Sometimes you just need a fresh perspective on some age-old wisdom to really kick things into gear. This article does exactly that. I recently had the pleasure of talking with my friend Lori Harder and left our conversation feeling inspired and equipped to take on my biggest challenges. I’m sharing seven big “ahas” from our conversation with you here because they were too good to keep to myself.
1. You Always Have a Choice
It’s so easy to get lost in the demands of daily life, but one of the most powerful things you can remember is that, in every moment, you have a choice. You have a choice in how you feel, what you focus on, and how you respond to challenges.
Are you letting little frustrations or obstacles define your mood, or are you choosing to focus on what’s going well? Are you making time for activities that genuinely lift you up, like a morning walk, or are you numbing out with distractions that don’t serve you? The power of choice extends to everything—from your daily habits to your attitude toward setbacks. And when you take ownership of those choices, you’ll start to see shifts in your energy, your mindset, and ultimately, your results.
Of course you’ll have days that feel overwhelming. But even then, you have a choice in how you manage your stress and how you show up for others. So take responsibility for your choices—especially when it comes to how you spend your time and where you place your focus.
2. Your Environment Shapes Success
The people and places we surround ourselves with influence our thoughts, our energy, and our progress. If you’re striving for growth but your environment isn’t aligned with your goals, it can be like running uphill with a big bulky weight on your back.
The reality is that sometimes, we’re temporarily stuck in environments we can’t easily change, like a challenging job. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. You can create counter-environments outside of those spaces—a supportive community, a mastermind group, a circle of friends who uplift and inspire you. Even if your daily environment isn’t ideal, intentionally building positive environments in other areas of your life can make all the difference.
Lori shared this zinger: your environment is often stronger than your willpower. If you’re struggling with willpower in a certain area—whether it’s maintaining healthy habits or staying disciplined with your goals—then shifting your environment might be more effective than simply “trying harder.” You don’t need to avoid people whose goals are different than yours, but you do need to be intentional about who you surround yourself with.
3. There’s Always a Gift in What You Just Did
We’ve all had moments where we look back on something we invested time, energy, or money into and feel like it was a waste. But Lori reminded me of a powerful truth: there is always a gift in what you just did. Nothing is wasted if you’re willing to look for the lesson.
Failures, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable in both business and life. But these experiences come with valuable insights if we’re open to seeing them. Maybe a project didn’t turn out as you hoped, or a business venture didn’t succeed. Rather than viewing it as a waste, consider it a learning experience. What clarity did you gain? What would you do differently next time?
There’s a concept in Silicon Valley known as the Fail Faster Rule. The idea is that the quicker you fail, the faster you learn. Failures are simply part of the learning process. The key is to approach each experience with the mindset of finding the gift, the lesson, or the insight.
4. Less is More When You Deliver Value with Impact
When it comes to creating courses or delivering value to an audience, one of the best strategies is less is more. At Brand Builders Group, we often say, “Save the best for first.” The idea is to start with your strongest, most impactful content so your audience feels the value right away.
When people feel a return on their investment quickly—whether it’s time or money—they’re more engaged and more likely to stick around. Give people exactly what they need to make immediate progress because this builds trust. If you’re creating a course, think about delivering value in a way that empowers your audience quickly instead of overwhelming them with endless content.
This concept applies beyond courses, too. In any setting where you’re sharing knowledge or helping others, aim to provide practical, high-impact insights upfront. When you do this, people feel supported, encouraged, and capable of taking the next step.
5. Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style
Fundamentals never go out of style, which is difficult to admit when you’re living in a world obsessed with innovation and shiny new technologies. Sometimes people don’t need a revolutionary approach, they just need to hear a foundational concept framed in a way that resonates.
Take Lori’s line, “Your environment is often stronger than your willpower.” This isn’t groundbreaking, but the way she phrased it hit me hard. We don’t always need brand-new ideas to make an impact. Sometimes all it takes is for you to present a timeless principle through your unique lens so people can truly grasp and understand it.
(So if you’re building a brand, don’t shy away from the basics. People need to hear foundational truths over and over, and the way you frame them can make all the difference!)
6. Audience Building 101: Consistent and Clear Calls to Action
Lori’s podcast has over 47 million downloads. *Pause for applause because that’s a huge accomplishment!* When I asked her how she built such a large audience, her answer was simple: consistent and clear calls to action. Wherever you go, talk about your work. Ask people to share, rate, and review it. Because if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
This approach works for any kind of platform, whether it’s a podcast, blog, or social media presence. Building an audience takes time, so keep showing up, keep sharing, and don’t be afraid to remind people of how they can support you. Growth happens over time and with intentional effort.
7. Start Small when Launching Physical Products
If you’re ready to expand from digital to physical products, take note. The first thing Lori recommends is to find someone with specific experience in your desired product area. If you want to launch a line of nutritional supplements, for instance, connect with someone who’s done exactly that—not just someone with general product experience.
Also, start small. Focus on one product at a time. Test it, get feedback, and perfect it before expanding into a full line. This approach not only saves time and money but also helps you avoid overwhelming yourself with logistics and allows you to learn the market gradually. And here’s a critical piece: avoid products with lots of regulatory requirements as your first entry. Items like beauty products, food, and anything requiring FDA approval often come with legal complexities that can drain your budget. For a first product, keep it simple and straightforward to maximize your chances of success.
Is Brand Builders Group Your Next Step?
If you’re inspired to take your brand or business to the next level, get yourself some support. At Brand Builders Group, we help entrepreneurs and thought leaders build brands that stand out and scale effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand into new areas, we can provide the guidance and expertise you need. Schedule a free brand call with us to explore how we can help you make a bigger impact.
