An origin story, and FAQs!

When I first opened Uproar, I spent a lot of time in conversation with people I wanted to work with, Glitterbomb. I asked a lot of questions, learned about what makes my ideal client seek out a coach, and figured out how to customize my coaching services to deliver the most impact to a group of people who don’t have the time or the energy to mess around.

One thing I heard again and again: “I’m too busy balancing All The Things. I don’t have time to do this really specific thing I want for myself. I need accountability, but I don’t want pressure or criticism. I do that enough to myself.”

Busy Bitch quickly became one of Uproar’s signature coaching services, and it remains one of my very favorites.

Over the years, I’ve fielded a bunch of questions about the program and I’ve included some of the most-asked ones below.

But maybe you have a question I haven’t answered yet? Comment below and let me know what I can clarify for you!

What does “productivity without punishment” really mean?

Zero shame. Zero judgment.

I approach this program with the belief that you deserve the things you want for yourself, whatever they are. I know you’re busy and pulled in a lot of directions, and I know how easy it can be to shelve things for years and then feel bad about it.

We won’t apologize for life getting in the way, and we won’t succumb to the hustle and hyper culture of “being productive.” Together, we’ll build tools to allow for life while still figuring out how to prioritize you, to get shit done in a way that feels safe and doable based on your style.

What are your responses like?

This is an excellent question, and the most frequently asked question I receive about this program.

Each week, I read your responses to the prompt questions several times. I think about them. Sometimes I puzzle over them. I’ve even thought about setting up a camera and recording myself as I read them, because all too often I talk out loud as though we’re having a conversation. Depending how far we are into the program, I return to your previous responses to spot trends.

Then I begin writing. If you've asked me specific questions, I answer them. More than anything, I reflect back to you what you’re sharing with me. I gently call you in if you’re bullshitting yourself. I celebrate your successes and make sure you’re taking time to reflect on your wins, too. I remind you what you’re working hard for, and I challenge you if and when it’s time to recalibrate what you want (not because it’s my opinion, but because everything you’re sharing with me points in that direction). I keep your end-goal – what you WANT productivity and accountability support for – at the forefront, and I welcome the side quests and the distractions as necessary adventures that inform your outcomes. I ask you questions to consider as you continue through your week, and I’ve heard from BBers that they come back to these questions and my replies long after the program ends.

You really get all of the good stuff from coaching with me, without the chit-chat.

I can’t tell you how long it will take you to read my response, because we all read and process information at different speeds in different ways. I can promise that if you’d like to receive my responses in a different way, I’m open to support you however you need it.

Why three questions?

In developing this program, I found that these three questions are enough to keep you focused on where you’re going. They’re tried-and-true to keep you honest to yourself, and allow us together to really track where you’re getting bogged down or distracted week over week. And really, if you’re clear on what you’re working towards, it won’t take you more than 10 minutes each week to answer them.

I’ll be honest: week 5 has one final extra question, and it’s only there since we’re wrapping up our time together.

You said it’s email based. Does that mean I can’t send a voice note or video?

I love seeing your face and hearing your voice. However you want to send me your responses to the prompts, I’ll happily accept them. Previous BBers have sent bulleted lists, short videos and voice files as email attachments; one participant sent a haiku for each prompt, and another accompanied herself on the ukulele as she responded to the prompt questions. Full sentences, and perfect punctuation and spelling don't matter to me.

What happens if I’m late in getting you my email?

Hey shit happens. If you miss the midnight Friday deadline, please feel free to send in your responses over the weekend. If I think I’ll need more time to review and respond to your message, I’ll let you know.