics. It’s minding the business that pays me.

(10:23):
So the first thing I said to myself was, you know what, maybe it’s not that you need something new, maybe you need to double down on what’s already here. You’ve got an incredible company that serves people real solutions. Have you shown it to enough people? Have you helped all the people that you’ve been assigned to help? You know, is there more you can do there because if you’re wondering what’s next, what’s next is to double down. Go wide, go deep, serve these people, you know? And I realized that felt really good.

(10:53):
Once I let go of saying, is there some place else I need to be? I realized that no, that’s not it at all. Is that I need to go deeper exactly where I am. And that’s what I’m hoping that if you’re feeling itchy feet, you know, if you’re feeling a moment where you’re like, what’s next, if you’re saying to yourself, I don’t feel as accomplished in certain areas so I’m inclined or tempted to look in a different direction, that maybe it’ll connect for you, maybe you’ll be tempted to really just double down on where you are right now. And to say to yourself, well, maybe there’s something more I can extract from the relationships that I have. Maybe this is a season to just really focus and spend time cuddling with the kids, or finally work on helping them learn how to do a somersault or maybe nailing that phenomenal banana bread recipe or diving deep in your business and creating more content than ever before.

(11:45):
Or developing that new product or wreath or crafting that thing that you’ve really wanted to get out there instead of creating 10 more versions of the same wreath. It’s taking your top seller, refining it and make it even better and selling more of them than ever before. Sometimes it’s going back to the basics and pouring gas on what works. And honestly, that feels right. It feels like a truth I don’t want to run away from. It feels like something that matches internally with my capability and what I’m qualified for externally. So even with all the things that are happening in life right now, between business and the kids growing up and this weird TV show thing, that’s so, so weird. I mean, it really is weird, right? Haha! Like we’re regular, you know, our thing that we have, but this whole like TV world, if you were like, I don’t know her, all of a sudden it’s weird, right?

(12:39):
Even with all those amazing things that are happening, I’m ambitious. I like to do stuff. I like to grow and do more. And once in a while, God reminds me to sit my butt down, be grateful for what I have and double down on being excellent exactly where I am. And I wanted to extend that to you, to let you know that you’re doing great. Maybe it’s not a new workout routine. Maybe it’s just 10 minutes more at a higher weight of the one that you’re doing right now. Either way you’ll get exactly where you’re supposed to be. Because no matter what, as long as you’re doing your best and showing up, that is always enough. Thanks for just hearing me out and of course, watching the show, just being a really good friend. I appreciate you. We’ll chat again next week. Oh and send me a message! Tell me what you think. I love hearing from you. Bye friend!

(13:33):
Thanks so much for listening, friend. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Nicole walters.com. I’d love for us to stay in touch. So make sure you drop your email address so I can send you inspiration business details and the occasional funny story. And because I’m so generous, there might even be a selfie in the mix. Thanks again, and make sure you subscribe and come back soon.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why I wasn’t sure what was next for me,
• What I learned after taking a self-sabbatical,
• How you can gain clarity when you aren’t sure what’s next for you or why you’re in you current situation, and
• What’s next for me!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Get the clarity you need, and the direction you deserve to walk confidently in your purpose through My Fierce Clarity! Check it out HERE
• Don’t miss She’s The Boss every Thursday at 10:30pm on USA network! You can watch on cable, SlingTV, YouTube TV, and more!
• Did you miss the last episode on how you’re never alone in this? Listen to it here! 
• If you love our chats like I do, I’d so appreciate a review for the show! You can share your thoughts on Apple here!

More about The Nicole Walters Podcast:

The Nicole Walters Podcast is for the everyday entrepreneur that wants to increase their income but doesn’t know where to start. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Nicole Walters is a wife, mom, income strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Monetized Life™. Join Nicole each week for a new episode packed with what you need to know to gain clarity, grow your network and monetize your life using the proven corporate strategies she mastered in 10 years as a Fortune 500 executive.

Whether you’re just starting out and don’t know your next step, or you’re multi-passionate and don’t know the right next step, Nicole is here to break it down for you! Richfriend, let’s add some commas to your bank account!

Listen each week. Do. The. Work, and success WILL come!

You’re never alone.

by Nicole Walters | Feb 23, 2021

You’re never alone.

Friend, I am freaking out. This week is a big one and I’m asking for your help. This week on the show I want to talk to you about the nerves that come with stepping into something new and putting yourself out there. When we’re in this together, we’re never alone.

The nerves are real and I’m asking for some support in this. When we’re here for one another, we’re never alone.

Thanks for spending some time with me today! I so appreciate you. Friend, this wouldn’t be possible without you and I want to thank you for being here. I can’t wait to chat with you next week but until then, come hang out with me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Talk soon!

(00:00):
Hey friend, you’re listening to The Nicole Walters Podcast. I’m a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life that I built for myself but using my corporate skills I took to the Internet and built a multi-seven-figure business, showing others how they can build a life they love. Now on this podcast, I share stories of being an entrepreneur, a mom to my three amazing girls and a wife to my crazy, cooky dancing Hubbin. I’ve had a couple of viral videos too. So you know there’s going to be a lot of laughs here. So whether you’ve seen me on my viral vids or on the Today Show or read about me in Forbes, this is the place where we can meet, share stories, share laughs, and share fun. I’m your best friend in your head. So sit back, listen close, and let’s get started.

(00:50):
Hey friend. So this week is a crazy one. And I mean, I feel like I say that every week and maybe that’s just the nature of parenting and running a business and trying to grow yourself and grow your marriage and all those things. But this one feels extra crazy. I don’t know why, haha, I don’t know why, but if you’ve been keeping up with me around the internet, you know, just as well as the rest of the world that the show is premiering this week. Yeah, I know. She’s The Boss premiering on USA network this week at 10:30 PM eastern time. It’s happening on Thursday. Friend, I am freaking out, but not freaking out bad, but freaking out nervous. If that makes sense. I’m just nervous about it. And that’s what I wanted to talk about this week. I wanted to talk about the nerves that come with stepping into something new, the nerves that come with knowing that you’re putting yourself out there, the nerves that come with, knowing that you’ve got your heart and soul into something you’re really proud of.

(01:54):
And that you may be kind of putting your flag in the soil and saying, Hey, this is who I am. That feeling of being exposed and what it’s like when you do that and what you need to get through. So obviously I knew when we were doing a TV show that I was going to be putting myself out there for public scrutiny. Now, granted, I’m not inviting it. Trust me. If you have something to say about me and it’s not nice, I please ask that you keep it to yourself, right. Please ask that you keep it to yourself. However, you know, I’m aware that that is part and parcel for this sort of work. Now I will say that it doesn’t feel good and knowing that that’s going to happen, it’s not something I look forward to, particularly when I’m aware that what happens when you put yourself out there in a big way, people have a tendency to put you on a pedestal.

(02:43):
They have a tendency to think that if you have a platform that you are likely also saying that you are perfect. Now the irony is the two of us know that I have never said that I was perfect. Lord knows I am the banner waving, flag-caring team, hot mess express. Okay. I’m proudly. So I’m doing the best I can with what I got every single day. Right? So sir, that’s us, but for the new folk around there, right, they’re going to be like, Oh, who’s this girl who thinks that she’s like on the tube, you know, thinking she’s fancy pants. Right. And the same thing happens when you launch your first business, Oh, who’s this person who’s getting out there thinking they can launch their business, right. Or for when you get married, Oh, who’s this person have this flashy wedding. Or when you decide to have your third child or your fourth child, or your fifth child, or your six, who do they to think that they can such and such or move whatever it is, there’s always someone who will have an opinion whenever you decide to do something that ultimately, maybe good for you, maybe good for your people or your brand or your family or your bank account. .

(03:47):
I mean, people will always have something to say about change because they’re inherently uncomfortable with it because what I’ve always found is that part of what happens whenever people criticize is that they are struggling with acknowledging that, could it possibly be that this person is just as I see? That maybe they are just good and there is no backup story or that they are just in love and there’s no other story or that they do just want a large family. And there’s no other story, you know? Like it’s really difficult for people to think that because you know, they’re all grappling with things within themselves. And I’m not saying things within themselves that are like, Oh, they hate themselves and that’s why they’re this, you know, how they use the words, haters and all that.

(04:28):
No, I just mean grappling within themselves to really understand the daily motivation. It’s hard to see someone else have when you may be in a position right now where you’re trying to still figure it out. And that brings me to the hardest part of what I’m worried about for this week. And I haven’t talked about this anywhere. Cause it does feel like it’s one of our private chat type of topics, but what I’m struggling with is less that I’m worried about people criticizing me as a mom. Like, yeah, that’s not going to be pleasant because I do care about how I do. And it’s something that I’m always working on and yada, yada, yada. Right. But you know, my kids love me. God loves me. I know I’m fine.

(05:04):
And yeah, I know, you know, there’s my marriage or my weight or my parents or whatever people will have things to say. But the thing I’m really scared of and maybe a little bit worried about is that I consider myself a new Christian. And here’s what I mean by that. I wasn’t raised like going to church or with a family that, you know, understood the importance of like being in the Word or, you know, things like that. Now granted, my mom definitely a Christian definitely prayerful, like God bless her because I do believe that 99% of what I have in my life is because of her petitions to the Lord. Right? And, Oh, and now’s a great time to throw in a caveat. If you’re in a place where you maybe are figuring out your faith or you aren’t a faithy person to begin with, I just want to say, thank you for even holding space for this conversation. I think that this is going to be helpful and valid no matter what, right?

(05:54):
No matter what, because I think that we can always apply stuff, whether it’s to a, you know, a new marriage, a new business, new parenting, whatever it all applies. So the thing I’m nervous about is that I’ve been pretty vocal about being a Christian and about having certain values and having certain integrity. But I also realize that Christianity is something that always seems to have agility in different definitions, right? Just like how, you know, you might think you have a good marriage, but what that good marriage is is that, you know, you get to stay home with your kids and your husband works all day and you actually really, really like that. And it actually feels like such a blessing for you, but another person may look at it and say, how does she have a good marriage?

(06:32):
She never gets to go anywhere. You know, like it’s just, I recognize it in Christianity. You know, for me, I feel like I’m working on it. I’m doing my best to live by values that I know are biblically aligned and we’ll also make Jesus proud, right? That’s my belief system. But I also recognize that I’m imperfect in that and that my belief system will likely not align with how other people define a great Christian. Right? So one of the things that’s weird for me is knowing that I’m going to be putting myself out there as somebody who calls themself a Christian and people are going to see me make mistakes. You know, they’re going to see me do things like they’re going to see me out in the world. You know, maybe they’ll think that according to their definition, like I’m maybe not dressed the way they would expect or that I may not interact with my husband the way they expect.

(07:20):
Or I may not use words that, I don’t know. You know what I mean? Like there’s just, people are all over the place. But I say this to say that it’s one of the things I grapple with because as somebody who, you know, has shared myself very publicly on social media, and I recognize that you can’t be a public figure and also complain that you’re a public figure, you know, but I don’t want to ignore that the inside thoughts and feelings that I have are ones that you have no matter where you are and the way that I’m grappling with this, the way that I’m, I’m preparing myself, if you will putting on my full armor is one, obviously prayer and petition, right? So if you’re not a faith person, a lot of that has to do with meditation, therapy. I still recommend prayer. Right.

(08:00):
You know, it really does help me remember who I’m looking to impress and who I’m looking to honor. And the importance of focusing on my legacy and my future and you know, my children and my family and, you know, above all else, pleasing my God. Right. That’s like really what it’s gotta be about. So everything that I put forward, I just hope it glorifies Him. I hope that even in my mistakes and my errors, they become opportunities for growth. That again, glorify Him. Right. So like that’s the first part. And then the second part, I’m really hoping that this is the part that connects for you because I know that we’re really similar in this way, I’m asking for help. And that’s the thing that I’m really hoping that you’ll take away from this. And I don’t mean just asking for help, cause I know that you’re a help struggler right.

(08:51):
Like you don’t want to ask, you can do all the things. You’re a tough cookie. You’ll figure it out. You’re a problem solver, right? Like for the same that way. But I do want you to know that, you know, as we’re trying to figure out how to delegate, this is a little bit different. I mean, asking for help and finding humility in saying, can you just keep me in your thoughts? Can you just check in on me? When you’re throwing up a prayer can you just put one in God’s inbox for me too? You know, just really throwing out that, Hey, you just need people to have you in mind to hold you to cover you. And that’s what I’m actually leaning into more this season and I feel like it’s helping. And I mean, I guess I’ll know more, you know, after the show premieres on Thursday and everything, but I’m hoping that I will see even more, the magnitude of that.

(09:40):
And you know, the Bible talks about where two and three are gathered in His name. You know, that it’s about groups, you know, it’s about us working together to make it happen. And it’s with that in mind that I want to let you know that that’s something that I don’t want you to ever step away from. Even if you’re not someone who’s able to say, look, my business needs help with this, or I’m a mom and I need hands-on help here. And as a woman, I need self-care help here. You know, even if you’re not able to say that in a physical way or even identify the things you would hand over for whatever reasons – trust, time, effort, you name it. I really want to encourage you this week, along with me, to just reach out to your people and say, Hey, I got a lot going on over here.

(10:24):
I’m juggling a lot. And I think I got it but if you could just keep me in mind, pray for me, check in, just see how I’m doing. It’d be pretty awesome. You know, and if you can’t, I understand we’re all busy. We have things going on, but it would just mean a lot. And it would actually help me out a lot because you know what, sometimes it just helps to know that you’re not alone. It helps to know that you have people. And with that said, I wanted to be the first to get this ball rolling and let you know, during this week, while I appreciate you telling people about the show while I appreciate you setting your DVR, and while I appreciate you signing up for all the streaming networks so you can watch and all of that. More than anything, I want to first thank you for all the prayer and great thoughts and positivity and kind words and messages and DMs and the covering that you’ve put over me and our babies.

(11:23):

But I also want to ask you for your help this week and in keeping us continuously covered and in elevating the positivity of what we’re trying to do and keeping that conversation going and knowing that we’re working as a collective to push towards good. To just create a world where we’re less fascinated by junk values. The things that aren’t so good for us when we consume them too much, right? And really stepping into core values, the things that make up who we are, our families, our futures, our legacies. And I just want to say, if you could, if you have a moment, if you are already in the midst of saying a prayer too, just throw a little extra one into God’s inbox for me and for the family. It would be much appreciated. Friend, this is a big week and I’m grateful to even have the opportunity to say that I got to do something so incredible and so amazing.

(12:25):
And I don’t know what God has in store, but I trust it. And more than anything, I’m grateful that I’ve never had to do one step of this journey – building a business, having a podcast, or launching a TV show – without you. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being a friend, haha! No, but seriously, thank you for being my friend. I appreciate you. And I can’t wait to chat with you next week after the show premiere Thursday at 10:30 on USA network and talking about how awesome it was and how incredible it was and how God really shined through on that screen. Have a great week. And we will catch up again very soon.

(13:18):
Thanks so much for listening, friend. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Nicole walters.com. I’d love for us to stay in touch. So make sure you drop your email address so I can send you inspiration business details and the occasional funny story. And because I’m so generous, there might even be a selfie in the mix. Thanks again, and make sure you subscribe and come back soon.

In this episode, I cover:

• What I’m asking for help in this week,
• How to keep yourself focused and aligned with your belief system when you’re trying something new,
• What to do with the nerves and anxieties of putting yourself out there to be seen, and
• How we can help one another feel never alone

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Don’t miss the premiere of She’s The Boss on Thursday, Feb 25th at 10:30pm on USA network! You can watch on cable, SlingTV, YouTube TV, and more!
• Did you miss the last episode with me answering your questions on babies, bios & business? Listen to it here! 
• Write a review for the show on Apple here!

