Closing The 18 Inch Gap Podcast

In all of us we all have one mind however every mind you take one of two paths. Each path goes a completely different direction. It is something that everyone deals with. Which path you take? That will determine where you will go. These two mindsets are constantly battling each other. It's not a matter of completely dominating one over the other. They are both present at all times. Some days one has the upper hand and other days the other one. Two mindsets residing in one body. A body that has a soul longing to make its dreams come true. Either one can be heavily influenced. And both of them are in fact. At the end of the day what matters is which one gets more attention given to it over a period of time.  To completely ignore one and give the other one undivided attention would lead to absolute burnout. Even too much of a good thing is not good at all. Life is about balance, and in today's podcast episode I want to bring some balance to these two mindsets. They are very easily described as: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. I will describe what each one is point by point. How one side compares the other. The idea is to get into the right side of thinking without neglecting the other side. It may seem contradictory but I will explain in more detail how these two mindsets work in your mind. So, let's dive into The Battle of Two Mindsets work and how to use the right one to your advantage starting today. •    Quote of the week: "Many growth-minded people didn't even plan to go to the top. They got there as a result of doing what they love. It's ironic: The top is where the fixed-mindset people hunger to be, but it's where many growth-minded people arrive as a by-product of their enthusiasm for what they do." ― Carol S. Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started  and  get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18-inch gap!

Are your dreams being drained and you don't even realize it?  Your time and energy is similar to your paycheck. You work for a week or two, perhaps you have some over time, but you never exactly know how much tax is going to come out.  Even if you are a salaried employee and have a steady predictable income, you're still paying taxes in different ways that you may not realize. The same goes for your time and your energy. There's a tax being taken from you every single day…  Did  you didn't vote for it? Did you didn't agree to it? And most dangerously—you don't even realize you're paying it. This isn't a financial tax.  This is a life tax.  A dream tax. It shows up in moments that seem harmless… scrolling a little longer, hesitating a little more, waiting for the "right time" that never arrives. And the cost? Your future is at risk.  Your potential delayed and the life you keep telling yourself you'll get to "one day." Today, we're exposing the silent tax draining your dreams—because once you see it, you can't unsee it… and more importantly, you can finally stop paying it. So let's dive into th firt 10 taxes that are draining your dreams.    •    Quote of the week: "It's been said that there are only two pains in life, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret, and that discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." – Anthony Robbins   Here are the first 10 signs that you are paying The Silent Tax Draining Your Dreams: 1. Procrastination Tax-  You delay one task… then another. 2. Comfort Zone Tax- You choose what's easy over what's necessary. 3. Fear Tax-Fear convinces you to wait. 4. Distraction Tax- Your attention gets pulled in every direction. 5. Doubt Tax-You question your worth and your ability. 6. Excuse Tax- You justify why now isn't the time. 7. Busyness Tax-You're always occupied, but not aligned.   8. Waiting-for-the-Right-Time Tax- You wait for perfect conditions. 9. Energy Drain Tax- You invest energy in things that don't matter. 10. Lack-of-Clarity Tax- You don't define what you want. All these plus another ten additional taxes your paying that interfere with your dreams! Listen to the full episode as I dive into each one of these points and more. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started and  get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

In today's episode I want to ask you something. Are your dreams drifting away from you? In today's episode I'm going to go into 15 signs your dream could be drifting away from you and what you can do about it. Let me show you a real-life example. In 3 hours, a plane traveling at 500 mph covers 1,500 miles.  If the plane is off course by 3° the plane would be approximately 78.5 miles away from its intended destination/path. The reason it does not drift is because of it's auto-pilot. That's just three short hours. Now you may not be moving at 500 miles an hour but you still are moving quite fast. Not only that, I'm not talking about three hours either. I'm talking about days that turn into weeks, weeks that turn into months, months the turn into years, and years of turning to decades.  But the drift doesn't happen overnight. It starts very slow, very subtle, and creeps up on you. Before you know it, so much time has gone by that you've drifted so far from you intended destination of dreams and now you don't even know where to start to get back.  Why did that happen? Do you feel this way? Do you realize that you are drifting away? How can you get back if you are? Let me tell you that it's not too late. Especially if you listen to this episode today. Whether you're listening to it just as it's released or sometime in the future trust that the perfect timing for this message to reach you is now.  No matter where you are in your journey whether you're just getting started or you just realize you have to come back it's never too late. No matter how frustrated you may feel know that you will always be able to find someone to help you find your way back. And in this moment in time that someone is me. So let's dive into 15 signs that indicate that your drifting away from dreams. •    Quote of the week: "Every day you spend drifting away from your goals is a waste not only of that day, but also of the additional day it takes to regain lost ground." — Ralph Marston  Here are 15  signs that you are drifting away from your dream: 1.    You forgot what most resonated with you and what little fire in you 2.    You let too many people's opinions dictate your path 3.    You let your emotions get in the way 4.    You got too comfortable where you are 5.    You didn't count the cost before you started 6.    You stopped asking questions 7.    You stopped listening to those that counseled you 8.    You stopped taking care of yourself 9.    You stopped reading or read purely for entertainment and escape 10.    You never followed up on what you started 11.    You allowed less important things to take up more time 12.    You stopped believing in yourself over a period of time 13.    You started becoming more and more critical of others 14.    You started dismissing other people's dreams or desires 15.    You stopped helping others Listen to the full episode as I dive into each one of these points in great depth. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started  and  get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

In today's episode I want to continue my conversation on mental and emotional health.  I was interviewed on someone else's platform for the second time in less than a week.  It was a very special time as the interviewer is someone I have known for a long time. We spoke more than anything about the inner being and some of my story. So, this inspired me to go deeper this week on the journey of emotions many of you, my listeners, may be going through.  It's about being stuck in your minds and hearts which creates what I call the 18-inch gap that can be so challenging to close.  I want to share with you one of the things that really freed me to start my journey to where I am at today.  How I went From Stuck to Unstoppable.  And the final release started at my mother's death bed.  Quote of the week: "So many people will tell you 'no', and you need to find something you believe in so hard that you just smile and tell them 'watch me'." — Michael Bassey Johnson   Here is a small sample of what I share in this episode:   Some of the deepest pain came from trusting people I would have defended without hesitation. Betrayal forced me to see the difference between attachment and genuine connection.  I learned that boundaries are not walls—they are protection.  Some endings felt like destruction, but they were really redirection. I learned that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation.  Some chapters ended without closure, and I had to create my own peace. I learned to stop taking another person's liking me as a measure of my worth. I realized closure sometimes comes from understanding, not explanation.  After everything I lost, I finally found the person I was meant to become: myself And much more.    These are lessons that when  learned and applied will make such a huge difference in moving forward. Too often our judgment gets clouded by our emotions and life has a way of bringing about ways of showing us how much greatnes we have inside that can not be drowned out no matter what has happenned. Key characteristics of unstoppable people: Resilience: Rejection is simply motivation to prove people wrong. Action: Keep moving forward regardless of speed. Mindset: Deciding that you will never give up. Purpose: Finding a fire in your heart and keeping it lit. If any of this is resonating with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

In today's episode I want to bring something that's coming from many conversations I've had this past week.  It started with a conversation with the photographer friend of mine. He lost a major job at Microsoft and started taking his photography from a hobby to something serious. He wanted to build upon it. He  had an old camera and decided that he being a tech guy that he is it needed to be upgraded to a much better one. But a friend, also a photographer, told him: "you don't need to change the camera, you just need to change lens". He convinced them to upgrade the lens attached to the camera and not get rid of the camera itself.  This made me think deeply about how we view ourselves. What role mental health can play in that. It's not about changing the camera, which is you per se. It's about change the lens, how you see things. Since then, some other conversations have come up that really made me think about what I want to bring to you today. Mental health has caused many people to try to discard the camera, if you will, instead of changing the lens. The change of lenses changes perspective, a way of looking at things. I want to tie this into not just mental health, but as a way of what lens you are looking through while still keeping the camera, which symbolizes you as a person. I want to look at some key specific roles where a change of lenses is far more effective than changing the camera itself. How you see yourself and what you're going through plays a huge role into the outcomes you can achieve. With that I want to have a raw conversation about mental health.  •    Quote of the week: "talk to yourself like you would to someone you love"- Brené Brown Points covered:   When it comes to looking at a different perspective, in other words changing lenses to the camera, I want to be able to dive into specific topics if you will that deal with this very thing. I want to be able to bring to you today ways that these pictures you may be seeing of yourself are actually distorted. Distorted pictures through various circumstances that I myself am very familiar with. And because of the familiarity I have with them is why I want to bring them to you today. In these different scenarios that I will be going to greatly affect mental health at a deep level. It's a matter of seeing a different perspective. The first scenario that I am very familiar with is how mental health affect you at your job. Last week's episode I spoke about how the comeback continued and it spoke a lot about my loss of a job of almost 27 years. I spoke about this and last week's episode but I'm going to go deeper and in a different angle for the sake of what I want to bring today: •    Your job is a job not your identity •    How you are treated will affect you deeply both mentally and emotionally •    You may feel trapped but you have to realize that there's always a way out •    Do not let anyone make you feel any less of a human that you are already •    Learn the lessons that you can why were there because it will help you down the road our existing The second scenario I will speak of his family related. I come from an extremely abusive background from the earliest memories that I had as a child well into my adulthood. It's something that I have realized that I am still learning and recovering from. My relationship with my mother was anything but normal.  Disclaimer: none of this is meant to diagnose or give advice, I strongly recommend should you need a professional opinion to not hesitate in seeking it: •    The abuse went through as a child •    The limiting beliefs it instilled in me •    How I'm learning not to hide even in a room where I belong •    The story of my mother-the final year and what happened •    Breaking family ties even when it's difficult because it feels like a betrayal but it's not •    Family upbringing greatly influences how we think and even creates certain conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD etc. The third and final scenario I want to talk about is being in a faith community. This gets very difficult to navigate for so many reasons.  Faith is something that can be deeply rooted in you but if engrained  in the wrong way, it will do significant damage. I'm not here to tell you what to believe and what not to believe in. That's a journey that you must explore on your own. But I am of the thought of mind that no faith journey should strip you of your identity as a person or override your dignity as a human being: •    There's many ways of looking at is what two extremes are to either be deeply involved or deeply despised in anything to do with faith •    Of all the abuses I went through fortunately the worst abuse I felt in some of my faith communities was more emotional than anything else •    They can be deeply tied into how we think and even how we feel that we need to follow it and deviating it just brings another sense of betrayal •    My number one rule for faith is that it needs to build you up not tear you down •    Mental health is not fully understood in many of these communities Listen to this week's full episode for my raw conversation about mental health and how you can overcome what you may also be going through. If any of this is resonating with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started and  get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

I will be doing what is called a freestyle recording with no specific outline or steps to follow per se. I want to take a pause from the what to do, how to do, etc. I want to go into a personal deep dive of what life looks like when you put the things I'm saying into action. If you have been following for some time you know I have shared my devastating job loss three years ago. I will be sharing what I've learned, what is happening, the waiting period, how things look different from others and much more. It's a personal story that I hope will inspire you to overcome whatever you may be looking at as well. A story that will help you also create your own comeback if you ever need one. My hope is that you succeed and do well in everything you put your mind and dream to do. But know that not all paths are straight and easy but you too can overcome whatever life throws at you. • Quote of the week: "...never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense". Winston Churchill Here is what has helped me continue this comeback going on for three years: 1. Community- it has grown tremendously since I left my job, but I didn't wait to leave my job for that to start. 2. Patience- you will need a tremendous amount of patience especially with yourself. 3. It's your journey-you need to know that your journey will look very different from anyone else's. That's okay. 4. The answers will come- how I found so many answers afterwards and they still keep coming. 5. Sometimes you have to go against what is common-to succeed in your journey or situation the fact is that it will look very different; it's a big advantage. 6. Never stay somewhere too long where you're not wanted- when you leave a situation, don't keep looking back or find those are hurt. Learn the lessons from it. Move on. 7. The people you need to help you get where you need to go may not be in orbit yet but they will come. 8. Have an insatiable desire to learn. Read, explore, experiment because this is what will help you move forward. 9. Accept that at one point or another your journey will be different than anyone else's and they simply won't understand. Stop explaining yourself. 10. Have the confidence to know that you're in the right place and the right time. Don't ignore whatever signs are being given to you to let you know you are on the right path. 11. Don't put ideas off too long. These are clues that lead to your success on your path. You cannot always make your success come faster but you can surely slow it down. 12. Find balance and a pace that is right for you. Listen to this week's full episode for my raw conversation with you and how I have been able to comeback from one of the most devastating times in my life. And no, this is not the only comeback story I have. I will be sharing many more as time goes on. Frustrated because the dream isn't taking shape? It's not as much as in your heart as it is in your mind. You must first fix the foundation then build the dream. In order to do that, you need to deal with what's in front of you, not what's now behind you… otherwise you'll keep trying harder when what you really need is to get aligned again." If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

You may recall in last week's episode as I was speaking with my wife about a pottery class. She said she's really enjoying it, but she is working really hard on learning how to center the clay so she can work better with it. Being centered is a way of being balanced. And when I thought of the clay being centered, it made me think of the potter's wheel as it spins and spins. She has since made a tremendous amount of progress. She found extra time that she can go in on her own and practice. She's getting better and better because she's putting the time in. If you want to get centered and move forward and make those dreams come true, but you also have to put the time in. It's going to take ever. It will not happen magically. And it's going to involve a tremendous amount of emotions. All sorts of emotions and you have to be ready to navigate this as well. It may take time, however long that can be. Sometimes asking yourself how long, is the wrong question to ask because it puts you into a state of mind that it needs to be completed in a predetermined amount of time. That's putting an enormous amount of pressure on yourself. Today I'm going to finish diving into a list of different ways that you become off-balance, off-center while life spins away. I will also show you how you can get back into the center so that you can take control and be able to keep creating and forming your dreams no matter how much your life is spinning. This is the way that you can Fix the Foundation Then Build the Dream. • Quote of the week: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes... including you." — Anne Lamott Here are some the remaining list of pitfalls that will certainly throw you off your balance, keep your off-center while life is spinning faster and faster. I'll also show you how you can get out of these pitfalls that are holding you back. 1. Confusing Movement With Progress: You're doing a lot—but none of it is aligned. 2. Staying in Old Roles That No Longer Fit: You're still playing a part you've outgrown. 3. Fear of Being Seen Because You Were Once Judged: You dim your light to avoid criticism. You hold back your voice, your ideas, your presence. 4. Carrying Guilt From Past Decisions: You punish yourself long after the lesson was learned. You replay the mistake, wishing you could change it. 5. Building a Future Without Releasing the Past: You're stacking new dreams on an unstable foundation. Every step forward feels shaky because something underneath hasn't been resolved. 6. Expecting the Worst Because It Happened Before: You live in defense mode. You brace yourself for disappointment before anything even begins. This mindset keeps you safe—but it also keeps you stuck. 7. Romanticizing the Struggle: You think pain equals progress. You believe it has to be hard to be worth it. So you tolerate unnecessary suffering. 8. Living in Emotional Debt to Your Past: You feel like you owe your past something—like you're not allowed to move forward freely because of what happened. 9. Letting Old Voices Speak Louder Than Your Present Reality: The opinions, criticisms, and doubts of others still echo in your mind. Even when your life has changed, those voices haven't. 10. Confusing Familiar Pain With Comfort: You go back to what hurt you because it feels familiar. It may not be healthy, but at least it's predictable. 11. Shrinking Your Dream to Match Your Past: You limit your vision based on what you've seen or experienced before. 12. Over-Attaching to Outcomes to Avoid Feeling Loss Again: You grip tightly to results because you're afraid of losing again. 13. Letting One Season Define Your Entire Story: A hard chapter convinces you that your whole life will look that way. You forget that seasons change—and so can you. 14. Silencing Your Intuition Because It Was Ignored Before: There was a time you didn't listen to your gut—and it cost you. Now you don't trust it at all. You second-guess your inner voice until it goes quiet. 15. Carrying the Pressure to "Get It Right This Time": Because of past mistakes, you feel like this attempt has to be perfect. That pressure slows you down, makes you hesitant, and drains your confidence. 16. Forgetting Who You Were Before Life Weighed You Down: Before the hurt, before the disappointment, before the setbacks—you had clarity, belief, and vision. But life dimmed that version of you, and now you feel disconnected from it. Listen to this week's full episode for the entire list where I also bring you a re-center point which is the solution to each problem presented here. "Some of you are frustrated because the dream isn't taking shape… but it's not your hands—it's your center. You must first fix the foundation then build the dream. In order to do that, you need to deal with what's been pulling you off balance… otherwise you'll keep trying harder when what you really need is to get centered again." If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It's only about 30 minutes to get started and get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

I was having a conversation with my wife this week.  I gave her a pottery class this past Christmas and she finally started three weeks ago. I asked her how it was going and she said something that really got my attention.  She said she's really enjoying it, but she is working really hard on learning how to center the clay so she can work better with it.  Being centered is a way of being balanced. And when I thought of the clay being centered, it made me think of the potter's wheel as it spins and spins. So imagine life being the same way. A clump of clay being beautifully formed but not coming to its full potential because off-center, it's off balance while life, the potter's wheel, keeps spinning and spinning nonstop. Do you feel that way?  Well today I'm going to dive into a list of different ways that you become off-balance, off-center while life spins away. I will also show you how you can get back into the center so that you can take control and be able to keep creating and forming your dreams no matter how much your life is spinning.  •    Quote of the week: "Balance is not something you find, it's something you create." — Jana Kingsford Here is a list of pitfalls that will certainly throw you off your balance, keep your off-center while life is spinning faster and faster. I'll also show you how you can get out of these pitfalls that are holding you back and get recentered again: 1. Carrying Old Pain Into New Purpose:  You're trying to build something new with hands still shaking from what broke you.  2. Letting Past Rejection Rewrite Your Identity:  One "no" becomes your internal voice forever. That rejection didn't just close a door—it moved into your mind and started narrating your life. 3. Building From Proving, Not Purpose:  You're chasing success just to show someone they were wrong. And even if you win, it feels empty—because it was never rooted in who you truly are.  4. Unhealed Betrayal Turning Into Distrust of Everyone:  Someone broke your trust—and now everyone pays for it. You keep people at a distance, not because they've earned it, but because someone else did.  5. Dragging Old Baggage Into New Conversations:  "You're not enough," "You always mess things up"—those voices followed you into a new chapter. 6. Overworking to Outrun Your Past:  You stay busy so you don't have to feel. Every quiet moment threatens to bring back something you've been avoiding.  7. Fear of Repeating the Past:  You hesitate because "what if it happens again?"  8. Letting One Failure Define Your Capacity:  One loss becomes your ceiling. You replay it so often that it feels permanent.  9. Seeking Validation From People Who Hurt You:  You still want approval from the same place that wounded you. You think if they finally see you, it will heal something inside. But all it does is keep you tied to the past. 10. Emotional Baggage Disguised as "Wisdom":  You say, "I've learned," but what you really mean is "I'm afraid."  And a few more.  Listen to this week's full episode for the entire list. And tune in next week when I will cover even more about this subject. "Some of you are frustrated because the dream isn't taking shape… but it's not your hands—it's your center. And until you deal with what's been pulling you off balance… you'll keep trying harder when what you really need is to get centered again." If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It's only about 30 minutes to get started and  get momentum working in your favor to get your breakthrough. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

Last week I talked  about pivots and having a pivotal moment.  Simply put, pivotal means extremely important or crucial, like a key turning point or the central part on which everything else depends, similar to a door's hinge that makes it work. It describes something vital that influences the success or direction of a situation, event, or person. Today I want to go even further and bring 6 stages Every Dreamer Goes Through Before a Breakthrough.  Each stage has its own key aspect and challenges. I want to look at each one as a step and not a setback. I want to help you navigate each one so that you can get to your breakthrough as well.  This will not happen overnight and more likely than not will take a lot longer than you planned. I just spoke with another coach today that took her a total of six years just to get where she is currently at. She described it as a long slow marathon.  If you want to make those dreams, come true, you will certainly also have to go thought these six stages. Knowing what they are and how to navigate them ahead of time will put you at an advantage to get thought them. Perhaps not faster but certainly better prepared.  You can rarely ever speed up your success, but you can certainly delay it. I want to help you minimize those delays as you go through each stage. •    Quote of the week:    "Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." — Earl Nightingale 6 Stages Every Dreamer Goes Through Before a Breakthrough 1. The Vision Stage:  The Dream Awakens.  Every dream begins with a spark — a moment where you begin to see a possibility for your life that excites you. This vision may come through an idea, a calling, an inspiration, or a deep internal desire. 2. The Friction Stage: Reality Pushes Back.  After the initial excitement fades, dreamers begin encountering resistance. 3. The Frustration Stage:  The Emotional Battle. When friction continues long enough, frustration often follows. 4. The Reflection Stage: The Moment of Honest Evaluation. Eventually the dreamer begins stepping back and reflecting on what is really happening. 5. The Pivot Stage: Strategic Change. Once clarity arrives, the dreamer begins making adjustments. 6. The Breakthrough Stage: Momentum Returns. After the pivot is implemented, momentum begins to build again. The Hidden Truth About Breakthroughs. Most people only see Stage 6. They see the success, the accomplishment, or the recognition. But dreamers know something deeper: Every breakthrough is built on a cycle of pivots, persistence, and personal growth. 10 Famous Moments in History Where One Pivot Changed Everything 1. Steve Jobs – Returning to Apple 2. Walt Disney – Disney faced bankruptcy and lost control of his first studio. Rather than quitting animation, he pivoted creatively, developing Mickey Mouse.  3. Oprah Winfrey – Oprah was fired from a local news anchor job for being "unsuitable for television." Instead of quitting media, she pivoted to daytime talk shows, embracing her authentic, empathetic style.  4. Abraham Lincoln – Lincoln lost multiple elections before the presidency. After each loss, he pivoted — refining his leadership and political strategy.  5. J.K. Rowling – Rowling's Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by dozens of publishers. Instead of quitting writing, she pivoted by continuing to submit and refining her approach. One small publisher accepted it, launching a literary and cultural phenomenon. 6. Colonel Harland Sanders –After his roadside restaurant failed due to highway changes, Sanders pivoted by traveling the country selling his fried chicken recipe. Rejected hundreds of times, he finally found success. This pivot created the global KFC franchise. 7. Elon Musk – In 2008, Musk's companies faced near bankruptcy. Instead of quitting, he pivoted — reallocating funds, focusing on key launches, and prioritizing projects that would prove viability. This pivot allowed both companies to survive and eventually dominate their industries. 8 Michael Jordan –Jordan was cut from his high school varsity team. Instead of quitting basketball, he pivoted by training harder, improving his skills, and approaching the game differently. That single pivot fueled a career that made him one of the greatest athletes of all time. 9. Sara Blakely – Blakely was selling fax machines when she invented Spanx. Pivoting from her sales career to entrepreneurship, she refined her product and approach. Her pivot turned a simple idea into a billion-dollar brand. 10. Nelson Mandela – Mandela spent 27 years in prison. He could have left resentful or defeated. Instead, he pivoted toward reconciliation, compromise, and nation-building. That single pivot changed the trajectory of South Africa and inspired the world. "If you are in the friction stage, don't panic. If you are in the frustration stage, don't quit. If you are in the reflection stage, pay attention. Because the pivot may be closer than you think. And when the pivot happens, the breakthrough is often not far behind."

