009 | Goal Setting & Perseverance: The Winding Path to Success with Alayne Jorgensen

LISTEN NOW: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

With a long-term goal, the path from Point A to Point B is rarely a straight line. Life happens along the way, turning that straight line into a winding path. Navigating the twists and turns requires determination, perseverance, and grit. But if you stay the course—no matter how tangled it becomes—you will eventually find success.

Keep Your Eye on the Goal

In this interview, Alayne Jorgensen shares the unexpected surprises and challenges she faced on the road to earning her PhD. She speaks candidly about being a single parent, getting remarried, and battling postpartum depression—all while holding onto her educational dreams.

Alayne’s story demonstrates that, although life rarely goes according to plan, it’s still helpful to fix your eye on a specific goal and navigate in that direction.

Lessons along the Path

When it comes to goal setting, Alayne believes in having a clear goal with a flexible path. She also recommends traveling at your own pace, without comparing yourself to anyone else.

Alayne stresses the importance of relying on your village and surrounding yourself with supportive, encouraging voices. She also shares simple ways to practice self-care when your plate is already full.

Also in This Episode

• What it really looks like to juggle motherhood, work, and personal goals.

• Acting on intuition before you have everything figured out.

• Identifying what you truly want and letting go of distractions.

• A simple tool to help you push through when a goal feels tedious or discouraging.

Show Notes

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Alayne Jorgensen on Instagram

MAY 2020 GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

Two ways to enter:

(1) Post a review to Apple Podcasts, and send a screenshot to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram.

(2) If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, send a direct message to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram. List the podcasting app you use, and tell me what you like about the podcast.

Two winners will be selected on June 1, 2020. One winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to Happy Beads; the other will receive a Fawny Pack from Fawn Design.

002 | Embrace Imperfection: The Secret to Growth & Connection with Monica Packer

LISTEN NOW: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

Perfectionism isn’t just putting your best foot forward, having high standards, or worrying about tiny details. Perfectionism is a fear-based mindset that keeps you from trying new things, sticking to challenging goals, and sharing your talents with others. It keeps you hustling for external validation or hiding in the shadows to avoid judgment.

Progress Over Perfection

As a self-identified “recovering perfectionist,” Monica Packer is leading a movement to help women overcome fear of failure and rejection by focusing on “progress over perfection.” Her inspiring podcast, About Progress, is a product of her own courage to try something new and embrace the messy growth process.

In this interview, Monica shares her journey from paralyzed perfectionist to determined “progressor”—a term she uses to describe her community members. She speaks candidly about her eating disorder and how her “perfect” life began unravelling while she was studying in Europe, at the epicenter of everything she loved.

The Truth about Perfectionism

Monica explains that, at its core, perfectionism is driven by a desire to live above the human condition, without flaws or weaknesses. It’s a destructive force that keeps you looking side-to-side—comparing and competing—which disconnects you from others, your Higher Power, and your own intuition. Monica offers practical advice for overcoming perfectionism and embracing a growth mindset.

Also in this episode

• The dark and destructive consequences of perfectionism.

• Ditching the “idealized woman” and creating a better vision for your life.

• How to make a “Do Something Bucket List” to explore your passions.

• Two types of perfectionism: overachieving and underachieving.

Show Notes

Note: This list includes Amazon affiliate links to books mentioned in this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Monica Packer
Instagram | Website | Podcast

The Gifts of Imperfection (Book)

Free Class: How to Create a Life Blueprint

Rachel’s Interview on About Progress: “Using Self-Love to Rebuild after Loss”

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Monica’s 2019 “Do Something Bucket List”

About Progress: “Underachieving Perfectionist“

Monica’s Small Group Coaching

001 | Stop Hustling: How to Slow Down & Simplify Life with Rebecca Cooper

LISTEN NOW: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

In our fast-paced world, slowing down takes effort. We must learn to simplify our calendars, focus our attention, and say no to distractions—and sometimes, we must say no to good things that pull us away from our highest priorities.

Collect Moments, Not things

In this interview, Rebecca Cooper, founder of the lifestyle site Simple As That, shares how her definition of “simplicity” has evolved over the years. She also explains how she keeps her family moving at a slower pace, so they can savor ordinary, unremarkable moments in everyday life.

In 2010, with four kids under the age of eight, the Coopers sold most of their belongings and moved to the Caribbean so Rebecca’s husband could attend medical school. Rebecca shares how living with fewer physical possessions and fewer modern conveniences taught her to “collect moments, not things” and sparked a family culture of adventuring close to home.

Slow Down & Recharge Daily

Rebecca reminds us that self-worth isn’t tied to productivity or accomplishments. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and rest, encouraging women to sit down and recharge every day. We also discuss the benefits of declaring a “season of rest” as a way to minimize anxiety and comparison.

Also in this episode

• Using a camera to see ordinary moments with new eyes.

• Unexpected benefits of minimalism.

• Teaching children life lessons through hiking and exploring.

• How to stop measuring your self-worth by your to-do list.

• Essential questions to streamline your calendar.

Show Notes

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Rebecca Cooper
Instagram | Website

Free Class: How to Create a Life Blueprint

Additional Resources

Note: This list includes Amazon affiliate links to books related to this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

Free Printable: 50 Everyday Moments You Need to Photograph

Slow Your Pace: A Free 30-Day Challenge

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (Book)

Chasing Slow (Book)