In this episode, Heather sits down with her good friend Nicole Begley for an honest conversation about productivity, efficiency, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a business. They share their vastly different ways of managing tasks, planning their days, and getting things done—and why trying to force someone else's system onto yourself often creates more frustration than results. If you've ever felt like you're "doing productivity wrong," this episode will be incredibly validating.

• There is no universal productivity system.
  What works brilliantly for one person may completely fail for someone else.
• Different brains require different approaches.
  Success comes from understanding your natural tendencies instead of fighting them.
• Stop making productivity struggles mean something about you.
  A system not working doesn't mean you're flawed.
• Self-awareness is more valuable than discipline.
  Learning how your brain operates helps you build sustainable systems.
• Shame keeps you stuck.
  Replacing judgment with curiosity creates freedom and momentum.
• Procrastination isn't always the problem.
  Sometimes it's simply how your brain naturally works under certain conditions.
• You don't have to force yourself into someone else's box.
  Your business gets to fit your brain—not the other way around.
• Deadlines and accountability matter differently for everyone.
  Knowing your triggers helps you create better systems.
• Flexibility is a strength.
  Productivity isn't about perfection—it's about finding what consistently supports you.
• The goal isn't to become someone else.
  The goal is to become more effective as yourself.

What if you've never been bad at productivity… you've just been using the wrong system?
What if the thing you've been criticizing about yourself is actually valuable information?
This conversation will make you rethink everything you've believed about getting things done.
Press play and finally give yourself permission to work the way your brain was designed to work.

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Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather reveals what she believes is the number one reason photographers struggle to find clients—and it has far less to do with the economy, algorithms, competition, or pricing than you might think. She breaks down how your expectations quietly shape your actions, influence what your brain notices, and ultimately impact the results you create. If you've been feeling discouraged about finding clients, this episode may completely change the way you look at your business.

• Your expectations shape your reality.
  Your brain constantly looks for evidence to support what you already believe.
• Expectation bias influences your business results.
  What you expect affects how you interpret situations and how you respond to them.
• Your market isn't always the problem.
  Sometimes the challenge is the story you're telling yourself about your market.
• Thoughts drive actions.
  If you expect rejection, you'll show up differently than if you expect opportunity.
• Clients can't book what they don't know exists.
  Confidence leads to visibility, offers, and action.
• Discouragement often starts with an expectation.
  Becoming aware of what you're expecting creates the opportunity to change it.
• Marketing is a skill, not a verdict.
  Every action gives you information you can use to improve.
• There are people who value photography.
  Your job is to learn how to find and serve them.
• Comparison reinforces limiting expectations.
  Focusing on others' success often distracts you from your own progress.
• You are capable of figuring this out.
  One of the most powerful expectations you can choose is believing in your ability to learn and adapt

What if the reason you're not finding clients has nothing to do with your market? What if your brain is simply proving you right—over and over again? The expectations you carry today may be shaping every result you're getting.
Press play and discover the hidden belief that could change everything.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

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Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather sits down with longtime Elevate member Susie Inverso of Crimson Cat Studios to unpack a sales conversation that didn't go quite as expected. What started as a discussion about pricing an end-of-life pet session quickly revealed something deeper: the assumptions we make about our clients' finances, decisions, and ability to invest. Together, they explore how those hidden thoughts can affect confidence, communication, and ultimately, sales.

• Don't spend your clients' money for them.
  Assuming what someone can or can't afford often sabotages the sales conversation before it begins.
• Your thoughts affect how you communicate.
  Hesitation, uncertainty, and assumptions are often felt by the client, even when unspoken.
• Clients are capable of making their own decisions.
  Your job is to present the options clearly—not decide what's best for their budget.
• Disappointment is part of business.
  Trying to avoid it often creates more stress than simply allowing it.
• Self-trust creates confidence.
  Believing you can handle any outcome changes the energy of every conversation.
• Not every "no" is permanent.
  Sometimes it's a timing issue, not a rejection.
• The timeline is often different than you expect.
  People may need time to think, process, and make decisions.
• You become unstoppable when you're willing to feel anything.
  Fear of disappointment, rejection, or failure loses its power when you stop avoiding those emotions.
• Hope is more useful than control.
  A flexible thought like "I might be surprised later" creates openness and possibility.
• Everything doesn't have to happen today.
  Sometimes the best thing you can do is trust the process and keep moving forward.

How many sales have you lost because you decided for your client before they decided for themselves?
What if the thing holding you back isn't pricing—but the story you're telling about money?
This conversation reveals a subtle mindset trap that almost every photographer falls into.
Press play and discover the thought that changed everything.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram