Books to Better Your Life

In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman is joined by Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan — health educator, author, speaker, and competitive natural bodybuilder — to discuss her book You Are Not Too Old and It's Not Too Late: The Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Strength After 50. Dr. Maria Cristina shares her remarkable story of beginning her fitness transformation at age 69, competing in bodybuilding in her 70’s, and now doing gymnastics at nearly 80. She challenges the cultural narrative that aging equals decline, offering a science-backed, practical roadmap for women who want to reclaim their strength, vitality, and confidence at any age.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:we don’t need to accept the decline that’s traditionally been considered a part of agingThe science behind how your mindset directly affects how you age, including the groundbreaking "counterclockwise" study by Harvard researcher Dr. Ellen LangerWhy muscle is "the organ of longevity" (according to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon) and why strength training — not just cardio — is essential for women over 50Why starting small — even five minutes at a time — is the most effective strategy for lasting changeNoteworthy quotes in this episode:"We expect decline and it accommodates us. It absolutely accommodates us because we then lean into 'I can't do, I can't do,' and then we don't do anything." — Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan"The body that I had at 71 was a body I never had in my fifties, never had in my sixties." — Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan"It's not gonna get worse if you keep at it — it gets better. It does not get worse. It's when you stop that your decline begins." — Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan"If you keep telling yourself you're getting older, it's gonna progress faster. Our bodies listen to what we tell them." — Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan"You are not too old, whatever age you are, and it's never too late. Start now." — Dr. Maria Cristina SheehanResources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:You Are Not Too Old and It's Not Too Late: The Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Strength After 50 by Dr. Maria Cristina SheehanDr. Maria Cristina’s Website: dmariacristina.com(visit for a free first chapter download, the 6-week Stability Solution program, and to submit questions)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.sheehan.376Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheehanhealthandwellness/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariasheehan9708Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn:@coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule

In this episode, host Anne Brinkman sits down with Sam Kabert — emotional fitness trainer, former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and three-time bestselling author. Sam shares the deeply personal story behind his latest book, Overcome the Overwhelm, and introduces his six-step breath method rooted in neuroscience and the 90-second rule. The conversation explores why so many high achievers burn out, how emotional avoidance drives chronic stress, and why reconnecting with our feelings — not just our thoughts — is the next frontier of mental health.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The 90-Second Rule: How any heavy emotion can move through your body in under 90 seconds — if you let it.2. Breathe, Feel, Think: The three themes of Sam's breath method and how to apply them in two minutes.3. The Ninja Breath: A subtle, real-time breathing technique you can use mid-conversation to regulate your nervous system without anyone noticing.4. Allostatic Load: The scientific term for emotional baggage — and how bottling up feelings leads to chronic stress and burnout.Noteworthy quotes in this episode:"There is a certain archetype of person that gets into spirituality because they have been chasing success, and then they finally get there and realize it was never about the end destination. And all that workaholism was to avoid the inner feeling of not feeling worthy enough.""We make decisions based off of how we feel. Then with logic afterwards, we justify it with logic.""Your unconscious mind will remember that the 90-second rule means you can move through heavy, dense emotions in less than 90 seconds.""Emotional fitness is the next wave of mental health. It's about feeling first so that our thoughts naturally clear so that we can lead with strength and confidence."Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Book: Overcome the Overwhelm: The 6-Step B.R.E.A.T.H. Process to Access Inner Peace (available on Amazon) Sam Kabert’s website: www.samkabert.comSam on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabert/ , Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kabert/ , Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/samkabert‍ ‍Soul Seekr Podcast https://samkabert.com/podcast/Breath Club https://samkabert.com/breathclub/Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule

Episode 13: Nic Collins & AdvanceIn this powerful episode, Anne Brinkman sits down with Nic Collins, author of Advance: Discover Alignment and Authenticity by Living in Concert with Your Situation. Nick shares his transformative journey from wearing masks in every aspect of his life to living authentically. The conversation explores his cross-country van trip that sparked deep self-reflection, his decade-long therapy journey, his decision to stop drinking, and the importance of meeting people where they are in their struggles. Nick's message is clear: we already have the answers within us—we just need permission to trust ourselves and live life on our own terms.Find the transcript hereWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The Power of Solitude for Self-Discovery How disconnecting from daily distractions through experiences like Nick's cross-country van trip can lead to profound personal insights.2. Reframing Therapy and Mental Health Why seeking help isn't weakness—it's a tool for growth—and how to overcome the stigma around mental health support.3. Meeting People Where They Are Why presence matters more than advice, and how to support others without trying to "fix" them.4. The Real Story Behind Sobriety How years of internal work prepared Nick for lasting change, and why overnight success is rarely overnight.5. Advancing vs. Retreating Redefining progress on your own terms and creating intentional space for what truly matters in life.Noteworthy quotes in this episode:On Authenticity: > "I wore a mask in every aspect of my life for a long time, and that wasn't working. And so how can I …make that into something that worked? And so that was showing up as myself."On Meeting People Where They Are: > "We have to meet ourself where we are, and if we're the helper, we also have to meet that person where they are... Your presence is all that's required. We don't have to fix it."On Survival: > "Whatever gets you to tomorrow, do that thing. Whatever that is... We gotta meet ourself where we are and start at that place, and sometimes it's a really, really bad place."On Retreat vs. Advance: > "I go there to get to reality... My time in the mountains by myself, that's what life is about. My interaction with these men that we create connection and community and growth, that's life. Not all this other stuff that we fill our head with—that's distraction."On Internal Answers: > "We all have our own makeup, our own skills, personality sets. We also have our own challenges... I think we go in search of people to tell us what to do or where to go... but we already have so many of the answers within us. And we don't trust that a lot of times."Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Book: Advance: Discover Alignment and Authenticity by Living in Concert with Your Situation (available on Amazon) or on AudibleNic Collin’s website: NicCollinsAuthentic.comNic on Instagram: @nic_collins_authentic, Tiktok: @niccollins22, Facebook: nic.collins.714The Constant Quest PodcastPodcast Editor Lisa FergusonConnect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey

In this episode of Books To Better Your Life, we’re dving into Mel Robbins' transformative book, 'The Five Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence With Everyday Courage.'Find the transcript hereWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:How this strategy was instrumental in Mel Robbin’s being a household name todayThe basic five second rule strategyVariations you can try out for the five second ruleNoteworthy quotes in this episode: “I think those challenges are the hardest to get over because we don't think they should be a big deal. “ “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast off!”“ what I think is genius about this technique is that it stops you from considering the thoughts your brain might offer. The countdown shifts from thinking, feeling to just doing, because where we can get stuck is in that thinking.”Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Book: The Five Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence With Everyday Courage.' (available on Amazon)Book: The Let Them Theory (available on Amazon)Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey: http://www.betteryour.life/schedule

In this episode, Chu Tang opens up about how friendship has shaped her journey from refugee camps to thriving as a creative artist and entrepreneur. Along the way, she found that friendship — real, unconditional friendship — was the thread that held her life together.Chu shares how her second book, Finding Real Friends, was born out of gratitude for the support she received while writing her first. She hopes it helps young adults rediscover the meaning of friendship in an age of social media, where connection can often feel superficial.Throughout the episode, Chu and I explore how friendship shapes identity, provides healing where family might not, and teaches us forgiveness and empathy. Chu’s stories — from childhood friends to creative collaborators to new business allies — show how authentic relationships help us grow into the best versions of ourselves.As Chu says, friendship is both simple and sacred: it’s about trust, love without judgment, and choosing people who help you see your potential.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why true friendship requires trust, action, and acceptanceHow friendships can fill roles that even family can’tWhy some friendships are “seasonal” — and how to let go with graceHow to build genuine friendships in a social-media-driven worldNoteworthy quotes from Chu in this episode: “I think if we come from that space [ what’s in it for me], it's very hard to find true friends because we will tend to attract people with agenda.”“And then also we have to forgive our friend because it's like us forgiving ourselves.... No, we don't go to school to learn how to be a good friend….So sometimes friend[s], they make mistakes and then so do we.”“A true friend is someone that I could totally depend on…without them prejudging…someone who allows me to be who I am…no judgment…love who I am.”Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Website: www.allhealth.infoBook: Finding Real Friends: Stay by My Side (available on Amazon)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chu.tang.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chu_muy_tang/#LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/health-wellness-consultant/Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts: https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey: http://www.betteryour.life/schedule

Episode 10: Marie O’Neill: And the Lotus OpenedIn this episode, Anne Brinkman talks with Marie O’Neill, a dynamic coach, author, astrologer, and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Kepler College. Marie shares insights from her powerful memoir And the Lotus Opened—a story of trauma, transformation, and spiritual awakening.Through her lens of astrology, Native American teachings, and deep reverence for nature, Marie explores how healing often begins in the “mud and muck” of life—just like the lotus that blooms from it. She and Anne discuss finding one’s plant totem, reconnecting with the Great Mother energy, and learning to reclaim personal power after pain.Find the transcript hereWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:The symbolism of the lotus and how it mirrors our life’s unfoldingHow to discover your plant totem and what it reveals about youUnderstanding the Great Mother energy and its role in healingReclaiming personal power after trauma and finding true freedomNoteworthy quotes from Marie in this episode: “One of the biggest things that I learned is to take my power back from others and to keep it and to not give it away. Because so many of us give our power away, whether it's to our parents or our mate or our job or whatever. And we feel that we are weak and we're not. We just need to take our power back. And no matter who I am in front of talking to, no matter how much money they have or power that they think they have, I have my own power.” “I want people to know that they need to be curious about their own life and that they can thrive. And I don't see most people thriving. I see most people existing. And it doesn't matter how much money they have. I see them exist because they don't know who they are.”“I am free. The trauma didn’t do that—I chose to go down the road to find me so that I could be free.” “…the lotus grows in mud and muck. It can't grow in clean water, it can't grow in beauty. It ends up being beautiful when it opens, but it has to start in the mud and muck.”Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Website: Padma Life CoachingBook Website: https://andthelotusopened.com/Book: And the Lotus Opened (available on Amazon and major retailers)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieoneillauthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.oneill.1023LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieoneillConnect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey

In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, Anne Brinkman sits down with author and career coach Sandy Johnson to discuss her inspiring new book Experience Not Required. Part memoir, part self-help, and part adventure story, Sandy’s book encourages readers to embrace the freedom of being a “rookie” and step into new experiences—even when they don’t know how to begin.Sandy shares the sparks that led her to writing, from childhood inspiration with Harriet the Spy to publishing her first articles, and ultimately to embarking on adventures like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running a race in the Sahara Desert. She opens up about the discomfort of learning something new, the power of recommitting when doubt sets in, and how confidence grows not before action, but because of it.Together, Anne and Sandy explore themes of adventure, belonging, confidence, and possibility—reminding us that trying something new doesn’t require expertise, only a willingness to begin.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why embracing the role of “rookie” can be freeing rather than embarrassingThe connection between discomfort, persistence, and growing confidenceHow sharing your dreams out loud invites support, resources, and new opportunitiesNoteworthy quotes from this episode:“Confidence isn't something that you just decide you're going to feel. I need to feel more confident. It's a result of actually doing.”“When we're little kids, we just say out loud, oh, “I want to be an astronaut,” “I want to be the president.” We say things because we have no idea about what's required to get there. And as adults we know what's required. So we just shut things down as that's not possible. That's the problem.”“Everybody that ever tried something new or invented something didn't know anything, we are figuring it out as we go along.” “I find that a lot of us, when we get to a certain stage of life we are afraid to admit that we haven't done something before. We want to appear capable and experienced and even experts. And it can be embarrassing to say “I don't know how” or “I haven't done this before” “Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Experience Not Required by Sandy Johnson — Available on Amazon (Kindle & paperback) Visit Sandy’s website: experiencenotrequired.caConnect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey

In this episode, you’ll learn about:What brought Heather to write this bookWhat Living By Heart really meansSome simple starting steps to try out living by heart yourselfThe challenges and discoveries Heather had along the wayHow to make sure this book is not shelf-help but enables your self-coachingNoteworthy quotes from this episode “I think when we believe that our emotions are information, and we stop assigning good, bad, right, wrong, those sort of black and white labels to it, we will recognize how much wisdom and insights come from our body."“ Accepting emotions and acknowledging emotions is not permission for bad behavior.”“ But sometimes, when we work so hard to try and manage our emotions, we get caught in them, and we can't actually move forward from them.”“Leaders are being told that they need to come to the table with more empathy. Leaders are being told they need to come with with more active listening, with more awareness and concern for well being of their employees, like there's so much that's really heart centered in the underlying of those skills”“Especially in the corporate world of North America, we've been very programmed to listen mostly to our heads. What's the logic, what's the facts, where's the evidence, right? So so much of what we're doing is operating in that above the neck, in the head space, for validation and confirmation and expertise, right?”Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Buy Living By Heart on amazon.com or livingbyheart.caVisit Heather Haigh’s business website. Follow Heather at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermhaigh/Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journeyhttp://www.betteryour.life/schedule

