Spark Your Inner Fire for Creatives
By Priscilla Pfeiffer
Spark Your Inner Fire for CreativesJun 24, 2021
Ep. 102: Assumptions Exposed: Stories from the Stage and the Serpent
Picture this: a sneak peek behind the curtains of my performances with the incredible python, Elvis. Weaving tales of unpredictability that stole the spotlight on stage.
As we unravel the narratives from both the stage and the serpent's perspective, you'll uncover the profound lessons learned when assumptions are thrust into the spotlight. Although Elvis may no longer be a part of our present, this story of him lingers, reminding us that assumptions confine the mind, while curiosity and questioning unlock doors to endless perspectives.
Join me in this episode filled with exploration, laughter, and enlightenment. Together, let's expose the untold stories beneath the surface of assumptions and embrace the transformative magic that curiosity brings.
Ep.101: Creative Minds Need Rest Too
Burnout. Overwhelm. Restlessness. It happens to the best of us! It was happening to me, and what better time to talk about it than when I'm in the midst of it?! In this episode I share 3 super quick easy tips you can do in the midst of a restless mind in 60 seconds or less... because who needs more "things" to do when you're tired as hell and overwhelmed.
Ep.100: Top 3 Greatest Hits
CELEBRATION! It's episode 100!!! **Insert popping champagne sound effects**
What does one do for the 100th episode? Heck if I know, so I decided to take a trip down memory lane, a throwback to YOUR favorites. So sit back, grab some popcorn, grab a glass of wine, or whatever it is you do when you listen to podcast, and enjoy!
Thank you for being a dedicated listener to this podcast. I couldn't have made it this far without you. Cheers to another 100 ;)
Episodes referenced:
- Ep.46: Waiting for Inspiration to Strike... and Why That Doesn't Work
- Ep.57: Let's Be Kind - The Ripple Effect of Impact
- Ep.86: Resistance... What's Stopping You?
- Ep.77: Your Impact On This World
Ep.99: The Next Level of Success w/ Vaughan Liddicoat
Vaughan Liddicoat is a professional Ballroom dancer, studio owner, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, investor and content creator from Australia. His unique methods will help you create the best version of yourself, live out your purpose, and follow your own destiny.
Vaughan is a 4-Time World Professional 10-Dance Representative for Australia & Professional Finalist in Ballroom, Latin, and New Vogue Dancing, and pioneered the world's first online dance lessons & live streaming of DanceSport in 2011, with an online audience of over 81,000 students and millions of views. He is the founding investor in an entrepreneurial startup with multi-million dollar valuation, founded three six-figure lifestyle businesses [Working less than 30-hours per week - after many years of working 70+ hours per week], in addition to multiple 5 and 6 figure online product launches, as well as being a long term crypto investor and dabbler of real estate. Dad to two beautiful children with an amazing wife and is seriously good at recovering from missed opportunities, failure, rejection with the ability to teach you how to do the same!
In this episode:
- Defining your own definition of success,
- What the Dunning Kruger effect is,
- Getting to the next level success,
- Differentiating dis-contentment vs expanding,
- Conquering the comparison game,
- Risk vs reward in growth
- The beauty of imperfection.
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CONNECT WITH VAUGHAN
Website | Blog | Dancer AF Podcast | Youtube | Facebook
Book Your Deep Dive Coaching With Vaughan: https://www.vaughan.academy/deep-dive-coaching
“Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it. I want you to listen to what your conscience commands you to do and go on to carry it out to the best of your knowledge. Then you will live to see that in the long-run—in the long-run, I say!—success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think about it”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for meaning
Ep.98: False Obstacles - The Goal Killer
As creatives our imagination runs wild with possibilities, with ideas, moving head first into the unknown … but it also runs wild with the obstacles we create that hinder us for taking some leaps into our biggest goals and dreams.
In this episode:
- Whats a false obstacle and how to identify it,
- Areas you probably haven’t even thought of that you, might be creating false obstacles,
- How to take your power back.
Ep.97: Keys For Your Next Creative Project
I recently did a huge project I've been working on for months and thinking about much longer than that. Seeing it come to fruition felt incredible, but in the process is when we're tested. Our patience is tested, our mindset is tested, our limiting beliefs are tested, and certainly our perfectionism tendencies are tested. Being fresh in the midst of all these "tests" I was reminded of some key aspects that are important to remember for any creative endeavor or project you are constructing.
Check out the Pivoting Performers Summit here: www.PivotingPerformers.com
Ep.96: Bridging The Creative Gap w/ TJ Walsh
Today's guest, TJ Walsh, BFA, MA (b. 1985) is an: Artist, Psychotherapist, and Higher Education Administrator in Philadelphia.
TJ received his BFA from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Received his MA in Counseling Psychology at Eastern University, Saint Davids, PA.
Prior to his work in higher education administration and mental health, Walsh was a Creative Director and Director of Communications for several national and international nonprofit organizations. He has professional experience in brand development, corporate communications, non-profit marketing, social media engagement, fundraising communications, project management, and strategic planning.
TJ's work as a painter has garnered acclaim at home in the Philadelphia region as well as across the country and overseas.
In this episode:
- How to identify and bridge the gaps that can hold creatives and performers back,
- Mental health in creativity,
- His history with an eating disorder,
- Taking imperfect action in our lives,
- Creativity in the school system.
How to find TJ: www.boldcreativescollective.com
Ep.95: Mind, Body, & The Final Applause w/ Tammy Wise
Tammy Wise is a former Broadway dancer turned Tao minister and is a widely respected mind-body fitness expert, owner of BodyLogos, Inc., author of The Art of Strength: Sculpt the Body ~ Train the Mind, and creator of the The Mind Body Adventure App. Tammy was voted the Best of Fitness by Time Out New York (twice!) and has blogged for and appeared in Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine, New York Magazine, Natural Health, Shape, Thrive Global and more. She’s a Transformational Authors Contest Winner and regular contributor to Medium.
In this episode:
- The mind and body and the importance to their alignment
- Posture as a healing art
- Operating in survival mode and how posture makes a difference
- Redefining strength - Toughness versus strength
- Triggers and their association to our body
https://www.themindbodyadventure.com/
Tammy was also one of the guest speakers on the Pivoting Performers Summit! Get your comp ticket here: www.pivotingperformers.com
Ep.94: The Paradigm of Pivots w/ Sincerely Tam
As we evolve and grow as individuals, we can outgrow our current careers, hobbies, and desires. Some choose to stay where they're at because it's comfortable, and some choose to make the leap. Today's guest shows us the latter as she continually grew in her career to keep herself challenged and continually asking the question, "What would my future self want me to do."
In this episode:
- Going with the flow during change,
- Indications to know when its time for a pivot,
- Supersizing your goals,
- Our evolving personalities aren't permanent,
- Staying true to yourself during your pivots.
Sincerely Tam's stellar reputation as a strategist encompasses multiple industries. The list of corporate clients she has worked with reads like a who’s who of world-renowned brands. She worked in-house at Hilton Hotels Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Ogilvy, Playboy Entertainment, and DIRECTV. Her consulting and deal-securing success includes clients such as NBC, Disney, NETFLIX, Fox, The CW, HSN, MTV, VH1, Sports Illustrated, and more. Tam has authored engaging branded content for Cohn & Wolfe, The Marketing Arm, and Edelman to name a few. She has engaged in 100 brand activations and influencer marketing campaigns focused on boosting consumer engagement. After beginning her career in sports marketing, Tam became interested in talent management, which grew into her love of brand strategy. She currently helps creative entrepreneurs find clarity, get sh*t done, and win.
"If you aren't given an opportunity, create your own!" -Tam
@iamSincerelyTam
See a pivot on your horizon? Ready to make a change? Check out the brand new Pivoting Performers Summit
Ep.93: Guarding Your Time
You ever have a long list of to-do's, commitments to yourself and others that you've made, confident you can do it all in a day... then you get half of it done? It might be the result of not guarding your time!
In this episode:
- Guarding your thoughts
- Guarding time with toxic people
- Putting attention into priorities
- Why it's so important to cancel that quick "30 min coffee date"
Ep.92: The Power Of Momentum and How To Get It Back
Ep.91: The Power Of Momentum and How To Get It Back
I recall so many times that my momentum came to a screeching halt, though injuries, shows closing, and for many through the recent lockdowns. It can be difficult to get the pendulum swinging again after it’s come to a complete stop.
In this episode:
- 4 easy steps to pick up momentum,
- Setting healthy boundaries so that your momentum becomes a priority,
- How to set your mind up for success to reach your goals through momentum.
"The amount of effort needed at the start pales in comparison to what your momentum can ultimately produce in the end." -Lincoln Patz
Ep.91: Using Creative Criticism To Your Advantage
Using Creative Criticism In Your Benefit
Who gets to tell you if your work is good enough? What gives someone the right to judge if a piece of art is deemed worthy or not? Art is subjective to the viewer, and can muddle the waters for the view the creator takes on his/her creations.
