162. 5 Hard Lessons From 5 Years of Podcasting: The Truth About Success No One Talks About

Five years ago, Paola Soares pressed record on the very first episode of the But First, She Failed Podcast — not knowing who would listen, where the journey would lead, or how much she would grow along the way. In this episode, Paola pulls back the curtain on the real behind-the-scenes of five years of podcasting — the lessons, the mindset struggles, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that only came through persistence and faith. For anyone who has ever started something meaningful — a business, a calling, or a dream — and questioned whether to keep going, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to continue showing up when the path forward isn't always clear. In this reflection, Paola shares what five years behind the microphone has taught her about perseverance, mindset, faith, and why pursuing purpose-driven work is never meant to be done alone. If you have been feeling stuck, uncertain about your next step, or simply ready to realign your vision for the season ahead— you are invited to join the upcoming Vision Reset Experience, a live guided coaching and reflection session designed to help participants pause, reset their vision, and gain clarity for what's next. Register for the Vision Reset Experience here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw   This episode is also part of the podcast's 5-year anniversary celebration week, where several gifts are being given away, including podcast coaching, a free month inside the Purpose Co. Accountability Community, a beautiful prayer journal, and VIP hot seat coaching during one of the upcoming live community sessions.  TO ENTER the giveaway: Either register for the vision reset experience or leave us an Apple review! You get one entry for each!  To stay updated on the giveaways happening throughout the week: Follow on Instagram: @ButFirstSheFailed Or join the email list here: https://sincere-wildflower-98577.myflodesk.com/hxh7gitt2i And if this podcast has encouraged you Thank you for being part of this community. 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

In this episode, Host Paola Soares sits down with author and Purpose Alignment Coach Nicole O. Salmon to unpack a surprising reason many women struggle to "find their purpose": quiet grief—the losses we move past but never truly mourn. If you've been praying for clarity but still feel stuck, disoriented, or emotionally drained, this conversation will help you name what's really going on and take a healthy next step forward. Inside this episode, we talk about: How unprocessed grief can clog discernment and distort self-perception Identity shifts that happen as you evolve (not because you failed) Adult friendships that fade—and how to navigate relational grief with wisdom Why purpose isn't a destination, but a lifestyle you live from Simple ways to move from overthinking into aligned action Nicole is a partner on the YouVersion Bible App and the author of Courage and Confidence: A Bold Guide to Unboxing Who You Were Created to Be. If you feel called but confused, this episode will give you language, encouragement, and a clearer path forward.   Connect with Chelsi Jo: Instagram:Let's Connect: @nicoleosalmon Nicoleosalmon.com JOIN THE NEXT FREE COMMUNITY CALL: Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

In this REWIND episode of But First, She Failed, Host Paola Soares revisits one of the most practical and powerful conversations on building a life that actually works for you — not against you. If you feel overwhelmed, behind, scattered, or like your home life constantly spills into your business goals… this episode is for you. Paola sits down with Chelsi Jo Moore, host of Systemize Your Life, a top-ranked podcast with over 2 million downloads and 350+ episodes. Chelsi Jo is known for helping women — especially entrepreneurs and work-from-home moms — create simple, sustainable systems that reduce chaos and increase clarity. In this conversation, we explore: What it really means to systemize your life (and why it's not as rigid as it sounds) How time management systems create more freedom — not less The connection between home organization and business productivity Common mistakes female entrepreneurs make when trying to "do it all" How to move from reactive living to intentional structure This episode is especially relevant if: You're building a business while managing a home You constantly feel like you're playing catch-up You want more peace, consistency, and follow-through You know you're called to more but your schedule feels chaotic Systems aren't about perfection — they're about support. And as you grow in your calling and leadership, structure becomes the thing that sustains the vision. Connect with Chelsi Jo: Instagram:Let's Connect: @chelsijo Free Quiz: https://chelsijo.co/system JOIN THE NEXT FREE COMMUNITY CALL: Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

In this episode of the But First, She Failed podcast, host Paola Soares dives into a powerful shift that can take you from feeling scattered, exhausted, and overwhelmed… to clear, focused, and energized. If you've been feeling burned out, mentally drained, or frustrated that you're not making progress on your goals, this episode will challenge the way you think about productivity and time management. What if the real problem isn't that you don't have enough time — but that your energy is scattered? After attending a recent Tony Robbins event, Paola began exploring the idea that we are not living in a time shortage — we're living in an energy crisis. Burnout doesn't always come from doing too much. Often, it comes from emotional and mental energy leaks like comparison, overthinking, misalignment, and operating in "push mode" instead of purpose-driven pull. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you can sleep 8 hours and still feel exhausted The difference between push energy and pull energy How hidden energy leaks quietly drain your focus and motivation A 4-step practical reset to help you reclaim your clarity and momentum How to move from reacting to creating in your life and calling If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly behind, this conversation will help you identify what's draining you and show you how to redirect your energy toward what truly matters. Because energy isn't something you find — it's something you direct. JOIN THE NEXT FREE COMMUNITY CALL: Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here  

In this episode, Host Paola Soares speaks with a pioneer and leader in the overcoming in this rewind episode, Host Paola Soares revisits a powerful and timeless conversation on how to permanently overcome limiting beliefs with renowned belief expert Shelly Lefkoe. Shelly Lefkoe is a pioneer in the field of belief elimination and the co-founder and President of the Lefkoe Institute. Her science-based method has helped over 200,000 people across more than 120 countries experience lasting change by identifying and eliminating the root cause of limiting beliefs—rather than simply learning how to cope with them. Unlike traditional mindset or personal development tools that focus on managing thoughts, the Lefkoe Method is designed to address why limiting beliefs form in the first place and why they continue to show up in our lives, even when we're highly motivated or self-aware. In this conversation, Paola and Shelly explore: Why limiting beliefs feel so real—and so hard to shake How beliefs are formed early in life and carried into adulthood Why willpower, affirmations, and mindset shifts often aren't enough What it actually takes to create lasting inner freedom Shelly's work has been endorsed by some of the most respected voices in personal development, including Jack Canfield, Janet Attwood, Dr. Joe Vitale, Lisa Nichols, and more. Connect with Shelly: Instagram: @shellylefkoe  Natural Confidence link   Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here  

In this episode, host Paola Soares explores why so many goals and dreams quietly stall—not because of a lack of motivation, but because of unseen roadblocks most people aren't prepared for. If you've ever started the year feeling hopeful only to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged weeks later, this conversation will feel deeply familiar. Paola reflects on what truly gets in the way of follow-through and why clarity, encouragement, and accountability play a much bigger role in personal growth than willpower alone. She invites listeners to slow down, ask better questions, and consider what support might look like in this next season. This episode also shares details about an upcoming guided reflection experience for listeners who feel drawn to pause, get clear, and approach the new year with greater intention and community.   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here      

In this episode, host Paola Soares explores why so many goals and dreams quietly stall—not because of a lack of motivation, but because of unseen roadblocks most people aren't prepared for. If you've ever started the year feeling hopeful only to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged weeks later, this conversation will feel deeply familiar. Paola reflects on what truly gets in the way of follow-through and why clarity, encouragement, and accountability play a much bigger role in personal growth than willpower alone. She invites listeners to slow down, ask better questions, and consider what support might look like in this next season. This episode also shares details about an upcoming guided reflection experience for listeners who feel drawn to pause, get clear, and approach the new year with greater intention and community. ✨ Join the January Dream Call & OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF the Purpose Co. Accountability Community  By Popular demand– Paola is hosting another dream call—  A reflective Dream Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention On this free Dream Call you will also learn more about The Purpose Co. Accountability Community that is officially launching after this call! This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community.   ✅ Register here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful   Missed the Call? Join our waitlist below and be the first to know next time we do a free event for the Purpose Co. Accountability Community!  https://sincere-wildflower-98577.myflodesk.com/y8xj68jeuk    

In this rewind episode, host Paola Soares continues the powerful conversation around limiting beliefs and how they quietly hold us back in our career, business, confidence, and personal growth. If you've ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or questioned whether you're capable of more, this episode is for you. Paola breaks down five key steps for overcoming limiting beliefs, explores how these mental barriers form, and discusses the ways they show up in everyday decisions, opportunities, and self-talk. This episode is designed to help you recognize the beliefs that may be keeping you small — and begin shifting your mindset so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're navigating a season of transition, growth, or self-discovery, this conversation will help you reflect on what might be holding you back and why addressing limiting beliefs is essential for long-term success. ✨ This is a must-listen if you're ready to challenge old thought patterns and step into your next level of growth.   ✨ Join the January Dream Call & OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF the Purpose Co. Accountability Community  By Popular demand– Paola is hosting another dream call—  A reflective Dream Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention On this free Dream Call you will also learn more about The Purpose Co. Accountability Community that is officially launching after this call! ✅ Register here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource)    

In this REWIND episode of the But First, She Failed podcast, host Paola Soares explores how limiting beliefs quietly influence your career, business, mindset, and confidence—often without you being fully aware of it. Limiting beliefs don't always show up as obvious fear or self-sabotage. More often, they appear subtly in your thought patterns, decision-making, career choices, and business actions. In this episode, Paola breaks down five common ways limiting beliefs show up in your career and business, especially for high-achieving women who feel capable yet stuck. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, fear of failure, fear of success, imposter syndrome, or playing small, this conversation will help you identify how those internal beliefs may be shaping your professional growth. Paola shares real-life examples and reflections on how mindset patterns can affect career advancement, entrepreneurship, leadership, visibility, and long-term success. ✨ Join the January Dream Call By Popular demand– Paola is hosting another dream call—  A reflective Dream Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention On this free Dream Call you will also learn more about The Purpose Co. Accountability Community that is officially launching after this call! This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. ✅ Register here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful  

In this episode, Host Paola Soares breaks down what a growth mindset really is — and why embracing it can change the entire trajectory of your year. Paola opens up about her own struggles with operating from a fixed mindset in the past and how learning to shift her thinking became a complete game changer in her career, confidence, and purpose. Now, she's sharing the mindset tools and perspective shifts that can help you experience that same transformation. Inside this conversation, Paola explores: What a growth mindset actually means The key differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset How your beliefs shape your success, resilience, and daily decisions Why developing a growth mindset is essential for your goals this year If you've been feeling stuck, battling self-doubt, or wanting to level up in any area of your life, this episode will help you recognize what's been holding you back — and how to build the mindset that leads to clarity, confidence, and growth. Tune in for an encouraging, practical, and mindset-shifting conversation that will inspire you to think bigger and believe in what's possible. ✨ Join the January Dream Call By Popular demand– Paola is hosting another dream call—  A reflective Dream Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention On this free Dream Call you will also learn more about The Purpose Co. Accountability Community that is officially launching after this call! This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. ✅ Register here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful