We often find ourselves trapped in the busyness of daily life, feeling like there is never enough time to achieve what matters most. In a recent episode of the Coaching Gold Podcast, hosts Dr. Rudy Jackson and Dorian Cunion sat down with Sarah Jackson, a Growth Coach and consultant, to discuss precisely how we can move from feeling "stuck" to moving forward with clarity.
Whether you are a business leader, a nonprofit professional, or someone navigating a career transition, the insights shared in this conversation offer a practical roadmap for personal growth. Here are the key takeaways from the episode that you can apply today.
1. Define Your Purpose
One of the most powerful concepts discussed in the episode is the idea of purpose as a "North Star." When you are clear about your purpose, you can make choices that align with your true intentions, leading to greater fulfillment.
Sarah Jackson suggests stripping away the complexity and defining your purpose using a simple, three-part framework:
What do you want to do?
How do you want to do it?
What impact do you want to have?
By answering these questions, you create a filter through which you can run every decision, ensuring your actions express your values.
2. Overcome the Scarcity Mindset of Time
"I don't have enough time." It is a phrase we all use, but often, it is a story we tell ourselves rather than an objective reality. This "scarcity mindset" can actually make us feel overwhelmed and less impactful.
To combat this, the Sarah suggests conducting a "168-hour audit." Instead of focusing on the 24 hours in a day, zoom out to view your week as 168 hours. You will likely have more capacity than you realized.
From there, shift your focus from "work-life balance" to balancing "doing vs. being." Ask yourself:
Does this task bring me energy (an Energizer)?
Does this task leave me exhausted (a Drainer)?.
Identifying your "drainers" allows you to see where your time is truly going and prioritize activities that fuel your purpose.
3. Challenge the "Stories We Tell Ourselves"
We all operate on beliefs that we treat as facts. Dr. Rudy Jackson notes that much of the work in coaching involves helping people become aware of the root of these stories to see if they are actually serving them.
When you face a limiting belief (e.g., "I'm not ready for leadership," or "I can't take a break"), use these inquiries to challenge it:
How do you know that is true?
How would you act without that belief?.
This process gives you the autonomy to rebuild beliefs that support your growth rather than hinder it.
4. Rely on Habits, Not Willpower
Finally, the conversation touched on the importance of sustainability. As host Dorian Cunion pointed out, willpower alone is not enough to drive success. If you rely solely on willpower, you will eventually burn out when stress rises.
Instead, success comes from building habits—such as mindfulness, journaling, or reading—that keep you balanced. When you prioritize these routines, you maintain the energy required to be effective in your leadership and personal life.
Watch the Full Conversation
These takeaways only scratch the surface of the wisdom shared in this episode. To hear the whole discussion on leading with values, navigating change, and the specific examples of how coaching can unlock potential, we highly recommend listening to the full interview.
We have also put together this job aid to help you reflect on the best practices shared in this podcast, define your purpose, and begin mapping your roadmap to use your time and energy better.
