Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

Don't put off your potential — try coaching and book a complimentary Coaching Session today! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning

💡Aha! Moment

I always dreamed of writing a book, but I never knew what it would be about—and honestly, I never seemed to have the time or energy while I was working in Corporate America.

But when I left 18 months ago, I started thinking about writing a book more and more. The further I got from my old corporate role, the more clearly I could think and see things. It's amazing what happens when the fog of workplace drama lifts!

Then one day, I was at a virtual networking event with Entreprenista (one of those amazing communities I've talked a lot about on LinkedIn). They randomly broke us into rooms, and I met Kyra Shaefer, CEO of As You Wish Publishing. She and her husband, Todd, help authors self-publish their books. Talk about a universe moment!

Following that session in September, I sent Kyra a Virtual Diet Coke connect request (of course!), and on Oct 2, we met to talk about self-publishing. Two days later on Oct 4, I officially signed up for their Flex Publishing package. Then things moved FAST:

📅Oct 9: Sent her several different book ideas
📅Oct 25: Outlined my book
📅Oct 31: Had written 19,000 words (mostly on airplanes traveling to and from Lake Tahoe)

Once I started writing, the words (and emotions) began to flow! It was like the book had already been written in my mind, and it was dying to come out.

📅Nov 22: Completed first draft
📅Dec 23: Finished drafts 2 and 3 (including a complete reorganization)
📅Jan 3: Submitted to the copy editor
📅Jan 22: Title selected
📅Feb 12: Book cover designed

And now here we are!

But here’s the surprising part...

Writing the book was actually the easiest part.

I always thought getting started would be the hardest — and trust me, facing that blank page wasn’t easy. But once I got the words flowing, the real challenge came afterward: choosing the right title, designing the cover, and figuring out how to share it with the world.

That’s when I realized something important: Starting is hard, but finishing strong takes just as much courage.

Whether you’re writing a book, launching a business, or pursuing a big goal, the hardest moments often show up after you think the tough part is over.

Have you ever hit an unexpected challenge just when you thought you were in the clear? How did you push through?

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - All the retreat hosts out there, listen up! When planning a retreat, selecting the right venue is essential for creating the perfect atmosphere and ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience. That’s where Marriott Homes & Villas comes in. I can help you book fantastic properties that cater to all group sizes, all while providing the privacy and comfort of a home. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront escape, a cozy cabin in the woods, a lakefront haven, or even a retreat nestled within a national park, they have it all. This wide variety of options ensures that you can find the perfect environment to inspire and rejuvenate your attendees.

Looking beyond retreats, these properties are also perfect for family reunions, girl’s weekends, and any other group gatherings you might be planning. With their extensive selection and unique locations, there’s something for everyone. If you’re interested in exploring these options further, let’s chat today to discuss how I can assist you in crafting the ultimate experience for your group. Feel free to check out the options available at Marriott Homes & Villas and schedule a time to talk with me

🏰 a_far_off_place - There is nothing quite as enchanting as witnessing the wondrous realm of Disney Destinations through the sparkling eyes of a child! Did you know that little adventurers aged 3 and under can enter the magical gates of Disneyland and Walt Disney World for FREE?

Here is the sweetest video of my great-niece on her very first visit! If you're eager to create magical memories like these, follow my page for enchanting updates and feel free to inquire for a quote!

🏫 Learned - I’ve been diving into the world of Go High Level — and I’ll be honest, it’s been a lot to take in. This tool is seriously powerful, but figuring out how everything works has felt pretty overwhelming at times.

That said, I know it’s going to be worth it. Go High Level is designed to bring multiple tools together in one place — streamlining workflows, marketing, and client engagement. For someone like me who’s always looking for ways to simplify and improve processes, that’s a game-changer.

I’m not claiming to have it all figured out yet, but I’m committed to learning as I go. The more I explore, the more I’m seeing how I can integrate what I already know into this system — and I know that once I hit my stride, it’s going to be a huge asset.

If you’re curious about Go High Level, you can check it out here. If you’ve used it before — or are thinking about giving it a try — I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s been your biggest win (or challenge) with it so far?

✔️ Accomplished - I’m so excited to share that the pre-sale packages for my book are officially launched and ready for you!

Writing this book has been such a labor of love — and honestly, a mix of hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of reflection. It’s more than just words on a page; it’s a collection of experiences, insights, and lessons that I’ve gathered over the years, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

By grabbing a pre-sale package, you’ll get early access before it’s available to the wider public — plus a few special extras I’ve put together as a thank you for your support.

I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement I’ve received throughout this journey — it’s made all the difference. Pre-sales are such an important way to build momentum, and I couldn’t do this without you.

If you’re curious to learn more or want to secure your copy, please visit this link​. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait for you to dive into the stories and insights I’ve poured into these pages. ❤️

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

Do you have a question about leadership, events, or travel? Reply and ask—we’d love to feature your question in a future edition!

Q: Hey Kristen, how can I manage my time better to be more productive without feeling overwhelmed?

A: Great question! Time management can feel like trying to juggle a million things at once — but with a little structure (and some grace), you can stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a few strategies that have worked well for me:

1. Start with a Brain Dump. 📝 Every morning, I spend about 10 minutes writing down everything swirling in my head — tasks, ideas, reminders — all of it. Getting it out of my brain and onto paper clears mental clutter and helps me focus.
2. The Power of Three. 🎯 Each day, I choose my top three priorities — the tasks that, if completed, will leave me feeling accomplished. I tackle these first while my energy is high.
3. Break It Down. 🍫 Big projects can feel overwhelming, so I break them into smaller, bite-sized steps. I think of it like a chocolate bar — one square at a time. Progress feels manageable (and sometimes even sweet!).
4. Create Focus Zones. 🔇 I block out distraction-free time for deep work — I call it my "Power Hour." No notifications, no multitasking — just focused energy on what matters most.
5. End with a Win. 🎉 Before I wrap up my day, I take a moment to celebrate what went well — even the small wins count! Reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t) helps me improve day by day.

Time management isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating rhythms that keep you grounded and productive. By focusing on what matters most, you’ll find yourself feeling less overwhelmed and more in control.

💬 Let’s Connect! Whether you’re planning an event, looking for leadership coaching, or dreaming up your next adventure, let’s chat. Hit reply, or find Kristen on LinkedIn/Facebook and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.

Forwarded this email? SIGN UP HERE. Follow me on LinkedIn.​

​

​