Ditch the Struggle with Alana Ruoso
If you’ve ever felt lost and trapped in your career, frustrated with the life you’re living, stuck in a state of struggle and maybe even–like me–haunted by the fear of unfulfilled potential, then you’re definitely in the right place. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and then burned it–a few times over.Hi! I'm Alana. I'm a certified Career & Success Coach and Graphic Designer in Canada. I can’t wait to share stories from my deep dive into personal development work, careers, coaching, energy healing, waking up to toxic societal programming (yes, I’m going there) a...
EP89: Celebrity Gossip, Fake Relationships & I Was Kinda an Idiot [Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
My former obsession with celebrity gossipHow I gave my attention away to the media circus in my 30'sWhat I would now tell my younger selfREGRETS: seeing this version of myself with a new lens and wishing I had done things differentlyHow your attention–and your energy–is your most precious commodity. Use it wisely.📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking f...
EP88: Was It Worth It? Reflecting on Work [Parting Words From Linds Redding]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Working like crazy, advertising agency life, and giving up everything for a career--is it worth it?I read part of a profound journal entry from the famous advertising art director, Linds Redding--who died in 2012My role in the advertising world and dropping out of the advertising stream in collegeRead the full article here: https://lindsredding.com/2012/03/11/a-overdue-lesson-in-perspective/📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now...
EP87: Burn Away Job Pain & Grief--Literally [Career & Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Letting go of the pain and trauma of previous jobs, even if they were 20 years agoHow it's ok and normal that stuff from a billion years ago still hurts or causes stressThe burning ritual I like to do when I want to let something goPersonal work stories from brutal jobs in my past📺 Video: How to use Ho'oponopono
🔥 Burning the podcast notes about my toxic boss!
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider T...
EP86: Why You Might Be Miserable in Your Job [Career & Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
The tiny things that can ruin a job experienceGetting clear on what your core values areWhy 'book club' isn't just 'book club'Reflecting on the sacrifices you make for your job📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1
🎙️Follow Ditch the Struggle on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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EP85: How to Transition From a Retail or Service Job to Corporate [Career & Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
How to transition from a service industry job such as retail salesperson or waiter to a corporate jobLinkedIn tipsThe mindset shift needed to move into corporate💫 Resources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-power-words
https://novoresume.com/career-blog/customer-service-skills
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? ...
EP84: Magnetize Success and Reclaim Your Joy After Burnout [Conversation with Michelle Niemeyer]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Michelle Niemeyer. She is a speaker, coach and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the dots across work, life, and purpose to magnetize success and reclaim their joy. She helps businesses retain top talent, boost development, an...EP83: Let's Get Our Digital Sh*t Together [Career & Business]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Broken digital links, broken dreams... I get so many emails from people where their profiles/links/websites do NOT workWe need to audit our online profiles to make sure everything is workingAre we self-sabotaging our businesses by making it hard for people to find us?How comfortable are you being "seen"?📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking...
EP82: Be Bold, Take Terrified Action & Live a Story Worth Telling [Conversation with Gregory Russell Benedikt]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Gregory Russell Benedikt, Life & Leadership Coach5 years ago Gregory lit his entire life on fire to ditch the struggle of working in corporate America and to instead follow my dreamsHow being bold will change your life–Greg share's inspiring stories and strategic insightsMaybe don't take life too seriously?Living without regretsConnect with Gregory Russell Benedikt:
🌐 Website
⚡️LinkedIn
📷 Instagram
📺 TedX Talk
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant C...
EP81: Tragedy Strikes--Move Forward or Die? [Conversation with Kathryn Severns Avery]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Kathryn Severns Avery, Founder & Executive Director of Restoration Ranch ColoradoWhen tragedy strikes, you have a choice - move forward or die. Kathryn shares her deeply personal story: In December of 2020 her husband Chris was killed by robbery suspects fleeing from policeMaking the conscious choice to not let an event ruin our livesKathryn's brave move to found Restoration Ranch Colorado, a 40-acre ranch where dispatchers, first responders, emergency and ICU department personnel, members of the Judiciary, and their f...EP80: I Got a PRP Knee Injection and It's Kinda a Funny Story [Personal Stories & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
I tried a Platelet-Rich Plasma injection in my knee for a torn meniscusFun signs from the universe that you are on the right pathRandom stories about bad construction, dachshunds, and a SkyZone accident where I was wheeled out in an office chairWhen things are not nearly as bad as you expectDon't worry, no gross medical details!📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now<...
EP79: Ditching Corporate Life, Self-Care & Taking Detours [Conversation with Rebecca Ogilvie]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Rebecca Ogilvie, CEO of The Detour CoWhy Rebecca left her corporate job in financeTravelling the world with her now husbandCreating a self-care routine that is meaningful to youRebecca Ogilvie is a passionate person who believes we all have the ability to create a life we love. But first, we have to slow down. She founded The Detour Co in 2022 after losing faith in mainstream skincare brands that hide behind catch phrases and rarely tell the whole truth...EP78: I Walked Every Day For 365 Days Straight [Personal Growth & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
How I walked 2km (1 mile) a day for 365 days straightWhat that taught me about consistency, commitment and disciplineHow I became much more fulfilled setting a SMALL goal that was actually achievableWhy I think consistency is the key to any successThat neighbour that flagged me down on a walk--who was she??📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? <...
EP77: Teapots, Hydration & Marie Kondo Can Sit Down [Personal Growth & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
My simple but not-as-common way to stay hydratedWhy I think Marie Kondo needs to sit downSentimental teapots, family differences and perspective after your mom's death📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1
🎙️Follow Ditch the Struggle on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
❤️ Leave a rating and review and let me know...
EP76: Not Being "Seen" at Work [Career & Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
The experience of not matter what you do or change, others don't see your progressHow this can seriously affect your job fulfillmentThat time my coworker made massive changes at work at the boss would NOT acknowledge any of it – she wanted to keep her smallA funny short story about asking for LinkedIn recommendation📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️<...
EP75: When You Still Can't Find the Root Cause of Your Pain [Personal & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
An update on all of the things I'm doing to help heal and transform my bodyI'm getting a PRP injection in my knee--I talk about what that's all aboutGetting to the root cause of your painWhen all the things you try "don't work"📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1<...
EP74: Career "Overload" & "Fragmentation"--It's Painful AF [Career & Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
The two most common themes I see with coaching clients: Overload and FragmentationThat client of mine who worked 6-days a week at his corporate job–REQUIRED, not optionalHow overload leads to burnout and corporations don't careGetting clear on how much you will tolerate with your own job/workload📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking f...
EP73: My Brief, Weird & Creepy Facilitator Job [Personal Story & Career]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
That time I took a coaching gig that, in the end, just made my stomach turnThere may or may not have been a weird hot tub from the 1970sWhen you just "know" you have to leave something as soon as you've started!📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1
...
EP72: Healing From Panic Disorder and Building a Skin Care Empire [Conversation with Jeanne Retief]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Dr. Jeanne Retief, Founder of FIGGI BeautyHer brave journey with anxiety and panic disorderWhat it is like to have your life so affected by these experiencesBeing a Highly Sensitive PersonTips for managing anxietyHow she has built an incredible skin care line called FIGGI Beauty for highly sensitive skinConnect with Jeanne:
🌸 FIGGI Beauty
📷 Instagram
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter...
EP71: My Top 10 Tips for Graphic Designers [Career & Business Strategy]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
My top 10 tips for graphic designersI've worked as a designer and creative for over 20 years and share the best of what I have learned📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1
🎙️Follow Ditch the Struggle on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
❤️ Leave a rating and review and let me know what...
EP70: Apparently I Have "Calmed Down"?!! [Personal & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Growing up in 'conflict and combat' and how that affected my nervous systemThe basics of the nervous system and why it is crucial we understand how our minds and bodies are connectedHearing my husband's take on how I have changed over the yearsHow you can calm your own nervous system and be less reactiveThe incredible impact a more regulated nervous system has on your life--and career📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Suc...