n this episode of Books to Better your Life, host Anne Brinkman interviews Michelle Gruening, adventurer and personal growth coach, discussing her recent summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and latest book, The Adventure-Inspired Activity Book to Help You Stop Doom Scrolling! Get Off Your Phone and Back to Living Your Life. They discuss the challenges faced during the hike, the importance of support from guides, and the connection between adventure and technology. Michelle also introduces her book 'Stop Doomscrolling', which aims to help people break free from phone addiction and engage in more mindful activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of self-improvement.In this episode, you’ll learn about:Michelle’s summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including the preparation, support, and challenges along the wayHow this adventure led to this activity bookStrategies for spending less time on your phoneInspiration for taking on your own challengesNoteworthy quotes from this episode “That's something that we can all work a little bit, a little bit more intentionally on, in general life, but also in our businesses is when things are really hard… just focus on the next right step.”“The guides on Mount Kilimanjaro are truly the heroes of that journey. Without them, no one would reach the top.”"Life exists outside of our phones.""It all starts with awareness."Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Buy Stop Doom Scrolling on amazon.com.  *Visit Michelle Gruening’s website. Follow Michelle at:www.facebook.com/michelleegrueningwww.instagram.com/michellegrueningwww.linkedin.com/in/michellegruening/ Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

In this episode of Books to Better your Life, host Anne Brinkman shares her experience with Nick Gray’s book The Two Hour Cocktail Party, which is kinda like a manual for throwing a stress-less party that connects people.In this episode, you’ll Learn:Why hosting a gathering is a powerful way to build connections.How The 2-Hour Cocktail Party breaks down hosting into a simple, actionable formula.The role of accountability and structure in making events happenCreative ideas inspired by other hosts in the accountability group.Resources Mentioned:The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings by Nick Gray Buy on Amazon or BookshopNick Gray’s website: www.nickgray.net and book website https://party.pro/Join my newsletter to enter the giveaway for a free copy of the book! Find the link at www.betteryour.life.Takeaways:Hosting a simple, structured event like a 2-hour cocktail party can transform your social life and help you build a stronger community. It’s not about being the perfect host; it’s about creating a space where people can connect.Call to Action:Ready to host your own 2-hour cocktail party? Let us know how it goes!Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win a copy of Nick Gray’s book.Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey

How to communicate in a way to get yourself heard and others to respond well to you.In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman reviews Marshall Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication, which explores a communication strategy to minimize “violence” and increase understanding in conversations. Coach Anne highlights key concepts such as how to approach conversations with empathy, without judgment, and being clear on feelings and needs.Coach Anne also explores Rosenberg’s tips for fully using the strategy and where we might get hung up.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The 4 steps to communicate in a non-violent wayHow to respond to someone else to make them feel heardWhat to watch for in this communicationNoteworthy quotes from this episode“Now the English language isn’t really helping when we’re talking about feelings – it sort of puts a veil over them.  When we talk about feelings,  just because you say “I feel hurt”, does not mean hurt is a feeling.  ““Then when you share your need, it’s not what the other person did.  It’s NOT  like “you made me feel angry because you borrowed my shirt without asking”  No one can make you feel something. ““And JUST because you make a request, doesn’t mean they need to do it.  You need to be willing for them not to agree to it.”“And what this really is creating is not just that person being heard, but it’s also focusing on your empathy for that person.  When we are feeling empathetic, we are more likely to be able to take their hateful or mocking words and recognize them as unmet needs and an expression of their pain.”Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Buy on Amazon or Bookshop *Junto’s Emotion Wheel Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission, and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

How do past traumas – even “little t” traumas – affect our bodies, minds, and lives?In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman reviews Dr. Nicole LePera's book How to Do the Work, which explores the mind-body connection, trauma, and stress. Coach Anne highlights key concepts such as the impact of stress on bodily functions and health, polyvagal theory, and Dr. LePera’s reinterpretation of trauma – one that may better reflect what our body or mind interprets as trauma.Coach Anne also discusses Dr. LePera’s strategies for healing and self-regulation, emphasizing the importance of small, actionable steps before leaving listeners with a challenge to implement what they’ve learned.In this episode, you’ll learn about:-LePera’s reinterpretation of trauma to include subtle childhood experiences (what the host calls “little T” trauma), especially experiences where you didn’t feel safe.-The impact of stress on your bodily functions and physical health.-Polyvagal theory, which explains the vagus nerve's role in stress responses.-Practical healing strategies for improving your mind-body connection, including journaling, breathing exercises, and small daily habits.Noteworthy quotes from this episode“If you're not familiar with that idea of doing the work, it's really to be looking at yourself and taking steps to improve yourself, especially at an emotional level. What this looks like is different for everybody. Maybe that's therapy, maybe that's meditation, journaling, etc.”“Stress is not just in your head. The body must shift resources from its usual place of maintaining homeostasis – that physical, emotional, and mental balance – to protecting itself. Of course, stress is part of life. Normative stress – birth, death, marriage, breakups, job loss – is part of the human experience. And trying to avoid stress could even stress you out. Stress is normal.”“Dr. LePera’s patients came to her saying they can't connect with others, they can't get friends with emotional depth, they can't find love. This lack of intimacy may actually be because our body's stress response is activated and reducing emotional and attentional regulation.”“When we grow up with an autonomic response, we might become used to that. Our mind and body are used to that response. And if it was a trauma response, our brain becomes used to that and can even learn to crave the feelings associated with the trauma response. This might be where you get stuck in a loop of emotional addiction.”Resources and links mentioned in this episode:-Buy How to Do the Work on amazon.com or bookshop.org.  *-Visit Dr. LePera’s website. -Join Dr. LePera’s community, SelfHealers Circle. Connect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission, and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

Do you find yourself with so many interests that you’re not sure what to do with all of them? Or are you feeling like you don't fit into this world of single focus, especially when it comes to your work life?In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman explores Barbara Sher's Refuse to Choose, which addresses the challenges faced by what she called “scanners,” people with diverse interests who struggle to focus on a single path. Brinkman highlights her key takeaways, including the idea of a Scanner Daybook to capture ideas, the importance of “career tryouts,” and strategies for integrating multiple passions into your working life. She also discusses Sher’s types of scanners and their unique traits, encouraging listeners to embrace their multifaceted nature and find ways to incorporate their interests into fulfilling careers and lives.In this episode, you’ll learn about:-Individuals with multiple interests – “scanners” – who struggle to commit to a single focus.-The 11 different types of scanners, each with unique traits.-Strategies for integrating your many passions, like having multiple specialties, maintaining hobbies, or creating a unique career combining various interests.-“Career tryouts,” or experimenting with different careers to see if they match your expectations before fully committing.-The “scanner daybook,” a tool for capturing and organizing your ideas and interests.Noteworthy quotes“Sometimes scanners are described as multi-passionates, or multipotentialites, or a renaissance man or woman, or sometimes, when they can harness it, jack-of-all-trades. Some of Sher’s descriptions are: ‘I work at low-paying jobs because there's nothing I'm willing to commit to,’ ‘I keep changing my mind about what I want to do and end up doing nothing,’ and ‘I'll never be an expert in anything.’”“Sher considers people like Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Goethe, and Ben Franklin as scanners. They had no qualms about exploring many different areas. And no one tried to stop them either. it was normal.”“Aren't we interesting? We have all of these interests. And yet we also put all these obstacles in the way.”“If this idea of a scanner resonates with you, then possibly just accepting your identity as one is a huge relief for you.”Resources and links mentioned in this episode:-Buy Refuse to Choose on amazon.com or bookshop.org  *-Watch Barbara Sher's TEDx talk, “Isolation is the Dream Killer”-Visit Sher’s official website-Explore Sher’s concept of Success Teams-Join Sher’s Facebook communityConnect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

What if I told you that real change is not only possible but also simpler than you think? In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman explores James Clear’s best-seller, Atomic Habits. Clear teaches us that real, lasting change doesn’t require massive effort. It’s about making small, consistent tweaks that compound over time. Coach Anne also discusses the role of identity in habit formation and the Four Laws of Behavior Change before sharing her personal experiences with habit formation and challenging listeners to adopt small habits to improve their lives.In this episode, you’ll learn:-The power of tiny, incremental habits to create significant results.-The importance of aligning habits with one's identity and beliefs.-The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.-An easy way to begin putting Clear’s key strategies to work in your own life over the next seven days.Noteworthy quotes“What I see in my clients is often they are beating themselves up for a lot of things – for not having motivation, for being lazy, not being able to do these things they want to. Yet sometimes all it really comes down to is them not being aware of how to develop habits.”“A little thing done time after time starts to create big results.”“Each time you do a habit, it's a vote for an identity.”“Imagine a smoker being offered a cigarette replying, 'No thanks, I'm trying to quit,' versus a smoker who says, 'No thanks, I don't smoke.' One has adopted and accepted that [new] identity and one still believes in that old identity.”Resources and links mentioned in this episode:-James Clear’s Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Buy it from Amazon here or Bookshop here.  *-Clear’s website: jamesclear.com-Clear’s inspiring 3-2-1 newsletterConnect with Anne BrinkmanWebsite: www.betteryour.lifeLinkedIn: @coachannebrinkmanFree confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audioNewsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog postsFree discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission and every  book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

Ever wondered why you sometimes struggle to follow through on your goals? Or maybe you’ve felt like real change is just out of reach? Trust me, you’re not alone. But guess what? There’s a way forward, and it’s simpler than you might think!Meet your host, Coach Anne Brinkman, and her take on popular self-development books, as well as interviews with authors.