“When we face fear, it shrinks. When we ignore it, it grows.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let explore the real reason behind procrastination — that fear — and how it keeps us from achieving our dreams.

Through a relatable story about "El," discover how avoidance and inaction often mask deeper anxieties. Let me share a practical, 7-step plan to help women name their fears, define desired outcomes, and take empowered baby steps toward their goals.

So, whether you're paralyzed by the fear of failure, rejection, or responsibility, this episode will help you shift from stuck to strategic with courage and clarity.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:06 - Is it procrastination or fear?

2:03 - What is the nature of fear?

3:11 - How to face your fear?

4:15 - Step #1: Name the fear.

5:26 - Step #2: Define the best outcome.

6:13 - Step #3: Identify what’s in your power.

6:49 - Step #4: List actionable steps.

8:13 - Step #5: Prioritize and break it down.

9:18 - Step #6: Schedule everything.

10:50 - Step #7: Ask for help.

11:46 - What are the common fears that can hold you back & what to do about it?

14:47 - How to take action today?

15:32 - FREE Download: Ignite Your Confidence & Sour With Self-Esteem

Quotations:

“Fear will keep us from all the dreams that we have in our hearts.”

“Procrastination is often fear in disguise.”

“You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a plan.”

“What gets scheduled gets done.”

“Don’t get stuck because you have a dream but no plan.”

Resources:

🗓️ Get a copy of The BraveHearted Woman Planner: braveheartedwoman.com/offers/bHky3uoX/checkout

🎁FREE Download: Ignite Your Confidence & Sour With Self-Esteem: braveheartedwoman.com/ignite_your_confidence_ebook

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: https://themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook:...

In this week's episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am joined by my friend and returning guest, Michelle Steffes—an executive performance coach, international speaker, and author of Necessary Significance: A Heart-Mind Approach to Captivating Leadership.

Michelle opens up about the powerful story behind her reinvention. Thirteen years ago, she faced an unexpected and painful career upheaval that left her questioning her worth and future. But instead of giving in to despair, she took bold, brave steps, allowing God to reshape her path. Today, she’s leading with purpose, helping others rise through heart-centered leadership and the science of transformation.

We talk about the neuroplasticity of the brain, emotional resilience, and why balancing empathy with excellence is the key to powerful leadership — whether you’re running a company, managing a team, or leading your family. Michelle also shares insights from her newest book, a concise 48-page guide packed with practical tools for leaders who want to create connection, loyalty, and impact.

If you’re in a season of reinvention or feel like your best days are behind you, this episode will remind you: God’s not done with you yet. Your next chapter may be your most significant one.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:46 - The Bravehearted Story of Michelle Steffes

11:34 - How to reframe and rewire

13:54 - Why is the book only 48 pages?

15:30 - What is heart-mind kind of leadership?

18:27 - The meaning behind the title ‘Necessary Significance’

20:18 - The brain science of team loyalty and culture

24:08 - #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

"We can’t birth our future if we’re still grieving our past." - Dawn Damon

"Significance is something we all desire—and it never goes away." - Michelle Steffes

"You will outlive your problems—God has a next in store for you." - Dawn Damon

"Self-leadership is the most important part of leadership." - Michelle Steffes

"Your greatest days are still ahead of you—but you have to believe it and speak it." - Dawn Damon

"Excellence without empathy isn’t leadership—it’s authority." - Michelle Steffes

Resources:

📞 Connect with Michelle:

⭐ ipvconsulting.com

⭐ linkedin.com/in/michellesteffes/

⭐ facebook.com/MichelleLSteffes/

📚Get a copy of Michelle’s new book - Necessary Significance: A Heart Mind Approach to Captivating Leadership

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📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s FREE resources for midlife women:

Did you know that clutter might quietly be stealing your peace, productivity, and joy?

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me uncover a hidden force that may be draining your energy and mental clarity: clutter.

With an estimated 300,000 items in the average home, many midlife women are unknowingly living in environments that increase stress, disrupt focus, and sabotage emotional well-being.

Discover the four major types of clutter and how each can impact your health, mindset, and even your relationships. This episode offers both practical strategies and compassionate encouragement for those who feel overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck.

So, if you’ve been feeling scattered, unmotivated, or exhausted in your own space, this episode may hold the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed. It’s time to clear the chaos, reclaim your space, and find the peace that’s been waiting for you!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:13 - What is clutter and why it matters

2:50 - 4 types of clutter

7:04 - The impact of clutter on your health and relationships

9:17 - How decluttering helps you

12:08 - Benefits of having an organized space

16:26 - Practical tips on how you can start to declutter today

20:21 - FREE Download: 10 steps to declutter your home

Quotations:

"Clutter is not benign — it’s always active and often negatively affecting your life."

"The mess brings stress."

"Decluttering your space will bring you to a happy place."

"When your home is clean and organized, you can finally let your eyes rest — and your soul, too."

"Decluttering is a self-esteem project; it reminds you that you’re capable and worthy of peace."

"You’re not just cleaning your house — you’re clearing a path to your dreams."

Resources:

🎁FREE Download: 10 Steps to Declutter Your Home - braveheartedwoman.com/blog/10steps-declutter

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: https://themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen