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

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴?

As an introverted extrovert (yes, it's a thing—and yes, it's me), I love signing up for new experiences. Making the plan? Easy. I'm all in.

But when the day actually comes? Suddenly my couch looks very convincing.

I call this the "yes twice" phenomenon:

✔️ Yes when you commit

✔️ Yes again right before you actually show up

And sometimes… that second yes takes serious self-pep talks. 😅

Here's what I've realized: that second "yes" is where the real magic—and the real chance-taking—happens. The first "yes" is just intention. The second "yes" is courage in action.

So when I realized today is National Take a Chance Day, I had to laugh at the perfect timing. What better day to practice the power of that second "yes"? The day when we're all encouraged to step outside our comfort zones is the perfect opportunity to honor both our initial commitments and the follow-through that actually creates change.

And where am I right now? ✨ Las Vegas, Nevada—literally the city built on taking chances.

A year ago, I took a chance and sent a total stranger a LinkedIn message—just to share my favorite pizza place in the city they lived in.

It felt random. Casual. Low-stakes.

But then came the second "yes"—agreeing to a virtual coffee to talk about that restaurant when they suggested it. That day, my couch looked pretty convincing too, but I showed up anyway.

That conversation led to my biggest client to date in my hotel sourcing business.

Turns out, the smallest second "yes" can change everything.

✨ What chance are you willing to take today? What second "yes" are you struggling with?

This week, I challenge you to identify one "second yes" moment in your life—that commitment you've already made but might be tempted to back out of. Circle it on your calendar. Put a star next to it. And when that moment comes, remember: that's where the magic happens.

Because in the end, our lives aren't shaped by our intentions—they're transformed by our actions. The couch will always be there tomorrow. But that second "yes"? That's where everything changes.

✨ YES² ✨Let's say yes (twice) together!

Reply and tell me: What are you saying YES to this week?

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - You can negotiate a lot when working with hotels—concessions are more flexible than many people think.

But one thing I always ask for? Complimentary water stations (and refills!)

It might seem small, but it makes a big difference for attendees—and your budget.

It’s an easy win for client experience and cost savings. And the best part? Most hotels will say yes if you just ask.

Pro tip: Be specific. Include language like “refreshed throughout the day” to avoid getting a single setup that runs dry by noon.

🏰 a_far_off_place - Big news alert!! Starting today, you can officially snag your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation packages!! If you're dreaming of a fairy-tale adventure next year, it's time to sprinkle some pixie dust and get planning!But hold onto your Mickey ears... there's more! Throughout 2026, if you’re staying at one of Disney’s fabulous Resort hotels, kids (ages 3 to 9) eat free with the purchase of a dining plan for the rest of the crew (ages 10 and up).And that’s not all, folks! This magical kids' free dining plan can be mixed and matched with other special offers that may pop up for 2026!Thinking about a 2026 Disney extravaganza? My tip: book early and snag those early-bird prices! Reach out today for a free quote!! Katy Lampe with Magical Moments Vacations​
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🏫 Learned - Did you know the Calculator app on your iPhone can also translate things?

Not a separate app.

Not a fancy tool.
Just… Calculator.

How did I not know this!?

Sharing the quick video in case I’m not the only one late to the party.

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✔️ Accomplished - This week, we officially launched The Hospitality Table inside the Success Champion Networking community—and it’s already becoming one of my favorite hours of the week.

What is it?​
A high-energy, no-fluff virtual meetup where professionals from all corners of hospitality come together to connect, support, and actually have fun while networking. Think: real conversations, zero awkward intros, and tons of collaborative energy.

What’s the Success Champion Network?​
It’s a badass business networking community built for driven entrepreneurs and professionals—designed to replace outdated networking with connection, accountability, and growth. No pitch-fests, no stiff elevator speeches—just real people helping each other grow.

If you're in hospitality (or not, but interested in how the Success Champion Network works) and want to meet some incredible humans, laugh a little, and leave feeling energized, come check it out. Your seat at the table is waiting. 🙌

You can sign up to visit our next meeting here at The Hospitality Table and click the 'Register to Visit' button! We meet every Tuesday at 10 CST. I hope to see you there!

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

Q: I've been at my company for almost 15 years, and lately I find myself stuck in this cycle of complaining about the same problems. My team is understaffed, my boss takes credit for my ideas, and I'm constantly putting out fires instead of doing work that matters. Everyone tells me I should be grateful to have a stable job with good benefits, especially in this economy.

Some days I think, "Maybe this is just how work is supposed to feel?" But then I see your posts about choosing yourself and finding joy, and I wonder if I'm missing something. How do you know when you're just having a rough patch versus when it's time to make a change? When everyone else seems fine with the status quo, how do I figure out if I'm the problem or if I really do need something different? ~ Stuck in the Spin Cycle

A: First off, can I just say how much I appreciate your honesty? That cycle you described - I've been there! It's like being on a hamster wheel where you're running so hard but never actually going anywhere new.

Here's the thing about those "rough patches" versus "time to make a change" moments - they feel incredibly similar in the moment. That's why I created what I call the Perspective Flip exercise during my own corporate crossroads. This was literally a game-changer for me, and I think it might help you too.

Perspective Flip Exercise

This tool helps you look at your situation through three different lenses to gain clarity. Grab your journal (or heck, even the notes app on your phone works) and work through these:

Time-Travel View

• How will this situation matter in 1 year?
• What would your future self (5 years from now) advise?
• What would your past self (from when you first started) think about your current situation?

Friend View

• What would you tell your best friend if they came to you with this exact situation?
• How would you support them?
• Why is it so much easier to give good advice than to take it? (I still struggle with this one!)

Growth View

• What's this frustration trying to teach you?
• How might this prepare you for what's next?
• What becomes possible BECAUSE of this challenge?

When I was facing my own decision to leave my executive role, the Friend View hit me hardest. I realized I would NEVER tell a friend to stay in a situation where they were constantly drained. Yet I was telling myself to "be grateful" and "stick it out."

Here's what I've learned: Everyone else seeming "fine" with the status quo doesn't mean it's right for YOU. Sometimes what looks like "fine" is actually "numb." And your dissatisfaction isn't a character flaw - it's your inner wisdom trying to tell you something important!

That feeling in your gut? It's worth listening to. It doesn't mean you have to make some dramatic exit tomorrow (though, if that's your path, no judgment!). But it does mean giving yourself permission to explore what else might be possible.

Here's a link to the Perspective Flip exercise and Core Values Discovery from The Cost of Staying digital workbook. The Core Values exercise is especially powerful when combined with the Perspective Flip - it helps you see if your current situation aligns with what truly matters to you!

Try the exercises, see what comes up, and remember - you're not crazy for wanting more. You're human. And you deserve work that energizes rather than depletes you.

💬 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.

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