EP69: You are NOT Stuck--But Your Subconscious Mind Is [Conversation with Marsha Vanwynsberghe]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Marsha Vanwynsberghe, NLP Trainer, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Boutique PublisherHow Marsha realized she was living on the struggle bus - and felt SO stuckThe major struggles Marsha has been through: health crises, surgeries, teen substance abuse, having no support and moreLearning to own your choices in life and changing limiting beliefsHow the subconscious is running the show-and how to change thatFear of the online space can be a reflection of how you show up everywhere...EP68: I (Almost) Regretted My Entire Design Career [Personal & Career]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
(Almost) regretting my entire career as a designer and creativeChoosing the "wrong" path in your careerHow frickin' hard it is to have a creative careerThe moment when it all made sense to me and I felt ok with my career choices📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1:1
🎙️F...
EP67: No Regrets--From Successful Hairstylist to Superstar Entrepreneur [Conversation with Eliza Trendiak]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Eliza Trendiak, Owner/Founder of Lavoh faceclothsMaking the leaps from booked solid hairstylist to multiple salon-owner, to entrepreneur in a product-based businessBuilding your career with no regretsTaking action, being dedicated and delegatingWhat it really takes to be an entrepreneur📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work wi...
EP66: 10 Products I Love! [Health & Lifestyle]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
• Products I love!
Barre Definition Graceful Grip MatEllo Tidal Glass Tumbler with Straw Caf LibLake & Oak Ashwaganda and Chill TeaIndie Lee Squalane Facial OilCubii Under Desk EllipticalNota Large Notebooks from IndigoVessi Weekend Chelsea BootHimalayan Salt LampSantevia MINA Water Pitcher📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for career help? Work with me 1...
EP65: PART 4--My Toxic Boss Story--Important Update! [Personal & Career Strategy]
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An important follow up to my 3-part Toxic Boss Story series. Here I share exactly HOW I took leave from work and ways you can plan your own toxic job exit.
In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who:
🚩Was a covert narcissist
🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent
🚩Wanted me out of my job and d...
EP64: Let Yourself Be Seen & Reach Your Full Potential [Conversation with Lisa Jeffs]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Lisa Jeffs, Founder of Purpose Academy ProLisa's work as an intuitive life and career coach for business leaders and entrepreneursThe courage to take up space and be seen as an authentic high-achieverThe difference between confidence and self-worthHow to build a career fueled by passion, success, and purpose📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for car...
EP63: I Got a Spin Bike Despite the Internet Telling Me NOT To [Personal & Health]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
My new (second-hand) spin bike purchase and how that has affected my mental and physical healthWhy the internet told me NOT to do cardioWhy I decided NOT to listenTrusting your intuition and what is right for YOULinks and references ⚡️
🎙️EP49: Chronic Pain, High Cortisol and Low Patience
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
⚡️Looking for care...
EP62: Thrive as a Freelancer with Confidence & Authenticity [Conversation with Georgie Darling]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Georgie Darling, Freelance Travel Writer & Business Strategy CoachWorking under tremendous pressure at her corporate job and not being able to do it anymore (cue crying in the bathroom)Not having any more to give and realizing you just "can't see the light at the end of the tunnel"That time Georgie an away to an Indonesian island and started a freelancing writing businessThe logistics of living abroad for a digital marketing agencyHonoring your true desires and building...EP61: PART 3--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career]
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PART 3 of 3
In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who:
🚩Was a covert narcissist
🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent
🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail
🚩Retaliated against me for taking a leave of absence
🚩Was unable to do her own job
🚩Lied, lied and lied - and t...
EP60: PART 2--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career]
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PART 2 of 3
In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who:
🚩Was a covert narcissist
🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent
🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail
🚩Retaliated against me for taking a leave of absence
🚩Was unable to do her own job
🚩Lied, lied and lied - and t...
EP59: PART 1--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career]
Send us a text
PART 1 of 3
In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who:
🚩Was a covert narcissist
🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent
🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail
🚩Retaliated against me for taking a leave of absence
🚩Was unable to do her own job
🚩Lied, lied and lied - and t...
EP58: Finding Your Way Out of a Soul-Sucking Career [Conversation with Nicole Richards]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Nicole Richards, Personal Reinvention & Human Potential CoachNicole's story of being downsized from her corporate career--and how grateful she was when it happenedBuilding her multi-six figure makeup artistry businessTrusting your intuition and following the signs that everything will be okBeing a high achiever and experiencing burn outThe importance of play and hobbiesLinks and references ⚡️
Connect with Nicole:
🌐 Website
📷 Instagram
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Care...
