Flourish Academy Podcast

Join Heather Lahtinen as she talks about a time when things got really tough. Heather shares how she learned important lessons and discovered new ways of thinking that helped her get through it all.  If you've ever felt stuck or scared, Heather's story might just be what you need to hear to feel stronger and more positive about your own life.

 Show Notes: * Heather reflects on her recent health scare and the insights gained from the experience. * The mindset shifts needed to overcome obstacles in business and life. * Heather discusses her initial reluctance to medication and the pivotal moment that changed her perspective. * The episode unfolds the journey of accepting vulnerability and seeking support. * Heather shares how the crisis led to unexpected positive outcomes and a renewed perspective on life.

Join Heather Lahtinen and Michelle Crandall in this empowering episode as they discuss the transformative coaching tool called "the model." Discover how the model simplifies complex thoughts and emotions, offering a pathway to self-awareness and change.  Learn the five key elements of the model—circumstances, thoughts, feelings, actions, and results—and understand how they shape your life. This insightful discussion will inspire you to embrace the elegance of the model, unlocking the potential for positive transformation.   Show Notes: Introduction to the model and its significance in coaching. Exploring the five elements of the model: circumstances, thoughts, feelings, actions, and results. Real-life examples of applying the model for personal growth. Understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions. The impact of self-coaching with daily model reflections. How the model becomes a tool for empowerment and positive change. Practical tips for incorporating the model into your daily routi

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares her personal experiences of physical and emotional pain, offering insights into the profound lessons learned along the way. Explore the idea that pain serves as a teacher, revealing what truly matters in life and connecting us through our shared human experiences. Discover how embracing pain can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a deeper connection with others.   Show Notes: Heather reflects on her recent experience with pain, both physical and emotional. She shares a thought-provoking article by best-selling ghostwriter Holly Crosshaw about the significance of pain. The episode explores the concept that pain is proof of life, highlighting its role as a teacher and connector. Heather encourages listeners to view pain as an opportunity for growth and to appreciate the shared human experience. The importance of embracing downtime and dependence on others as valuable lessons is discussed. Heather expresses gratitude for life's experiences, even the painful ones, a

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen talks about her deeply personal experience—a setback that unfolded unexpectedly but has opened the door to profound insights. This isn't just her story; it's a shared journey of overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger. We believe in the potential for growth in every setback—a major setback that occurred in the midst of what seemed like a stellar year. Listen as she navigates the challenges of facing setbacks and managing crisis, focusing on the mindset breakthroughs that can propel you forward in both business and life. Show Notes: The significance of verbalizing experiences for understanding and clarity. Heather's workout injury and the subsequent health crisis. The pivotal moment that led to a critical health situation. Heather's realization about setbacks as setups for personal growth. Acknowledging the value of trust and self-belief in the journey ahead. The determination to extract lessons and offer valuable insights to others  

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen is joined once again by her friend and coach, Michelle Crandall. The duo explores the journey of personal growth and entrepreneurship, delving into the unexpected layers that impact business success. From seeking coaching to unraveling personal issues, they discuss the profound connection between mindset and business outcomes. Get ready for a candid conversation that aims to inspire listeners to identify and conquer the challenges that may be hindering their own growth.
 Show Notes: * The connection between personal growth and business success * Discussion on what Teenage Michelle needed to hear during challenging moments * Reflection on the tendency to judge reactions and deny authentic emotions. * The role of coaching in gaining external perspectives and support. * Strategies for gradually reducing the intensity of emotional reactions.

In this episode, host Heather Lahtinen shares valuable insights on kicking off 2024 with purpose and intention. This brief yet impactful episode invites listeners to consider starting their year with John Acuff's latest book, "All It Takes Is a Goal: The Three-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap into Your Massive Potential."  Encouraging a focus on creating breakthroughs with mindset and discovering elements holding individuals back in both business and life, Heather also shares personal experiences. She emphasizes the importance of this exercise in understanding one's values and priorities. Join Heather on the Flourish Academy podcast for an insightful journey toward a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Show Notes: Setting the Stage for 2024 Emphasis on mindset breakthroughs in business and life Categories: Experience, Accomplishment, Relationship, Object The importance of establishing individual metrics Empowering listeners to stack the deck in their favor Encouragement for listeners to embark on a win

Join Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley in this episode as they explore the profound impact of embracing and offering honest feedback. Drawing parallels between a not-so-great homemade soup experience and the photography critique process, the hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss the pitfalls of personalization, and provide insights on distinguishing constructive criticism from mere opinions.  Discover the keys to building resilience and openness for exponential creative growth. Show Notes: * Recap of the soup cookoff fundraiser and its purpose * Recognize the importance of feedback sources and value diverse opinions. * Personal anecdotes and learn key lessons in separating self-worth from external opinions. * Reflect on personal experiences with feedback and its profound impact on creative growth. * Strategies for overcoming defensiveness and internalizing feedback genuinely. * Foster a culture of open critique for continuous improvement in your creative pursuits.

Join Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley in a thought-provoking conversation on the various metrics we use to measure success in our photography businesses. While money is a common yardstick, this episode introduces the concept of the NRV (Non-Revenue Values) and challenges the notion that financial success is the sole indicator. Discover the importance of defining multiple metrics for success in business and life, beyond the balance in your bank account.

 Show Notes:  * Introducing the NRV (Non-Revenue Values) and its significance. * Exploring the pitfalls of focusing solely on financial success. * Comparing the obsession with money to the megapixels in a camera. * The psychological impact of fixating on what we lack instead of our gains. * Strategies for maintaining focus on non-revenue achievements during challenging times. * The illusion of money and its impact on our perception of success. * Practical tips for incorporating non-revenue wins into your daily routine.

In this episode, we're delving into the final episode of our anxiety series, focusing on the cognitive distortions of "should statements" and "emotional reasoning."Cognitive distortions are the twists and turns in our mental activities that can lead us to perceive reality inaccurately. Should statements, a common cognitive distortion, plague us with unrealistic expectations of what we "should be doing." Together, we'll explore the impact of these statements on our well-being and discuss practical strategies for breaking free. Discover actionable steps to transform your should statements and reclaim control over your mindset. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-awareness and empowerment. It's time to flourish! Show Notes: * Recap of the anxiety series * Exploration of should statements: common examples and impact on well-being * Insights from Michael G. Wetter's book * Practical steps to transform should statements * Definition and examples of emotional reasoning and should statements Understanding Emotio

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather guides you through the art of catastrophizing, a cognitive distortion she admits to being particularly skilled at. Through engaging anecdotes, she unravels the tendency to magnify thoughts, creating scenarios that are disproportionate to reality, while simultaneously underestimating one's coping abilities. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or someone navigating the complexities of life, Heather's candid discussions offer a refreshing perspective on overcoming cognitive distortions. Tune in to discover how to transform your mindset and embrace a more empowered approach to challenges. Show Notes: Real-life anecdotes illustrating catastrophic thinking. The double-edged sword: magnifying challenges and underestimating resilience Heather's personal experiences with catastrophizing and its impact. Exploring the holiday season metaphor: managing your metaphorical plate. The power of mindfulness and reframing in overcoming anxiety. The role of community

Join Heather Lahtinen in a powerful conversation with her longtime mentoring and coaching client, Karen Bartos. In this episode, Karen shares her transformative journey—from starting with family photography at $99 a session to becoming one of the most sought-after senior photographers in her area. Discover how Karen navigated a significant pivot in her photography business and the mindset shifts that propelled her forward. This episode is filled with insights on breaking through limiting beliefs, achieving more than imagined, and embracing the mindset for success. Show Notes: * Karen's decade-long journey of growth, challenges, and achievements. * Karen's significant pivot in her photography business. * Insights into mindset shifts, breakthroughs, and achieving more than imagined. * Heather and Karen discuss the power of coaching and mentoring.

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen dives into the topic of anxiety and continues the discussion on cognitive distortions, focusing specifically on "personalization." Heather shares insights on how personalization can affect individuals, particularly those prone to anxious thoughts. Discover strategies to overcome personalization, including gaining awareness, checking your control over situations, and understanding your level of responsibility for others' feelings.  Show Notes: How personalization can lead to self-blame, guilt, and strained relationships. Strategies for overcoming personalization, including checking control and responsibility. The role of thoughts and emotions in personalization. Encouragement to practice self-compassion and seek professional guidance.  Heather's personal experiences and insights. The transformative power of coaching. A reminder that breaking free from cognitive distortions is possible and can lead to a happier, healthier life. How to Su

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Michelle Crandall focus on creating breakthroughs with your mindset to discover the things that are truly holding you back in both your business and personal life. They explore the complex dimensions of being human, embracing inconsistencies, and accepting the real, imperfect self. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and embracing the full spectrum of being human. 
Show Notes:
 * The concept of being human and the inevitability of experiencing different emotions and attitudes. * Challenging the perception of perfection, especially in the age of social media. * Embracing the idea that it's okay to have flaws and be annoyed by certain things. * The anecdote about spelling "genius" and the common struggle with words like "entrepreneur."   * The importance of accepting our imperfections and recognizing the beauty in being human. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you

