What do you do when you hit a wall, with money?
When you’re not just stuck, you’re up-to-your-elbows-in-molasses stuck. You keep asking the same questions and getting nowhere but more confused … and that creative positivity you’re known for? Must be on vacation.
You’re not crazy or broken. This happens to all of us. This is what it feels like to be in the middle of a “money riddle.”
The bad news? It can be uncomfortable. But the good news? There truly are ways to work through it … and come out the other side financially enlightened (at least a smidgen more!).
A few days ago, I got onstage and shared 4 of my personal “money koans” — and the steps I’ve used to solve them.
This was my very first ever keynote speech (aaaah!), given a few days ago at Elizabeth Cronise McLoughlin’s Gaia Women Lead event in Santa Barbara, California.
When Elizabeth asked me to give this keynote, my whole body was an immediate YES! I knew this would stretch me into new territory (I’d never given this kind of keynote before), but I knew I wanted to rise to the occasion.
Don’t get me wrong: I teach all the time. For the first 7 years of my business, I gave 60-90 minute talks on my methodology. I get on monthly group coaching calls with my year-long community and can be present with almost any question and situation. And on my book tour, I alternated reading book excerpts and telling stories.
But this was totally different! A full keynote address with a potent beginning, middle, and end. This was new, unknown territory … and even though I had a clear YES, I was also very nervous.
I knew I needed support. I had a wonderful private session with my coach, Tanya Geisler, and worked through some of my fear. And I followed her recommendation and hired Michelle Mazur as my speaking coach for three months.
Oooh, boy, did I have to move through some resistance and creative muck! But I eventually got into a flow and practiced, practiced, practiced.
My wonderful husband Forest gave me invaluable feedback and helped shape the speech. I even practiced the first five minutes with my 9-year-old son, Noah, who made funny faces at me the whole time. I knew if I could get through THAT tough audience, I was getting somewhere.
When the day finally arrived, I was nervous, but crossed the threshold … and gave the talk I wanted to give. I walked away feeling grateful and satisfied.
And — surprise! It was live-streamed. (Probably a good thing I wasn’t fully aware this was happening!)
Over 8,900 people have watched it so far, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
(Since this was recorded, the Facebook page for this event has been archived, but please enjoy this audio version of the keynote!)
Audio Only:
In it, you’ll hear:
- The Zen Buddhist metaphor I love using for our Big Money Riddles
- The odd detours I took to solve my first big Money Riddle — and how they set me on a whole new life path
- The set of questions I used to answer the big Money Riddle I faced after having my child
- How I went against the grain, listened to what was right for me, and set up a whole new business model at 44
- The HUGE money koan my husband and I are in, right now
- 3 elegant steps for solving your own Big Money Riddles.
I hope you enjoy this keynote … and please feel free to share it widely!
After all, we all face Big Money Riddles. But when you know how to work with them, they can lead you to some unexpected and delighted new places …
With my dearest wishes,
P.S. I’m so grateful for the huge, positive response this video has gotten! I can’t believe it’s already been watched over 8,900 times. If we break 10,000, it’ll be the most views anything of mine has gotten. So please watch, enjoy, and share if you’re inspired! Here’s a nice, shareable link: https://bit.ly/2HYDQ00
