The Kim Klassen Podcast

The stories we tell ourselves become our reality. This episode explores the powerful idea that "we are what we think" and offers a practical guide to get off autopilot and intentionally choose the thoughts and beliefs that shape your identity. Learn how to identify the limiting stories you've held onto and replace them with empowering ones that serve the life you want to build.In this episode, you will learn:How your thoughts literally shape who you are and how you act.Why many of us operate on "autopilot," living by old labels from childhood that no longer serve us.How choosing an identity on purpose can work for you or against you.The power of identity-shaping stories through personal examples of resilience during family crises.A simple, actionable pen-and-paper exercise to identify what you like, what you're good at, and what you're not good at.A step-by-step action plan to choose a new identity, practice a new thought, and make it part of your reality through small, consistent actions.

Pausing for a moment of TikTok magic: How one small shift from 'I don’t care” to 'I don’t mind” led to a whole new way of looking at how we show up and share on social.Exploring 'I don’t mind” as a heart posture—letting go of the need for approval, the sticky entanglement with outcomes, and just sharing from a place of openness.The story behind Sean C. Kennedy’s moving song 'Let Life Love You”—the inspiration that came from loss, a dream, and the reminder to allow what wants to move through us… to move.Reflections on creativity, art, and becoming a vessel for beauty—what it means to release control and let creation have its own life.An invitation to my fellow Apple users: Don’t sleep on the 'Remember This’ shortcut. It’s the simplest way I know to help us mark, keep, and return to the little everyday gifts—moments of gratitude, joy, or the sweet things you don’t want to misplace in your one wild and precious life.Gentle encouragement to try the shortcut, capture your little moments, and let gratitude pile up, one remembered moment at a time.Reminder: You don’t have to mind if people scroll or stay, love or judge—your job is just to show up and let life love you.

So… I said I’d post every day this summer.And I haven’t.A few of you noticed (thank you for the call-out ♡), and it led me straight here…hitting record.This episode is part reframe, part love letter to imperfect progress.Because even though I missed the mark, I also fell in love with DaVinci Resolve, made some lovely microfilms, walked a million miles, did a ton of squats and found my spark again.If you’ve declared a goal and then found your way a little off course. or feel like you’re failing’ at something you care about….this one’s for you.Spoiler: failing might actually mean you’re winning. : )

Inspired by a Tik Tok that stopped me in my scroll.'Stop romanticizing other people's lives and start romanticizing your own.’We often look at others and see all the 'perfect' things they have. But nothing is perfect. What you see isn't everything that is.I even thought about this from a website design perspective. Imagine I create a beautiful new site for someone, and they love it. But then, they start constantly looking at others' websites, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I want that too!' Meanwhile, their own site just sits there, not getting updated, because they're so consumed by everyone else's. What if we're doing that with our own lives, with the gift we've been given? Like it's 'not enough.'And then there’s our art.Our photos, films, writing, your offerings. We create something, hopefully we love it. We put it out, and for about 10 seconds, it’s enough. Then we start looking at others' work, thinking it's 'so much better' than ours. When it comes to our art and creativity, I think it's so important to:☐ Honor it, show up to it.☐ Give it oxygen and love it right where it is, where you're at.Instead of thinking, 'it's not enough.' I believe if you love what you create, that energy will show through. What if instead of just thinking it's about 'getting better,' it's more about sitting with what you create and putting an energy of appreciation and gratitude and love? The fact that we get to create at all is a gift.That's what I have for you today. Thank you to the TikToker who told me to stop romanticizing other people's lives and perhaps come back to my own life and realize how absolutely extraordinary it is.

In this episode, I’m walking you through how I created my summer of — and how you can create yours too. There’s no one way to do this.Just a moment to pause, reset, and decide how you want the season to feel.I share:☐ The story behind my summer of list☐ How I blended personal with creative work☐ Why summer doesn’t have to be a write-off (unless you want it to be)☐ A simple way to create your own summer of — with themes, tiny habits, or even a mood board☐ How to avoid the all-or-nothing trapIf the idea of shaping a ‘season on purpose’ speaks to you… this one's for you.Want to share your summer of? Email me or DM me on Instagram — I’d love to hear.

All right, lovely… here we go again. A spontaneous episode. A few brain explosions. A realization or two. Just me, recording and sharing what’s been circling in my mind today.If you haven’t listened to yesterday’s episode (The Summer Of), maybe start there. This one will make more sense if you do.Here’s what I talk through in today’s voice note / pod.Thoughts on Insta.☐ Why posting on Instagram today reminded me exactly why I stopped and what to do with that. : )☐ The spiral of comments → replies → shoulds → Instagram becoming the boss☐ The shift I felt when I noticed the pattern and realized how light it feels not to be in that loop.☐ My business model doesn’t rely on daily content creation—so I’m questioning how to show up on Instagram in a way that works☐ Ideas I’m pondering: post once a week? Post without replying? Still figuring it outThoughts on the Podcast.☐ A note on podcasting—it’s currently the easiest, cleanest content channel for me: hit record, edit, publish☐ Gratitude for all the DMs and voice notes from those who’ve noticed the podcast is backWhat Inspired Hitting Record Today | Naval Ravikant on Work and Retirement.☐ What Naval Ravakant said about retirement.Retirement is a waste of whatever time I have left on this earth. If you love what you do, you’re already in perpetual retirement.’He defines work as ‘what you have to do but don’t want to’—which made me realize, I do very little ‘work’.☐ Deep gratitude for the ‘work’ I get to do daily—coaching, teaching, designing, creating☐ A reminder to give attention to what’s working—not just what needs fixing.Summer of…I’m still working on the Summer Of how-to episode. more soon.If something in this episode resonated, or helped, or sparked something… I’d love if you shared it. And thank you again for all the lovely welcome backs.xx♡ Kim

Hello lovely.Welcome to The Summer Of.An idea I just had this morning . July is almost here, and I’m ready for a fresh start. And so, I decided to declare this the summer of… and I’m inviting you to play along.In this episode, I’m sharing my own Summer Of list:☐ Falling in love with DaVinci Resolve☐ Creating content I actually love, almost daily☐ Becoming fully booked with the best Squarespace clients☐ Bringing my new school ideas to life☐ Daily sun☐ 10K steps☐ Daily strength training☐ Appreciating my life☐ Not talking about what’s not working☐ Talking more about what is☐ Daily micro decisionsOh and I'm kicking things off with a Monk Mode week too!!None of this is brand new. It’s the life I already live mostly.But naming it will keep me focused, not to mention super jazzed.I’m inviting you to do the same - create your own Summer Of list.Here’s a simple place to start:☐ Make a list of what’s working right now☐ Make a list of what isn’t☐ Picture where you want to be by the end of summer☐ Ask yourself: If I were already there, what would I be doing differently?☐ Compare that to what you’re doing now☐ Notice if you’re spending more time on what isn’t working than what’s possible☐ From there, start your own Summer Of listI’ll go deeper on this in an upcoming episode, maybe with a mood board or some prompts to help. For now, this is my way of kicking things off, imperfect and in real time.If you make a Summer Of list, I’d love to hear what’s on it.And if you have a friend who might wanna do this too! Share the pod. ♡ xx

In this episode:⟶ A deeply personal story from our small town—one that stirred old memories and reminded me how far we’ve come⟶ Reflections on addiction, recovery, and the miracles that arrive when we least expect them⟶ A powerful mindset shift inspired by a simple TikTok: collect evidence⟶ How tracking even the smallest actions can gently rebuild how we see ourselves⟶ A quiet invitation to notice the wins you might be missingMentioned→ AA and the path that helped my son find his footing→ Everyday ways to log your ‘evidence’: your phone, a notebook, even ChatGPT→ Why noticing is the beginning of change.

Key Topics Covered:The Top Idea in Your Mind – How mental focus impacts creativity and decision-makingHow to Do What You Love – Aligning business with your creative passionOvercoming Perfectionism – Why treating your work as an experiment leads to successThinking Independently – Avoiding comparison traps and trusting your own visionStarting Simple – Why lightweight, simple ideas often winClarity Over Cleverness – How simplifying your messaging strengthens connectionsAction Over Overthinking – Shifting from analysis paralysis to creative momentum.+Paul Graham Essays

Hello lovely, In this episode, I’m sharing some news—why I’m finally starting my YouTube channel. This has been years in the making, but I’ve spent most of my creative life behind the camera, hesitant to step into a space where I could be seen and judged.But after years of pouring energy into Instagram and feeling stuck, I realized that I needed a platform where people show up with intention—to learn, grow, and take action. And that’s why YouTube (and Substack) are the next step for me.This episode is part personal reflection, part encouragement—because if you’ve been thinking about starting something, I hope this is the nudge you need.

+Why too many ideas can keep you from taking action•+A simple way to capture ideas when inspiration strikes+ How to use voice notes for effortless transcription+ Turning raw thoughts into structured plans with ChatGPT• The key to moving from idea overload to meaningful action• A challenge: I dare you: Take one idea, record it, and see it throughwatch the step-by-step tutorial,

Feeling like your creative business is stuck in a crowded space? You’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like there’s no room, no way to stand out—like you have to do more, compete harder, or constantly chase attention. But what if the answer isn’t trying to outshine anyone?In this episode, I’m talking about the Blue Ocean Strategy—a way to create a space where competition doesn’t exist. A space where your work, your voice, and your creativity stand on their own.For women 45+—photographers, writers, makers, coaches—this is game-changing. You don’t need to fight for attention in an oversaturated market. You have something younger entrepreneurs don’t: lived experience, perspective, a deep understanding of the people you serve. That’s your advantage. That’s where your blue ocean begins.We’ll cover:• What the Blue Ocean Strategy is and why it matters for creative entrepreneurs.• Why niching down isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about creating space where competition disappears.• How to build an offer so specific and valuable that people didn’t even realize they needed it.• The power of storytelling, collaboration, and keeping things simple in 2025.• Why now is the best time—not too late—to step fully into your business.If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram or email me at [email protected]. And if you know someone who needs this, pass it along.InBusiness members—exciting news: I have a Blue Ocean Strategy GPT designed just for you. More on that soon.

In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why your brain may be holding you back• How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters your reality• The four-step Identity Reset Method to retrain your mind• How to act before you feel ready and build confidence through action• The power of mental rehearsal in shaping your futureResources and Links:• Book a Clarity CallIdentity Reset Guide & GPTIf this episode resonated with you, send an email to [insert email] or share it with a friend. Now is the time to shift your mindset and step into what’s possible.

In this episode, I'm sharing a idea/concept that’s exploding my brain – the difference between building an audience of buyers versus admirers. I'm sharing my personal revelations about Instagram, and why having a large following of admirers might not be serving your business goals.What You'll LearnMy lightbulb moment about the difference between admirers and buyers.Why having tons of followers who admire your work doesn't always translate to sales.How to shift your content strategy to attract people who actually need your solutions.Why it's okay if your engagement drops when you start showing up differently.My personal experience with Instagram vs. TikTok and YouTube moving forward.The importance of leading with your offer instead of just building an audience.Notable QuotesHaving people admire your work feels amazing – it can be addictive! But admiration alone doesn't build a business."Resources MentionedinBusiness 90-day group program (Starting February 4, 2025)Includes: Monthly Zoom calls. Co-working sessions. Email marketing, AI for business, SEO basics and Building irresistible offersConnect With MeEmail: [email protected]: (Even though I'm on a hiatus, I check DMs every few days!)Join inBusiness. It’s going to be amazing!Final ThoughtsRemember, building a business is one of the most incredible paths to personal growth. It brings up all our stuff, and then we get to work through it again and again. That's where the magic happens!If this episode resonated with you and you'd like to learn more about joining inBusiness, reach out to me at [email protected]. I'd love to share more about how we can work together to transform your creative business.

In this episode, I explore the movement of creatives aged 50+ stepping into their passions and sharing their magic online. We discuss:Why it’s never too late to start something newHow platforms like YouTube and TikTok prioritize good content over followersOvercoming fear of judgment and embracing bold actionWhy human connection and storytelling matter more than ever in 2025I also introduce Treadmill Talks—a powerful one-hour phone session to help you brainstorm, clarify your vision, and create actionable next steps.Dear 2025 Guide - https://www.kimklassen.com/blog/dear-2025-writing-guideTreadmill Talks: Book a SessionTakeaways:Your experiences make you extraordinary. This is your time to share your passion, build a community, or create a side hustle that inspires and grows with you.

Welcome and Intro:Why recognizing and shifting the stories we tell ourselves is life-changing.Inspiration for living an extraordinary creative life.Key Takeaways:The Stories We Tell:How our inner narratives shape our experiences and results.Examples of defending stories that don’t serve us.Real-Life Inspiration:A conversation with Dena from Dena’s Digs about loving Instagram.How her mindset impacts her creative results.The Thought Model:Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results.Why better thoughts lead to better outcomes.Action Steps:Make a list of your goals and dreams.Write down all the thoughts that arise around those dreams.Identify thoughts that don’t serve you and reframe them.Keep the new thoughts visible and revisit them daily.Personal Reflections:How I’m reframing my fears about showing up on TikTok and YouTube.The importance of taking action over overthinking.Practical Tips:Start small: Choose one goal and focus on better thoughts around it.Tools to help shift mindset: Post-its, journals, daily reminders.Closing Thoughts:The magic of storytelling and mindset in creating the life you want.Sneak peek of my 2025 digital planner and how I’m using it to stay intentional.Links and Resources:Connect with me: kimklassen.comFollow DinasDigs on InstaInterested in my 2025 digital planner? Email me.Thanks for listening, lovely. Here’s to telling better stories and making the most of each day!

Today's focus is on Seth Godin's concept of "The Dip," also vividly described in my coaching program as the "river of misery." It’s that tough phase in any worthwhile venture where excitement fades, and the grind really sets in. We've all been there, and it's certainly not a walk in the park.What is The Dip?"The Dip" represents those challenging times when it feels like you're putting in all the effort but seeing minimal results. This phase tests your dedication and separates the committed from the fleeting.Pushing Through The Dip:I discuss the importance of perseverance through these hard times if your goals truly align with your long-term vision. I'll share how creating a contract with yourself before you begin can serve as a solid anchor. This pact involves setting clear expectations for time, money, and effort you're willing to invest and defining what success looks like to you.Strategic Quitting:Quitting isn't always about giving up; sometimes, it’s about making a smart decision to change paths when things aren't aligning with your bigger picture. I explore when it's time to keep pushing and when it's wise to quit.The Danger of The Cliff:We'll delve into the concept of "The Cliff," where short-term gains from trendy actions can lead to long-term pitfalls. This part is crucial for anyone building a brand online, as it's easy to get swayed by what seems popular at the moment.Recognizing When to Pivot:Identifying the right time to pivot or correct course is essential. I discuss how to recognize if you’re in a cul-de-sac, where effort no longer moves you forward, and when strategic quitting can redirect your energy more productively.Closing Thoughts:Every choice on this creative journey shapes not only your business and brand but also your personal growth and the stories you wish to tell through your art. It’s about being honest with yourself and choosing paths that are sustainable and true to who you are.If you're ready to take the next step in building your brand and business, consider joining 'InBusiness.co.' We start in early February, and it promises to be an exciting 90-day journey with a group of incredible women.

In this episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation from Modern Wisdom (Episode 888) with David Sutcliffe, exploring why you can't solve a problem of the mind with the mind—it requires action. I dive into how faith is built through consistent doing, not thinking, and challenge you to take action to overcome fear and doubt.This episode is all about moving from overthinking to action and creating a life of extraordinary alignment.Finally, a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible group in my 90-day beta program, InBusiness.co. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready to take meaningful action with the support of a like-minded community, I’d love for you to join us. It’s a one-time offer, and this group is already shaping up to be amazing!Let me know what action you’re taking today—I’d love to hear from you. DM or email me to share your progress. Let’s move forward together!

In this episode, I unpack the concept of Parkinson’s Law: the idea that work expands to fill the time you give it. If you’ve ever felt like a simple project stretched on forever, this episode is for you.I’ll walk you through:What Parkinson’s Law is and how it shows up in creative work.Why overthinking can amplify the problem and lead to perfectionism.Five practical strategies to take back control of your time, including a surprising tip: scheduling joy into your day.How embracing constraints can spark creativity instead of stifling it.A mini challenge to help you finish what you’ve been overthinking—and enjoy more of your day.Time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Tune in to learn how to make it work for you.Links and Resources Mentioned:Share your one-hour challenge or joy-filled moment with me on Instagram [@yourhandle].Takeaways:Setting boundaries around your time can unlock freedom and focus.Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is the thing that brings you joy.

In today’s episode, I share my commitment to filling as many journals as possible in 2025 and using my beautiful Pilot vanishing points every day—and how I believe this practice will create a ripple effect in my life. Most importantly, I explore Gay Hendricks’ —Zone of Genius, introduced in The Big Leap.You’ll learn about the four zones we operate in, why many of us get stuck in the Zone of Excellence, and how to identify and commit to living in your unique Zone of Genius. I’ll also touch on the the hidden barriers that hold us back, AKA Upper Limit Problem, and strategies to align your life with the work that brings you the most joy and fulfillment.If you’re feeling stuck or curious about how to live more fully, this episode will spark inspiration and guide you toward a more fulfilling path.What You’ll Learn:The four zones we function in and how they impact your life.How to recognize and step into your Zone of Genius.The Genius Commitment and why it’s essential for living authentically.An invitation to bring your Zone of Genius into your daily routine.njoyed this episode? Share your thoughts about your Zone of Genius with me on insta - @kimklassen and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your kind words helps me reach and inspire more listeners like you!Stay tuned for more on the in-business cohort coming soon.Thank you Christine for the inspiration for today's podcast.