Denise Duffield-Thomas's Blog, page 8

EPISODE 202
Stop playing small and sabotaging your business
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Are you feeling stuck in your business, unable to reach the next level of success? 

Maybe your income has stalled, or you're just in a funk. Sometimes, that happens, and it's okay if you're taking a pause.

But it might be time to examine whether you're unconsciously sabotaging yourself, holding yourself back, or playing small. 

In this eye-opening episode, we explore the subtle ways entrepreneurs hold themselves back and how to break free from these self-imposed limitations.

Listen in to learn more on:

How to recognize the signs of self-sabotage
Spotting when and where you might be playing small or undermining your progress
Overcoming the need for external validation
Learning to trust your intuition 
Breaking through invisible barriers and uncovering hidden money blocks 

Where have you outgrown something in your business, like how a hermit crab outgrows their shell? 

This episode will help you push past discomfort to reach new levels of success. 

And you'll learn strategies for expanding your mindset and business simultaneously. 

Don't let fear and self-doubt hold you back any longer. It's time to step into your full potential and create the business and life you deserve.

xx Denise

P.S. This is the type of work we do every month in Money Bootcamp - we unpack sabotages and the underlying meaning to help you break through money blocks and create the life and business you want. 

Next week, I’m hosting TWO live coaching calls for our members all about money sabotage and how to overcome negative money habits and beliefs - I’d love to see you on these calls. 

If you want support and mentoring from me and our community on your money mindset journey, come and join us here.

EPISODE 201
Bad clients, bad debts and more of your questions
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Thank you for sending in so many fascinating questions for the podcast.

Answering your questions (and being of service) is my favorite thing, so I hope you enjoy today’s new AMA episode. 

Listen along now for my take on:

How do I follow up old money? How do I know if it’s just better to let it go?
How to break up with awful clients
Putting your business on auto-pilot so you can take a break
Balancing business and chronic illness
Finding role models that align with your goals 

Remember, bad clients are a rite of passage. 

It’s very rare for me to meet an entrepreneur who hasn’t had at least one bad experience, so this episode will help you recognize them, let them go, and move on. 

I’d love to hear which answer you found most useful from this episode and what you wish I would answer.

xx Denise

P.S. I’ve got a great little ebook to help you with awkward money conversations and bad clients, including scripts and real-world tips. 

Click here to download your free copy of “Awkward Money Conversations Made Easy”

EPISODE 200
How I create my podcast and content ideas
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It’s time to go behind the scenes of the Chill and Prosper podcast…

To celebrate our 200th episode, I’m sharing the details of how I create the podcast. 

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the idea, then this one is for you.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my podcasting journey and sharing practical tips to help you get started without the stress.

As someone who's been podcasting for years, I've learned that perfection isn't necessary - consistency and authenticity are what truly matter. So, I'll walk you through my process, from coming up with episode ideas to batching content and handling production.

Key Takeaways:

How to generate endless content ideas (even when you think you've run out!)
The power of batching episodes to stay ahead of schedule
Why imperfection is okay - and even beneficial - in podcasting
Simple production tips to streamline your workflow
How to repurpose podcast content across multiple platforms

Remember, there are no gatekeepers in podcasting. 

Don't wait for the perfect moment - you have valuable insights to share, so why not start today? Your future listeners are waiting!

Got more questions? Message me on socials @denisedt

xx Denise 

Are you thinking about starting a podcast but feeling stuck? Maybe you're worried about not having anything original to say, or you're intimidated by the technical aspects. Well, I'm here to tell you that it's time to push those fears aside and just get started!

As someone who's been podcasting for years, I can assure you that the most important thing is simply to begin. You don't need to be perfect or have everything figured out from day one. In fact, some of the best growth happens when you just dive in and learn as you go.

I’ve recently hit 200 episodes on the Chill and Prosper podcast and to celebrate I shared the details of how I create the podcast. 

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the idea, then this one is for you.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my podcasting journey and sharing practical tips to help you get started without the stress.

Listen here

Embrace Your Unique Voice

One of the biggest mindset blocks I see people face when starting a podcast is the fear that they don't have anything original to contribute. But here's the truth: your perspective is unique, and there are people out there who need to hear what you have to say.

Remember, you're not trying to be a guru – you're simply sharing your experiences and insights. As I always say, be a contributor, not a guru. Your listeners don't need you to be perfect; they just need you to be authentic and helpful.

Start Simple and Improve Over Time

When I first started podcasting, I didn't have fancy equipment or a professional studio. I simply used what I had available and focused on creating valuable content. Don't let the technical aspects hold you back. You can start with just your phone or a basic microphone.

As you grow and learn, you can always upgrade your equipment and improve your production quality. The most important thing is to get started and establish consistency.

Find Your Rhythm and Batch Your Content

One of the keys to maintaining a successful podcast is finding a rhythm that works for you. For me, that means batching my content. I record multiple episodes in one day, usually 10-12 at a time, about 4-5 times a year. This approach allows me to stay ahead of schedule and reduces the stress of constant deadlines.