More about The Nicole Walters Podcast:

The Nicole Walters Podcast is for the everyday entrepreneur that wants to increase their income but doesn’t know where to start. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Nicole Walters is a wife, mom, income strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Monetized Life™. Join Nicole each week for a new episode packed with what you need to know to gain clarity, grow your network and monetize your life using the proven corporate strategies she mastered in 10 years as a Fortune 500 executive.

Whether you’re just starting out and don’t know your next step, or you’re multi-passionate and don’t know the right next step, Nicole is here to break it down for you! Richfriend, let’s add some commas to your bank account!

Listen each week. Do. The. Work, and success WILL come!

Babies, Bios & Business!

by Nicole Walters | Feb 16, 2021

Babies, Bios & Business!

Friend, this one isn’t just regular story time. This episode is actually driven by you. Yes! You sent me your questions and I’m answering them today on the show.

We’re covering questions on momming, if I want more babies, questions about the girls and their bio parents, questions about my marriage, the business, and more. We’re about to take our friendship to a whole new level because I’m going to dive deep and answer your biggest questions right now.

Thank you for showing up here each week! Chatting with you is one of my favorite things to do. Let me know that you listened to this episode over on Instagram, Twitter, or shoot me an email! And if you haven’t joined the 1K1Day Academy, this is your last week to do so! I’m so excited that so many of you have joined. It is going to be the best.

(00:00):
Hey friend, you’re listening to The Nicole Walters Podcast. I’m a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life that I built for myself but using my corporate skills I took to the Internet and built a multi-seven-figure business, showing others how they can build a life they love. Now on this podcast, I share stories of being an entrepreneur, a mom to my three amazing girls and a wife to my crazy, cooky dancing Hubbin. I’ve had a couple of viral videos too. So you know there’s going to be a lot of laughs here. So whether you’ve seen me on my viral vids or on the Today Show or read about me in Forbes, this is the place where we can meet, share stories, share laughs, and share fun. I’m your best friend in your head. So sit back, listen close, and let’s get started.

(00:50):
Hey friend. So I am beyond excited for our chat this week. And that is twofold. One because I always love sitting down and having this time with you wherever you are, in a Target, washing dishes, handling the kids, going on a walk, you name it. This is my favorite time every single week. But the other reason is because so many of you have decided to jump into 1K1Day Academy. So it’s almost like our internet chat friendship just got legit. So I’m beyond excited because now I am actually mentoring and working with so many of you personally. So if you haven’t jumped in yet, this week we still have some time, this is actually your final chance. After this week, we will absolutely close the doors and you won’t have a chance to get in. So if you are interested in working with me to take whatever it is that God has put on your heart, that you’re thinking you want to build out and bring to the world, well I would love to have you!

(01:58):
And if you’re listening to this, there’s still time, head over to 1K1Day.com. That’s one like the number K one day .com and sign up! Now, now friend, this one isn’t just a regular story time. This is actually driven by you. Do you remember how in our last chat, I said that I wanted this to be a two way street that I don’t just want to be talking your ear off and being that girlfriend who’s gabbing, gabbing, gabbing. I want to hear from you! And that’s exactly what happened. You reached out to me via Twitter. You’re reached out to me via Instagram. You sent me emails and you sent me your biggest questions ever. And I am so here for it. I got questions that ran the full range. Questions about momming, questions about the girls, questions about my marriage, the business, you name it.

(02:52):
And after doing last week’s where I talked about some of the most revealing and personal stuff ever, this stuff feels like a cakewalk! Haha. So we’re about to take our friendship to a whole new level. I’m going to dive deep and answer your biggest questions right now. Now the first question I got is all about my marriage and this made me chuckle a little bit because it just goes to show that sometimes what you see on social doesn’t really match up with real life. And you know, I’m all about keeping it real. So this question came in and it was, does the hubbin ever say no? Well, I’m guessing that it may seem like I have a pretty easygoing run along with the plan, have a good time husband and you know what? That’s true. I am so blessed because I am so stubborn.

(03:44):
I am a whole lot and a whole headache. God bless the man that deals with the crazy of Nicole Walters every single day. Am I right? But he also definitely says no. The hubbin and I actually have a system that we’ve used to give me room to play, but also keep me rained in. The hubbin does actually use something in our marriage that we call veto. And it works. Something like this. I come to him with a crazy plan and nine times out of 10 he’s like, Hey, if the numbers add up and you can make it work, go for it. I got your back. And I love him for it. But there is the one time out of 10 where the hubbin will say categorically, it’s a no. And whenever he throws out the veto, I might push back just a little bit. But for the most part, I let it ride.

(04:38):
And the reason I do is because he does give me a lot of room to play. I mean, that’s the nature of our marriage. We always joke that we’re both in the C-suite, right. We’re both chief executives of our life. So if I’m the CEO, he’s the CFO, the COO, he’s running all the other pieces. So because we do it together, my job is to fork money in that bank account, his job, figure out where it goes. So yeah, that’s our partnership. He says, no, not often, but when he does, I know he means it, that he has our family’s interest at heart. And that he probably is seeing a perspective that I didn’t see. And I’m grateful to God that I have a partner that helps me see it all. The next question I got was what do I do on days when I just simply don’t want to get out of bed?

(05:24):
Do I even have those days? That’s a great question. And yeah, it’s true. I do have those days. I am not a constant source of energy, motivation and go out and get it. Now I wish I was, but I am human. If you listen to our chats going all the way back to last year, you know, for a fact that I have, my days I’ve been hit with some craziness and on those days, yeah, I don’t want to get out of bed. So here’s what I do. I stay in bed. If I don’t have some place to be, if I don’t have a responsibility to answer to, I grant myself the grace of saying, you know what? Listen to your body, give yourself a rest. Sometimes you just need a break. We talk about this all the time here. I’m always sitting across from you digitally and saying friend, grant yourself some grace, take permission.

(06:25):
So yeah, even Nicole Walters, me, your internet bestie, sometimes doesn’t want to get out of bed. And the next question I had here, which I think is a really good one. And this is probably one of the number one questions I get, or one of the number one questions that I know people want to ask, but may not be bold enough to do it, but I’m going to answer it here right now. This question came in, “Nicole, just being a little bit nosy here. Have you ever wanted to be pregnant? Can you even get pregnant? And have you ever thought about actually birthing your own baby?” So I know that that is a question that probably runs across people’s minds. And I just want to let you know that typically this is not the type of thing to just ask anyone, but we do have something special here, right?

(07:20):
I ask you whenever we have these chats to dive deep and branch out and embrace a different way of thinking, to sit there and internalize the lessons that I’m sharing with you from my own life and listen to the opportunity that they may bring. So if I’m going to challenge you to try something new, then I’m going to be candid with you also. I will say I don’t have any fertility issues. I’m actually really grateful that if indeed I wanted to have a child, God has blessed me with the full capability to do so. As a matter of fact, twins run in my family. So I don’t know if that’s a blessing or not, but if I wanted to get pregnant, yes, I scientifically, physiologically, if God deems it appropriate, I can. Now the next question though, have I ever wanted to have a baby?

(08:16):
Well, you guys have heard me talk about it before mamas are superheroes. I am absolutely blown away by the sacrifice, the ultimate expression of love and the deep consideration of carrying and birthing a child. It is a remarkable and beyond generous deed. It’s amazing. And to me that we even live in a society where people would question the strength of a woman when she’s able to create life more than anything, they shouldn’t spell my name wrong on my coffee cup at Starbucks if I can create and cook a whole baby. Are you kidding me? You better get that name, right? So, yeah, I, I think it’s an amazing thing that women are able to carry. And I think it’s just one of the many remarkable things that is just an example of the power that we hold in our capability in this world and how God has truly blessed us.

(09:17):
But all that being said, I don’t know if I was ever meant to cook and marinate my own. Now, does that mean that I wasn’t meant to be a mother? I actually believe the two things can co-exist. So I’ve known since I was in 10th grade that I loved children, love them. And I also know, I knew that I always wanted to be in a position to mentor, support, rear, grow and be around to influence and shape the life of our future. Now that whole business about dealing with all the challenges of carrying a child. I mean, listen, I am a go getter, a little bit selfish when it comes to it. I’ve got a million businesses and a million things I want to do. I think constantly about how I can serve others. And I want to use my big wide arms to love the people that are here.

