Ever found yourself unable to decide what to have for dinner after a long workday? That's decision fatigue—the gradual depletion of your brain's decision-making resources—and it affects professionals at every level, from physicians making life-or-death calls to marketers developing complex strategies.

As a brand strategist who thrives on solving creative problems, I never imagined decision fatigue would significantly impact my life. Yet as my career advanced, I found myself increasingly unable to make personal choices. Activities I once enjoyed—shopping, planning vacations, even basic self-care—became overwhelming burdens. My professional decision-making had cannibalized my personal bandwidth, leading to a pattern of avoidance that diminished my overall happiness.

Decision fatigue manifests differently for everyone. Some avoid decisions entirely, putting off important life choices. Others make impulsive purchases when tired (explaining those checkout-lane impulse buys). Many make significant decisions hastily rather than thoughtfully considering options. The science remains somewhat contested, but the experience is undeniably real.

Fortunately, we can combat decision fatigue with practical strategies. Block your most demanding tasks for early morning when your cognitive resources are freshest. Remove distractions—especially those social media notifications—that force constant mental context-switching. Plan routine decisions like meals and wardrobe in advance. Most importantly, examine your internal narrative: when we constantly tell ourselves tasks are "exhausting," we make them more so.

By implementing these approaches and recognizing how decision fatigue affects your daily choices, you can reclaim both mental energy and personal fulfillment. Join me at thepurposefulcareer.com/next-level to explore how applying these concepts can transform your career and life into everything you've dreamed of.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

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Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Are you feeling trapped in a situation you can't seem to escape? Whether it's a dysfunctional workplace, a relationship pattern, or a personal habit, the psychological phenomenon of learned helplessness might be the invisible force holding you back.

Drawing from Dr. Seligman's groundbreaking research at the University of Pennsylvania, this episode explores how we develop mental frameworks that convince us negative situations are permanent, pervasive, and personal. These three psychological components create powerful thought prisons that keep us stuck in suboptimal circumstances despite having the ability to change them.

From my 30 years of corporate experience, I've witnessed how learned helplessness manifests in organizations through broken processes, dysfunctional relationships, and resistance to change. As a leader, recognizing these patterns is your responsibility—especially in today's rapidly evolving business landscape where organizations clinging to outdated ways of working will inevitably fall behind.

But this concept extends far beyond our careers. Through coaching examples, I share how personal narratives like "I'm always the girl in the bad relationship" or "I can never manage money" become self-fulfilling prophecies that limit our lives. The good news? These narratives can be rewritten at any age.

The antidote, "learned optimism," begins not by blowing up your external circumstances but by changing your self-concept from the inside out. By focusing on who you want to be rather than who you've always been, you create micro-changes that ripple outward, gradually transforming both your internal landscape and external reality.

Ready to break free from learned helplessness and cultivate a more optimistic, possibility-filled perspective? Join my Next Level coaching program at thepurposefulcareer.com/next-level, where we'll apply these concepts to transform your career and life.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

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Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Have you ever achieved something incredible, only to feel like you don't deserve it? That gnawing sense that you're a fraud who's just moments away from being "found out" has a name – imposter syndrome – and it affects a staggering 75% of high-performing women executives.

For more than two decades of my career, I thought I was the only one suffering from this torturous internal conflict. Despite regular promotions and expanding responsibilities, a voice inside constantly whispered that I was a fraud. It wasn't until attending a writers' conference in 2015 that I discovered this condition had a name, and that millions of others – particularly women – experience it too.

What makes imposter syndrome so destructive is the cognitive dissonance it creates: you're ambitious and capable enough to achieve great things, yet simultaneously convinced you don't deserve them. This disconnect between your capabilities and self-perception creates a pattern of self-sabotage that can manifest as workaholic tendencies, avoiding opportunities, and numbing behaviors like overeating, overdrinking, or excessive screen time.

Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, I share the origins of imposter syndrome in early childhood programming, gender stereotypes, and family dynamics. More importantly, I offer two powerful solutions: the "Three C's" technique for immediate relief from impostery thoughts (Catch, Cancel, Correct), and the deeper work of evolving your self-concept to permanently eliminate the root cause.

Ready to stop feeling like a fraud and start owning your success? Listen now, and discover how to transform your relationship with yourself at any age. Your future self will thank you for not spending decades in self-doubt like I did.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Do you feel at the mercy of your thoughts when faced with life's challenges? We're unveiling the transformative power of intentional thought direction in this illuminating episode about taming what "the mental mess" that happens in our brain every day.

When overwhelming events occur—whether political turmoil, job loss, or illness of a loved one—most people believe their emotional responses are inevitable consequences of these circumstances. Hudson challenges this assumption, revealing that our 60,000 daily thoughts typically operate below our conscious awareness, yet dramatically influence how we experience life. The game-changing insight? You don't have to accept what your brain initially serves up.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Hudson demonstrates how shifting perspectives during difficult times isn't about denying reality or practicing toxic positivity. Rather, it's about consciously choosing thoughts that allow you to show up as your best self despite challenging circumstances. She shares how, when faced with a loved one's illness amid career changes, she redirected her thinking from helplessness to gratitude for their time together—a choice that transformed her ability to be present and supportive.

