PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

It’s one thing to know something, but it’s another to put that knowledge into practice.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve been deep learning - diving into nutrition, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity. Each topic started as a passion, a desire to grow, or a step toward strengthening my calling. I consumed hours of podcasts, blogs, and audiobooks, filling my mind with really great insights.

But what I know to be true is: knowledge without action is just information.

That’s why I referenced James 1:22-24 at the end of my 30-Day Devotional: In the Arena (have you downloaded it yet?). The scripture encourages us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. While James is talking about our faith, this principle applies to all areas of life. My mentors have always said, "Action stirs up belief," and that stuck with me.

Author James Clear puts it this way: "Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become."

That’s the heart behind this blog. To inspire you to learn, grow, and, most importantly, take action. Too often, we get addicted to gathering information but never actually move forward. And trust me, I’ve been there. The question that used to paralyze me was: "How do I take the first step?"

I still don’t have everything figured out, but I want to share my insights. Yes, I hope the information will be helpful to you, but more importantly, I want you to walk away feeling inspired to learn something for yourself, so you can provide value, embrace new opportunities, and unlock the potential within you. Remember, this space isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, reflection, and taking that next step forward.

My focus #1: NUTRITION // Understanding What Fuels You

I’ve been passionate about health and exercise for over 20 years. I’ve coached people through health programs, helped them lose weight, and guided them toward sustainable healthy habits. But when I took a deeper dive into nutrition and ingredients, it changed everything, and not just for me, but for my family.

I want to be clear:
✅ I do NOT eat a “perfect” diet.
✅ Not every food in my home has the cleanest ingredients.
✅ I’m not here to tell you to cut out all your favorite things.

I’ve simply made small but intentional shifts in the foods and products we use daily, and those changes have led to better digestion, more energy, and an overall healthier lifestyle. The ingredients we consume affect how we feel, think, and function. Highly processed foods, artificial additives, and inflammatory ingredients can weigh our bodies down, leading to sluggish digestion, energy crashes, and even long-term health issues. On the other hand, clean + whole ingredients give our bodies the nutrients they need to function at their best. It supports better gut health, steady energy levels, and stronger immunity. When digestion runs smoothly, our bodies absorb nutrients more efficiently, reducing bloating, brain fog, and discomfort. By making mindful swaps like choosing simpler ingredient lists, avoiding artificial sweeteners, and reducing processed oils, I’ve noticed a difference in my overall well-being. It’s not about being perfect but about fueling our bodies in a way that allows us to feel our best every day.

How to Start Understanding Ingredients

The world of nutrition can feel overwhelming, so here’s how I broke it down to help me get started:

  1. Pick one commonly used item in your home. For me, it started with almond milk.

  2. Look at the ingredients list. Clean ingredients = better.

  3. Find a cleaner alternative. Small swaps make a big difference!

Here are some simple swaps I’ve made:

  • Almond Milk: From generic brands → Switched to Califia Farms (only 3 ingredients!)

  • Syrup: From regular pancake syrup → Switched to 100% pure maple syrup (Costco brand!)

  • Eggs: From regular → Organic, pasture-raised eggs (Vital Farms)

  • Protein Powder: From questionable ingredients → Just Ingredients & Truvani

  • Ice Cream: From traditional brands → Alden’s Organic

  • Soda: From artificial-filled → Olipops (pre + probiotics for gut health!)

  • Snacks & Cereal: From sugar-loaded → Simple Mills & Nature’s Path

And it's not just food. I also switched to cleaner everyday products:

  • Toothpaste: Hello (fluoride-free & non-toxic)

  • Deodorant: Humble (aluminum-free)

  • Hand Soap: Attitude (natural and safe)

I’m not saying these brands are the way—you may have an even better list that works for your body and lifestyle! My goal isn’t to tell you exactly what to buy, but to encourage awareness. When you start paying attention to what’s in your food and everyday products, you empower yourself to make choices that align with your health goals.

For me, it wasn’t about eating “perfectly” or following a strict diet. It was about making small, sustainable changes that made me feel better. Once I started swapping out certain processed ingredients, I noticed more energy, better digestion, and fewer sluggish afternoons. That’s why I’m sharing this, not to overwhelm you, but to inspire you to look at what you’re putting into your body and make informed choices.

Helpful Podcasts & Tools That Made This Journey Easier

🎧 Just Ingredients Podcast – Deep dives into food ingredients, clean living, and holistic health.
🎧 The Art of Being Well – Science-backed insights on nutrition, wellness, and longevity.
🎧 The Genius Life – A great mix of nutrition, mental clarity, and lifestyle hacks.
📱 Bobby Approved App – Scan products at the store to check ingredient quality before buying!

Learning about nutrition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one small change, then build from there. The more you understand what fuels your body, the more confident you’ll be in making choices that help you feel your best every day.

My Focus #2: BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP + MARKETING // Turning Passion Into Action

My husband and I have always known we wanted to build something of our own, something meaningful that aligned with our calling. But for the longest time, we had no idea where to start. We’d toss around ideas, get excited, and then hit a wall because there were just too many options. The world of business is massive, and honestly, it felt overwhelming.

I started diving into books, podcasts, and courses, thinking I needed to learn everything before making a move. But here’s what I quickly realized: you don’t need to know it all. You just need to know what’s relevant to you. Instead of cramming in every piece of business advice, I started asking myself:

  • What do I actually enjoy doing?

  • What skills do I already have?

  • How can I create something that aligns with my life (not takes over my life)?

That’s when I locked in on digital marketing for online businesses. It blended strategy, creativity, and impact in a way that fit my strengths, and it allowed me to work on something scalable. Once I had a focus, things started to make sense. Learning became less about drowning in information and more about applying the right pieces at the right time.

How to Learn & Apply Business Knowledge (Without Overwhelm!)

  1. Pick a lane. Trying to learn everything will keep you stuck. Focus on a niche that makes sense for your skills and goals. (For me, it was digital marketing for online businesses.)

  2. Take what applies, leave the rest. Not every piece of advice will fit your situation. If a strategy doesn’t align with your business model or values, move on!

  3. Apply as you learn. Read a chapter? Test one thing right away. Knowledge without action is just another way to procrastinate.

Books That Shifted My Perspective:

📖 The Millionaire Fastlane – Completely changed the way I think about time, money, and business.
📖 Million Dollar Weekend – Helped me take action fast instead of overthinking every move.
📖 $100M Offers – Taught me how to create offers that people actually want.
📖 Dotcom Secrets – A deep dive into how online businesses really work.
📖 Blue Ocean Strategy – Showed me how to stand out in a crowded market.

Podcasts & YouTube Channels That Helped Me Simplify Everything

🎧 Marketing School – Quick, tactical marketing tips you can apply instantly.
🎧 The Diary of a CEO – A mix of business strategy and real-life inspiration.
🎧 Alex Hormozi – No fluff, straight-to-the-point business advice.

Even if business isn’t your thing, this same approach applies to anything you want to learn. The key is to filter out the noise, focus on what matters, and take action—one step at a time. Let this be your push to stop overthinking and start doing!

My Focus #3: PRODUCTIVITY // Getting Things Done (For Real!)

I used to think productivity was just about working harder and getting more done in less time, but that mindset left me exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling like I was always behind. I’d have days where I was completely locked in, crossing things off my to-do list like a machine… and then there were days where I’d stare at my tasks, feeling stuck and unsure of where to even start.

That’s when I realized productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, consistently, and with intention. I needed a system that would help me stay focused, reduce the mental clutter, and make progress on the things that mattered.

3 Key Productivity Concepts That Changed My Life

  1. Habit Stacking – Attach a new habit to an existing one. (Example: Listen to a podcast while getting ready or driving. Pair a morning devotional with your coffee.)

  2. The 2-Minute Rule – If something takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. It prevents small tasks from piling up and stealing your focus.

  3. Reverse Engineer Your Goals – Picture the end result and break it into small, actionable steps. This makes big goals feel achievable instead of overwhelming.

Books That Helped Me Simplify & Stay Focused

📖 Getting Things Done - (A system for organizing your tasks so you’re never overwhelmed.)
📖 Win the Day - (Powerful insights on how small daily wins create lasting success.)
📖 High-Performance Habits - (What the most productive and successful people do differently.)

Productivity isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding rhythms and habits that work for you so you can stay consistent without burning out. If you’ve ever felt stuck or scattered, start small. One habit, one tweak at a time. That’s where the real progress happens.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent

I know this was a lot of information. And if you’re anything like me, you might feel that pull to keep learning instead of doing something with it. But here’s the thing: knowledge doesn’t change your life, action does.

So before you get overwhelmed, pause. Pick ONE thing to start applying today.

👉 Spend just 5-10 minutes learning each day. That’s one podcast episode, a few pages of a book, or even a quick deep dive into a topic you’re curious about.
👉 Habit-stack so you’re not adding stress to your schedule. Attach a new habit to something you already do. Listen while driving, swap one ingredient while grocery shopping, or take notes while drinking your morning coffee.

I know what it feels like to look around and see everyone else making moves while you’re still “figuring it out.” I’ve been there. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and at times, it feels impossible. But let me tell you this: it’s NOT impossible, and you’re NOT alone.

You don’t have to figure everything out today. You just need to start somewhere. That’s why I created this simple, actionable guide. To help you take the next step without overthinking it.

It’s time to move from learning to doing. And I’ll be right here cheering you on.

Let’s learn, grow, and put it into practice, together!

Photo taken at PFYTH's Youth Leaders + Creative Conference where so much learning took place with an incredible panel of creative leaders + entrepreneurs: Trenton Jackson (Jesus Loves You Company), Zach Windahl (The Brand Sunday), and Tiago Magro (Artist).