(10:14):
So do I believe that I’m cut out for motherhood? You better believe it. It’s one of the greatest gifts and blessings that God has ever brought into my world. Now, did I plan to have kids? Yeah, that actually was on the agenda, a hundred percent. I thought I’d probably have two, but am I glad that I got to skip the whole marinating and cooking myself thing? You better believe it! God really blessed me by giving me the freedom, flexibility, and ability to get out there and build a business and not have to dedicate my time to the valuable act of caring a child. He gave me three babies already made and it worked out just right for me. Now, all that to be said, I don’t know what the future holds. I will say that I do feel that clock ticking. So I don’t want to close the door on whether or not I may end up joining the birth mommy club.

(11:12):
But what I will say is my heart is fulfilled. I love my girls. And I don’t know if I could make any that are even any better than the ones that I’ve been blessed with. So I hope that answers your question if it’s always been in the back of your mind. Now, the next question I have is a really, really good one. How has the dynamic of the rise of your business and increased visibility and your husband’s support and position in that situation affected your marriage? Okay. No, this is a good one. We kind of spoke about this a couple of weeks ago, right? In our previous chat where I was talking about how in the pandemic, we’re really learning a lot about ourselves, both with boundaries, how we work best and how we live best together. But we’ve been married for 11 years and he’s been married to the same woman.

(12:01):
I’ve grown over the time and I’ve definitely changed and developed and hopefully become a

better wife and person. But the truth is, yeah, things have shifted and I’m blessed because we’re still both here and we’re still committed. So how does it work? Well, I’m fortunate to be married to someone who isn’t really craving the spotlight. He enjoys watching me shine. That is the relationship we have. Frankly, the hubbin thinks I’m entertaining. He likes chuckling and even more, he loves seeing my impact on others. I can see the sparkle in his blue eyes whenever he sees somebody’s life change, whether it’s while I’m on stage or in one of my courses, like 1K1Day Academy, or if somebody is just laughing at something crazy I’m doing. My husband loves me and he loves seeing me win. And I’m really blessed because the more I keep winning, the more he keeps loving.

(12:56):
So it hasn’t been easy because he’s definitely thrown out that veto card here and there because he wants to make sure that we’re always sticking with our values and keeping family first, but no matter what my husband seems to be in for the win. And I’m glad I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. Here’s a good one. So this question came in about our relationship with the girls’ birth parents. Now this question, I often circle around a bit, but I know it’s something that people tend to want to know. They want to know. Do we still have a relationship? Are they around? Was it positive? Are they okay? Are they healthy? Those are all great questions. And I’ll answer them now. So in a short answer, yes, to all of that, we have a great relationship with what we call the kids’ bios and we love, cherish, and honor our kids’ bio mom.

(13:56):
We recognize, especially considering the love that we have for our kids, that it wasn’t easy for her to make the decision she did. It was a deed that was wrapped in both sacrifice and the deepest of love and consideration for her three sweet babies’ future. And for that reason, we’ve always kept her in our life. And we couldn’t imagine not having her be part of our life. Now, the relationship obviously has changed over the years with her involvement, really being dictated by what was best for her in the season she is in. Life is complicated and yes, she does face some challenges. So we respect that. We support her and we always make sure that we keep the door open for a warm, welcoming, and healthy relationship with her three babies. Furthermore, it’s a positive thing. While our older two girls are old enough to develop and decide the relationship that they want to have with their bio, our youngest one has always had a fairly positive one.

(14:58):
She came to us when she was so young, having just turned three, that most of her memories of her mom are really pretty positive. And we want to keep it that way. There’s no reason to cause hurt or trauma where it doesn’t mean to be. So, yeah, we have a great relationship with her. We speak to her on a very regular basis and we consider her family. And we’re also really thankful that she’s given us family of our own. Here’s a question that came in, that’s a pretty deep one and I’m really excited to answer it. Do you fear losing yourself as you become more successful? With my new TV show, She’s The Boss, premiering this Thursday, February 25th at 10:30 PM on USA network, which is also available on sling and YouTube TV and Hulu. You better believe this is something I’m thinking about.

(15:58):
Friend between the two of us, I am freaking out. Okay. Freaking out, partly because this is how we’ve always done it. Right? We’re being normal. We’re regular people. And I got to say that for me, the weirdest part about all of this is in my head I’m a regular person who shops at regular target. Who wears stretchy pants because she just hasn’t worked her way back up into wearing anything with restriction because Hey, pandemic. I mean really, really regular, you know, this, this is actually why we have a thing. We’re hot messes. That’s what this is, where we’re on the hot mess express and it’s all aboard. That’s how we do our thing. Right? So yeah, I think the thing that freaks me out the most, I don’t even want to call it more success but more visibility, is just the standards and expectations that people tend to put on those with visibility.

(16:52):
Now I’m not worried so much about the responsibility to be someone who holds up to their values or the criticism that comes along with it. Because the only person I seek to impress is my God and my family. These are the people that I love. And these are the people whose perspective matters to me the most. Now I do want to honor our friendship. So anyone who’s been my friend along before this TV show thing even happened, whether it’s working with me on 1K1Day Academy as one of my students or hanging out with me here on the podcast chat. I want to make sure that I’m a good example for you so that when you’re out there telling people about how much you love Nicole or your internet bestie, that you follow on Instagram, that I make you look good. So that matters to me very much.

(17:37):
So I think the thing I’m most nervous about is less the exposure and criticism that most people worry about, I think I’m most worried about people just treating me weird. You know what? I mean, like, I don’t want it to be weird. Like if we meet, I just worry that, you know, people are going to feel like they can’t just talk to me maybe, or that they have to treat me fancy because I’m not, you know, I’m, I don’t need like fancy stuff, like fancy sandwiches. And which is because obviously this is how awkward I am that I think fancy and sandwiches. Like I can, that’s the first thing that comes. Do you see, do you see, do you see who I am? That’s what I mean. I just, I just really hope that the same regular girl energy who is full of flaws, imperfect, totally aware of her hot messiness is the energy that people will be able to meet me with.

(18:33):
And that we’ll be able to maintain the normalness of our friendship long after wherever it is that God puts me. So yeah, I do worry a little bit about losing myself, but less about losing myself within and within my family, within God’s eyes because those things are fixed. And I only aim to see myself as, as God sees me, but I do worry about losing myself in other people’s eyes that they start seeing me as something that I’m not putting me on a pedestal that only gives me further to fall from, or even worse that they start expecting me to wear makeup and real pants. Y’all I can never live up to that standard. So I’m just glad that we know each other now. So we have a baseline for whatever else the world brings. So it should be an interesting journey. And I’m excited because I know so many of you guys are thrilled to watch the show and see what happens next.

(19:27):
So thank you for tuning in, thank you for being on the journey with me and let’s see what happens. And I’m going to end on this one because I think this is a pretty good positive note for us to close out with. And I want to let you get back to your life in your day. And I always try to keep these chats short and sweet, just little check-ins, but I appreciate that you always make the time to come back and hang out with me every single week. You’re just the absolute best. And I just cherish this relationship. Now this question is a good one because I can always answer it along the way, Nicole, what’s something that you know now that you wish you would have known back then? Now you’ve probably heard the phrase hindsight is 2020, right? When you can see the outcome, it’s a lot easier to say that you wish you’d done something different.

(20:16):

So there are two things that if anyone were to meet me, that I’d be able to say, man, I really, really wish that I had listened to them. Which, this one is a cheesy answer. So I know not everyone who listens to this podcast is a Christian. And I just want to say just first and foremost, shout out to the non-Christians who come here every single week and listen to me wax poetic and go on and on about how God is so shiny. I know that for some of y’all, the reason you’re not Christians is because he had church hurt or you were raised differently and things like that. And I just want to say, I love your tolerant listening showupness. You are the best. And I love that about our relationship. You hold space for me and I hold space for you.

