What I’ve Learned on Note to Self This Year: Lessons from NTS Alumni

#225. This year brought some of the most incredible conversations with founders, creators, and women building lives on their own terms - and I’m breaking down the biggest lessons that stuck with me. From building sustainable routines to redefining success, these are the notes from my Note to Self alumni that changed how I think about intentional living.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Sponsors:Visit 47brand.com to shop best sellers and new arrivalsCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Woo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFJoyrise: Go to Joyrise.com and use code NOTETOSELF for15% off plus free shipping nationwideQuince: Go to quince.com/payton for free shipping on your order and 365 day returnsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#224. In this Ask P episode, I’m answering four of your questions to close out the year: how to audit yourself honestly without self-destruction, what I’d tell my 21-year-old self about timelines and dating, how to stay grounded while building your life in your twenties, and the framework Joe and I use for our annual partnership check-in. We’re talking about growth with grace, trusting your own timeline, protecting what matters, and making sure you’re building a life—not just performing one. Consider this your end-of-year toolkit for staying intentional, aligned, and honest with yourself as you head into 2026.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Sponsors:Visit 47brand.com to shop best sellers and new arrivalsCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Woo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFJoyrise: Go to Joyrise.com and use code NOTETOSELF for15% off plus free shipping nationwideRula: Go to Rula.com/notetoself to get started todaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#223. This year was simultaneously the best and worst of my life, and I need to talk about it before we close out 2025. I got married and made a home, but I also fell apart—moved twice, worked through emotional exhaustion, developed a bitterness I didn't recognize, and met parts of myself I didn't want to meet. If you're ending this year feeling overwhelmed from the weight of it all, like you can't wrap it up neatly before January 1st, this one's for you.                                                                                                                                                                                                        FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Sponsors:Chase: Head to Chase.com/holidayscams for tips, tools, and resources to help keep your finances safeVisit 47brand.com to shop best sellers and new arrivalsCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Woo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFFace Foundrie: Visit facefoundrie.com and use code NTS at checkout for 20% off your first serviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#222. In a very special 222 episode of NTS, we’re catching up just 48 hours after our wedding day from an airport hotel on the way to our honeymoon destination. A few things about my wedding weekend definitely surprised me, a few terrified me, and a few made me more emotional than I anticipated. Initial marriage thoughts, sprinting down the aisle & some notes from Joe included in this episode. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE WhisperVibe™ OR a FREE Rose toy with any Whisper™ order! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/notetoselfpod-podcastChase: Head to Chase.com/holidayscams for tips, tools, and resources to help keep your finances safeVisit 47brand.com to shop best sellers and new arrivalsProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#221. Wedding week is here! Today we’re chatting candidly about what I’m looking forward to, what I’m opting out of, what’s making me nervous, and more. This is a casual, chatty episode, especially for those of you who have been on the journey to this point with me for years. Love u! xx                                                                                                                                                                                   FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:Canopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Woo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFQuince: Go to Quince.com/payton for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsFace Foundrie: Visit facefoundrie.com and use code NTS at checkout for 20% off your first serviceChase: Head to Chase.com/holidayscams for tips, tools, and resources to help keep your finances safeProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#220. Let’s talk about gifts that actually feel good to give and receive. I’m breaking down my ultimate gift guide by category: for her, for him, under $100, and last-minute saves that still feel intentional. Consider this your permission to skip the stress and give gifts that land.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Rula: Visit Rula.com/notetoself to get startedWoo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#219. Your early thirties have a way of showing you what’s worth carrying and what you’ve been holding onto out of habit, fear, or someone else’s expectations. In this episode, I’m walking through the things I’ve intentionally left behind to create more peace in my everyday life – from other people’s definitions of success to the exhausting need to have it all together. Consider this your permission slip to put down what’s weighing you down, because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply stop doing what never served you in the first place.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Listen to She’s So Lucky wherever you get your podcasts and follow Les at @lesalfred and @shessoluckypod for more.                                                                                                                                                                                                           FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Face Foundrie: Visit facefoundrie.com and use code NTS at checkout for 20% off your first serviceBellesa: EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE Rose suction toy with their order!https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/notetoself-podcastProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#218. Are you ready for the universe to start working in your favor? Les Alfred of the She’s So Lucky podcast is sharing how to be the luckiest woman you know in just 3 steps. We’re talking making your own luck, growing & starting over at any age, and much more in today’s episode of Note to Self. Listen to She’s So Lucky wherever you get your podcasts and follow Les at @lesalfred and @shessoluckypod for more.                                                                                                                                                                                           FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Face Foundrie: Visit facefoundrie.com and use code NTS at checkout for 20% off your first serviceBellesa: EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE Rose suction toy with their order!https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/notetoself-podcastProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#217. We’re kicking off this episode of ASK P with a few personal anecdotes ranging from luteal phase rage to calmly settling into my new home & routine. The girls were really into relationship chats this week, so we’re talking the ‘to move on or wait for him to realize we’re perfect for eachother’ phase of a breakup, as well as continuing last week’s convo on leaving a good relationship for the right reasons. Lastly, we’re coming up with possible solutions for your over-reactive era, because sometimes we’re just at our wits end.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhSUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 Episode Sponsors:Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Rula: Visit Rula.com/notetoself to get startedWoo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFHappy Mammoth: You can try Hormone Harmony risk-free AND get a 15% off your first order with code NOTETOSELF at checkoutSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#216. Margot Lee is an OG YouTube creator and founder of No Particular Order. After moving to London for her longtime boyfriend, she faced one of life’s hardest truths: sometimes two people can love each other deeply and want completely different futures. In this conversation, we talk about how wanting different things isn’t a failure, and why coming home to yourself is the bravest decision one could make. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if choosing yourself over a good relationship makes you selfish— note to you: it doesn't.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​                                                                                                                                                                                                     FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttps://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain https://pinterest.com/paytonsartain SUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice Column: https://forms.gle/avvSu4ibYygZP5rq8 → Simple Pleasures: https://forms.gle/PFmEU9BFRtyE7Dt57 → Your ICKS: https://forms.gle/pgcr9LhmyyvyAyVk7→ Most Embarrassing Stories: https://forms.gle/qpZBp9bxdcH77Utf8→ Little Acts of Love: https://forms.gle/ReEoo6HBoC4QspQs9→ Juicy Confessions: https://forms.gle/Uuz5KdUkC4c3NnFw5Episode Sponsors:Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comCanopy: Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. Even better, use code NOTETOSELF at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase.Quince: Go to Quince.com/payton for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsWoo: Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code NOTETOSELFProduced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.