Consider what schedule would work best for you. Maybe you prefer weekly recordings, or perhaps a monthly batch session would fit better with your lifestyle. The important thing is to find a system that you can stick to consistently.

I’ve got more tips on batching and content creation here. 

Leverage Accountability

Accountability can be a powerful tool in overcoming procrastination and staying on track with your podcast. For me, booking studio time and working with an engineer provides that external motivation to show up and create content.

If you're just starting out, you might not have the budget for a professional studio. That's okay! Find other ways to create accountability:

Set a regular recording schedule and share it with a friend or mentor
Join a podcasting community or mastermind group
Announce your podcast launch date on social media

Embrace Imperfection and Keep Learning

Remember, your first few episodes don't have to be perfect. In fact, they probably won't be – and that's okay! What matters is that you're putting yourself out there and learning as you go.

As you continue to create content, you'll naturally improve your skills and find your unique podcasting style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats, topics, and approaches until you find what works best for you and your audience.

Just Start!

The most important takeaway from all of this is simple: just start. Don't wait for the perfect moment or until you feel 100% ready. As I always say, nobody can stop you from starting a podcast, but nobody can make you do it either. The decision to begin is entirely up to you.

So, why not you? Why not now? Take that first step, record your first episode, and start sharing your voice with the world. 

There are no gatekeepers in podcasting. 

Don't wait for the perfect moment - you have valuable insights to share, so why not start today? Your future listeners are waiting!

Got more questions? Message me on socials @denisedt

Remember, every successful podcaster started exactly where you are right now. The only difference is they took that first step. It's time for you to do the same.

xx Denise 

EPISODE 199
How to set yourself up for a great week
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You know those mornings when you know it’s going to be a good day?

Maybe you’ve slept well, exercised or you’re just feelin’ yourself?!

Well, let’s talk about how you can set yourself up for a good day, week, or month. 

But first, here’s a disclaimer… I’m not the most organized or efficient person in the world, but I do get a lot done. 

So in today’s episode, I share:

Chillpreneur strategies to set yourself up for success 
How many hours I work and my best productivity tips
Low-stress ideas to stay on track with your goals
How I plan my week and big work projects
Tips to declutter your business and devices 

This is a collection of my personal tips to add more bandwidth to your life - they may not work for you, but I invite you to check in and see where you could do less this year.

What comes up for you listening to this episode? What does your ideal week look like?

You have permission to do whatever you need to set yourself for more spaciousness.

xx Denise

EPISODE 198
Fame, visibility and marketing yourself
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Are you hesitant to put yourself out there and market your business? 

You're not alone. Fame and visibility are something I've had a love/hate relationship with for a long time.

Indeed, many entrepreneurs struggle with big blocks around visibility, so let's talk practical strategies to overcome these fears so you can, in the words of my friend Jen Kem, get seen, heard, and paid. 

In this week's episode, I share my journey with visibility, from childhood dance performances to building a successful online business.

Here's what you can expect to learn:

Why making mistakes is crucial for growth and confidence
How to separate your personal identity from your business persona
The importance of finding visibility methods that feel authentic to you
Strategies for setting boundaries and protecting your energy
Why you don't need to be a "guru" to make an impact

There are so many layers to unpack here - childhood wounds, beliefs about fame, perfectionism, and overcoming body shame.

Remember, you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Find the visibility strategies that resonate with you and serve your business goals.

It's time to let go of the fear and embrace your power to make a difference. 

By showing up consistently and authentically, you'll attract the right audience and create the impact you desire.

It's your time and you're ready for the next step. 

xx Denise

EPISODE 197
Is it time to get a job?
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It’s time for an Ask Me Anything episode on the pod and I’ve got some juicy questions to kick off the year. Let’s dive into;

When is it the right time to get a job? Is taking a job cheating on your business or showing the Universe you’ve lost faith?
What to do if you want to throw out your business and start again? 
My mindset lessons from losing a 10,000 Facebook group
How do you reset your money mindset after a setback?
How important is community to money mindset work?

You can always send me a question for future episodes, hit reply or message me on social, and I’ll answer it when I’m next batching episodes. 

If you’ve ever been curious or wanted my take on something, let me know! 

xx Denise

P.S. I’ll be in the podcast studio next month, and I’d also love to feature you and share your stories. If you have a money mindset win or testimonial to share, please click here to record and send me a voicemail. 

EPISODE 196
Update on my sabbatical and retirement plans
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Over the past couple of years, I've been making some major shifts behind the scenes.

So today, I’ve got an update on my sabbatical and retirement plans. 

From setting new goals to streamlining my projects, I'm sharing the truth about what it takes to create real change in your life and business.

If you ever feel like you're running on a hamster wheel, constantly chasing the next big thing in your business, this episode is for you. 

Listen now to discover:

The power of setting a "North Star" goal and how it can transform your decision-making
Why "all projects profitable and low maintenance" became my new mantra
How to identify and address money leaks in your business and personal life
The importance of aligning your actions with your core values
Embracing a "life first" approach and finding pleasure outside of work

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed in your business or simply craving more balance, this episode will help you find that sweet spot between ambition and contentment.

xx Denise

EPISODE 195
Bonus Episode: Dramatically improve your money mindset
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Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had a wonderfully relaxing holidays (or at least some fun!)

While our team and podcast are on a break, I’m sharing some of my best bits from the last few years, including live event recordings, workshops, and favorite episodes.

On today's bonus podcast you can listen to my sell-out workshop from my London Money Mindset Tour.

In this recording, I share my secrets for dramatically upgrading your money mindset and changing your relationship with money.

Listen along for the perfect money mindset boost as we enter the new year.

Enjoy and we'll be back soon with new Chill and Prosper podcast episodes.

xx Denise

Happy New Year!

After everything the last few years have thrown at us, I hope your first few days of the year have been amazing… or at least a bit more chilled. 

How are those New Year resolutions going? Do you have a money goal for this year?

One of my biggest tips is to become really good at goal setting - and not just income goals either.

There’s no perfect way to set goals, but today we’re talking about three money goals you could set to set yourself up for a great year.

Don’t resist it - goal setting is free and I’m here to help!

So, Lucky Bee, there are three major areas I want you to set goals around to really transform your relationship with money. 

 

Step One: Set a savings goal

Actually opening up a savings account and making a savings goal is a great sign to the Universe that you’re ready for more money to show up.

And, it takes a huge mindset shift to allow yourself to have excess money.

Before I started getting really into manifestation and money mindset work, I used to spend every single penny that came in.

It just didn’t feel safe for me to have a buffer, or more money than I needed. At the end of the month, I was always broke.

No matter how much money I made.

I lived in a state of constant money stress, but somehow it felt “normal” to be living in that feast or famine mode

After all, that’s exactly how I grew up as a kid.

You have permission to have more than you need.

This is a really big one for us women because we’ve been taught from such a young age that if you’ve got extra you should give it away to someone else.

You should share what you have, or you’re being greedy.

We feel so uncomfortable when we have a little bit more than we need; like more clients than we “need” to cover our expenses, or more money in the bank than we need to live out the month.

This is when I see women start to self-sabotage.

They may have a little bit of extra money and instead of saving it, they will sabotage it by spending it on something really frivolous just to get rid of that money because they’re so uncomfortable having more than they need.

So set a savings goal, and take action today too. Start by saving just $5 a week on an automatic debit. And if you already save money, increase your weekly amount. You won’t even miss it.

Step Two: Set a goal to be debt-free

Debt is another area that we sabotage themselves with. It keeps you trapped, maybe in a job you don’t like, or obligated to work with clients you don’t like either.

Pretty much all of my 20s, all of my adult life, I was in a lot of debt.

But it’s also really socially acceptable. All my friends were in debt too.

There’s an energetic comfort level around debt that can be tricky to face. You might also be using your debt as an excuse to not take action in your life.

When you make the decision to get out of debt, it can mean choosing a corresponding rise in your rates and income, which often brings out some of your fears and blocks.

It takes commitment and guts to make a plan to rid yourself of debt and then follow through with it, and you need to support yourself as much as possible, in every way you can.

It’s such a  great feeling when you don’t owe anything to anyone; you are under no obligation and you are not trapped to do things just because you have to pay off debt.

Getting out of debt is a mindset, and maintaining a debt-free life takes commitment to taking both practical and mindset-supporting steps to support you.

The first step is to get really honest with how much debt you actually have. Face it in black and white.

Then, like the savings account, set up a direct debit to pay more off your debt, even just $5 a week.

I’ve got a lot more to say on this topic, so check out my blog for a specific post on this.

But - make sure you have being debt free on your goal list for this year

Step Three: Set an income goal.

But not just your overall goal. I want you to set goals around different income streams in your business.

In particular, set a total revenue goal AND a passive income goal.

If you’ve been wanting to create some more passive income products like a book or a course, then it’s probably not going to happen without setting a really clear intention to do it.

Because you’re probably going to face some resistance and money blocks around it because there’s underlying guilt that it’s not allowed to be easy.

So - how much of your income this year would you like to come from those passive sources?

And don’t try and do everything. You might not be able to write 5 books or create two new courses this year.

Just pick ONE. And start small if you have to.

You could package up some of your best blog posts and create your first book. You could take your 1:1 work and package it up into a short course.

My very first passive income product was a $50 course that I filmed on my iPad. Pretty soon that course made me $1000 a month, and it freed me up to release some clients, which in turn gave me more time to create more passive income.

So - where should you do these goals - do you need a fancy schmancy system?

NOPE - you could use a simple goal setting diary.

And repetition is key. Every day you could write something like:

I am now debt free!
I have X dollars in savings
and “I make Y dollars a year in passive income

If you’re feeling organized, I also recommend that you start a simple spreadsheet, and I mean simple, don’t procrasti-plan - to track your debts, savings and passive income.

Plus, when you make more income, you can pay off your debt quicker, and fill up your savings account too!

Win win!

I can’t wait to hear how it changes your life.

xx Denise

Learn how to set your income goals AND actually achieve them.  Click here to download my FREE Worksheet to get clear on your target and the money blocks holding you back.