(20:59):
So thanks for that. And then for my Christians, you know, you’re used to this and you also know that I’m also a mess. So I appreciate you. Now, the first answer is this: it’s the cheesy one. I wish I had started having a relationship with God a long time ago, a long time ago. And I’ll put this into context for my non-Christians so that you’re not like I got to get through this part, right? Because the context still applies. So what I mean by that is for me having a relationship with God, having a relationship and belief in Jesus as my belief system has allowed me to do something that in the Bible is called lean, not on my own understanding, and if you’re not a Bible person, basically it says even when you’ve got all the chips laid out, even when you think everything’s figured out, stuff’s probably going to go wrong.

(21:54):
And it really helps to know that someone can fill the gaps for you and my faith in the Lord, my faith in God, right? It fills the gaps. I mean, He is all the things to me, but you better believe that I know I’m going to come up short. And I wish that in the many years that I tried to go at things or wonder why things weren’t working out or trying to figure out if I could cover everything, losing sleep over anxiety and worry. And just really wondering if I was enough that I knew that I was complete in him and that I knew that I could put it in front of him and it would be handled. And sometimes that, if I could just say, you know what, I’ve done everything I can and I need to just sleep. I just need to take this worry off my heart.

(22:40):
You know what? I’m giving it up to God. He can figure it out. He’s capable. And I wish I had, and often remembered on a regular basis. That level of understanding it doesn’t take a ton of faith to be able to say, I’m shrugging my shoulders and I’m handing it over to somebody I think is better. And that was something that I know now that I can’t say I practice with perfection, but I do know it to be true now based on the experiences and lived life that I’ve had, that it’s something that works for me. So that’s one thing. The other thing that I wish I knew that I think applies no matter what your faith is, and no matter where you are in life, whether you’re a mom, a business owner, or just a regular person trying to make it every single day is that it’ll be okay.

(23:29):
That the, a level of worry and fear and hesitation that we carry into experiences every single day, whether it’s parenting or deciding to launch that business or figuring out if we can enter a new relationship or wondering if we should take that job or apply to that school or take on that new thing or ask for that promotion, you name it. We bring a lot of fear into things as if it won’t turn out okay, without giving ourselves credit for all the things that we’ve already survived. If you look back in your past, it tells a really impactful and honest truth that you can do it, that you are capable, that you have all the tools inside of you already, that are going to help you be successful in the future. When you decide to jump into something new and take something on it’s exactly what I always preach to my students in 1K1Day Academy, I’m letting them know, Hey, I recognize that you were putting a lot of trust and faith in yourself and in me.

(24:33):
And I don’t take that lightly, but I also remind them that they’ve done a lot of work, all ready. They’re not coming into the world and into experiences and interfacing new problems empty-handed and that was the thing that I had to learn that anytime I’m meeting a new problem or a new opportunity in front of me, it’s not like a meeting in empty handed. I’m bringing everything I learned thus far. I am more qualified. You are too, with each new problem that arrives that I was with the last one, because I at least in bringing the lessons from what I did to conquer the past. And that’s what I want to leave you with friend. I hope that in this open, candid chat about what you wanted to know, that you learned that it’s possible to be successful, have a platform, have visibility and all these things to not have all the answers, but we have these chats every single week where we’re sharing what we’ve learned, what we know and hoping to do it better tomorrow. I can’t wait for our next one. This was a blast. If you have any other questions, send them my way. This was fun. I think I’ll put another one on the books. Have a great day friend.

(25:52):
Thanks so much for listening and of course I would love to work with you. I believe that a side hustle is something that everyone needs. A little extra cash can change your life. And it is my joy to work with everyday entrepreneurs in my signature program, 1K1Day Academy. You can start now by heading over to 1K1Day.com and joining the community. I can’t wait to work with you. Let’s get started.

In this episode, I cover:

• Questions on momming and if I want to birth any babies,
• If we have a relationship with my girls’ bio parents,
• How the Hubbin and I have adapted as my business has grown,
• If I’m worried about losing myself with the new show, and
• What the veto strategy is

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Head over 1K1Day.com for your last chance to join my signature program, 1K1Day Academy!
• Did you miss the last episode on the love/hate of gaining weight?  Listen to it here! 
• Write a review for the show on Apple here!

More about The Nicole Walters Podcast:

The Nicole Walters Podcast is for the everyday entrepreneur that wants to increase their income but doesn’t know where to start. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Nicole Walters is a wife, mom, income strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Monetized Life™. Join Nicole each week for a new episode packed with what you need to know to gain clarity, grow your network and monetize your life using the proven corporate strategies she mastered in 10 years as a Fortune 500 executive.

Whether you’re just starting out and don’t know your next step, or you’re multi-passionate and don’t know the right next step, Nicole is here to break it down for you! Richfriend, let’s add some commas to your bank account!

Listen each week. Do. The. Work, and success WILL come!

The Love/Hate of Gaining Weight

by Nicole Walters | Feb 9, 2021

The Love/Hate of Gaining Weight

After I update you on all the things that haven’t happened this week, we’re chatting about something that I’ve never talked about anywhere. Yes, losing and gaining weight!

I’m excited to chat with you about this topic today because it’s us and our time together is different. We both know it! So thanks for listening today and don’t forget to tweet me or DM me your questions and life updates. I’m in it with you friend!

1K1Day Academy is opening THIS MONTH! Get on the wait list at 1K1Day.com – I only work with students a few times a year and I cannot wait to work together! Talk soon friend!

(00:00):
Hey friend, you’re listening to The Nicole Walters Podcast. I’m a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life that I built for myself but using my corporate skills I took to the Internet and built a multi-seven-figure business, showing others how they can build a life they love. Now on this podcast, I share stories of being an entrepreneur, a mom to my three amazing girls and a wife to my crazy, cooky dancing Hubbin. I’ve had a couple of viral videos too. So you know there’s going to be a lot of laughs here. So whether you’ve seen me on my viral vids or on the Today Show or read about me in Forbes, this is the place where we can meet, share stories, share laughs, and share fun. I’m your best friend in your head. So sit back, listen close, and let’s get started.

(00:50):
Hey friend. So wow, what a week it’s been. I can’t believe all the amazing things that have happened. So I’m going to get you caught up real quick, but then after we’re caught up, we’re going to dive into something that I think that we definitely need to chat about. Partly because we started talking about this over on Instagram and the response was crazy. I couldn’t believe the things you had to say. So we’re going to dive deep and talk about that a little bit more, but first I just wanted you to know that I am opening up 1K1Day Academy this month. Yeah. It’s a biggie because I only work with a group of students a few times a year. So this is the very first time that we’re opening up in 2021. And I’m going to work with anyone in any industry.

(01:40):
So if you are a mom who’s saying to yourself, I am meant for something more and I just want to figure out how to build it. Well, I’m your girl. We’ve been friends for a while and you know, I have my business stuff on lock now, parenting, maybe not so much, but I do know my snacks and I do know my business. So if you’re an existing business owner who’s saying to yourself, I know that I am missing something because I’m working really hard, but I’m not seeing the rewards. Or if you’re saying I’ve got a great idea and I just don’t know where to start. 1K1Day Academy is for you. So head over to 1K1Day.com and let’s get started. Now, aside from that, if you’ve been following on Instagram, you probably know, and you can probably hear it in my voice.

(02:21):

Right? I know that I’m always on team 10,000, right? I’m like level a million. Well, I’m excited because if you’re up to speed, if you’ve listened to back episodes, you know that in 2019, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. And I’m just going to say it really fast. Cause I know how your, your internet, auntie heart is. She’s fine. She’s fine. Okay. So you know that, but we did the whole cancer battle. We did chemotherapy for months and months and she handled it like a rockstar. So the good news is that even better news is that she’s better than fine officially as of this week, she’s not just in remission, but she’s in a category called survivorship. And survivorship means that she no longer has to go in for regular scans every three months, because there is no evidence of cancer in her body for a lifetime.

(03:14):
They are completely confident that not only has the cancer been removed, but it has gone for a lifetime in Jesus’ name, praise party, run the room. I know you auntie right now you’re like, yeah. Right, amazing! So you already know if you head over to my Instagram @NicoleWalters, which you’re always, you’re always over there anyways, but on the Instagram, I just detailed out kind of what happened, why it happened, all the things we’ve learned and it’s a post that you just showed so much love to. And so I just wanted to say, thank you. It’s never lost on me that you are a real friend in that way that, uh, you’re prayerful, that when I share things with you in these chats and we talk about it, that you actually are internalizing it and thinking to yourself, you know, wishing well and feeling impacted. And I think that’s what makes our time a little bit different if you will.

(04:10):
I know that sounds weird to say, but you get it. You know, our time’s a little different because we’re really connecting on that level. And we’re really thinking about each other, even after, you know, we’re done talking here. So, um, I’m just letting you know, thank you. We’re excited about this sort of testimony, praise report, but I did want to take a moment kind of in our time together to say thank you because, um, I know that you’ve kept us covered and you’ve kept sweet, MidTiny covered. So thank you outside of that, you also may have heard, boy, there’s just like so much news. I’m also just as a side note, I know that we always connect here and chat, but feel free to slide into my DMs on Instagram. I know that sounds weird. And it’s the fact that you listen to hear, that’s the only reason I’m saying it.

(04:51):
It probably wouldn’t say this like from stage or anything to like randoms, but for you feel free to sign into my DMs and drop me a note, let me know how you’re doing. Or if you have any questions about 1K1Day Academy, or if it makes sense for you or anything like that, I’m in there. So I definitely want to hear from you, so tweet me or send me a DM or, you know, things like that because I definitely want to hear from you. So outside of that, I also announced this week and we’ve talked about it. We talked about it not last week, but the week before about the TV show. Well, we officially have an air date and it’s coming up super soon in just two weeks. We will be airing She’s The Boss on USAnetwork on February 25th at 10:30pm Eastern. That’s She’s The Boss on USAnetwork, February 25th at 10:30pm Eastern.

(05:39):
So we have an official day in time where we’re going to be expanding our relationship and you’ll be able to watch the show. So I’m so, so pumped, so excited, so much good news. And I can’t wait to hear what’s going on with you. So again, shoot me a note because I want to know all the things now, now that I’ve gotten all the other stuff out of the way, let’s talk about the real deal. This is a chat that I am semi excited about if you will, because it’s one of the number one things I’m asked about, but I have never spoken about this anywhere. So you already know that going back for some time, I kind of burst onto the scene, started my social profile and I was, you know, a heavier girl, a thicker one. I had ample curvature, haha, is what is the best way to describe it.

(06:23):
And, uh, you know, I was a solid size 22 and I was really heavy. And I only say this not from a negative standpoint. I think that there’s so much talk about body positivity and how to feel good in the skin you’re in. And it’s something that’s so complex for so many of us, but I wanted to kind of have this conversation from like, you know, how we always talk like a real deal. This is not about any judgment, you know how we are. So I’m just going to tell you how I felt about my body. I was a size 22 and I was really okay with it. And I know that’s not cool to say, right, because you’re supposed body positivity is supposed to be like, well, I love the skin that I’m in but like I also secretly really wish I was smaller.

(07:05):
Like it’s kinda this weird, awkward thing, you know, like I don’t hate myself on the journey, which is a good thing to foster, but it’s also, you know, I think not being entirely, at least for me, it wouldn’t be being entirely forthright about the fact that being in a heavier body is more challenging. Right? So for me, it’s just challenging to do stuff, meaning like sitting in an airplane seat was harder and going places. I got tired more and I was just out of breath more often. I think any one of us who’s either been pregnant or had a little extra weight on us or as we get older, we all kind of know what that’s like. You wake up in the morning and your bones are singing or you put on a couple extra pounds and now your knees ache, you know, that sort of thing.

(07:47):
And that’s where I was in my body. But the body positivity part of it was that I really liked the way I looked. Actually, the reason why I didn’t spend a lot of time dedicated to losing weight was because I still felt like I looked good, which is crazy. I know, I know because our society and I just, I consider that a blessing, right? Because in our society, my goodness, where aren’t we bombarded with images of how we need to be smaller or we need to be fitter. I mean, even if you are a tiny girl, you’re being told that you don’t have a big enough chest or you need shapely calf muscles, or, you know, your shoulders aren’t wide enough. I mean, literally every single thing is wrong with us. What if you’ve discovered that you like it, guess what? It’s out of trend.

(08:32):

Although I will say let’s all join in coalition around the high-waisted pants trend. Am I right? Sister, may low-rise jeans never come back in Jesus’ name. I need that to stay away. Right. But I’m telling you, I was really good with it. You know, I built my brand, built my business being larger. And, um, maybe it helps that I’m funny. Haha, I don’t know, but I was, I love the way I look and I was able to buy clothes and I felt comfortable in what I wore and I thought I was cute and it just never really bothered me much. But everything changed for me in this one moment. It’s a, it’s a story that I haven’t shared anywhere, but I’m going to share it with you because this is our space to kind of keep it real. So I had a speaking event and this was the thing that actually spurred my desire to even start losing weight.

(09:19):
And this speaking event was in Boise, Idaho at Craft and Commerce. And it was an event put on by my dear friends at Convertkit. And I love them. Um, this is not an ad, not sponsored, nothing like that, but, uh, they’re my email server folk. And I love them. The CEO is a fantastic, God-fearing amazing father, good guy named Nathan Barry. So they invited me to keynote at that event that weekend. And I flew out to Boise and was more than happy to do it. So I get there and if you guys have never been to Boise, Idaho, uh, it is it’s becoming hot. Like I would say, Boise is the next Nashville. And if you live in Nashville or Boise, you know what I’m talking about, but Boise is the next Nashville. And it’s a city that is very walkable and downtown is really only a couple of blocks.

(10:07):
And you know, it’s very hip with like cool restaurants and all that stuff. And because of that, you don’t really Uber around Boise. You, you just walk, you know, because everything’s just a couple blocks and that’s all good and great. You know, if you are one of those fit people or if you’re a New Yorker, right? You, new Yorkers, you just love, Oh, it’s a couple blocks, like five blocks later sweating. But that’s how, you know, for the rest of us, especially as Southern girls and Atlantans, I need an Uber or I need a ride, right. So I get there and I just did not anticipate what I was walking into, you know, literally. So this event was set up with different locations all around downtown. So it was like they were making use of downtown by treating it kind of like one big convention hall.

(10:57):
So there’d be a party over here and a breakout over here. And that was perfectly reasonable because things were really close and it got you to see the downtown, but it also meant that my chunky buns had to march all around town and run the risk of being sweaty, being late, or being sore. And honestly, sister, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Two words, chub rub. That’s right. It was like I was setting off sparks with my thighs. Okay. It was tough. Okay. It was tough. I was here to do a speaking event, but I also wanted to be social. I wanted to be able to go to these events. I wanted to be able to talk to people and meet people because I love people. And yet I was struggling. I found myself wanting to opt out of a lot of the events and staying in my hotel room because I just couldn’t bear arriving to another thing, worried about pit stains.

(11:50):
And basically for one of the very first times, I felt like my weight was really getting in my way and not in a, my jeans don’t fit type of way, or someone doesn’t think I’m attractive type of way, but it was getting in my way where it was keeping me from being in my purpose, which is hanging out with you and talking to you and making friends and that wasn’t okay. So I kind of put it on the back burner for the trip, but I knew it was something I didn’t like. And then the day came for me to do my keynote speech. And if you’ve ever had a chance to see one of my speeches, they’re just as high energy as our chats here, we have a blast. And so it usually kicks off though with me running out to some very good country music.

(12:31):
I usually play Save water, Drink beer by Chris Young. So I’m running out onto stage and I get on stage. And for the very first time, in a very long time, I couldn’t breathe. Like I couldn’t catch my breath. And I remember thinking to myself, “Oh my gosh, I have to start my keynote. And I can’t catch my breath. And all these people are watching me. Can they see how out of breath I am? This is so awkward and uncomfortable. What if I’m not okay.” Now, if any of you have ever started a new workout and felt like, Oh my goodness, this is the moment I’m going to die right here. This is it. I hopped on this Peloton bike. I thought it was a cute idea. I didn’t know the day God was coming to get me, but this is it, it’s happening right now.

(13:14):
Right? That was where my head was. And it was after that keynote, eventually I caught my breath. I did the keynote. It was great. We had a good time. But after that keynote, I remember thinking to myself that can never happen again. That can never ever happen again. I can’t in good faith in good integrity get on stage in front of people that, whether they paid a thousand dollars to see the chunky me speak or the skinny me speak, there is no skinny me. Let’s be honest. The enthusiastic size 10, very, very likely size 12 may speak, right? What would whoever they came to see, they paid the same price. So don’t, they deserve to see the best version of me I can bring. And I’m not saying that the thicker version of me is no good, people were thrilled to receive her. And I loved her too, but they deserve those extra few minutes at the beginning of my speech where I’m able to speak and I’m able to share.

(14:16):
And I’m able to tell funny jokes because I’m not out of breath. I just knew that in order for me to show up in this world, the way that I wanted to and the way that you deserve me to, I just couldn’t carry extra pounds. It just wasn’t working. I needed to put those pounds down somewhere and I needed to be able to show up and move a little lighter because I was speeding through my future. So what happened after that? I went all in. First place I went, and this is always the question people have. How did you lose? Which ultimately ended up being about 85 pounds. Well, I saw a doctor and I know that that isn’t the fun answer because if you go anywhere on society, you’ll hear, you need to try this diet. Or you want to try this formula, or you want to work out this way.

(15:05):
Or if you just try this mix, or this is the new fad, I got to tell you part of why I don’t talk about it on social media is because the answer’s not sassy. It’s not fun. It’s not a quick trick or hack. The reality is I went and I sat down with a doctor and I sat down with the nutritionist and I did every single thing they said. Everything. And I try not to speak on it because one, I learned a lesson from lady Oprah, which was, don’t talk about weight if you don’t want it to be conversation. Which is why you don’t hear me having these conversations everywhere else. It’s just the two of us right now. It’s just us having this conversation privately. And so I want you to know this piece about me, but it’s never really going to be major conversation.

(15:54):
At least not for me, because I don’t think it needs to be. We’re all on our own journey. And I am no weight loss expert. What I can tell you is if you go to a doctor and that doctor gives you recommendations, you should take them all. And the reason you should take them all is because that’s a professional who’s looking at your body specifically, and they’re telling you what you need to do to get your best results. It’s also why I’m so hesitant to say, Hey, do this, or try this or use this plan, use this plan because I don’t know what you’re struggling with. And I don’t know what your life might need. But what I do know is that a doctor does. So when I sat down and talked to my doctor and he said, less sugar, less fat, see a nutritionist, figure out a diet, move your body more. I did all of those things. It was necessary. And it was a tough conversation. I did not want to hear the answers. And I definitely wasn’t thrilled to hear that I was in such, such poor health. I was pre-diabetic. I had a blood pressure that was skyrocketing through the roof. This doctor told me that he was really, really worried about my body behaving like I was in my sixties and seventies when I was actually in my late twenties. And honestly, I looked like I was 23. Haha!

(17:13):
I mean, really? I just knew that I had to make a change and I had to make a change for good. So I applied those tools. Now here’s the other not so fun part. It took me a long time. Getting all this weight off and keeping it off took me years. I think that because I was so committed and the weight loss was so big, you know, most of us will shift between 10 pounds or 15 pounds, but 80 pounds. I mean, I lost an entire fourth grader. Haha, so I think that because it was such a drastic difference, it felt like maybe it happened kind of quick and social media does that, but all these pounds came off over the span of about three years. It’s been some time to get it off. And I think that’s another, the thing I want to offer today. So if the first step is seeing a doctor, the next step is recalibrating what it looks like to get the weight off and keep it off.

(17:59):
It’s not something that’s supposed to happen overnight because you don’t want the waitress gone. You want it gone for good. So know that for me, I stopped looking at the food that I was eating on my plate and saying to myself, this is just what I feel like eating. And I started looking at the food on my plate and I said, how is this going to contribute to my life? Every time I looked at my plate, I tried to choose life. Now I want you to lean in real quick friend, and know that when I say choose life, I don’t mean that I always ate a salad. Goodness, me, Oh my, you know, me and my love for popcorn, you know, me and you know, I’m a snacker. It’s just that sometimes it does contribute to my life to have that donut.

(18:42):
And you know that sometimes it does contribute to my life to clean up on a bit of popcorn. You know, that joy comes in a lot of different forms, but I just wanted all of my eating to be intentional. I wanted to be conscious of the choices I was making instead of absentmindedly contributing to a body that didn’t help me get where I needed to go. It was that shift in thinking that finally made everything come together. And it’s why I’m chatting about it with you right now. I just want to make sure you understand that it’s not some crazy quick solution and much like I teach my students in 1K1Day Academy or anyone that I’m working with to build a business. The old school stuff really does work, diet, exercise, mindset. It’s just about deciding when you’re ready to start and getting a team around you with the resources and tools to help you make it happen.

(19:36):
So friend, I just want to let you know we’re living in a crazy time right now, and there’s nothing about what we’re talking about here that I expect you to kick off right now. This is not some major call to action to get fit and change up your whole life. I’m asking you as I always do to grant yourself some grace. I’m also trying to show you the other side. I know that it’s so easy in social media to think that everything’s perfect, especially with all these crazy announcements that are happening. TV shows and crazy launches and, and helping people build a business and social media shininess. Well you know who I am. I’m always your regular girlfriend, uh, definite hot mess express. And I’m always like super excited to come here with you to share how it’s, it’s actually happening, the real behind the scenes.

(20:27):
So you can see that you’re honestly a lot closer to success than you know, and so that it doesn’t feel like it’s something out of reach and unattainable. We’re exactly the same. If God can do it for me, He can definitely do it for you. Whether it’s building a business, raising a family or shedding some extra pounds, I’m it with you friend. I love hanging out with you. And I’m so grateful that we get to have this space where we can connect every single week and more than anything, I just really want to be a value to your life. And more than anything, it just gives me joy to know that I get to speak into your life. It’s not lost on me the trust that’s required to do that. So thank you for trusting me to be here, be your friend and speak life into you.

(21:14):
If you want to get a little bit closer and you want to work together and you’re thinking that you may want to step out and learn more, I would love, love to welcome you into cycle 15 of 1K1Day Academy. Now 1K1Day Academy has all the details. Everything you need to know and me real life in person working with you at 1K1Day.com. That’s one like the number. If you go there, add yourself to the wait list. The minute we opened these doors, you’re good. As in, I can’t wait to take this journey with you friend. This was a good one. I’m going to look out for your message on social. So hit me up on Twitter and Instagram. This was a blast!

(22:03):
Thanks so much for listening and of course I would love to work with you. I believe that a side hustle is something that everyone needs. A little extra cash can change your life. And it is my joy to work with everyday entrepreneurs in my signature program, 1K1Day Academy. You can start now by heading over to 1K1Day.com and joining the community. I can’t wait to work with you. Let’s get started.

In this episode, I cover:

• A topic I never talk about and don’t plan on talking a lot about in the future,
• How I lost and gained weight, and
• Updates on MidTiny and her being cancer-free (!) plus our premiere date for our TV show, She’s The Boss!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Head over 1K1Day.com to get on the waiting list for my signature program, 1K1Day Academy!
• Did you miss the last episode on taking care of yourself in 2021? Listen to it here! 
• Write a review for the show on Apple here!

More about The Nicole Walters Podcast:

The Nicole Walters Podcast is for the everyday entrepreneur that wants to increase their income but doesn’t know where to start. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Nicole Walters is a wife, mom, income strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Monetized Life™. Join Nicole each week for a new episode packed with what you need to know to gain clarity, grow your network and monetize your life using the proven corporate strategies she mastered in 10 years as a Fortune 500 executive.

Whether you’re just starting out and don’t know your next step, or you’re multi-passionate and don’t know the right next step, Nicole is here to break it down for you! Richfriend, let’s add some commas to your bank account!

Listen each week. Do. The. Work, and success WILL come!

Release The Steam

by Nicole Walters | Feb 2, 2021

Release The Steam

I thought we were going to get a break in 2021, am I right? Who would have expected the crazy year that 2021 has been, but you know what? I am still committed, despite it all, to this being the best year ever but I need to release some steam.

All that to be said, it doesn’t mean that the day to day isn’t wiping me out! Man, have I ever felt like I am all the things for all the people all the time. I know you can relate friend and that’s why if there was ever a time for me and you to chat about caring for ourselves, this is it.

Thanks for spending time with me today and each week. I so appreciate it! Head over 1K1Day.com to get on the waiting list for my signature program, 1K1Day Academy. Until our next episode, come hang with me over on social @NicoleWalters!

(00:00):
Hey friend, you’re listening to The Nicole Walters Podcast. I’m a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life that I built for myself but using my corporate skills I took to the Internet and built a multi-seven-figure business, showing others how they can build a life they love. Now on this podcast, I share stories of being an entrepreneur, a mom to my three amazing girls and a wife to my crazy, cooky dancing Hubbin. I’ve had a couple of viral videos too. So you know there’s going to be a lot of laughs here. So whether you’ve seen me on my viral vids or on the Today Show or read about me in Forbes, this is the place where we can meet, share stories, share laughs, and share fun. I’m your best friend in your head. So sit back, listen close, and let’s get started.

(00:50):
Hey friend, I thought we were going to get a break in 2021, am I right? Who would have expected the crazy year that 2021 has been, but you know what? I am still committed, despite it all, to this being the best year ever, a miraculous turnaround, positive things and finishing stronger than ever. But all that to be said, it doesn’t mean that the day to day, I’m getting wiped out! I don’t know about you, but man, have I ever felt like I am all the things for all the people all the time. I mean, if it isn’t handling the dishes, starting a dishwasher, getting on another zoom call, helping the kids get on another zoom call and just all around being a good wife, mom, coworker, business owner, sister, caregiver. Ohh, I am exhausted. And if there was ever a time for me and you to chat about caring for ourselves, this is it.

(01:51):
So this week I got to let you know, I was just about finished with the politics. Now you guys know we don’t go about politics back and forth. There are tons of places you can listen to that. Honestly, I don’t even know if we can avoid it, but here I want to let you know, I am just kind of exhausted. It’s not that I don’t have opinions. It’s not that I don’t care. It’s just, I’m kind of wiped out. I don’t really have any mental space to keep listening to everyone being angry. Am I right? So with the weight of all the things that have happened in our world recently, I just felt done. I mean, literally done. As in I’m tired of the way my kids smell. I don’t like the way the water tastes in my house. I’m over every single aspect, the temperatures too hot!

(02:35):
Okay. And so here’s what I did. And I’m hoping that in sharing this truth, one, it frees you. I want to give you permission girl to say, I need my space, literally breathing room, right? Because we got to sustain. So I just decided to step away. We used to take breaks in the parking lot of target after buying tons of ottomans that we didn’t need. That was how we spent time together. And if I don’t carve out space for myself and I don’t mean one of those intentional put it in their journal, new year’s resolution situations. I’m talking about going in the pantry, locking the door, grabbing the bag of Fritos, sitting on the floor and watching an episode of Friends, for serious. This is the season where we got to do more of that. I completely forgot that my usual coping mechanisms, you know, whether it’s taking a self care sabbatical and booking a hotel room for a couple of days or calling up a girlfriend and saying, let’s get away or even sitting outside of Target for an extra 20 minutes and eating a candy bar and having some Starbucks, like these things don’t exist the way they did in our previous world. Because of this dang virus, we have to be doubly careful.

(03:45):
So I’m telling you friend, we’ve got to reinvent the way that we take care of ourselves. And I think it’s going to look a little bit more like carving out micro-moments and less like planning big self-care getaway. So for me this week, what that looked like was getting in the car and leaving. Yeah, that’s it. I left, I drove and I just kept turning corners and I looked at houses. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I just love looking at a house. Like, I’m just like, Oh, that’s nice. Or I see what they’ve done with their yard or, Oh, what an interesting landscape. You know, I just, I mean, I just was looking at houses and parking in neighborhoods and watching a good movie on my phone. And then, and I’m going to give you level 100, top to your parenting here.

(04:28):
I mean, honestly, this is premium, luxury, high end parenting tips. It’s called glove box snacks. I stash Cheetos, Rits crackers, you name it. And I think I had a Capri Sun in there. I mean truly none of the good stuff stuck in the glove box. And I just sat there and I lived my best life by myself. And after a while I played some music and I sang out loud by myself. And then when I got tired of looking at this cul de sac, I went and drove to a park, overlooking the river. And I stared at the Chattahoochee River for a couple hours. And I just was nobody’s anything. I wasn’t mom, I wasn’t Nicole, I wasn’t mentor, I wasn’t wife, I wasn’t anybody’s anything. And yeah, it doesn’t actually replace dipping my toes in the sand on the side of a beach in Jamaica.

(05:16):
But you know what? It helped, it helped a lot. It was like taking a little bit of steam out of the Instapot to make sure that the pressure didn’t make the whole thing explode. So I say this to you because friend, you may be about to explode. It’s been a lot and you’re not by yourself in thinking or feeling that, but I don’t want you to get into the habit. Cause I do this too. You know, raising my hand. Of thinking that if a break can’t look exactly how we want it to that we aren’t deserving of one anyways. You deserve friend. You are so deserving. So carve out that time, take that breather and nourish yourself because you take care of so many people and I love you for it. I’m so glad that we took this moment to connect because maybe this is the break and I’m so grateful you would choose to spend it with me.

(06:13):
Friend, I’m getting ready to open up another cycle of 1K1Day Academy. And the reason I’m telling you is because maybe in the back of your head, you’re making plans right now. You’re saying to yourself, you know, when this world opens up, I really want to be financially positioned to pay for our family to take that vacation that we’ve put aside for so long. Or finish those extra renovations that I really noticed in the house during this quarantine time. Or maybe you’re just saying that there’s something on your heart that God’s called you to do and you know that now’s the season to really dive in. Well, I’m finally accepting new students for the first time in 2021. And I really want you to be one of them. We’re going to walk through things side-by-side in a simple way virtually that’ll help you build a business that you love. That’ll be corporately sound, profitable, sustainable, and hopefully a little bit of fun. If you want to learn more, get on the waitlist. We really do fill up soon because I only work with an exclusive small group. Head over to 1K1Day.com and just give yourself the option to say yes, I can’t wait to work with you and I’ll chat with you next week. This was a good one.

(07:24):
Thanks so much for listening and of course I would love to work with you. I believe that a side hustle is something that everyone needs. A little extra cash can change your life. And it is my joy to work with everyday entrepreneurs in my signature program, 1K1Day Academy. You can start now by heading over to 1K1Day.com and joining the community. I can’t wait to work with you. Let’s get started.

In this episode, I cover:

• How I’m changing the way I look at self care right now,
• What I did this week to release some steam (don’t judge me y’all)
• Why we can’t downplay what we’ve gone through as mothers, business owners, wives, sisters, etc this year, and
• How you can work with me SOON

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Head over 1K1Day.com to get on the waiting list for my signature program, 1K1Day Academy!
• Did you miss the last episode on our upcoming TV show?! Listen to it here! 
• Write a review for the show on Apple here!

More about The Nicole Walters Podcast:

The Nicole Walters Podcast is for the everyday entrepreneur that wants to increase their income but doesn’t know where to start. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Nicole Walters is a wife, mom, income strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of The Monetized Life™. Join Nicole each week for a new episode packed with what you need to know to gain clarity, grow your network and monetize your life using the proven corporate strategies she mastered in 10 years as a Fortune 500 executive.

Whether you’re just starting out and don’t know your next step, or you’re multi-passionate and don’t know the right next step, Nicole is here to break it down for you! Richfriend, let’s add some commas to your bank account!

Listen each week. Do. The. Work, and success WILL come!