Today I want to talk about pivots and having a pivotal moment.  Simply put, pivotal means extremely important or crucial, like a key turning point or the central part on which everything else depends, similar to a door's hinge that makes it work. It describes something vital that influences the success or direction of a situation, event, or person. A pivot is not surrender. A pivot is wisdom in motion. When a basketball player pivots, they do not stop playing. They simply adjust their position to create a better opportunity. The goal remains the same — score the basket.   Dreamers must learn the same principle. Quitting ends the dream. Pivoting protects the dream while changing the strategy. And pivotal moments are where dreamers are made or lost. Points covered: 7 Major Life Areas Where Dreamers Must Learn to Pivot 1. Pivot Your Strategy: Sometimes the dream is right, but the strategy is wrong. 2. Pivot Your Timeline: Dreamers often quit because things take longer than expected. 3. Pivot Your Mindset: Many dreams die in the mind before they ever die in reality. 4. Pivot Your Environment: Sometimes the problem is not the dream. 5. Pivot Your Skillset: Sometimes people quit because they haven't developed the skills the dream requires. 6. Pivot Your Identity: This is one of the deepest pivots of all. 7. Pivot Your Perspective: Many pivotal moments look like failure at first.   But that is the what.  What about the when? Well, we cover this as well in this episode. The 7 Signs You Are Standing in a Pivotal Moment in Your Life 1. The Old Way Stops Working: One of the first signs of a pivotal moment is when the methods that once worked suddenly stop producing results. 2. You Feel Deep Internal Restlessness: A powerful inner tension can begin to develop. 3. You Encounter Unexpected Obstacles: Pivotal moments frequently come wrapped in unexpected challenges. 4. Your Thinking Begins to Change: During pivotal seasons, your perspective on life begins to shift. 5. Opportunities Appear That Challenge Your Comfort Zone: Pivotal moments often present opportunities that feel slightly intimidating. 6. Your Circle Begins to Shift: As people grow, their environment often changes. 7. You Feel a Strong Sense of Decision Approaching: The final sign of a pivotal moment is the growing awareness that a decision must be made. PLUS in the end of the episode I include A Dreamers Declaration you recite every day. Do you need to pivot today?  Did something really land and get your attention?  It's a sign that something is trying to get your attention.  But you need more than just a sign, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through  and  start diving into what may be holding you back. This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

Today I want to challenge you, I want to challenge you about how you see time. We all say we don't have enough time. But do we? I want to get into today about how to see this differently, get into the mental blocks that get in the way of us saying we don't have enough time. I have heard a lot about time management and that it's a myth. That there's no such thing. That school of thought says that you manage tasks not time. But this got me thinking, what keeps us from managing our tasks. For that matter what keeps us in this loop of not having enough time. I'm faced with time every single day. Between working, family, self-care, and building a business among many other things this will require a tremendous amount of time. Time has been something that humans have been dealing with for thousands of years. It's nothing new. Our ancients had the same challenges we do today. Well to be fair, I would say they were just slightly less distracted. Nonetheless still the same amount of time. So today I'm going to dive into the myths you may be telling yourself about why do not have enough time and by the end of this episode my goal is for you to have much better clarity and understanding that you do in fact have enough time. Quote of the week:  "Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four-hour days." — Zig Ziglar Here are some of the time-wasting myths that sabotage dreamers just like you: 1. "I don't have enough time." 2. "I'll start when life slows down." 3. "I need big blocks of time." 4. "I'm too tired after work." 5. "My family needs me too much." 6. "I'm too old." 7. "I'm too young." 8. "I need more money first." 9. "I need more training." And many more- all included in this episode.     Bonus: in the end of the episode I include 25 Daily Declarations for Relentless Dreamers like you that you can use to keep you on track. How can I serve you? I want to help you make your dreams come true. You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and  start diving into what may be holding you back.   If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says Contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

The Olympics just wrapped up a few days ago. For those of us in the US it ended on a very high note with the men's hockey team winning gold for the first time since the famous miracle on ice back in the 1980 Olympics. I can guarantee you that everyone there  had an unshakeable belief that they could win! In your journey to keep your dreams going, you need A LOT of belief to keep going. When I was younger, I dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal I just did not have anyone that believed in me enough, let alone myself to get it done.  I graduated from college and then the reality of getting a job settled in. But that never stopped me from dreaming of other accomplishments.  And today I want to bring you a blueprint, if you will, of what you will need to make those dreams come true. Quote of the week:  "Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it." — David Schwartz Here's a deep, momentum-building list you can build an entire dream around. Each one is designed to give you forward momentum — especially in the quiet seasons I love talking about. 1. Define the Dream Clearly:  Belief weakens when the dream is vague.  2. Anchor Your Dream to Identity, Not Emotion:  Emotions fluctuate daily. Identity remains steady.  3. Borrow Belief Before You Fully Have It: Every dreamer goes through a season where belief feels thin.  4. Keep Promises to Yourself: Unshakeable belief grows from integrity with yourself.  5. Collect Evidence of Progress: Your brain believes what it sees repeatedly. Track wins, no matter how small.  6. Rehearse Victory in Your Mind: Visualization isn't fantasy — it's rehearsal.  7. Normalize the Quiet Season: Silence does not mean failure. Growth underground is still growth.  8. Separate Outcome from Commitment: Outcomes take time. Commitment happens daily.  9. Upgrade Your Inner Dialogue: Your internal voice determines your ceiling.  10. Expect Resistance: Resistance is not a stop sign; it's confirmation you're moving forward.  Listen to the full episode to listen to get the full blueprint.   I want to help you make your dreams come true. You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back.   If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says Contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

Introducing the Personal Growth Cycle.  It's only 5 points and a step away from my usual long list of points I bring.  It's not something I created by rather something I found and want to share with you today. They are, "Define → Align → Flow → Grow → Evolve" isn't just a cycle — it's a living framework for dreamers. It's how transformation actually happens. Not in one leap, but in layers.   This is not linear. Every new level requires redefining, realigning, reflowing, regrowing, and re-evolving. Most dreamers get stuck because they try to skip stages, or they start in the middle, feel alone and do not have any support, or many other reasons.  But today I am here not only to share these points but to also offer my help in any way I can along your journey. Stay tuned to the end of this episode on more information on how you can contact me. Before we go any further I want to let you know that I have something special for you:  A downloadable gift titled-  3 Ways to Know You Are Ready To Start Achieving Your Dreams Get your gift at: edwinsoler.com/gift Quote of the week:  "Be prepared to ride the cycles and trends of life; success is never permanent, and failure is never final." — Brian Tracy. Points covered:  1.  DEFINE — Clarity Before Movement Definition: Define is the conscious decision to clarify who you are, what you want, and what matters. Most people live in reaction mode. Define is intentional mode. 2.  ALIGN — Integrity Between Vision and Action Definition: Alignment is when your daily actions match your defined identity and vision.   3.  FLOW — Momentum Without Friction Definition: Flow happens when definition and alignment create internal harmony.   4.  GROW — Expansion Through Pressure Growth is uncomfortable. This is where: •    New opportunities stretch you. •    Old insecurities resurface. •    Your capacity is tested. 5.  EVOLVE — Identity Upgrade Evolve is the integration stage. You are no longer who you were when you defined the dream. I want to help you make your dreams come true. You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing.  If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through where we start diving into what may be holding you back. There is no financial commitment required for the call.

I have been captivated all week regarding a FB message I saw. It was a post that talked about what people do when it's quiet and get inpatient or desperate. It made me think a lot, so much that I had to make an episode about this. What I'm referring to is the time between the preparation and the success.  The quiet time is the preparation time, the ground work, the laying down the foundation in the dark where you are barely noticed if at all, and the noisy time is when success finally arrives.  Too often people waste away in the quiet time because they crave the noise which translates to attention, getting noticed, but they are not ready.  The quiet season messes with you because it doesn't reward you emotionally the way noise does. Yet it's the most honest season of all. Quiet, uninterrupted time is essential for preparation, building inner strength, and fostering creativity before action. Embracing this period allows for deeper, focused, and purposeful growth. How you prepare when it's quiet will greatly determine how you react when the noise starts, when you start getting noticed, when the challenges of growth arrive, when your team starts quitting on you and so much more.  In today's episode I want to explore a list of ways that you can effectively prepare during the quiet time to make sure that when your launch time arrives, you will be ready.  Before we go any further I want to let you know that I have something special for you:  A downloadable gift titled-  3 Ways to Know You Are Ready To Start Achieving Your Dreams Get your gift at: edwinsoler.com/gift Quote of the week:  "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." Joe Paterno Some of the points covered today that  will prepare you for the success of tomorrow: 1.  Quiet is not punishment—it's protection 2.  Your value cannot depend on visibility 3.  Desperation makes people rush the process 4. Boredom is often disguised resistance 5.  The quiet exposes your real motives 6. Consistency matters more when no one notices 7.  Comparison gets louder when life gets quieter 8.  Preparation often feels unproductive—but isn't 9.  You will be tempted to chase shortcuts 10. Loneliness sharpens discernment 11. Your discipline is forged when motivation fades Listen to the full episode for all of the 25 points I bring to help you discover how to prepare for your success tomorrow and help you close your own 18-Inch Gap. Are you ready to start preparing for what is in store for you this year, in fact starting today?  You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through where we start diving into what may be holding you back. No financial commitment required for the call. One last word before I go, this episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

If there is a question that is impossible to answer. A question that many ask but no one ever answers.  The question?  How long? How long until: My dream comes true How long until: I can get out of this job How long until: I'll see my breakthrough How long until   fill in the blank. Time is something we treat as something negative as an enemy. We live in a culture where a lot of pressure is put on fast results. A culture where timing is everything. A time where everything is based on being at your best, your prime, fastest, youngest etc. But in today's episode I want to show you how time can actually work in your favor. The advantages of letting time, well … take its time. Time, when looked at correctly can actually work in your favor.  Of course, this is all a matter of also having it in context.  Are you willing to let time work in your favor as well? Let's find out in today's episode.   •    Quote of the week:  "Time is the wisest counselor of all." — Pericles 25 Ways Dreamers Can Allow Time to Work in Their Favor 1. Time exposes whether a dream is real or borrowed 2. Urgency often comes from fear, not purpose 3. Growth happens underground before it shows up on the surface 4. Time matures your thinking 5. Delays often protect you from premature success 6. Time reveals what needs healing before elevation 7. Rushing steals joy from the journey 8. Time teaches patience without killing passion 9. Consistency beats intensity when time is honored 10. Time helps you separate preparation from procrastination These are just the first ten points. Listen to the full episode to listen to all of them.   Listen to the full episode for all of the 25 points I bring to help you discover how time can and will work in your favor and help you  Close your own 18-Inch Gap. Are you ready to make time work in your favor this year, in fact starting today?  You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through where we start diving into what may be holding you back. No financial commitment required for the call or afterwards. One last word before I go, this episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

What is a crucible?  It's a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. But for purposes of this episode it's a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new. Let me start with a truth most people never hear: Just because no one sees your potential… does not mean it's not inside you. Some of the most dangerous potential in the world is the kind that's still the kind that is tending sheep—shepherds that are quiet, faithful, unseen. Today, we're talking about untapped potential, and there may be no clearer blueprint than a boy who faced challenges of many kinds before he ever became king.  That would be David, the shepherd boy that faced Goliath. We will be modeling today's episode after him using his story as a background.  Not after the palace. Not after the crown. But in the process—long before, when no one was clapping. Today we bust the myth of overnight success. Yes, overnight success does exist but the timing is measured in years not hours. You are  not overlooked— you are in preparation. Your obscurity is developing strength you will need later. You don't need recognition to remain faithful. Your private victories are preparing you for public responsibility. You will not measure Your calling by Your current position. What frustrates You is pointing You toward Your purpose. Refuse to wear armor that was not designed for You. Trust the process even when You don't understand the timing. Your past struggles were rehearsals, not setbacks. When Your moment comes, You will be ready—not lucky. If you've ever felt overlooked… If you've ever felt like you're capable of more but stuck where you are… If you've ever wondered, "Is this really preparing me for anything?" This episode is for you. I want to help you make your dreams come true. Are you ready to truly leave 2025 behind and just take the lessons learned from it and step into this new year?  You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through  and  start diving into what may be holding you back. !  This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!

Three weeks into the new year already. Does it feel heavy already? Are you like many others already losing steam and momentum? Is this year starting to already feel like the last one? Are you seeing a pattern develop? I can assure you that you are not alone. Many, many people feel this way. The difference between you and them is that you are listening to a podcast that will help you navigate out of this problem.  They try to fit themselves in a mold outside of their own, the patterns that this develops is something that makes it hard to break out of.   If you want to close your 18-inch gap and start making those long locked up dreams come true, you will need to change the way you have been approaching your way of thinking. Your thinking patters determine your movements in life, how you approach and more important how you react to what is going on around you and more important within you. Get your gift at edwinsoler.com/gift You will get to download: 3 Ways to Know You Are Ready To Start Achieving Your Dreams Points covered: 20 Time-Tested Ways to Break Old Thinking Patterns  and Close the 18-Inch Gap 1. Stop asking "What's wrong with me?" and start asking "What is this training me for?" 2. Build identity before building habits. 3. Replace motivation with structure. 4. Tell the truth—without softening it. 5. Stop collecting information and start applying one principle at a time. 6. Detach your worth from your current results. 7. Practice finishing—especially when it's imperfect. 8. Interrupt negative self-talk immediately—do not negotiate with it. 9. Design your environment to support your future self. 10. Schedule courage like an appointment. Listen to the full episode for all of the points I bring to help you discover 20 Time-Tested Ways to Break Old Thinking Patterns  and Close the 18-Inch Gap Are you ready to truly leave 2025 behind and just take the lessons learned from it and step into this new year?  You need more than just a plan, you need a partner that can walk along side of you and make this happen. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through  and  start diving into what may be holding you back.  This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book.  That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap

Today's episode is a long-awaited episode that I have been dreaming about since the first time I started podcast. For every podcaster the 100th episode is a really big deal. Statistically speaking, the majority of podcast stop being produced when they hit only seven episodes. When I first started I wanted to have at least eight to be able to overcome that statistic right out of the gate. But I only had five started and I launch those five. I was able to continue past the dreaded seventh episode in number eight was a big deal at the time. My biggest fear was being able to be consistent. So the hundredth episode is being published with just one month away from this podcast being two years in production.   That's right, it's already been two years since I started this journey. It's a huge accomplishment. But don't worry I'm not going to go down the list of 100 things I've learned from podcasting, not even close. But I will be sharing what I've learned in this journey and more importantly you'll be hearing from for other people that have been with me during this journey as well. Once you hear from them, I'll be telling you more about them, how they fit my community, and how you can reach them if you're interested for more information.   Quote of the week: "inch by inch makes it a cinch, yard by yard is just too hard!" James Malinchak- The Secret Millionaire/Big Money Speaker.com   People celebrating with me on this 100th episode: Linda Gullo: https://lindagullo.com/   Erik K Johnson: https://podcasttalentcoach.com   Jennifer Dawn: https://jenniferdawncoaching.com/ https://bestplannerever.com/   Mike Michalowicz: https://mikemichalowicz.com https://mikemotorbike.com/   I invite you to reach out to the people that I've mentioned here in the many more that I will be bringing on board either as a shout out or even doing interviews with them. So stay tuned for that. This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!  

First and foremost I want to wish you a happy new year and hope that this year is by far your best year ever yet. I'm looking forward to continuing to walk alongside his journey to encourage you, speak to you everywhere I can, speak into your life, revive those dreams, and anything else I can help you with. Don't let this should be like last. Make it even better one. I am so excited with the new year, I'll have my first coaching meeting with my coach tomorrow. Will be able to start hashing out what we were tying up from last year and focus on growing and going deeper than ever and this year and beyond.   Today's episode is titled do this in 2026 and this is a bit unusual of me but it's something I want to be very bold in expressing to you starting right out of the gate. It's very simple but yet profound, at least it is to me. This is the very first thing I want you to do after you listen to this podcast episode … it's to punch fear right in the face! That's right, just square up to it just punch it.   Often people think that not having any fear is the first step to being able to succeed and feel confident. But let me tell you that that's just not possible. The most successful people in the world, no matter who they are, carry a measure of fear in them. Fear is not something that will just disappear but will certainly hear you when you give it too much attention.   • Quote of the week: "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear" Mark Twain Points covered: 1. The Lie That You're "Not Ready Yet" 2. Playing Small to Make Others Comfortable 3. Seeking Permission to Be Who You Already Are 4. The Fear of Being Seen 5. Waiting for the "Perfect" Moment 6. Carrying Old Failures Like Life Sentences 7. Overthinking Every Move 8. The Need to Be Liked by Everyone 9. Saying "I'll Start When Life Slows Down" 10. Carrying Other People's Doubts 11. Confusing Comfort with Safety 12. Talking Yourself Out of Bold Moves 13. Waiting to Feel Brave 14. Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else's journey that is further down the road 15. Ignoring the Quiet Voice That Won't Let Go 16. Overvaluing Security Over Fulfillment 17. Letting Setbacks Define Your Identity 18. Waiting for Confidence to Show Up First 19. Self-Sabotaging When Things Get Real 20. Living According to Outdated Versions of Yourself 21. Believing You Have "Too Much to Lose" 22. Delaying the Work You Know You Must Do 23. Letting Fear Speak Louder Than Faith 24. Waiting for External Validation 25. Carrying 2025's Hesitation Into 2026 I want to help you make your dreams come true. Are you ready to leave 2025 behind and just take the lessons learned form it and step into a new year? Are you ready to take bold action steps? I want to come alongside you and partner with you. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back.  If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  Thank you for listening, in the meantime, keep closing that 18- inch gap!  

Today I continue with a review funny story about how I answered a belief in Santa from a bully from a neighborhood I was in while in one of my many foster homes. It ties into todays topic about what we still believe and the consequences that follow. But I want to speak to you today about a belief you also need to outgrow and no longer give it anymore attention. It's the belief that you "should be further along" often has nothing to do with reality and everything to do with comparison. When you release the pressure to prove yourself, clarity returns. Progress built from self-trust is always more sustainable than progress driven by self-judgment. What beliefs are you carrying with you that no longer help you? What are you willing to let go of for the following year to be a better one? What does that look like? How will you measure this? Will you carry these into 2026?   Points covered:   1. Your fear of failure has cost you more than failure ever could. 2. You are not responsible for staying the same so others feel secure. 3. Being busy has helped you avoid being bold. 4. Discipline without direction is just exhaustion with good intentions. 5. You don't need to fix yourself before you move forward. 6. What didn't work before doesn't get to vote on what's possible now. 7. Your past mistakes are lessons, not life sentences. 8. You are allowed to release goals that no longer reflect who you've become. 9. Patience is powerful—but when it becomes delay, it steals momentum. 10. You can't step into a new future while defending an old self-image. 11. Humility doesn't require you to shrink. 12. Your comfort zone has stopped being comfortable—it's just familiar. 13. You don't have to suffer longer to earn what you desire. 14. Clarity doesn't come from overthinking—it comes from movement. 15. 2026 doesn't require a better version of you—just a braver commitment to the truth of who you already are. Next steps: I want to help you make your dreams come true. I want to come alongside you and partner with you. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you! This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.  

Wishing all a Merry Christmas.! I will pick up the podcast next week where I will continue part two of All Beleifs Have Consequences.

Today I start with a funny story about how I answered a belief in Santa from a bully from a neighborhood I was in while in one of my many foster homes. It ties into todays topic about what we still believe and the consequences that follow.   But I want to speak to you today about a belief you also need to outgrow and no longer give it anymore attention. It's the belief that you "should be further along" often has nothing to do with reality and everything to do with comparison. When you release the pressure to prove yourself, clarity returns. Progress built from self-trust is always more sustainable than progress driven by self-judgment.   What beliefs are you carrying with you that no longer help you? What are you willing to let go of for the following year to be a better one? What does that look like? How will you measure this?   Points covered:   1. You don't need to become someone new in 2026 2. Just because a dream took longer than expected doesn't mean it's expired. 3. The version of you that survived hard seasons doesn't get to decide the limits of your future. 4. You've confused being cautious with being prepared. 5. Your past outcomes are not predictions. 6. You don't need more motivation—you need to stop negotiating with fear. 7. What once kept you safe is now keeping you small. 8. Staying where you are because it's familiar is not loyalty—it's avoidance. 9. You are not behind; you are just being called forward. 10. You've mistaken endurance for progress. 11. The story you keep telling about "how things usually go" is a script—not the truth. 12. You are allowed to outgrow the identity that helped you get through your last chapter. 13. Comfort is not the same thing as peace. 14. Waiting until you feel ready has quietly delayed your becoming. 15. You don't need certainty to begin—you need courage to take the next honest step. Next step:  I want to help you make your dreams come true. I want to come alongside you and partner with you. I don't want to see you stuck. I want to see you go from thinking to doing. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back.   If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the right side of my site and click on the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. It's that easy. I'll be in touch with you shortly afterwards. I can't wait to hear from you!   This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to edwinsoler.com/book. That will take you to the book page where you can click on the Amazon logo and order your copy right away. It's available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible.    

Most people don't know this, but a story is told that once at a greyhound race, the whole pack once took off sprinting… and the mechanical rabbit exploded. Gone. Vanished.   The dogs froze. One sat down. One crashed through the fence, hurting itself. Some barked at the crowd. BUT Not a single one finished the race.   They had speed. They had strength. They had stamina. They had training. They just didn't have anything left to chase. That feels like real life for a lot of people. When you lose sight of purpose, you stall.   You chase distractions, numb yourself with noise, or run in circles until you burn out. You end up exhausted, not fulfilled. A significant life comes from chasing something bigger than the next paycheck, the next promotion, the next compliment, the next relationship, or the next opportunity.   If your purpose is only what's right in front of you, you'll eventually be disappointed. If your purpose is anchored in what God placed inside you, you'll run with clarity and strength. Your life wasn't designed to be random. God wired you for a calling. There is something He has already deposited in you that unlocks your direction, your confidence, your joy.   You already have what you need to run well. You have all you need to do what God has called you to do. You just have to unlock it. Stop chasing dead rabbits. Run after the calling God put in you.   Points covered:   Points covered:   1. Losing your target will always lead to losing your momentum.   2. Speed, talent, and training mean nothing if you're chasing the wrong thing.   3. A life without purpose will eventually stall, no matter how strong or motivated you are.   4. When your "rabbit" disappears, your direction disappears with it.   5. Chasing distractions leads to exhaustion, not fulfillment.   6. Numbing yourself with noise or busyness is a sign your purpose has gone missing.   7. Running in circles is the natural outcome of living without deeper meaning.   8. A significant life requires a purpose bigger than temporary achievements.   9. The next paycheck, promotion, or compliment cannot carry the weight of your calling.   10. Short-term pursuits will always leave you disappointed in the long run.     Plus 10 more points. Listen to the full episode for all of them!   If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back.   Click here to schedule a call with me:  https://next-level-dream-chat.youcanbook.me/   My Book Closing The 18-Inch Gap- https://edwinsoler.com/book    

This started with the three planners I have this year plus the two print outs as well as a wheel of life   This is what I'm striving for as well and today, a better year in 2026.   I will be covering three main points that you will need as we approach the new year in less than 30 days: Traits, strengths and habits.   Here is a short list, much more covered in this episode-   Traits   Traits are enduring qualities that shape an individual's patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior. They are relatively stable over time and across different situations, though they can evolve through experience. Traits are a combination of inherited predispositions and socialization.   • Examples: Open-mindedness, introversion, creativity, honesty, anxiety, or agreeableness. • Openness shapes how you imagine possibilities, innovate, and think beyond the obvious. • Conscientiousness determines how you plan, stay disciplined, and follow through.     For dreamers, understanding your traits isn't an academic exercise — it's a mirror. The better you understand how you're wired, the better you can navigate your dreams. A dream isn't just achieved through action — it's achieved through self-awareness. Traits tell you what comes naturally, where you might struggle, and where you'll need strategies, support, or structure to keep moving forward.   Strengths   Character strengths are positive traits, rooted in morals and ethics, that empower individuals to overcome challenges, build relationships, and find fulfillment. Unlike skills (which are learned abilities), strengths are inherent qualities that reflect who a person is at their core. • Examples: Bravery, integrity, kindness, perseverance, social intelligence, and gratitude. • Significance: Utilizing personal strengths is associated with greater happiness, resilience, and overall well-being. • Balance: Strengths used without balance can become weaknesses (e.g., too much honesty can become bluntness; too much courage can become recklessness).   But strengths also require balance. Too much of a good thing can turn into a challenge. Honesty becomes bluntness when it lacks empathy. Courage becomes recklessness when it lacks wisdom. Kindness becomes people-pleasing when it lacks boundaries. Perseverance becomes burnout when it lacks rest. Strengths need direction — they need to be used at the right time, in the right amount, and for the right purpose.   For dreamers, strengths are the compass. When you know what your inner gifts are, you stop trying to become someone else and start building a life that aligns with who you truly are.     Habits   Habits are routine behaviors that are performed regularly and often unconsciously. They are the consistent and daily expressions of a person's character and values in action. Habits are learned and can be changed, providing a direct way to influence and develop character traits and strengths. • Examples: Waking up early, exercising daily, active listening, biting nails, or expressing gratitude. • Significance: Habits are a major factor in personal development; changing a habit can gradually reshape one's character and lifestyle over time.   They are the visible proof of the traits you want to develop. If openness is a trait, curiosity practices become the habit. If courage is a strength, speaking up becomes the habit. If discipline is a trait, consistency becomes the habit. Habits are how you take the invisible work of becoming and make it visible, measurable, and real.   For dreamers, habits are the quiet teammates helping you build momentum — even on the days when you don't feel like showing up. They're the small decisions that collectively build a life aligned with your deepest dreams.   You will need all three for your best year yet coming up and I provide this for you in this episode! My Book Closing The 18-Inch Gap Book a call with me 

Today is a simple message of thanks to you for being part of this amazing journey. My biggest gratitude is for you!  But there are others that are less fortunate and may need  check in or a pick me up. Some words of encouragement that will brighten their day or help them get through a difficult situation. Be a help to tem as well. And again, thanks for your amazing support. See you next week!

My birthday just passed last week. It has become a more special day than in years past because of the late Dan Miller. He was the author of 48 Days to the Work and Life you Love. He based everything around the number 48. It was his signature in all he did. I was a member of his 48 Days Eagles group until his passing. One of the things he was big on was the last 48 days of the year. And it so happens that the day of my birthday is when the year also has the last 48 days left before the year ends. And as we are coming up on the holidays and the year closing on us, I want to ask you how you plan on ending the last part of this year.     How would you judge your year so far? Are you happy with what you have accomplished? How have you changed? What has changed?     In this episode, I will go over 10 more ways to look forward by reflecting back on this year so far knowing it's not over yet. You still have time to make 2025 your best year yet as you prepare for the next one. With the holidays around the corner it's too easy to forget about your dreams and goals. Don't let that happen. You can have both a great holiday season while still working on moving forward with what is in your heart and mind.   Some of the points covered:   1. The Story You're Still Telling Every dreamer narrates their own journey — consciously or unconsciously.   2. The Importance of Emotional Housekeeping Before entering a new year, clean up emotional clutter — resentments, comparisons, self-doubt.   3. Vision Requires Revision Sometimes your original dream isn't wrong, it's just outdated.   4. The Power of Recommitment There's a sacred strength in saying, "I'm not done yet." Recommit to your why.   5. Accountability Over Excuses Who have you allowed to hold you accountable this year — or who did you avoid because they would?   6. The Battle Between Fear and Faith Every dream lives between what scares you and what calls you.   7. The Art of Forgiveness Forgive yourself for not knowing what you know now.   8. Presence Over Pressure You don't need to finish the year "proving" you're doing enough.   9. Remembering Your Why Amid the noise of deadlines and disappointments, have you stayed connected to your purpose?   10. Preparing the Soil for Next Season Before planting new dreams, till the soil of your mindset. Reflect, release, and reset.     And much, much more!     Make sure you listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode, your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams.   My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

My birthday is coming up. It has become a more special day than in years past because of the late Dan Miller. He was the author of 48 Days to the Work and Life you Love. He based everything around the number 48. It was his signature in all he did.   I was a member of his 48 Days Eagles group until his passing. One of the things he was big on was the last 48 days of the year. And it so happens that the day of my birthday is when the year also has the last 48 days left before the year ends. And as we are coming up on the holidays and the year closing on us, I want to ask you how you plan on ending the last part of this year.   How would you judge your year so far? Are you happy with what you have accomplished? How have you changed? What has changed? In this episode, I will go over 10 ways to look forward by reflecting back on this year so far knowing it's not over yet.  You still have time to make 2025 your best year yet as you prepare for the next one. With the holidays around the corner it's too easy to forget about your dreams and goals.  Don't let that happen. You can have both a great holiday season while still working on moving forward with what is in your heart and mind.    Some of the points covered: 1. The Mirror Moment 2. The Weight of Unfinished Dreams 3. The Quiet Between Victories 4. The Courage to Let Go 5. The Gift of Honest Reflection 6. Momentum Over Perfection 7. The Trap of Comparison 8. The Shadow of "Should Have" 9. The Balance Between Hustle and Healing 10. The Lessons Hidden in Loss   And much, much more! Make sure you listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode, your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams. My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

It takes the right mindset to deal with both. Yes, even when everything is going right, you need the mindset to stay focused and avoid getting distracted. The good news is that mindset is something that can be worked on and improved over time. There's a moment in every dreamer's journey where every step forward sounds like an echo in an empty hallway. You've done the work. You've waited. You've believed — and yet, here you stand… stuck. Perhaps you need someone to help you, and they are not moving as fast as your vision is.But what if this isn't a stop sign? You see, stuck isn't the opposite of progress — it's the cocoon before wings. You can hear more about this in episode #87 The Butterfly Effect of a Dream Coming True It's the universe whispering, "Pause. You're becoming." You're not behind; you're being built.You're not losing time; time is preparing you for alignment. Some of the points covered: Progress Isn't Always Movement — It's Alignment You're Not Broken, You're Becoming Clarity Comes Through Action, Not Thought Doubt Is the Doorway to Discover Perfection Is a Prison — Progress Is Freedom Fear Is a Compass, Not a Cage Stuck Energy Means It's Time to Let Go And much, much more! Every seed had to break before it grew.  Every dawn had to battle the night before light could spill over the horizon.  And you, my friend — you are that horizon.  Your dream is not lost; it's waiting for your permission to breathe again.  So, while you give your dream that permission, give it to yourself as well and breathe. Relax, let time work in your favor.  So walk forward — even if your steps are shaky.Speak forward — even if your voice trembles.Dream forward — even when doubt sits beside you.Because you were never meant to stay where you are.You were meant to rise from it. Even if it takes some time. You have already come a long way and you will get there! Make sure you listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode, your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams. My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

Today I continue the topic of exploring the mind. Last week I recorded an episode of Midnight of the mind where I spoke about the darkest moments before you experience a breakthrough. I step further into the masquerade of the mind. The place where dreamers hide behind carefully crafted masks — and call it safety. You see, we've all worn them — masks made of memories, stitched with stories we tell ourselves just to make it through the day, the week, the next month or even years. We wear them to survive the judgment we face, to silence the doubts, to hold together the pieces of ourselves we're afraid to show. But what if I told you… the mask doesn't protect you — it imprisons you? What if behind every disguise, there's a dream gasping for air? Some of the points covered: 1. The Mask of Perfection 2. The Mask of Strength 3. The Mask of Humility 4. The Mask of Busyness 5. The Mask of Humor 6. The Mask of the Victim 7. The Mask of the Healer 8. The Mask of Success 9. The Mask of Independence And many, many more! Make sure you listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode, your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams. My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

When you're overwhelmed by darkness, it's not just around you — it's inside you. That's when mental warfare feels strongest. But remember, dawn doesn't ask permission from darkness — it simply shows up. The moment you choose hope again, even quietly, you invite light back in. If you feel like you're going through a darkness in this moment that this podcast episode is for you. It's to give you hope to be able to overcome your darkest moment because brightness is coming next. Your breakthrough is right around the corner. It may take a bit longer than you planned or thought but it is coming.   Some of the points covered:     1. The Breaking Point Is the Starting Point 2. The Weight of Waiting 3. The Doubt That Demands Decision 4. The Isolation That Feels Like Abandonment 5. The Moment You Want to Quit 6. The Disappointment That Redefines You 7. The Collapse That Creates Clarity 8. The Fire of Refinement 9. The Loneliness of Leadership   And much more!   Listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode, your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams.   My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

Today I want to take you on a journey of how a butterfly resembles a dream coming true. Starting with an idea, a vision, a burning desire you have discovered in you that will not go away. It then develops and grows until the dream is realized. We will dive into the 4 stages you must go through in order for that dream in you to find its way to full realization. These stages are: 1. The Egg-The Blueprint of Potential 2. The Caterpillar – The Stage of Growth and Consumption 3. The Cocoon – The Stage of Transformation 4. The Adult Butterfly – Emergence and Expansion   Are you ready to be inspired to make your dreams come true? I'm here to guide you through the ups and downs as you navigate your way through the long journey that lies ahead. You are not alone, I'm here to walk alongside you and be your trusted guide through this process. Are you ready? Let's find out!    Quote of the week: "You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process" by Rupi Kaur   Stage 1: The Egg – The Blueprint of Potential: The Journey of Becoming • Birth of vision or idea. The dream or purpose begins invisibly — something inside whispers, "I'm meant for more."   Stage 2: The Caterpillar – The Stage of Growth and Consumption • Consume: It can eat several times its body weight in leaves each day.   Stage 3: The Cocoon – The Stage of Transformation • The caterpillar's body literally dissolves — enzymes break down most tissues into a nutrient-rich mix.   Stage 4: The Adult Butterfly – Emergence and Expansion • Butterfly: You emerge lighter, transformed, and ready to serve with purpose and beauty. You no longer crawl; you fly. — not to escape, but to express And much more!   Listen to the full episode for all of the points brought in this episode along with three powerful questions I ask after each point. Your future self will thank you when you realize those dreams. My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

There comes a moment in every dreamer's journey when the noise fades and something inside whispers, "Now." Not tomorrow. Not when life gets easier. Not when confidence finally catches up. Just—now. Because readiness isn't about timing — it's about pacing the truth. It's when your spirit grows tired of settling for potential and starts demanding purpose. It's when comfort turns into confinement. When you've read all the books you can, said the affirmations, and still feel the ache of "something more." You know it's time to go even deeper. It's time to take action. When the student is ready, the teacher arrives. Because the moment you decide you're ready… Everything will shift and start showing up for you. Are you ready? That's find out!   Quote of the week: "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." – Plutarch   Some of the many points covered in this episode:   • Readiness isn't about time — it's about surrender. • Pain becomes the classroom. • Your teacher doesn't always look like one. • Readiness demands honesty. • The teacher shows up when you stop chasing validation. • Your readiness is revealed through your willingness.   And much more!   Listen to the full episode for the entire list.   My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

Have you ever heard the saying, I'm in a Funk! Well, today we're going to talk about how to get out of one! Being in a funk brings you down, keeps you from moving forwards, drowns your dreams and creativity and will push you into corner if you let it. It can come from stress, fatigue, disappointment, or even nothing obvious at all. People in a funk often describe it as a "cloud hanging over them" or being "stuck in a fog." In short: • A funk is like your internal rhythm being out of tune. • It feels heavier than a bad mood but lighter than depression. • It's temporary, but if left unaddressed, it can linger longer than you'd like.   If you have ever been in one today's episode is a way to help you during one of these episodes. Quote of the week: If you cannot do great things, do small things is a great way- Napoleon Hill Some of the points covered that can cause a funk: Putting off your dreams for too long. Seasonal shifts Burying your emotions Isolation Too much change at once And much more. I want to help you make your dreams come true. I don't want to see you get stuck in a funk. I want to see you get out of them. If this resonated with you then please reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply go to edwinsoler.com and go to the tab that says contact Edwin and fill that form out. I'll be in touch with you shortly on how we can work together. I can't wait to hear from you. My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

We are definitely in a season where we are getting drained more and more every day. Many are giving up on their dreams. Distractions are everywhere. There is no boundaries to access everywhere. The hustle culture is everywhere. I was telling my son earlier today when there was a time where TV stations would be off the air from midnight to about six in the morning. The channels are very limited, and had two dials: one for UHF and the other for VHF. News didn't get reported nearly as fast as it is today. Newspapers were the rage to see the latest information what was going on. It took time for things to catch up and be discovered. Being more connected than ever also demands more time from you and me and this is leading to burnout. It leaves little space in between for rest or other things that we need to complete. We are letting our energy and minds have more demand put on them and not doing enough to recharge. Today I bring you a quick analogy that came to my inbox that inspired the topic for this podcast episode.   Quote of the week: "You can't build your dreams on an empty tank. Rest isn't indulgent—it's essential for your success" — Felecia Etienne Some of the points covered in today's episode titled: "How To Recharge Your Batteries"   The analogy of the flashlight Action news cycle Social media The need to have an answer for everything Pleasing everyone Chasing Productivity Over Purpose   And more... a whole lot more I want to help you make your dreams come true. Reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply send me an email at [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. This episode was sponsored by my book Closing the 18-inch Gap and is available on Amazon. To find it faster, simply go to my book link here: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