The cornerstone of this mental self-command is a simple yet powerful 20-minute morning practice called the "thought download." By transferring your unfiltered thoughts to paper, examining them without judgment, and intentionally selecting which ones to keep or replace, you establish yourself as the driver of your mental life rather than a passenger.

Ready to take the steering wheel of your thought life? This practice doesn't just change how you feel—it transforms how you respond to everything life throws your way, putting you back in control when the world feels anything but controllable.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Are you setting for being comfortable or are you allowing yourself to experience the discomfort of going for what you want?

In this episode, we delve deep into the concept of discomfort and why it’s essential to living your best life (especially at midlife when there so much going on).

I discuss how many individuals inadvertently create lives filled with avoidance, seeking comfort while missing out on opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Through the story of a private coaching client, I showcase how we can identify patterns of behavior that stem from discomfort, which often leads to stagnation in both personal and professional realms.

By confronting our fears and taking on challenges, we enable ourselves to grow. I introduce the "Four-Week Challenge"—a compelling invitation to step beyond the confines of comfort. This show emphasizes that discomfort, though daunting, is a crucial part of the journey toward achieving our true desires.

With practical strategies and engaging insights, the episode encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, prompting meaningful change in their lives. Whether you're stuck in a corporate job or unsure about social engagements, it’s time to challenge your comfort zone. Join me as we explore how leaning into discomfort can lead to tremendous growth and fulfillment. Don’t miss this transformative conversation—let's seek discomfort together! Subscribe, share with a friend, and let's ignite this journey.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Unlock the secret to a fulfilling career and life as we explore the transformative power of an inward journey. Ever wondered why you feel stuck in midlife despite all your achievements? This episode promises to guide you through five actionable strategies to reignite your sense of purpose and satisfaction, proving that true change starts from within and not just by switching jobs or relationships.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the pivotal role of self-image in shaping our success. We challenge the notion of self-perception as a fixed truth and reveal how you can actively reshape your identity to align with your aspirations. By adopting a more empowering perspective, and possibly seeking professional guidance, you can forge new neural pathways that not only enhance your career but also enrich your personal relationships.

Balance is key, and nurturing passions outside of work is a crucial step toward holistic well-being. We emphasize the undeniable benefits of engaging in hobbies, from boosting happiness to staving off burnout. Hear personal stories and practical advice on overcoming the fear of judgment, so you can confidently pursue your dreams and passions alongside even the most demanding careers. Embark on this journey with us to achieve a more balanced and satisfying life.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Transform your workweek mindset and conquer the dreaded "Sunday blues" with powerful mental strategies inspired by professional athletes like Michael Phelps. Imagine starting each day with the same focus and resilience that champions use to achieve peak performance. Through intentional mindset shifts, you'll learn how to tackle tough workdays with newfound energy, turning anxiety into empowerment.

Our conversation reveals the art of visualizing success, helping you navigate even the most challenging professional obstacles. Hear a personal story about presenting a daunting brand repositioning to senior executives, where visualization turned anxiety into a triumph. By preparing mentally and shifting perspectives, discover how you too can transform fear into opportunity, delivering for your team and advancing your career.

As a special offer, consider joining our Next Level virtual coaching program. This opportunity allows you to apply these mindset techniques to not only elevate your professional life but also bring about meaningful changes in your personal journey. Embrace the chance to unlock your full potential and make your career aspirations a reality.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Can you truly reignite your passion and redefine your career at any age? We're here to explore the possibility and offer a roadmap for those ready to take that leap. This episode is packed with stories and strategies for overcoming stagnation mid-career, especially between the ages of 40 and 54, where the desire for change is often met with fear and uncertainty. We share the inspiring journey of a teacher who successfully transitioned into a legal career, proving that with self-belief and strategic planning, it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

We tackle the internal battles faced by high-income earners contemplating a career shift. Financial security and the fear of the unknown are powerful barriers, yet nearly 60% of workers earning over $75,000 annually wish for a change. Understand the importance of listening to your inner voice and rejecting the misconceptions about qualifications. Through compelling narratives and statistics, we highlight the transformative power of honoring your passions and exploring new opportunities without needing all the answers upfront.

Embrace the fear of change and step into empowerment with our structured five-step process for career transformation. We discuss how reshaping your self-concept and overcoming perceived barriers, like skill gaps and financial concerns, can pave the way for a successful career transition. Our upcoming Mid-Career Edit program launching in June is designed to guide you through these steps, offering support and community as you pursue your next level of success. Join us to reflect on your professional journey and explore what's calling you next, fostering a space where we all aim to make our careers and lives everything we dream of.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.