In this episode, I dive deep into a formula that has shaped my 20+ years of entrepreneurship: Consistency + Creativity = Success. I share how this simple yet powerful equation can be applied across different business models—from fitness and corporate wellness to direct sales and masterminds. Whether you're running a coffee shop, selling products, or leading a service-based brand, having a consistent offer while layering in creative, seasonal, or thematic updates is key to keeping customers engaged and loyal. I also talk about how personal growth lays the foundation for implementing business strategies effectively, and how sticking to a yearly plan—with room for innovation—can build trust, visibility, and long-term success.

“People don’t come back to chaos—they come back to clarity. Be consistently creative, not constantly chaotic.” – Trina Gray

Key Takeaways

• Consistency builds trust—people crave predictability in products and services.

• Creativity keeps your audience engaged—themes and seasonal offers prevent stagnation.

• Stick to a yearly core offer and build your marketing and content around it.

• Use relatable analogies like coffee shops and restaurants to understand how to apply the formula.

• Self-improvement is the prerequisite—the best strategies won’t work without strong decision-making and personal growth.

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In this episode, I share a pivotal lesson that will save you time and worry in your personal and work life. We all have runaway thoughts in our heads. We read into situations, we overthink conversations, we play back events in our head over and over. When we are unsure, we often fill in the gaps ourselves — creating stories that are not rooted in reality. We assume the worst, and that never ends well. I share with you how to recognize when this is happening and what steps you can take to resolve it. Take control back of your thoughts. To find peace of mind, you can let the runaway thought go or address it in a way that does not put the other person on the defensive. Learn to create more solutions and fewer stories.

"If you're going to make up a story, at least make it a good one — or better yet, don't make one at all. Just ask." – Trina Gray

Keypoints:

• Your Thoughts Aren’t Always Truths – When someone doesn’t reply, it’s easy to spiral. I remind you that delay doesn’t equal disinterest — it usually means distraction.
• Catch the Spiral Early – Learn to spot when your thoughts are running away from you. You have the power to pause, reassess, and redirect.
• Clarity vs. Closure – Ask yourself: do I need peace or answers? That choice determines whether you let go or ask a kind, open-ended question.
• Give People Grace – Life happens. Most of the time, a late reply isn’t personal — it’s about timing, not intention.
• Communicate Like a Grown-Up – Using mature, thoughtful language opens doors. Disarming questions lead to understanding, not conflict.

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In this episode, I dive deep into a powerful leadership lesson that I created for an MBA class 15 years ago, called Heart and Armor. This is the foundation of leading others. The emotions of leadership are often harder than the work. I explain what it means to lead with both care and protection. I share how building three businesses and mentoring teams taught me to lead with integrity, even when others burn bridges. Leading with heart also requires armor to handle the emotional weight of leadership. Whether you’re managing a team, building a business, or simply showing up for others, this episode will help you feel seen, understood and empowered.

"Lead with love, but guard your soul—because your heart is your superpower, and your armor is your protection." - Trina

Key Takeaways:

• I learned that “heart and armor” is about leading with deep care for others while protecting my energy and well-being.

• Trina’s journey showed me that success in leadership often comes from serving others, not just managing them.

• I was reminded that not all relationships last forever, and that’s okay—I can give fully without expecting loyalty in return.

• I realized how crucial it is to handle criticism (especially online) with heart, not ego, even when it stings.

• This episode taught me that to lead well, I need to be both a poet and a warrior—creative, empathetic, and resilient.

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In this episode, I dive into the importance of setting standards for yourself, rather than having expectations for others. I share a personal story about a conversation with high performance expert Brendon Burchard at a Mastermind event in Napa Valley. I’ve turned one thought he shared into a lesson for our Calm & Confident toolbox. We often attach unnecessary and unrealistic expectations for others in our lives — from family to friends to coworkers. When we shift our focus to having standards for our own lives — from health to faith to ambition to growth — we work on our own journey, rather than control others.

“The standards I set for myself matter more than the expectations I have of others.” - Trina Gray

Key Takeaways:

• I learned that setting standards for myself frees me from the trap of comparing and competing.
• Trina’s emotional story about her son reminded me that pride and sadness can exist side by side—and both are valid.
• Letting go of rigid expectations of others allows more peace and better relationships in every area of my life.
• I’m reminded that I should thrive where I am planted by owning my current circumstances and showing up fully.
• Trina’s mantra of calm, confidence, clear communication, and gratitude gave me a framework for how I want to show up daily.

Resources:

• Mel Robbin’s Let them Theory - A life-changing tool millions of people can’t stop talking about. The Let Them Theory is a step-by-step guide on how to stop letting other people's opinions, drama, and judgment impact your life. Two simple words, Let Them, will set you free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. It’s time to build a life where you come first—your dreams, your goals, your happiness.

• Brendon Burchard’s GrowthDay - Your new daily practice for personal growth! Join 300,000 achievers from around the world who use GrowthDay to stay motivated, confident, and productive as they become their best selves.

Connect & Reflect:

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on your own standards—what do they look like? How are they helping (or hurting) your growth?

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Key Points:

• Stay in your lane: Just like in swimming or track, every lane leads to the same finish line—what matters is committing to your own path without comparing or constantly switching.
• Overcome decision paralysis: Progress doesn't require perfection. The three biggest blockers—overwhelm, overthinking, and perfectionism—are just distractions.
• Multiple paths to success: There isn’t only one “right” way to approach health, business, parenting, or personal growth. Pick what works for you and go all in.
• Personal stories inspire action: I share how committing to a unique health club model 20 years ago paid off, and how my daughter’s focus on one social media platform brought quick results.
• Small changes count: Whether it’s adding more water to your day or choosing a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle, staying consistent with your lane is what brings long-term success.

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In this episode of Calm and Confident, I open up about the power of giving your best in every season of life—whether you're in a dream job, a transition, or a dusty town hall teaching fitness. I share my journey from journalism school to entrepreneurship, and how “thriving where I was planted” led me to unexpected opportunities, from writing for major newspapers to opening my own award-winning health club. This episode is a reminder that greatness begins by showing up hard, right where you are. Each effort, no matter how small, can plant the seeds for something bigger.

"You never know who’s watching when you show up hard—it might just be the person who opens your next door." - Trina Gray

Key Takeaways:

• I thrive by showing up hard, even in small rooms – Whether I was speaking at a junior high or teaching in a rec center, I gave it my all. That effort always led to something more.
• I believe every stage of life matters – From student to entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how giving my best—even when the audience was small—created ripple effects.
• I used the Ms. Pac-Man mindset – Like the game, when I moved forward with excellence, new doors and levels unlocked.
• I built community by being present – In a new town with no connections, I created a following by pouring heart and hustle into every fitness class I taught.
• I’ve learned the magic of saying yes – A simple banquet speech turned into a national speaking gig years later. Showing up opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

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In this episode, I open up about a powerful realization I had back in 2019 after discovering a book that reshaped the way I view relationships and influence. I dive into the importance of being intentional about who has a place, voice, and vote in your life. This framework has helped me live with more calm and confidence, and I believe it can do the same for you. Through personal stories and visual tools, I share how defining these circles of influence can empower you to protect your energy, elevate your decision-making, and live with greater clarity.

"The quality of your life depends on the quality of voices you allow in."- Trina Gray

Key Takeaways:

• I learned that not everyone deserves a say in my life—only those I trust deeply get a voice or a vote.

• I introduced a visual model with three circles: place (outer), voice (middle), and vote (inner).

• The people in my outer circle may be there by choice or circumstance, but their input is limited.

• My inner circle is reserved for those whose opinions truly shape my life—my partner, kids, and closest friends.

• I encourage you to reflect on your own circles and communicate boundaries that protect your peace.

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In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of "saving your battery" by becoming more decisive and freeing up your mental space. As a busy entrepreneur and mother, I know firsthand how draining indecision can be. I walk you through three major barriers to decision-making—overwhelm, overthinking, and perfectionism—and share practical tools to help you break free from them. My goal is to help you lead a calmer, more confident life by teaching you how to make decisions that lighten your load and sharpen your focus.

"You don’t need more time—you need fewer decisions." - Trina Gray

Key Points:

• I identified overwhelm as a key barrier and explained how reducing commitments and clarifying life roles can lead to better decisions.

• I explored how overthinking holds us back and suggested that making informed, swift decisions can help us build self-trust.

• I tackled perfectionism, sharing how striving for perfection often delays progress and how I overcame it by launching this very podcast.

• I reminded listeners that not all tasks are created equal—it's important to spot urgent but unimportant activities that drain your energy.

• I encouraged you to choose progress over perfection and focus on growth and service, even when you don’t have all the answers.

Connect with Trina:

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