Today's episode I dive into the guilt of success and how it will hold you back. Guilt has a best friend that comes along for the ride and I tackle both. The second partner in this crime is fear! Join me in listening to this episode as I dismantle each of these on your path to success and making your amazing dreams come true!   Quote of the week: He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life- Ralph Waldo Emerson   I also just want to take a quick moment before we get started to let you know that I have a special gift for you when you sign up for my email. Just go to edwinsoler.com/gift and sign up on the page with your first name and best email and you will receive it right away.   Now let's dive into: Succeed without feeling the guilt starting now!   Some of the points covered:   Defining guilt and fear at it's foundation My definition when all of thesis combined Guilt from family Guilt from a job you have Mindset and perfectionism   And much more...   I want to help you make your dreams come true. Reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply send me an email at [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   My book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap

Today is a freestyle episode about my current journey. No notes. No list, no steps or ways… nothing but thoughts I have been pondering and why.   Quote of the week: If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all. Dan Rather   I also just want to take a quick moment before we get started to let you know that I have a special gift for you when you sign up for my email. Just go to edwinsoler.com/gift and sign up on the page with your first name and best email and you will receive it right away.   Now let's dive into: Inspiration for Your Journey   Some of the points covered:   Job loss My coaching journey How timing is never on time but are you ready?   And much more...   I want to help you make your dreams come true. Reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through and start diving into what may be holding you back. If you want to take me up on this special offer then simply send me an email at [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   My book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap  

Have you ever reached a point where waiting becomes heavier than moving forward or at least just taking that first step? Have you reached the point when the excuses you've repeated to yourself no longer satisfy you or have the same meaning anymore? The moment you realize that standing still costs more than failure ever could, that's the moment you know you're ready. Today, I want to walk you through 18 undeniable signs that you're not only capable of starting — but that you are actually to start right now. These are not clichés, not sugar-coated affirmations. These are real, time-tested truths that reveal when a dream is ready to be born through you. If you've been wondering if it's time, by the end of this episode, you'll know. And you may discover — the answer has been inside you all along. Quote of the week: Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect." – Zoey Sayward   Points covered on 18 Signs You Should Start Now:   1. You're More Afraid of Standing Still Than of Failing • Fear shifts from "what if it doesn't work" to "what if nothing ever changes." • This signals growth hunger — readiness is when inaction hurts more than risk. • Time-tested truth: people rarely regret trying, but often regret waiting. ________________________________________ 2. Your Excuses Sound Hollow, Even to You • The same reasons that once justified waiting now feel thin. • You catch yourself saying "I'll start when…" and feeling embarrassed. • When excuses no longer satisfy your own mind, your readiness is undeniable. ________________________________________ 3. You've Outgrown Comfort More Than You've Outgrown Fear • Comfort zones feel suffocating, not secure. • Stagnation feels heavier than uncertainty. • You're not "pushed" by circumstances; you're "pulled" by vision. ________________________________________ 4. You Can Envision the Cost of Not Starting • You've run the future script: "What will life look like in 1, 3, 5 years if I don't act?" • That vision is unbearable, which becomes your new fuel. • The pain of lost potential is more vivid than the fear of setbacks. ________________________________________ 5. You're No Longer Waiting for Permission • Readiness shows when external validation isn't required. • You realize: No one is coming to crown you. You crown yourself. • The unconventional twist: true leaders begin before they're called leaders. ________________________________________ 6. You're Willing to Invest — Time, Energy, or Money • Readiness is proven when you put skin in the game. • Even small sacrifices signal commitment. • People who "say" they're ready but won't invest aren't ready. ________________________________________ 7. You Can Handle Not Having All the Answers • You don't need every detail figured out anymore. • You're okay with the fog, because clarity comes in motion. • Unconventional truth: progress rewards movement, not perfection. ________________________________________ 8. The Dream Keeps Interrupting You • You can't shake it — in the shower, while driving, even when resting. • The pull is constant, like it's chasing you. • When your dream becomes an intruder of thought, it's demanding to be born. ________________________________________ 9. Your Circle Isn't Enough Anymore • Conversations feel small compared to your vision. • You crave new mentors, peers, or environments that match your next level. • Growth shows up when current surroundings no longer stretch you. ________________________________________ 10. You're At Peace With Imperfect Timing • You realize there's no "perfect moment." • Readiness is acceptance: now is messy, but waiting won't clean it up. • Those who act in "imperfect time" often shape the future. ________________________________________ 11. Your Identity Has Shifted Before Your Actions • You start calling yourself the thing — "I'm a writer," "I'm a coach," "I'm an entrepreneur." • The inner identity changes before external results catch up. • That shift is readiness declaring itself. ________________________________________ 12. You've Already Started in Small, Secret Ways • Notes scribbled down, late-night research, hidden attempts. • Readiness often shows in whispers before it roars. • What you call "dabbling" is actually the first step. ________________________________________ 13. You See Failure as Data, Not Defeat • Every "no" becomes a map, not a dead end. • You look forward to mistakes because they reveal the next move. • This is a mental revolution: failure transforms into fuel. ________________________________________ 14. Your Body Reacts When You Talk About It • Your energy spikes, heart races, or your voice changes when you describe it. • That physiological reaction is proof you're wired for it. • The body often knows before the mind admits. ________________________________________ 15. You're Tired of Consuming — You're Ready to Contribute • You stop bingeing advice, books, podcasts just to feel busy. • You realize: creation beats endless consumption. • Shifting from taker to giver = readiness. ________________________________________ 16. You're Thinking More About Legacy Than Lifestyle • Lifestyle chases comfort, legacy chases impact. • When you care more about what remains than what entertains, you're ready. • It's a higher-level shift: from surviving to significance. ________________________________________ 17. You No Longer Feel the Need to Wait for Confidence • You understand confidence is built by doing, not waiting. • The "I'll start when I feel confident" excuse no longer tricks you. • Readiness = willing to step out shaking, sweating, and still moving. ________________________________________ 18. You've Stopped Asking If You're Ready • The very question fades. • Instead, your mind says: How do I start? • When doubt turns into logistics, the decision is already made. "Here's the truth: no one ever feels completely ready. "Readiness isn't a feeling — it's a decision. Readiness isn't about having every answer, every dollar, every supporter lined up. Readiness is about recognizing that the spark is already inside you — and trusting that the path will reveal itself as you move. You don't need a map for every mile, only the courage to take the first step. Because clarity doesn't come before action — clarity is earned by action. So if these signs have stirred something in you, that's not coincidence. That's your life tapping you on the shoulder, whispering, 'It's time.'" So, consider this your confirmation: you are ready to start. Not tomorrow. Not when the timing is perfect. Not when everything makes sense. Today. The question is no longer, 'Am I ready?' The question is, 'Am I willing?' The moment you say yes, momentum meets you halfway. So take your first step — because the dream waiting inside you isn't waiting for someday. It's waiting for you — right now." I want help you make your dreams come true as you reach your goals and desires. If you want to take your my offer, then reach out to me for a complementary Next Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. That way we can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. Simply send an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   My book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap

The other day I heard something that stopped me in my tracks: "You may not rise to the level of your intentions, but you will certainly fall to the level of your habits."   Here's the truth: success isn't built in giant leaps. It's built in tiny, often boring, daily choices ( yes, I said boring) also known as, your habits.   Your habits are like an autopilot system for your life and your business. They just run.   Here's the kicker- everything you doin a day comes down to your habits. You're either in the habit of doing something… Or the habit of not doing it. it's no different in your life.   You're either in the habit of taking the right action that moves the needle forward every day to make your dreams come true, on the habit of talking yourself out of it with excuses and distractions ( yes, you can have a habit of making excuses too).   Instead, think of your habits is your silent business partner. They are working 24/7 either for you or against you.   So on today's episode I'll be exploring 15 dream blocking habits and how to overcome them.   Quote of the week: "every day you're either building your dream or building your distraction. Habits decide which one wins" Unknown   Here is the list of the dream blocking habits that can come up and in this episode I go over how to overcome them:   Vague, fuzzy goals All or nothing perfectionism Procrasti-Planning Shiny object syndrome Hidden loyalty to an old identity Inconsistent routines Decision fatigue Digital distraction Not measuring anything No feedback loop Self talk sabotage People pleasing and overcommitment Cluttered environment Waiting for motivation Endless consumption, the creation And a bonus point at the end   I go into great detail into each one of these and offer solutions for every one of them as well.   I want help you make your dreams come true as you reach your goals and desires. If you want to take your my offer, then reach out to me for a complementary Next Level Dream Chat. It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. That way we can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. Simply send an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.     My book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap   Get on my email list and get a free gift. Just go to: Edwinsoler.com/gift and get claim it!

You would think starting something new is exciting... and it is. But nobody talked enough about the messy middle. The messy middle where your vision collides with reality. Or your simple product suddenly reveals a thousand hidden layers, each one demanding more from you than you plan to give. I know because I'm in it right now. I set out to create a website- something to reflect my work, my purpose, my voice. But somewhere along the way, I had to strip it all back to the foundation and rebuild it from scratch. It's been frustrating, time-consuming, and at times tempting to quit. But here's the truth: the obstacles aren't there to stop you. They are there to shape into the kind of person who you can carry your dream all the way. So today, I'm going to walk you through a real list of setbacks my face was starting something new and why they don't have to stop you. And let me tell you, it hasn't been easy but it sure is worth it. I want to take you into that process, sets back by setback, so you see exactly wha Here are the stages of the messy middle. I explained them in greater detail in the podcast episode: In between Waiting in uncertainty Growth and transformation Embrace the pause I go into detail these points in the podcast episode itself so give it a listen. from there I go into a long list of setbacks you will encounter. Here's a partial list, again listen to the full episode for the entire list. You don't want to miss this one: Underestimating the workload Unexpected technical hurdles Overwhelm from too many choices Losing momentum Budget overruns Creative blocks Negative feedback Perfection paralysis Skill gaps Time crunches ...and a whole lot more, many more. So, every point that's covered today will be part of your story. Some will challenge you. Others will champion you. But all of them- when understood- can and will shake you. Your dream isn't just possible. It's waiting on the version of you who is ready to get started. Until next time- keep tearing, keep developing, and most of all keep dreaming. This episode was sponsored by book Closing the 18-inch gap and is available in this link. I want to help you make your dreams come true and see you reach your goals and desires. if you want to take your my offer than reach out to me via email at [email protected] to schedule our Next Level Dream Chat. I can't wait to help you get started with your dreams. My Book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap

When did you stop believing in who you could become?​ When did you realize that you are the person buried beneath the roles, the fears, and the expectations? When will you realize that it is YOU who holds the keys to the dreams you've locked away while the world kept spinning? "When?" The answer is closer than you think. How close? It's within 18 inches. The 18 inches that lie between your mind and your heart. I'm Edwin Soler, more than a life coach. I'm your Dream Realization Partner. Together, we're not just asking When?—we're uncovering the truth of who you are meant to be. We'll peel back the layers, confront the lies, and revive the dreams you thought were lost forever or just keep pushing back again and again. Because the moment you dare to ask When?—you begin to remember, you start to believe again and you start taking the first step to make those dreams a reality. So lean in. Open your heart and mind and let's discover… When? The last episode in the one word title series… at least for now. So, let's dive in… Quote of the week: "When life is hard, remember it's often in these moments that strength grows the deepest"- Unknown Points covered: When did you first feel your dream begin to fade — and why didn't you fight for it? When will you finally decide that waiting has cost you enough? When did fear become more familiar than hope? When did you stop believing that your dream was worth the risk? When did someone else's timeline become more important than your own? When will "someday" stop being an excuse? When will the pain of not trying outweigh the fear of failing? When did you start confusing being busy with being fulfilled? When did you become okay with survival instead of pursuit? When will you stop rehearsing and start becoming? When did your dream become a memory instead of a mission? When did your calendar stop including you? When will you stop convincing yourself that it's too late? When did you start labeling your dream as selfish instead of sacred? When was the last time you said yes to what really mattered to you? Listen to the full episode for the other ten points brought to you today… "You've just asked yourself the hardest questions you've probably avoided for a long time.​ When did your dream begin? When did you start blaming others for letting it slip away? When did you start believing the lies that said you weren't enough? You've faced the voices of doubt, the weight of fear, and the comfort of waiting for perfect conditions. But now, the waiting is over. ​The critics don't get the last word, you do!​The doubts don't get to decide your future, you do! ​So, ask yourself, when? Not tomorrow, not someday — but right now:​ So stop asking when and start acting now! Because the truth is this: your dream has been calling you all along.​ And today… you finally have the chance to answer it". Action step:   Did something resonate with you today? Let's explore how we can work together. Remember that I offer my Next-Level Dream Chat. We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started. Simply reply to this email and let me know how we can connect. ​Thanks for reading this. Until next week with another amazing podcast episode as I have a few more already lined up and I'm preparing them just for you! ​Inspiring you to live your dreams. This podcast is based on my book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap

Who have you become—and who have you left behind? Who is the person buried beneath the roles, the fears, and the expectations? Who holds the key to the dreams you've locked away while the world kept spinning? The answer is closer than you think. How close?  It's within 18 inches.   The 18 inches that lie between your mind and your heart. I'm Edwin Soler, more than a life coach.  I'm your Dream Realization Partner. Together, we're not just asking Who?—we're uncovering the truth of who you were meant to be. We'll peel back the layers, confront the lies, and revive the dreams you thought were lost forever or keep pushing back again and again. Because the moment you dare to ask Who?—you begin to remember, you start to believe again and you start taking the first steps to make those dreams a reality. So lean in. Open your heart and mind and let's discover… Who? Quote of the week:  "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," to which he also famously said:   "Most people are other people."  - Oscar Wilde  Points covered: 1.       Who told you that you weren't enough to live your dream — and why did you believe them? 2.       Who were you before the world told you to play small? 3.       Who benefits from you not chasing your dream? 4.       Who did you stop becoming in order to make others comfortable? 5.       Who do you pretend to be when the dreamer inside you is screaming to be seen? 6.       Who are you trying to impress — and who are you actually becoming? 7.       Who abandoned you in the moment you needed support to keep dreaming? 8.       Who do you blame when it's really your own permission you're waiting on? 9.       Who convinced you that practicality mattered more than purpose? 10.  Who told you that dreams are childish — and when did you agree? 11.  Who hurt you so deeply that you buried your gift just to feel safe? 12.  Who are you allowing to decide what you're capable of? 13.  Who is waiting for you to rise so they can follow? 14.  Who would you be today if you had chased that dream without hesitation? 15.  Who do you see living your dream — and what does that trigger inside you? Plus 10 more all in this episode... listen for the full list.   "You've just asked yourself the hardest questions you've probably avoided for years. Who did your dream begin with?  Who do you blame for letting it slip away? Whose lies  have you believed that said you weren't enough? You've faced the voices of doubt, the weight of fear, and the comfort of waiting for perfect conditions. But now, the waiting is over. The critics don't get the last word, you do! The doubts don't get to decide your future, you do! So, ask yourself, not tomorrow, not someday — but right now: Who must I become to  reclaim what was lost? Who can help me take the first step Because the truth is this: your dream has been calling you all along. And today… you finally have the chance to answer it"   What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  Remember that I offer my  Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. This podcast is based on my book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap Book

This is the question that echoes in the quiet moments when your heart aches for something more.... How?   It's the whisper that asks why your dreams have stayed locked away, waiting, while life moved on. How did you get here—staring at the gap between who you are and who you know you could be? How wide is that gap? 18-inches wide. It's those 18 inches that you need to travel to break free from the lies, the fears, and the beliefs that have kept your dreams buried. How do you take what feels impossible... and make it real? I'm Edwin Soler, your Dream Realization Partner. Together, we're not just asking How?—we're uncovering the answers. We're digging deep, unlocking what's been hidden, and breathing life back into the dreams you thought were gone forever. Because the moment you dare to ask How?—you've already started the journey. So lean in. Open your heart. And let's discover… How.  Quote of the week: "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." - Oscar Wilde  Some of the points covered: How did your dream begin — and how did it start slipping away? How do you keep showing up for everything else, but not for your dream? How many times have you silenced the voice that tells you to try again? How did fear convince you that you're not good enough? How did they — the critics, the doubters, the "realists" — gain more power than your own hope? How long will you keep waiting for perfect conditions before you just begin? How did someone else's opinion become more valuable than your own desire? More points covered in this episode.... listen to get all of them. I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And I believe your dream is not dead—it's just waiting on you. If this stirred something in you… don't keep it locked up. Share this episode. Send it to someone whose dream you believe in. And if you haven't yet, get on my email list—because I send weekly tools to help you move from stuck to unstoppable. Until next time—your dream is calling. Pick it up.  "You've just asked yourself the hardest questions you've probably avoided for years. Your dream is still alive — but it's waiting for you to choose it. So, ask yourself, not tomorrow, not someday — but right now: How do I  reclaim what was lost? How do I  take the first step? How do I breathe life back into what you thought was gone? Because the truth is this: your dream has been calling you all along. And today… you finally have the chance to answer." What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  Remember that I offer my  Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap! My book:  Closing The 18-Inch Gap

Have you ever wondered what a dead dream looks like? What causes it? This isn't just a conversation… it's an examination. Somewhere, deep within you—or someone you love—there was a dream. A dream once alive, vibrant, breathing with purpose. But today… it's gone. Was it killed by fear? Starved by delay? Drowned in someone else's opinion? Or did it simply go unloved and unnoticed for too long? I'm your Dream Realization Partner, and in this episode, we perform the autopsy. Together we'll examine the wounds and  ask the hard questions. Not to linger in loss—but to learn… So that no other dream has to die the same silent death. If you've ever wondered what happened to the fire you once carried—this is your moment to uncover the truth. Let's begin the autopsy."     Quote of the week: When we give up on our dreams, we die while still alive.  Robin Sharma Points covered: Autopsy Report: Case #D.R.E.A.M.-00018 Subject: Deceased Dream Pronounced Dead: date of abandonment forgotten Examiner: Edwin Soler Your Dream Realization Partner Cause of Death: Neglect, Fear, External Influence, Internal Conflict, and Systemic Starvation of Purpose   1. BRAIN — Ceased Dream Function Diagnosis: Terminal Stagnation, the dream died when the mind stopped believing it was possible. 2. HEART — Loss of Emotional Pulse Diagnosis: Excitement Arrest, the dream died when the heart no longer felt joy in the vision. 3. LUNGS — Respiratory Shutdown Diagnosis: Inspiration Asphyxiation, the dream died from lack of inspiration and exposure to uplifting environments. 4. SPINE — Collapse of Conviction Diagnosis: Backbone Breakdown, the dream died when it couldn't stand up for itself. 5. HANDS — Function Lost Diagnosis: Creative Paralysis, the dream died because it was never built. 6. FEET — Directionless Wandering Diagnosis: Visionary Disorientation, the dream died because it stopped moving forward toward its original vision. 7. EYES — Blindness to Possibility Diagnosis: Dream Vision Obscurity, the dream died because it was never truly seen. 8. VOICE — Silence of Expression Diagnosis: Communicative Suppression, the dream died when it stopped being spoken into the world. 9. GUT — Intuition Starvation Diagnosis: Inner Knowing Rejection, the dream died when inner truth was silenced by outside noise. 10. SKIN — Identity Erosion Diagnosis: External Identity Corrosion, the dream died when it was no longer safe to be seen.   FINAL CAUSE OF DEATH: Neglect due to Fear, Lack of Nurturing Environment, and Chronic Misalignment with Purpose. Manner of Death: Slow and Preventable Death occurred in stages, beginning with the silencing of inspiration, followed by the loss of vision, motivation, and finally, belief. "If we had opened this dream up sooner, given it breath, voice, heart, and movement — it might still be alive today." "But here's the truth: the beauty of dreams is they can resurrect. If you're hearing this and recognize these symptoms — your dream may not be dead… it may just be in a coma, waiting for you to revive it." I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And I believe your dream is not dead—it's just waiting on you. If this stirred something in you… don't keep it locked up. Share this episode. Send it to someone whose dream you believe in. And if you haven't yet, get on my email list—because I send weekly tools to help you move from stuck to unstoppable. Until next time—your dream is calling. Pick it up. What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  Remember that I offer my  Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   My Book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap

There's a question that comes before all the others. A question that opens the door… or locks it shut. It's not "Why me?" It's not "How do I do it?" It's not even "When will it happen?" It's "What?" What is stopping you? What dream are you denying? What lie have you accepted as truth? What would happen if you finally said yes to the life that's been waiting on you? In this episode, we go deeper than surface questions. We go into the raw, uncharted terrain of your locked away dreams— The "What" that most people are too afraid to ask, and too exhausted to answer. But not you. You're here for more. You're here to realize what others only fantasize about. I'm Edwin Soler, your Dream Realization Partner— And today, I'm going to ask you 25 life-altering questions that begin with just one word: "What?" And if you're ready to answer honestly, Everything might change. And if you've ever felt like your dream is locked in a box… hidden behind excuses… or just buried under life… then this episode is for you. I want to let you know right away that I also offer a complimentary consultation called The Next Level Dream Chat to answer all of your coaching questions and see if we're a good fit to work with each other. Quote of the week: "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" - Maya Angelou    Points covered: 1.              What have you silenced within yourself that once screamed with possibility? 2.                        What dream is asking you for attention in quiet moments, but you keep pushing it away? 3.                       What version of yourself are you afraid the world might reject if you fully pursued your dream? 4.                        What lie have you disguised as logic, and let it block your dream? 5.                        What would your life feel like if you finally stopped negotiating with fear? 6.                        What identity have you accepted that was handed to you but never belonged to you? 7.                        What is the cost of your current comfort zone—and is it too high to keep paying? 8.                        What part of your dream feels dangerous, and why does that make it more necessary? 9.                        What calling keeps returning to you, no matter how often you bury it? 10.                   What story are you rehearsing that makes you believe you're unqualified? 11.                   What would happen if you gave yourself permission to go all in—today? 12.                   What evidence have you ignored that already proves you're ready? 13.                 What does your silence say about the dream you've been avoiding? 14.                  What moment in your past hinted at your greatness—and why did you dismiss it? 15.                  What if the pain you're experiencing is simply the cost of not choosing your dream? 16.                  What does your envy reveal about the dream you've neglected? 17.                   What fear are you pretending is wisdom? 18.                   What parts of your life need to be disrupted to give your dream a chance to live? 19.                   What if the very thing you're ashamed of is the key to your impact? 20.                   What dream did you inherit—and is it still yours to carry? 21.                 What emotion do you feel when you imagine the dream fully alive—and    how long will you ignore that fire? 22.                 What truth are you not telling yourself because it would require action? 23.                  What would your 10-year-from-now self-beg you to start doing today? 24.                   What if not chasing your dream is actually selfish? 25.                   What would you do differently if you believed the dream came to you for a reason?  This episode wasn't just about reflection. It was about clarification. The question is no longer What? It's What next? I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And I believe your dream is not dead—it's just waiting on you. If this stirred something in you… don't keep it locked up. Share this episode. Send it to someone whose dream you believe in. And if you haven't yet, get on my email list—because I send weekly tools to help you move from stuck to unstoppable. Until next time—your dream is calling. Pick it up.  What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  Remember that I offer my  Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. My book:  Closing the 18-Inch Gap

Last week I was so into the episode that I lost track of time. So today I'm bringing you the last 14 points. I mistakenly thought I had brought 12 points but actually only brought 11.   The word I am exploring is such a simple but powerful one: Why? Like I said last week.  It's such a simple word. One syllable. Three letters. But inside that word now that we're all grown up… lives a storm. Today, I'm not here to give you steps, or tips, or strategies. I'm here to ask you questions. Because that's what good coaches do. They ask real questions. The kind that doesn't just live in your head—they echo in your soul. I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And if you've ever felt like your dream is locked in a box… hidden behind excuses… or just buried under life… then this episode is for you. Today, we release locked-up dreams—not with motivation, but with truth. Let's begin with one question... asked another 14 different ways. Each one designed to shake loose the lies. Each one with a small move you can make today.   Quote of the week: "If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY." ― Simon Sinek   Points covered:  12. Why do you keep waiting for the perfect moment? 13. Why haven't you told anyone what you really want? 14. Why do you sabotage your progress? 15. Why do you call it "just a hobby"? 16. Why do you fear your own potential? 17. Why do you believe your story is boring? 18. Why are you afraid to be seen? 19. Why are you still calling it impossible? 20. Why do you play small in big rooms? 21. Why haven't you defined success your way yet? 22. Why do you dismiss compliments? 23. Why do you keep asking for signs when you've already been called? 24. Why do you think your dream has an expiration date? 25. Why do you believe transformation is for other people? 14 more  questions. A hundred lies we tell ourselves. But only one truth matters: You were born to realize your dream. And sometimes the only way to get there… is to start by asking, Why am I still holding it back? This episode wasn't just about reflection. It was about release. The question is no longer Why? It's Why not now? I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And I believe your dream is not dead—it's just waiting on you. If this stirred something in you… don't keep it locked up. Share this episode. Send it to someone whose dream you believe in. And if you haven't yet, get on my email list—because I send weekly tools to help you move from stuck to unstoppable. Until next time—your dream is calling. Pick it up.   What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes. "Please give us a rating and review for us to read it in the podcast, I love sharing our listeners voices and comments on our podcast". In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have.  You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. And don't forget, go to my email sign up page at edwinsoler.com to sign up for my weekly emails to get all the latest about how I can help you achieve your dreams.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap! Closing the 18 Inch Gap Book  

Do you remember being a kid and always asking the same question? Remember how we drive our parents and teachers crazy? It's such a simple word. One syllable. Three letters. But inside that word now that we're all grown up… lives a storm. Today, I'm not here to give you steps, or tips, or strategies. I'm here to ask you questions. Because that's what good coaches do. They ask real questions. The kind that don't just live in your head—they echo in your soul. I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And if you've ever felt like your dream is locked in a box… hidden behind excuses… or just buried under life… then this episode is for you. Today, we release locked-up dreams—not with motivation, but with truth. Let's begin with one question... asked 25 different ways. That question is why? Each one designed to shake loose the lies. Each one with a small move you can make today. More on the other side. Quote of the week: "Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'…  Viktor Frankl in his "Man's Search for Meaning" Points covered: 1. Why haven't you started yet? 2. Why do you still think you're not ready? 3. Why are you trying to be so perfect? 4. Why do you care so much what they think? 5. Why do you keep comparing your dream to theirs? 6. Why haven't you forgiven yourself yet? 7. Why do you shrink when it's time to speak up? 8. Why do you wait for permission? 9. Why do you avoid the first step? 10. Why are you pretending it doesn't matter anymore? 11. Why are you working on everyone else's dream but yours? Eleven  questions. So many lies we tell ourselves. But only one truth matters: You were born to realize your dream. And sometimes the only way to get there… is to start by asking, Why am I still holding it back? This episode wasn't just about reflection. It was about release. The question is no longer Why? It's Why not now? I'm your Dream Realization Partner. And I believe your dream is not dead—it's just waiting on you. If this stirred something in you… don't keep it locked up. Share this episode. Send it to someone whose dream you believe in. And if you haven't yet, get on my email list—because I send weekly tools to help you move from stuck to unstoppable.  Until next time—your dream is calling. Pick it up.  What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes. "Please give us a rating and review for us to read it in the podcast, I love sharing our listeners voices and comments on our podcast" In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have.  You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. And don't forget, go to my email sign up page at edwinsoler.com to sign up for my weekly emails to get all the latest about how I can help you achieve your dreams.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap! Book Self Talk by Marianne Renner Book Closing the18-Inch Gap

Today I'll be talking about….. well today!  Why it matters so much.  I won't be repeating it before or after every point because that would be SO ANNOYING!!!  But I will certainly be discussing these few points and many more: Is All You Truly Have Is Where Dreams Begin Is the Seed of Your Future Doesn't Need Permission and so much more. Do you often get lost in the future?  I want to emphasize living in the present, seizing opportunities, and shaping a better future through actions taken today to get closer to your dreams coming true.    Quote of the week: Don't live your life regretting yesterday. Live your life so tomorrow you won't regret today.  Catherine Pulsifer   Points covered:   1. Today Is All You Truly Have The past is over. The future is not promised. 2. Today Is Where Dreams Begin Dreams don't start "someday" — they start today. 3. Today Breaks the Chains of Yesterday You are not your past.   4. Today Holds Limitless Possibilities Anything can happen today — if you show up for it. 5. Today Is Where Courage Lives You don't need courage for a month from now — you need it today. 6. Today Is the Seed of Your Future Big futures are built from small actions. 7. Today Has a Voice — Let It Speak Let today hear your truth. 8. Today Is the Most Underrated Miracle You woke up today. That alone is a miracle. 9. Today Makes You the Hero of Your Story You are not stuck in the script of your past. 10. Today Doesn't Need Permission You don't need to be validated to begin. 11. Today Is a Choice Every thought, every action, every word — it's your choice. 12. Today Makes the Ordinary Sacred A smile, a moment, a breath — today is full of beauty.     13. Today Is Stronger Than Regret Regret wants to pull you backward but today wants to push you forward. 14. Today Is Where Change Begins You don't need to change everything — just start something. 15. Today Sets the Tone Today sets your energy, your rhythm, your mindset. 16. Today Can Be the Last Day You Wait No more waiting. No more putting off the dream. 17. Today Is a Practice Ground You don't need perfection — you need practice. 18. Today Is a Bridge, Not a Barrier Don't see today as something in your way. 19. Today Rebuilds Self-Trust Keep a promise to yourself today. 20. Today Is Sacred Because It Ends This day will end.   You have 1,440 minutes today, everyday. Use them like they matter — because they do. Don't waste today waiting for a better tomorrow because tomorrow will be another today again. This is the time. Go live, build, love, and begin — today.   "Every point we covered today will shape part of your story. Some will challenge you. Others will champion you. But all of them—when understood—can and will shape you. Your dream isn't just possible. It's waiting on the version of you who's ready. Until next time—keep daring, keep developing, and most of all, keep dreaming."   What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes.  In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have.  You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. And don't forget, go to my email sign up page at edwinsoler.com to sign up for my weekly emails to get all the latest about how I can help you achieve your dreams.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap!   My Book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap

We all must face ourselves before we face anything else that will hold us back.  I have been thinking a lot these past few weeks about the struggles it takes to get through to see the results we are looking for. It takes perseverance and will power to get to the level we seek to reach. While not all of these may necessarily apply to you, I am sure some will.  And in each scenario, I will give you something that will help you overcome that which holds you back. It may take some time but be assured that in time, you will succeed.  Quote of the week: "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." —Albert Einstein Each point covered has the meaning that underlines why each one is believed and has a way to create a defeated mindset.  But I don't stop there at all.  I offer powerful strategies on how to overcome each and everyone of them.  There are quite a few valuable diamonds of insight and wisdom in each point so make sure you give it a listen:   1. They Told You You're Not Good Enough 2. Failure Made You Quit 3. You're Stuck in the Past 4. You're Waiting for Permission 5. Comfort Became Your Cage 6. You Feel Unworthy of Success 7. You Blame External Circumstances 8. Your Inner Critic Is Too Loud 9. You're Overwhelmed by the Big Picture 10.  You See Yourself Through Old Labels 11. You Gave Up After One No 12. You're Waiting Until You're Ready 13. You Let Emotions Lead 14. You've Been Told "It's Too Late" 15. You Let Past Trauma Define You 16. You Confuse Busy with Productive 17. You've Let Identity Get Tied to Achievement 18. You Don't Believe You Belong 19. You've Confused Delays with Denials 20. You Don't Ask for Help "Every point we covered today will shape part of your story. Some will challenge you. Others will champion you. But all of them—when understood—can and will shape you. Your dream isn't just possible. It's waiting on the version of you who's ready. Until next time—keep daring, keep developing, and most of all, keep dreaming."   What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect.   If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes.  In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have.  You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. And don't forget, go to my email sign up page at edwinsoler.com to sign up for my weekly emails to get all the latest about how I can help you achieve your dreams.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap!  My book: Closing The 18-Inch Gap

Everyone loves an underdog story, but living one? That is a whole different challenge. The struggle, the doubt, and those nights when giving up feels like the easiest choice. It's tough, but that's exactly why it feels so good when you finally prove them wrong. Being the underdog is not a weakness. It is a secret weapon. No one sees you coming. No one expects you to win. And when you do? That victory hits different! Every champion, record-breaker, and history-maker started at the bottom. If you are pushing through setbacks, proving doubters wrong, or just trying to keep going, these words will fire you up.  Quote of the week:     "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it's the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow." — Mary Anne Radmacher  Not every victory is loud. Sometimes, just showing up the next day is a win.  These are 14 examples of underdogs I share with you, all of their stories are shared inside this episode: 1.       Gillian Lynne (Choreographer of Cats on Broadway): 2. Tom Brady – NFL Quaterback 3. Chris Gardner – Entrepreneur with a movie made based on his story 4. Misty Copeland – Ballet dancer tha broke racial barriers 5. Erik Weihenmayer – Mountaineer that has been blind since age 13 6.  Viola Davis – Actress that overcame overwhelming odds 7. Susan Boyle – Singer that broke all stereo types 8. Michael Jordan – Basketball pplayer that was rejected 9. Robert Downey Jr. – Actor considered a lost cause and given up on 10. Liz Murray – Author & Speaker form homelesss at 16 to Harvard University 11. Fred Rogers – Children's TV creator that shattered TV norms 12. Simone Biles – Gymnastics that overcame many obstacles and Criticism 13. Frida Kahlo – Famous Mexican Artist that broke through many barriers  14.  James "Buster" Douglas – Boxer that had the greatest sports upset "Every point we covered today will shape part of your story. Some will challenge you. Others will champion you. But all of them—when understood—can and will shape you. Your dream isn't just possible. It's waiting on the version of you who's ready. Until next time—keep daring, keep developing, and most of all, keep dreaming." What resonated with you today?  I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. My Book: Closing the 18-Inch Gap

Do you ever feel too small to dream BIG? "In this episode, I want to go over a list of things I call "dream stoppers".  These are things that make you feel small and stop you from making progress on what matters most to you, what keeps you from not just reaching, but even getting started on your journey to make those big dreams happen.  If you don't have something big to dream for than you are simply living and nothing else. If you are ok with that, than that's fine. That's completely up to you.  However, if you want to do something meaningful then you must remember that you only have one chance to do it.  So, I want to ask you today, what's keeping you from taking the leap to get started? I want to know if any of these "dream stoppers" are getting in your way and what you can do about it. Quote of the week: "Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." - Ralph Waldo Emerson  Points covered: 1.  Low Self-Worth- Some individuals don't believe they're worthy of big dreams or success. 2. Chronic Illness or Health Struggles- Health challenges can consume a person's time, energy, and emotional resources. 3. Caretaking Responsibilities- Many people are deeply committed to caring for others—children, aging parents, or sick partners. 4. Financial Pressure- Economic insecurity can make dream-chasing feel unrealistic or even irresponsible. 5. Past Trauma- Unresolved trauma, especially from childhood, can create powerful mental and emotional blocks. 6. Cultural Expectations- In some families or cultures, dreaming beyond traditional roles is discouraged. 7. Emotional Burnout- When someone has experienced prolonged stress or emotional exhaustion, they often lack the energy to dream. 8. Limiting Beliefs from Childhood- Many people absorb disempowering beliefs early in life, such as "dreams don't pay the bills" or "you're not creative." 9. Comparison to Others- Constantly comparing themselves to more successful, attractive, or confident people can crush a person's motivation. 10. Fear of Judgment- Worrying about what others will think can be a huge barrier. 11. Past Failures- People who have tried and failed in the past may carry emotional wounds that keep them from trying again. 12. Lack of Role Models- If someone has never seen anyone like them succeed, it's harder to believe they can. 13. Mental Health Struggles- Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges can distort how a person sees themselves and the world. 14. Unresolved Grief- Losing a loved one can cause people to put their dreams on hold—sometimes indefinitely. 15. Lack of Support System- Pursuing a dream can be lonely, especially without encouragement from others. 16. Inner Critic- The internal voice that criticizes, doubts, and undermines can be louder than any outside voice. I want to explore how I can help you.  If you want to take me up on my offer then, reach out to me for a complementary Next-Level Dream Chat.  It only takes about 30 minutes to get through. We can start diving into what your dreams are and what's holding you back. You would be amazed at how much we can uncover together in a short time to get you started. It's the first step that is the most important, getting started.  Simply send me an email to [email protected] and let me know how we can connect. If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes.  In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have.  You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. And don't forget, go to my email sign up page at edwinsoler.com to sign up for my weekly emails to get all the latest about how I can help you achieve your dreams.  I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap! My Book- Closing The 18-Inch Gap