136. Showing Up When You Don’t Want To: How To Battle Through Discouragement

Struggling to stay motivated? Feeling discouraged and wondering if it’s even worth it to keep going? This episode is for you. This week on But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares talks about what it means to show up even when you don’t feel like it—especially in those moments when confidence is low, self-doubt is loud, and the results just aren’t showing up yet. Whether you’re building a business, growing in your career, or stepping out in faith, discouragement is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to define you. In this episode, we dive into: Why motivation isn’t always the answer—and what works instead How to push through discouragement and find your purpose in the process The mindset shifts that help you keep showing up when it’s hard How to fight self-doubt and imposter syndrome with consistency and courage A faith-filled reminder that you’re not behind—you’re just building This one is honest, encouraging, and the exact push you need if you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or on the verge of giving up.   💻 Let’s Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here  

In this episode of the But First, She Failed podcast, Paola Soares breaks down how to actually develop a growth mindset—one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional success. You’ll learn how to start thinking differently, move past self-doubt, and build habits that support long-term growth. Whether you’re facing setbacks, navigating a career transition, or simply ready to level up, this episode gives you the mindset tools to rise. Paola explores: The key differences between a growth and fixed mindset Why a growth mindset is essential for success How to challenge your current thought patterns Practical ways to build resilience and confidence A step-by-step framework to start shifting your mindset today This conversation will help you stop playing small and start believing that you are capable of growth, change, and greater impact. These 11 steps will guide you through rewiring your mindset—one intentional decision at a time. ✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes that empower women to grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose. #GrowthMindset #MindsetMatters #PaolaSoares #ButFirstSheFailed #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #SelfDevelopment #SuccessHabits #FaithAndMindset   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz Follow on Youtube https://overcomefailure.co Email: [email protected]         

Do you ever feel like you're not good enough at work, or worry you're falling behind in your career or business? In this empowering episode of But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares juxtaposes a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset in various scenarios— especially in the workplace.  If you’re a woman chasing big dreams but battling low confidence, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure, this episode is for you. We go beyond mindset theory and get real about how these mindsets show up in everyday work scenarios — from getting passed up for a promotion to launching your first offer as an entrepreneur. 💼 Examples we explore include: What happens when you don’t get the job or promotion you hoped for How mindset affects pitching big ideas, leading teams, or switching careers The difference in how women with a growth vs. fixed mindset react to feedback Why comparison at work or in business can either empower you — or shut you down How to move through imposter syndrome moments with grace and self-compassion In this episode you’ll learn whether you are operating from a growth mindset or a fixed mindset when it comes to your career, business and personal life. This and more.   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz Follow on Youtube  

What is the one trait or characteristic that all successful people have in common?  In this episode, host Paola Soares shares what she has learned after talking to countless trailblazers as well as reading books on this topic and being in proximity to many highly successful people. In this episode she dives into the power of a growth mindset, what it is and the background on it as well as the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset and why learning and adapting a growth mindset will propel you into success.  So whether you are a student, struggling with growing your career, an entrepreneur or taking a career power pause make sure to listen to this episode to learn how to apply it and become successful.   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz Follow on Youtube  

    Do your digital files feel like a chotic mess? The mess at home or in your work space overwhelming and you have no idea how to organize it? In this episode, host Paola Soares chats with 17-year veteran professional organizer and certified life coach, Tracy Hoth. Tracy is on a mission to empower coaches to create streamlined and organized businesses. She is the host of the globally ranked Organized Coach Podcast and creator of Organized Coach Academy, where she simplifies everything to help coaches become organized CEOs. They dive deep into how to organize your digital life, create simple systems that work, and overcome the mindset blocks that keep you stuck in clutter. Whether you're running a business or just trying to feel less overwhelmed in your daily life, this episode is packed with transformational tips. In this interview you’ll learn the only 5 file folders  you need to get organized, how business owners can start to organize their business for the biggest ROI and how to organize anything anywhere and so much more.. Connect with Tracy:  Simplysquaredaway.com IG: @tracyhoth podcast Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz   Follow on Youtube

In this episode of the But First, She Failed Podcast, host Paola Soares welcomes Nikki Barua — serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Interim CEO of Latinas in Tech — for a powerful conversation on thriving in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly transform the workforce, it’s no longer a question of if AI will affect our careers, but how. A recent McKinsey Global Survey reports that AI adoption has soared from 20% in 2017 to 78% in 2025, and nearly 40% of global jobs are expected to be impacted. For women — especially millennial Latinas navigating the entrepreneurial world or advancing their careers — the stakes are high. In her 25-year career in innovation, Nikki has helped global brands transform their culture and capabilities. Now she is on a mission to help business leaders reinvent the way they lead, live, and succeed in the age of AI. Nikki has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE among others— she’s been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, named an LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers. In this interview she shares why it’s crucial that we lean into AI now, what women can do to bridge the AI Skills Gap so they can future-proof their careers and skillset, and where to start if you have no idea how to get up to speed on AI… this and so much more…  Connect with Nikki:  Instagram LinkedIn Nikkibarua.com Latinas in Tech:  Instagram X LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Follow us on Youtube!:) @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz  

In this episode of the But First She Failed podcast, Host Paola Soares tackles a topic that many of us face but few talk about openly—discouragement. Drawing from her own experiences, Paola unpacks how discouragement can silently impact our careers, businesses, dreams, and mental well-being. She discusses the dangers of discouragement and reminds us that feeling discouraged doesn’t make us weak—it makes us human. Through an honest and empowering conversation, Paola offers practical steps to move forward, including practicing self-compassion, reaching out for support, and taking intentional action. Whether you're navigating a tough season, questioning your path, or simply feeling stuck, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped to keep going—with renewed motivation and resilience. 🔗 Resources & Links: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here!! Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz But First, She Failed FB Community

In this episode of But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares sits down with her pastor Dawncheré Wilkerson to talk about her newly released debut book Slow Burn:The Work and Wonder of the Wait. A renowned international pastor, speaker, singer, songwriter, and now author, DawnCheré has encouraged countless people to keep moving forward, even in seasons of waiting. As the co-lead pastor of VOUS Church in Miami, Florida, alongside her husband Rich, DawnCheré opens up about their eight-year journey through infertility and the faithfulness they've experienced in welcoming their four children and what she learned in the wait, the process of becoming, how seasons of waiting can shape us and why it’s important to be intentional in a season of waiting this and so much more. This episode offers deep encouragement and insight for anyone navigating their own season of waiting or searching for purpose in the midst of life’s challenges. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that strength often comes in the slow burn. Connect with DC: 📘 Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait – [Buy Book Here] 🌐 VOUS Church – https://www.vouschurch.com 📱 Follow DawnCheré on Instagram – @dawnchere   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz  

In this inspiring episode of But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares sits down with Yuri Cordero, Vice President and Executive Producer of Univision’s iconic news show Primer Impacto. A trailblazer in Spanish-language media, Yuri shares her remarkable 30-year journey, how she broke barriers in a competitive industry, rose to the top, and built a legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Yuri is also the author of the best-selling book La Virtud del Proceso (The Virtue of the Process) and co-author of Winning Strategies for Success with the legendary Brian Tracy. As the founder of HighGrace, she empowers women and emerging leaders to walk confidently in their power and authority. In this episode, Yuri opens up about: Her keys to career success as a Latina leader in media How to lead with impact and intention, regardless of your title Why the “process” is essential to personal growth and professional breakthrough Her journey of faith-based leadership The importance of mentorship, legacy, and public service Yuri also shares insights on her work with nonprofits like NAMI Miami and Todo Autismo, and how being a mother, chaplain, and speaker shapes the way she shows up in the world. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an established executive, or a woman navigating your purpose, this conversation will fuel your spirit and equip you to lead with confidence, break glass ceilings, and redefine success on your terms Connect with Yuri: yuricordero.com IG: @yuri_cordero   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz  

In this episode, Host Paola Soares speaks with Jennifer Tsay, co-founder and CEO of Shoott.com, a fast-growing photography platform that’s transforming the way people book professional photo sessions. Jennifer shares her incredible journey from working in the corporate space to acting and into entrepreneurship, and how she leveraged her transferable skills, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose to scale a business from the ground up. We explore how women in business can overcome internal doubts, how to test and validate startup ideas, and the mindset shifts required to make bold career transitions. From embracing failure to making data-driven decisions, this conversation is packed with real, actionable advice for current and aspiring founders. Whether you're curious about disrupting traditional industries, scaling a creative business, or taking that first step toward entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insight and inspiration. In this episode we discuss how successfully disrupt or democratize an industry, how to take your skillset from the corporate space and parlay it into entrepreneurship, why all moms are capable of being entrepreneurs as well as what it take to leave a corporate career and build a startup that disrupts an entire industry this and more….   Connect with Jennifer:  https://shoott.com IG: @shoottphotos  IG: @jenjentsay My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-tsay/   Let’s Connect: Instagram: @butfirstshefailed Paolasoares.com Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz