Mastering the Art of Intentional Optimism with Andrea Johnson
In the latest episode of the Women Going Big Podcast, host KrYsta Paffrath engages in a compelling conversation with transformational leadership coach Andrea Johnson. The discussion dives deep into themes of self-awareness, intentionality, and the significant journey many women face when they decide to break away from societal or self-imposed boxes to discover their authentic selves.
The Power of Self-Awareness and Intentional Living
Self-awareness is the bedrock of personal and professional growth. Andrea Johnson emphasizes this by encouraging women to critically examine their lives, identify their core values, and understand how these values influence their daily actions and decisions. According to Johnson, this process begins with introspection and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
"Knowing your core values means you have your own authority to act. It means you have good boundaries and can live within the things that bring you passion and conviction," explains Johnson.
Krysta Paffrath echoes this sentiment by underscoring that being intentional about one's life choices can unlock hidden potential. Paffrath notes, "Everything you do is a choice. The lifestyle that you're living, the career that you have, things don't just happen to you. You allow things to happen to you with the choices that you make."
To break this down further:
Identify Assumptions and Beliefs: Johnson uses the iceberg analogy to describe how our visible actions (assumptions) are supported by underlying beliefs and deeper conditioning. She advises peeling back these layers to understand what truly drives and hinders us.
Evaluate Experiences: Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights. Johnson highlights that evaluated experiences, not mere experiences, are the best teachers.
In practical terms, women can start this journey by engaging in activities such as journaling or completing a core values exercise, like the free one Johnson offers on her website. This foundational work lays the groundwork for more significant, intentional changes.
Breaking the Box: A Journey of Courage and Strategy
For many women, societal expectations or deeply ingrained personal beliefs create invisible boxes that define and sometimes limit their roles and potential. Johnson's narrative is a powerful testament to the courage required to recognize and break out of these confines.
Raised within a conservative, evangelical culture, Johnson was conditioned to believe that her opinions and ambitions should be secondary. "I was always told, 'You don't have to give your opinion,' and for the longest time, I thought I wasn't supposed to," she reveals. It wasn't until she experienced a series of transformative events—turning 50, losing her mother, and reflecting on her own legacy—that she decided to break free from these limiting beliefs.
"At 50, I realized I didn't want to be put in a box. That's to be called something I am not... And many times, we think we're supposed to be a certain way, and we double down on it, and it causes cognitive dissonance," shares Johnson.
How to Get out of Your Box
Recognition: Acknowledge the dissonance between your true self and the roles you've been conditioned to play.
Planning: Develop an exit strategy that includes financial planning, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and leveraging available resources.
Action: Courageously make the necessary changes, even if they require leaving behind familiar but limiting roles and environments.
The journey toward authenticity and freedom can be challenging. Yet, as Johnson's experience illustrates, the long-term benefits—such as personal fulfillment and the ability to inspire those around you—make the struggle worthwhile.
Community and Accountability: The Pillars of Growth
Building a supportive community and seeking accountability are crucial for sustained personal growth. Johnson stresses the importance of finding like-minded individuals who can provide support and challenge you to stay true to your goals.
"Find people that inspire you online. See if they have a free offering. Make sure you’re getting the right kind of stuff coming into your head every day, because that matters," advises Johnson. She also notes the value of books, podcasts, and free online resources that can offer guidance and bolster one's journey.
Paffrath adds that the goal of the Women Going Big Podcast is to create a space where women can share their authentic stories, beyond curated social media personas. This transparency fosters a sense of community and collective empowerment.
When surrounded by a community, women are more likely to find the strength to face their vulnerabilities and grow. Johnson highlights the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together," as a reminder of the power of collective effort.
Community support offers several advantages:
Accountability: Friends and mentors can hold you accountable for your goals and provide constructive feedback.
Shared Experiences: Knowing others who have successfully navigated similar challenges can be incredibly motivating.
Encouragement: Emotional and moral support from a community can help alleviate the stress and isolation that often accompany significant life changes.
For women striving to break away from restrictive environments, a strong community can serve as both a safety net and a launching pad, fostering resilience and sustained progress.
The conversation between Krysta Paffrath and Andrea Johnson is a beacon for women seeking to reclaim their power, redefine their identities, and pursue lives of authenticity and fulfillment. By emphasizing self-awareness, strategic planning, and community support, they offer a roadmap for breaking free from limiting beliefs and societal expectations.
Johnson's journey serves as a reminder that while the path to empowerment may be daunting, it is fully attainable. The intentional examination of one's beliefs, the courage to step out of confining roles, and the support of a nurturing community are the keys to going big and thriving in both personal and professional realms.
Connect with Andrea Johnson Online
Have you heard the news? Women Going Big is on a mission to share the stories of 1 million women. Want to be part of the mission? Nominate a woman or the women in your life who you think are going big and we will reach out to them to share their story. You can email us directly with your nomination at hello@krystapaffrath.com and learn more about us and our mission at womengoingbig.com
