Journeys, Milestones, and Moments

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

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??Aha! Moment

Caleb Williams' journey from USC to the NFL Combine has been full of ups and downs. As a Bears fan, I have mixed feelings. I've seen Williams go from a touching moment with his mom to making headlines with his unique approach at the combine. He chose not to compete or do medical checks but was there to support his friend and thank the staff. This shows a different kind of leadership and makes me wonder about the real Caleb Williams.

The big lesson here? Being a leader isn't just about being in the spotlight; it's also about how you support your team when no one's watching. Williams' actions at the combine show how complex it is to make personal and professional choices that others will judge.

As a fan, I admire his team spirit and kindness. But his unusual tactics at the combine make me question how he fits into the team and his overall impact.

This makes me think about our own paths. How do we stay true to ourselves while meeting others' expectations and keeping our team spirit? It's a tough balance, whether you're in sports, business, or any field. How do we align our personal values with what's expected of us by others?

1??One Thing I...

?? Learned - This week, I discovered the magic of the TickTick app, a game-changer for organizing my to-do lists. The best part? I love the use of the Eisenhower matrix to categorize my task! It helps streamline my day and keeps me focused on the right things.

?? Read - Sahil Bloom's newsletter never fails to inspire; this week was no exception. I delved into a section that discussed the power of taking the tiny first step toward achieving our big, scary goals. The notion that momentum, no matter how small, can be the catalyst for overcoming self-doubt and inertia resonated with me. It's a potent reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a minor action to set us on the path to our dreams.

?? Watched - Last week I watched Jason Kelce's retirement speech. If you have seen it, grab a box of Kleenex before pressing play. Kelce shared his story with such passion, emotion, and honesty. It was really special to hear about his journey in his own words. Seeing his family there—his parents, wife, and brother—really showed how important support from loved ones is, no matter what you're doing.

This moment is more than just a sports story. It's a reminder of how powerful it is to follow your passion with everything you've got, to be real and honest, and to cherish the people who stand by you.

Kelce's story makes me ask myself: Am I putting my heart into my passions? Do I appreciate my own support team enough? His journey tells us that true success is about loving what you do, sharing it with others, and leaving a mark that matters.

?? Accomplished - I've just launched my very first quiz as a lead magnet, marking a significant milestone! Designed to engage, inspire, and provide tailored insights, this quiz is perfect for anyone on a journey of personal growth and Career development. Check out the quiz here. Thank you for your support and for being part of this exciting journey.

??Insight for the Week

Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on. ~Serena Williams

?Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions This one came from the state of Ohio!

Q: Kristen, I've been following your journey and am inspired by how you've built your personal brand for someone just starting out, what are the initial steps you'd recommend for building a strong, authentic personal brand?

A: Absolutely, I'd be delighted to dive into this! Building a personal brand is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery and intentional representation. It's about carving out your niche, showcasing your authentic self, and communicating your unique value to the world. Here are some foundational steps to kickstart this exciting process:

1. Reflect on Your Core: Begin by spending some quality time with yourself, reflecting on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. What are you passionate about? What drives you? Understanding these core elements is crucial because your personal brand should be a true reflection of who you are and what you stand for.
2. Seek Feedback: It's often said that we are our own worst critics, but sometimes, we might also be our own echo chambers. Seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or even family members can provide invaluable insights into how others perceive you. This external perspective can help identify the aspects of your personal and professional life that stand out and could be emphasized in your branding efforts.
3. Define Your Goals: Knowing who you are is one thing, but understanding who you want to be and what you aim to achieve is another. Are you looking to change careers, establish yourself as a thought leader in your field, or start your own business? Your goals will guide the strategy behind your personal brand, influencing everything from your online presence to the way you network.
4. Craft Your Narrative: Once you have a clear understanding of your strengths, values, and goals, it's time to weave these elements into a compelling narrative. This story should encapsulate the essence of your personal brand, making it clear to your audience who you are, what you offer, and why it matters. Remember, authenticity is key—your personal brand should always be a true representation of yourself.
5. Live Your Brand: Finally, embody your personal brand in everything you do. From the way you communicate online and offline to how you engage with your community and pursue your goals, every action should reflect your brand values and narrative. Consistency is critical in building trust and establishing a strong personal brand.

Building a personal brand is an ongoing process of reflection, action, and evolution. It's all about knowing who you are, who you want to be, and making strategic moves to bridge that gap. Remember, your personal brand is one of your greatest assets; nurture it, and it will open doors to opportunities you've never imagined.

For those ready to take the next step in defining and developing your personal brand, I've got just the thing to help. I've developed a course titled "Defining Your Personal Brand," available for just $47. This course is designed to guide you through the intricacies of identifying your unique strengths, crafting your story, and strategically positioning yourself in your field or industry. It's a small investment in what could be a transformative journey for your career and personal growth.

If you're interested in exploring this further and laying a solid foundation for your personal brand, check out the course here. It could be the catalyst you need to start shaping the future you envision for yourself.

Do you have a question about a current leadership challenge or situation Submit your question to me via a direct message on LinkedIn.