In this podcast episode, we explore the transformative power of mindset in both business and life. Our special guest, Michelle Crandall from Pets in Focus Photography in Michigan, shares her personal journey of overcoming self-imposed barriers to create a thriving photography business. Michelle's story serves as a testament to the incredible impact of shifting one's mindset and breaking free from social anxiety. Show Notes: * Recognizing the importance of connecting with clients and building relationships. * The realization that self-doubt and social anxiety were holding her back. * Michelle's decision to seek one-on-one coaching to address mindset challenges. * The breakthroughs and transformations she experienced along the way. * How Michelle's journey can inspire others to confront their own fears and embrace growth. * Practical tips for pushing through discomfort and creating a successful business. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you liste

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen and her special guest, Nicole Begley, dive deep into the fears that many photographers and entrepreneurs face throughout their careers. From the fear of failure to the fear of not being good enough, they address common issues that can hold photographers back.  Join them as they explore why these fears manifest and how to overcome them by changing your perspective and embracing opportunities for growth. Discover how understanding your fears can lead to transformative results. Show Notes: * Importance of addressing fears in photography. * Identifying common fears in the photography industry, such as the fear of failure, not being good enough, or disappointing clients. * Discussing how thoughts and beliefs about these fears can affect a photographer's confidence and business. * The concept of reframing fears as opportunities for growth and learning. * Real-life examples of how addressing these fears can lead to improved client relationships and a

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen explore how mind reading affects our thoughts and behavior, especially in the photography world. We discuss the negative assumptions that often plague our minds, from worrying about clients' perceptions to imagining worst-case scenarios.  
Learn how to ask yourself the essential question, "How do I know that's true?" and gain the tools to reframe your thinking. By understanding and overcoming mind reading, you can reduce self-consciousness, shyness, and anxiety, ultimately achieving greater success in both your business and personal life. Tune in to the Flourish Academy Podcast and take a step towards a more mindful, anxiety-free life. Show Notes: * The impact of mind reading on behavior and emotions. * Strategies to challenge and reframe mind reading thoughts. * A practical exercise to shift negative assumptions. * The benefits of recognizing and addressing cognitive distortions. * The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to become more mindful about their thou

In this podcast, we're discussing the cognitive distortion of overgeneralization, a common thought pattern that can hinder your progress and increase anxiety.  How does it serve you to think that the universe conspires against you when you're already running late?  Discover how it can hold you back in both business and life and learn practical tips for overcoming it. Heather provides a fresh perspective on this mental challenge that affects so many. Tune in to boost your awareness, reduce anxious thoughts, and transform your mindset. Overgeneralization is when you apply the experience from one event to all other events, even if they're not comparable. This type of thinking often affects people with anxiety.  Show Notes * Heather's insights on common phrases like "the story of my life." * Exploring overgeneralization and its prevalence among those with anxious thoughts. * Recognizing signs of overgeneralization and its effects on motivation and self-confidence. * Practical tips for overcoming overgeneralizatio

On another insightful episode of the Flourish Academy podcast,  Heather Lahtinen continues her exploration of cognitive distortions that often plagues our mindset, increases anxiety, and affects how we perceive ourselves and our abilities. She explores the concept of "black and white" thinking and reveals how this type of thought pattern can negatively impact various aspects of our lives. Join Heather on this enlightening journey to gain a better understanding of your thought processes and learn practical strategies to break free from this cognitive trap. Show Notes: Signs of black and white thinking, including extreme language, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. * The consequences of black and white thinking on relationships, tasks, and self-esteem. * Heather shares strategies for changing thinking patterns, such as seeking other perspectives, revising language, and acknowledging accomplishments. * The importance of embracing life's complexities and being kind to oneself. * Heather relates examples of a

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen delves into the world of cognitive distortions, those pesky thought patterns that can increase anxiety and make us feel bad about ourselves. Heather breaks down eight common cognitive distortions, starting with labeling or judging your thoughts. Discover how these distortions affect your mindset and learn practical strategies to overcome them. Join Heather on this journey to better understand your thoughts and gain greater clarity in your life. Show Notes: * Introduction to cognitive distortions and their impact on anxiety. * Exploring the first cognitive distortion: labeling or judging your thoughts. * Real-life examples of how cognitive distortions manifest. * The importance of accepting your thoughts without judgment. * Strategies for recognizing and breaking free from cognitive distortions. * Heather's personal experiences and insights on managing cognitive distortions. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitch

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen from The Flourish Academy and Nicole Begley from The Hair of the Dog Podcast discuss a concept called "moving the fulcrum." They explore how shifting your mindset can help you tackle tasks and situations you might dread, making them more enjoyable and productive. From dealing with chores to attending events, they share strategies to reframe your thoughts and make the most of your time. Show Notes: Introduction to the concept of "moving the fulcrum." How to apply this concept to everyday situations like attending sporting events or driving kids around. The importance of changing your environment to spark creativity and productivity. Examples of how to move the fulcrum in your personal and professional life. Strategies for making tasks you dread more enjoyable and productive. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share wi