The Cult of Neutral (and how to escape it) #ep28

Why should we feel we have to EARN joy? Why should it feel hard to prioritize? Instead, I'd like to introduce you to the concept of 'easy access joy'... joy that's easy to create and experience on a regular basis without having to jump through hoops. The most common objection I hear when introducing the idea of Joy First, is the fear many of us suddenly realize we have, that focusing on joy will hinder productivity. But this simply isn't the case... I'll deconstruct this myth and several more, plus share the secret behind how to use the power of color to quickly and easily shift our energy to create more joy.Want to find your colors and go deeper? Check our Colour Joy course: https://buy.jnicholesmith.com/l/colour-joy-live/Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a human, a leader and a woman, have been the direct result of being in the orbit of Natalie MacNeil. An Emmy award winning media entrepreneur, a coach, a mentor, a futurist and seer Natalie represents a lot of brilliance in a lot of ways… but to me she’s a powerfully feminine (read: gently and quietly fierce) ambassador for hope, technology and female wealth and embodied leadership.In this episode:We do a deep dive into AINatalie reflects on the power of the Whyfinding experience we supported her withShe reveals the origin of the Collective (her high-level Mastermind which is the reason I keep getting to go to Necker island and spend time with Richard Branson) We explore how to hold hope in trying times, and of course…Whether Natalie is on team dog or team cat 🐶🐱This Visionaries episode will make you think, make you laugh, and hopefully inspire a bit of optimism during this time in our history that can often feel quite bleak. Interested in a VIP session with me like what Natalie describes to support you with brand strategy and psychology, purpose clarity and color? Simply apply here and we will be in touch to setup a free chat to find out where you’re at in biz, what opportunities we see for you, and how we might be able to support you: https://go.jnicholesmith.com/applyTake the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

What does passive income actually mean to you?Chances are, in a conversation about 'passive income' what you might really mean is time freedom. You want to take the pressure off of 'hourly rate' work... so that you can continue to earn more income and create more wealth, while also claiming more joy, more spaciousness, and maybe even 'time away' for things like maternity leave, holiday, personal growth and general wellbeing. In this episode we're going to discuss the difference between Passive Income vs. a Scalable Business ModelWhat is the differenceWhich is right for you?What do these definitions have to do with '1:1' and '1 to many' productsCan you live on passive income alone... do you want to? Do you have the skill-set to build a Passive Income business? What does building a brand have to do with Passive Income What do you need to know if you're jumping from a local or in-person service-based business into 'Passive Income'This is an absolutely essential episode if you've tried and struggled to build and launch a course, membership or audience online and are wondering what you're doing wrong. Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

Welcome to part 2 of our '10 lessons from Necker Island' (for the first 5 lessons, check out the previous episode)I was invited to Necker Island as a member of The Collective, an impact mastermind for women entrepreneurs led by Natalie MacNeil that is an official partner of Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite. It's a tremendous honor to have the opportunity not once, but twice (so far) to visit this enchanted place, and to do so in the company of more than 30 other curious, creative women who are making major waves in their own communities and businesses.In this episode, I'm going to take you along on my recent trip to Necker, and share the second set: 6 -10 insights and lessons I brought back with me from this magic place... including my biggest takeaway from Richard Branson himself.Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

Have you heard of Necker Island?How about Sir Richard Branson?If you're a serial entrepreneur like me, if you have ever sought out examples of entrepreneurs who have taken massive risks, again and again, and won - there may be no better example than Sir Richard Branson.. founder of the Virgin Group.I've been fascinated with Richard's "Screw it, Let's Do it" attitude since I very first discovered him I read every book I could find on his life and businesses... but never could I have guessed way back than (at least 15+ years ago) that I'd have a chance to visit Necker, his private island (his full-time home) - but also spend days and days in his company, listening to his anecdotes, stories, advice and jokes... and absorbing the profoundly transformative energy of Necker Island and its intrepid owner, Sir Richard Branson.I was invited to Necker Island as a member of The Collective, an impact mastermind for women entrepreneurs led by Natalie MacNeil that is an official partner of Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite. It's a tremendous honor to have the opportunity not once, but twice (so far) to visit this enchanted place, and to do so in the company of more than 30 other curious, creative women who are making major waves in their own communities and businesses.In this episode, I'm going to take you along on my recent trip to Necker, and share the first 5 of 10 insights and lessons I brought back with me.If you want to see some of the photos from Necker, be sure to visit my instagram highlights: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17923051547794037/Enjoy!Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

You might be contemplating a rebrand... but how do you know if now is the right time?Or maybe you haven't even been considering a rebrand... but you've got some discomfort or confusion you haven't yet diagnosed... and you're starting to wonder if maybe it's time to double-down on brand (building a personal brand, tightening-up your messaging or positioning, or simply up-leveling the first impression you make online) In this episode I'm sharing 10 reasons you should definitely consider in order to identify if brand is actually the #1 strategy you should be investing time, energy and money in right now (or not).Want to chat it out? Book a free call and let's find the right way to support your brand makeover: APPLY NOW: https://go.jnicholesmith.com/applyTake the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

Come along with me for a critique of an evening with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of 'Eat, Pray, Love' and 'Big Magic.' Let's explore Liz's description of 'Purpose Anxiety' and the profound alternative she recommends to the pursuit of a 'purpose-driven' life. In this episode I reflect on the intricate dance between creativity, fear, risk-taking, purpose and presence. What is the cross-over between being 'purpose driven' and doing less harm... how does that fit in with a joy first life, and being more present in our lives.Do I agree with Liz Gilbert's call to action when she says ''Why are we all trying to make our mark on the world? It seems to me that the world has been eloquently requesting for some time that we stop trying to make marks on her.... or is it in direct conflict with what I believe? Tune-in to find out... TakeawaysHow Liz Gilbert defines Purpose anxiety and its oppositeWhat is the cross-over between more purpose and doing less harm? Can we actively do less harm without being purpose-driven?Where does our purpose come from, should we be anxious about finding it? What is the role of presence in a joy first life? What about the role of presence in creativity? Purpose can guide our decisions and actions, helping us prioritize what aligns with our values and make a positive impact in the world.Genius is not an identity, but a supernatural force that flows through us; it is not something we possess, but something that visits us.Embracing the mystery of life and being open to the unknown can bring meaning and joy to our lives.Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

'Get Visible' - one of the most buzzy and commonly peddled sales pitches in the online entrepreneurial world.Why is it that so many business owners need help with 'visibility' - why is it such a struggle?Today we unravel why so many trailblazing and brilliant Founders struggle to step into the spotlight.... But here's the twist: it's not actually about time, money, know-how or missed opportunities. It's about something much deeper. Join me as we explore the root cause of why so many people behind the brand don't get the recognition or attention they deserve (and what to do about it).In this episode we'll Explore:The real reason you're not getting visibleWhat can help overcome the fear of being visible.What simple strategy can help clear imposter syndrome.A successful combo of actions that has helped build confidence for our clients who struggled to 'get seen'Episode Links:Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.comTakeawaysTake the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

Today's podcast topic gets me super fired-up because it's a powerful trend that most people thing is fabulous, but is actually just not good for our wellbeing. This topic might seem a bit superficial at first... but it has really deep roots travel from a bit sad to actually really toxic.The Cult of NeutralNeutral is not as aspirational as we make it out to be: white-beige spaces are not the recipe for a joy first life.We'll Explore: Where our obsession with neutral colors comes fromThe shadow side of neutral - and the darker places it can leadThe connections between our fears and our reliance on neutral The role picking a lane, and taking a stand play in a strong and authentic brandHow taking risks and embracing color (your colors) can lead to more joy and self-expression.Episode links:Take the Quiz: https://jnicholesmith.com/quiz/Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com

If you're obsessing over the 'how' in your business... You may feel a little lost... You might feel like you're constantly chasing your tail... You probably feel stuck in this anxious 'don't know' 'can't see it' energy... You probably change your mind and priorities often 🌪 (which creates chaos)... You're probably drawing the same lists and mind maps over and over again... You're probably focused on getting that little bit faster, or little bit more profitable, or that little bit more productive each day (but not getting ahead)... If what you're currently doing isn't working, or you're uncomfortable or stagnant in a business that is working, but is no longer fulfilling... Then what you're probably focused on right now is the wrong thing: If you're obsessing over the 'next step' in your business through the lens of what is the product, what is the price... If you're obsessing over a plan, but don't know where you're trying to go... If you think you know where you want to go, but fear you'll never get there... If you have never had the PROOF that you CAN do it or have it, but are still committed to trying... Today's episode is definitely for you. I will break down what you need to start (and what you should stop right now) in order to shift your energy and attention in a more productive way, to achieve more ease, more focus, and better results overall. I will also share the ONLY thing that has ever worked for me to push-past the 'impossible' changes I've made in my life, as well as what I see happen with my clients who push-past plateaus to actually achieve huge wins and big changes in their life and business. Spoiler: It's not the how, the plan, or obsessing over the product or service... Take the colour quiz - https://www.jnicholesmith.com/quizWork with me further here - https://www.jnicholesmith.com