EP57: Clearing Your Space and Using Your Stuff to Create Abundance [Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Purging and clearing your space to create abundanceThe concept of the "law of use" and using what we haveGetting out of struggle mode and believing "nothing will go my way"Links and references ⚡️
📕 The Game of Life and How to Play It free ebook
📺 Minimalism documentary
📺 The Pez Outlaw movie (trailer)
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now
...
EP56: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life [Conversation with Kimberly Jarman]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Kimberly Jarman, Mental Performance CoachAll things mindset including victim mindsetKimberly's personal story of deep pain and anguishHow to pull yourself out of despair and build a life you love and build a life you loveHow everyone brings their own trauma to the table and how that affects their livesWhy you need to build yourself UPLinks and references ⚡️
Connect with Kimberly Jarman:
📷 Instagram
🌐 Website
📺 YouTube
✨ Joe Dispenza (refere...
EP55: Burnout, Boundaries and Toxic Corporate Culture [Personal Growth & "Hammertime"]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
What really happens when you tell friends and family you have burnoutHow to navigate burnout and dig deep to recoverA list of 12 burnout signs from coach Lisa Jeffs - they are SO GOOD!!My personal thoughts on how corporate culture does not actually care about your burnout or mental healthLinks and references ⚡️
🌐 Lisa Jeffs website
🎙️EP49: Chronic Pain, High Cortisol and Low Patience
📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Caree...
EP54: 3 Ways I'm Setting Myself Up for Success in the New Year [Personal Growth & Tips]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
3 simple ways to set yourself up for success in 2025 (whatever success means to you)NOT falling into the trap that you have to accomplish a billion things in the New YearLetting go of the need to crush it 24/7 (that's so last year lol)Leaning into the seasons when you are goal setting (and why winter is not necessarily the best time to be starting new projects)Tips on goal setting and how to feel good about yourself by t...EP53: Building a (Unique!) Career From Your Passions [Conversation with Licia Tobias]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Licia Tobias, owner of LVT Agency, a successful jewellery wholesale companyWhat wholesale actually is and how to build a business representing other people's brandsBuilding authentic relationships with clientsGrowing up in retail and learning how to sell at a very young ageHow to sell honestly--sans used car salesman vibes!Building a company based on your passions-yes, it IS possibleLinks and references ⚡️
Connect with Licia Tobias:
📷 Instagram: @...
EP52: Detaching from Rejection, Negative Feedback and Harsh Criticism [Personal Growth]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
Navigating (often painful) moments of rejection and criticismPutting yourself "out there" even when it feels scaryThe fear of what people with think of us--and our workHow to "sit in the cringe" and be in the line of fireThe stress of hearing harsh feedbackTaking inspo from others who have been rejected over and over againCreating work that sucks and not making it mean anything about youLinks and references ⚡️
🖋️ Dive into more resources over at my blog
🎥 Kat...
EP51: Creating an Authentic Life of Action, Adventure and Meaning [Interview with Amelia Ellenstein]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
A conversation with Amelia Ellenstein, Founder & CEO of ameliaellenstein.com and brand strategist, keynote speaker and adventurerHow Amelia left a job as a VP at a near billion dollar company in 2016 and then sold her house, sold her things and bought a one way ticket to Hawai’iCreating a life of action and meaningThe real impact and fallout from leaving her job (not what I expected to hear!)How to infuse adventure and meaning into your life, no matter what yo...EP50: The Courage to Ditch Self-Sabotage [Personal Story & Inspo]
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:
That time in college (Ontario College of Art & Design) that I dug deep to create a "win" for myself--despite wanting to curl up in a ball and hide from the world foreverLow self-esteem, self-sabotage, panic attacks and migrainesNavigating my parent's nasty divorce (that took 15 years)Getting triggered by my packaging design teacher and feeling like a failureThe trauma of being a student of a very famous Canadian graphic designer instructor (he designed the CBC logo)Not quitting when you really...
