"Failure is merely a stepping stone to success. Learn from it and keep moving forward."

I hope you’re all doing wonderfully and finding joy in your daily adventures! Today, I've got a special treat for you. Let’s dive into some wisdom from my recent chat with the fantastic Mika Kinney on our latest podcast episode, “Constructing the Life You Want By Leveraging the Life You Have.”

Ah, Mika, what a powerhouse of insights! She’s an engineer by day and a blogger by night, and she’s got a knack for turning everyday experiences into extraordinary learning moments. If you missed the episode, don’t sweat it. I’ve got the highlights just for you, filled with actionable gems that will help you tap into your talents and build the life you desire.

First off, let’s talk about leveraging the life you have. Mika is all about using the resources and skills you currently possess to pave the way toward the life you dream of. Think of it as a bridge built from the planks of your current experiences, guiding you to your future aspirations. If you’ve ever doubted that your current situation could be the foundation for your dreams, let this be your wake-up call. Your job, your hobbies, even your daily routines are rich with potential to propel you forward.

Here are a few steps to help you leverage your life right now:

1. Identify Your Skill Set: What are you good at in your current role? Mika mentioned how being an engineer developed her analytical and detail-oriented skills. List your own strengths and see how they can be applied to new ventures.
2. Use Your Time Wisely: Mika and her husband use their evenings and weekends for their blog, Joy to the Food. You don’t need endless hours—just strategic use of your available time.
3. Financial Freedom: If your current job provides financial stability, use that as a springboard to invest in your passions without the immediate pressure to monetize them. This will give you the freedom to say no to opportunities that don’t serve your ultimate goal.

Now, let’s talk about constructing the life you want. It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about taking tangible steps. You need a direction, even if it’s a bit fuzzy at first.

Mika emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals.Here’s how to get started:

1. Vision Board: Create a vision board with your end goals. This visual representation will keep you inspired and focused. Look at it every day—let it be the last thing you see before bed and the first thing you see when you wake up.
2. Break Down Goals: Mika spoke about producing a certain number of recipes per month for her blog. What are the tangible steps that can take you closer to your goal? Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
3. Be Adaptable: Remember, your big picture might evolve. Be open to tweak your path as you gather more information and experiences. It’s not about sticking rigidly to a plan; it’s about navigating the currents.

Confidence plays a crucial role in pivoting or making a significant change. It’s perfectly normal to have self-doubts, but don’t let them paralyze you. Mika shared some sweet tips on building confidence:

1. Take Small Steps: Even writing your goal on the fridge is a step. With each action, no matter how small, your confidence will grow.
2. Find a Cheerleader: Whether it’s a friend, a partner, or even your pet, having someone who believes in you can make a world of difference.
3. Embrace Failure: Mika doesn’t even believe in the word "failure." Each misstep is a lesson wrapped in disguise, pushing you closer to your success.

Before I wrap up, I want to leave you with these takeaways from Mika’s story:

1. Your current life is a treasure trove of opportunities. Embrace it and use it wisely.
2. Failure is merely a stepping stone to success. Learn from it and keep moving forward.
3. Confidence is built one step at a time. Start small and let your belief in yourself grow.

Thanks for being here and for letting me be part of your journey. Remember, every little step you take today is a piece of the fantastic mosaic that is your future. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep planning, and keep doing. You’ve got this!

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ABOUT SUZANNE PROKSA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HHP

I'm Suzanne Proksa. A SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified Human Resources and Business Strategist, IAWP Certified Wellness Coach, AADP certified Holistic Health Practitioner, fierce supporter of women, and autoimmune educator + advocate. My focus is supporting, coaching, and creating programs for women, people-focused organizations, and online businesses so they can positively impact their own lives and those of others.

In my time as an online strategist, I've helped thousands of women gain confidence, establish clarity in their businesses, get visible and drive audience growth, create simple strategies and automation to grow their businesses, crush their tech challenges, and start making sales. During my time in HR, I have launched and led multiple initiatives to enrich and improve company culture and the employee experience. I've had my hands in business nearly my entire life starting when I was a kid selling my creations in my neighborhood. My business Bliss Candles was a Featured Seller on Etsy, featured in the book “How to Make Money on Etsy,” and a community favorite - and also a trailblazer in online marketing for small business.

My work has been published and featured in the Huffington Post, Medium, Thrive Global, the Amazing Women of Influence Summit, and on my beloved podcasts.

I've been honored with nominations for the MISHRM Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the HR Unite! Inspire Award, and the HR Unite! TA Trailblazer Award.

When I'm not loving on my business or being the best HR leader I can be -- I'm lifting up people however I can, strength training, studying all things women's health, geeking out over technology, attending networking events, and working/living in the beautiful oasis I've built at home.

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