In this episode:
- How to use criticism to your advantage
- The part resilience and criticism plays in relationships
- What underlying factors contribute to criticism on your creative journey?
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”- Aristotle
Ep.90: Indecisive? The Power of Decision Making
Analysis paralysis has been following me around for a long time, I never really understood how much making minor decisions affected my success in all areas of life. The power to make a decision quickly without the need for approval is an important skill to practice and if our you're like me, you weren't born with it.
In this episode:
- How to practice making decisions quickly,
- How to stop relying on outside sources for approval,
- 1 cool excercise you can do today to make the a decision.
"Do not plant your dreams in a field of indecision, where nothing ever grows but the weeds of 'what if'." -Dodinsky
Ep.89: Clutter, Clarity, and Creativity
What kind of creative would you consider yourself to be? A cluttered one who swears that the clutter helps your creativity? Or the tidy creative who feels most productive when your environment is clean? I've definitely been both extremes!
In this episode:
- Subtle shifts you can implement today to un-clutter
- How your environment effects your energy
- What small things you can do to save time that can be better served creating.
“The only thing that holds you back from living the life of your dream is the emotional and physical clutter you are holding unto.”
Ep.88: Identity - More Than Just a Dancer
You know the feeling of the possibility and inevitability of not being able to perform some day? Or maybe for you its the possibility of getting fired or losing someone. What would you do?
In this episode:
- Preparing for the inevitable shifts without it destroying you,
- Using your current successes as stepping stones,
- The courage needed to explore new possibilities,
- Why putting too much stock into your identify can set us up for future failure.
Ep.87: Tenacious Past, Resilient Future
As artists sometimes we lose sight of our resilience. We wake up to work when no one is watching, we dance through the pain, our capacity to show up when it hurts, to willingly attend opportunities that we’ll be rejected day in and day out, we keep going in spite of failure.
In this episode:
- Taking the superpower of our inner bred grit,
- How to package our tenacity and resilience into a new path,
- The pivot and transformation our our inevitable shifts.
Ep.86: Resistance... What's Stopping You?
Resistance likes to rub elbows with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear, and it's cousin, procrastination. Resistance rears its ugly head just when the project at hand is about to hit the finish line. Heck, I had this entire episode outlined and right before I was about to record, resistance wanted me to take a nap. Lol yea, I get it.
In this episode:
- 3 techniques for combatting resistance,
- Developing a mind of finishing what your start,
- Stoic philosophy tied into aspects of resistance,
- Judging your project less and giving less stock into others judging your work.
"Courage is the resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
Ep.85: Distorted Body Image & Rose Colored Glasses
Production shows can demand strict standards for how a dancers body looks. This can also cause problems later on when dancers are no longer in the productions show, causing the standards to spill into other aspects of our lives... even when it comes to setting goals. Never feeling "enough." Regardless if you're a dancer/performer or not, you likely have goals that you weren't able to follow through as much as you would have liked. I've identified some key aspects that get in the way of reaching our goals, and how to set your goals up for success.
In this episode:
- Distorted self image and how to make healthy shifts,
- Finding your why on a deeper level than you ever have,
- Distraction proofing your goals,
- What the skinny mirror vs fun house mirror effect is.
"The lens we look through determines what we see." -Renee Swope
Ep.84: How To Tame Your Fear
I brought my husband, James Pfeiffer, on to share some principles he's found to be helpful on the topic of fear. He shares some relatable stories and tips he does in his day-to-day to prevent the grip of fear from ruling his decisions and life.
In this episode:
- What perfectionism has to do with fear,
- Practical steps when faced with fear,
- Some hard lessons that turned from regret to reminders.
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” -Marcus Aurelius
"Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me, danger is very real, but fear is a choice." -Will Smith
Ep.83: Imagination vs. Logic... Where Creativity Goes To Die
The beginning stages of creation and imagination are fragile. Brand new ideas haven't had a chance to take root which is why it's so important to know where logic plays a role in that delicate time.
In this episode:
- Why too much logic or risk mitigation too early in the creative process will kill your creativity,
- When to insert logic and when common sense will suffice,
- What personality types can tell us about how we handle creativity in various stages,
- A summarized Myers-Briggs personality test and how to find yours in under 5 minutes,
- The differences between personality types in a relationship and how to navigate them.
"Logic will get you from A to Z. Imagination will take you everywhere." -Albert Einstein
"We are afraid of ideas, of experimenting, of change. We shrink from thinking a problem through to a logical conclusion." -Anne Sullivan
To access the Free Resource Arsenal go to www.sparkyourinnerfire.com to subscribe
Ep.82: Pursuing Your Next Idea... Just GO - w/ Chris Ruggiero
Keeping that open mind of learning and growth through each current path can accidentally open up intrigue into new possibilities, setting you on a new path or purpose. Today's episode is a creative discussion with Chris Ruggiero!
Chris is a content creator with a diverse background onstage, on camera, and behind the scenes. His "One Man Variety Show" was a juggling and magic variety show that toured colleges, corporate events and private events around the world. He's set 2 Guinness World Records and has had appearances on tv shows like Ellen, Late Late Show with James Corden, Martha Stewart and more. He currently focuses primarily on creating audio and video online content for his own projects and for clients. The Between Dreams Podcast which Chris hosts, chats with inspiring creators to give listeners the tools and inspiration to get started on their idea.
In this episode we discuss:
- The opposite of writers block,
- Navigating the blessing and curse of creative minds,
- The identity of the masks we wear on stage,
- Leaning into the creative whispers,
- The biggest barriers during career transitions.
“Just start. Don’t wait for perfection. Just start and let the work teach you.” Jacqueline Novogratz
"Just start. You will learn so many lessons just by doing." Richard Branson
Ep.81: A Single Dance Step In The Stage Of Life
I would have never thought what a single dance step done correctly or incorrectly for that matter would teach me. As I reflect on aspects of life that pull from what we do on stage vs the patterns we create off the stage, I recognize the subtle shifts that need to occur. The subtle shifts that need rehearsal over and over just like our dance steps.
Ep.80: Shining Your Light In Muddied Waters
In this episode:
Why toxic people can prevent your shining light, and how to stop them in their tracks,
How our perceptions of ourselves and others can destroy or prevent relationships,
The fascinating shift in behavior when we're pulled out of our normal activities,
Lessons learned about pattern interrupts.
Go to www.sparkyourinnerfire.com to join the free 5 Day Spark Creativity Challenge
Ep.79: Your Phone Is Making You Less Creative
Is it possible that these constant sound machine distraction devices are actually making us less creative? Sure, we can get a lot done on our smart phones, but are they making us less smart in the process?
In this episode:
- How to do a phone detox and why it's important,
- Tips for that red notification number above your email (the one that drives you crazy),
- How to tap into creativity sans smart phone.
Want something to do to take your mind off of the phone? Do my free 5 day creative challenge to tap into more of your inner creative here: Join the free challenge
"Technology is incredibly creative and has great potentials; but it is also very seductive in the way it isolates people, in the way it jazzes people up, in the way it makes junkies out of us - junkies who need a constant stimulation, more information, more bells and whistles, more electronic wonders in order not to be bored." -Parker J. Palmer
Ep.78: Mindfulness For Creativity
Does mindfulness meditation help or hinder our creativity? It might surprise you to learn that the various types of mindfulness exercises can actually make a difference depending on the stage of your creative process.
In this episode:
- Which meditations to do when it’s time to explore ideas,
- Which one to do when it’s time to quiet the hectic,
- How to discover the habitual saying you say to yourself that are harmful,
- A step by step on how to do a type of mediation that explores your creativity.
To access the resources mentioned in this episode go to: www.Sparkyourinnerfire.com
"Creativity is a wild mind and disciplined eye" -Dorothy Parker
Ep.77: Your Impact On This World
Do you ever feel like you're not making an impact like you could/should be? Like you have more to give inside you that stirs you to make a difference and you feel like you've missed the mark? Let me tell you my friend, I have too, and I bet that you are making an impact more than you could possibly realize.
In this episode:
- Turning what you can't do into what you CAN do,
- The trickle effect of impact you're making on others and others have made on you,
- A powerful time for gratitude and reflection.
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." -Ronald Reagan
Mentioned in this episode:
Operation Underground Railroad: https://ourrescue.org
World Vision: https://www.worldvision.org
Ep.76: What Is Your Creative Spark
What constitutes as a creative spark? It's something we feel and know deep down, and it can be difficult to describe but where words can't explain, our art speaks volumes. In this episode:
- Why Spark Your Inner Podcast was born,
- What that inner spark is,
- How my pain became my purpose,
- Discovering new passions beyond the stage.
“To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for that which would be his finest hour.” -Sir Winston Churchill
Ep.75: The 5 Stages of Creation
Ideas are a gift, and we love when a solid one lands in our heads, but it can feel like torture when the ideas keep coming and the ideas aren't being created. The biggest burden to a creative mind is an over abundance of ideas without a means or ability to create them. It causes a hamster wheel effect of a perpetual circulation of imagination that never comes to fruition and causes a maddening stagnation.
In this episode:
- Navigating the 5 necessary steps needs (some we love some we don't),
- How to avoid the perpetual hamster wheel of imagination without execution,
- Squashing the lie "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."
- Deep dives into Hyper-focusing, flow state, and combinatory play (Einsteins favorite.)
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” - Vincent van go
Ep.74: Self Care & Burnout
I used to kind of chuckle at the term self care thinking it was a given, until a mirror was held up and revealed a type of self care I was neglecting.
In this episode:
- How seemingly minuscule tasks can represent a limiting belief,
- What part creativity plays in self care,
- How our problem solving tendencies can become a problem.
- The burnout effect and how to keep your fire lit.
"An artist is typically a being that is filled with so much passion, love, or pain for certain lands, people, ideas, or images that all they can do with that overflow is bleed it out by creating. and with this type of art, the energy will be shifted from the depths of them and into the depths of the audience to be felt. It is a dance. A transference. An intimacy. It is to touch and awaken another human in a place they hadn’t known was aching, or sleeping. Both are opened. Both are nourished. Both are transformed.” – Victoria Erickson.
Ep.73: Artists Don't Belong In Boxes
In this episode:
What creative incubation is,
The benefits of stepping away from your creative muse even for a few minutes,
Inconsistencies of our creative career vs our personal lives,
How to combat the idea you'll some day run out of ideas.
PS: Oh, and for the magicians and box jumpers out there, I'm not talking about that box, and for those that don't understand the reference, I'm talking about the box the magician cuts the assistant in half in. That box is a box that some artists belong in lol... I can just see the emails now.
“All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” -Grant Wood
Ep.72: Doomsday Habits & Self Talk
Have you ever encountered things you don’t want to do and talk yourself out of? Or you feel an utter sense of doom and gloom? Or maybe you’re avoiding a phone call because you just know what the outcome will be?
These 3 scenarios are interconnected in our minds and this episode tackles how to identify this doomsday habit and what to do about it.
- Why great things never come from comfort zones,
- Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and how to start,
- How to fill in the unknown, unfamiliar or uncomfortable gap when our creative mind wants to create a story,
- A solution to "I work better under pressure" people,
- What the 10 minute rule is and how to start using it today.
“People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.“ -Epictetus- Greek Philosopher.
Ep.71: Awakening That New Passion Within
Is there a magic button somewhere that can help discover what I'm meant to do? No. Sorry to break it to you. But I have discovered some ways to help explore, experiment and cultivate new possibilities to find the hidden spark within.
In this episode:
- Exploring child like curiosity,
- Becoming a master at even things that seem odd or silly,
- How to become or stay a lifelong learner and why it's important,
- Discovering new passions you never would have considered.
To be the first to know about episodes, upcoming courses and fun happenings, subscribe to my newsletter at www.sparkyourinnerfire.com
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
-Robert A. Heinlein
Ep.70: Perfectionism In All The Wrong Places
What's that BIG goal for you? The pie in the sky dream that keeps getting pushed further and further away? Or maybe the goal is in close proximity but its still not done? For you maybe its a new choreography piece, an artistic painting masterpiece, or maybe its a book you want to write. You know its IN YOU to create but something keeps getting in the way. In this episode:
- What your antidote can be for procrastination
- What a Perfectionism Distraction Task (PDT) is
- How to break the cycle your mind has created to procrastinate on autopilot
"The greatest amount of wasted time is the time getting started." - Dawson Trotman
"Procrastination is attitude's natural assassin. There's nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task." William James
Go to www.sparkyourinnerfire.com to join the free 5 Day Spark Creativity Challenge
Ep.69: Don't Wish Away 2021
How many times in 2020 did you say, "when is this year going to be over?!" I know... me too. It’s been a wild ride. As you are likely just starting your goals or resolutions, you have the choice to choose to make your day or allow your day to make you. In this episode I talk about ways to navigate and adjust the sails as storms may come smack dab in the middle of you trying to accomplish our goals. Push forward anyway, you’ve got this!
To be the first to know about episodes, upcoming courses and fun happenings, subscribe to my newsletter at www.sparkyourinnerfire.com
Ep.68: Growing Up In The Circus w/ Nicoll Dominguez
Buckle your seats and grab some popcorn, we’re about to enter the “Big Top!” Nicoll Dominguez, aka Nicky D, is a 5th generation circus performer, 23 years old, born in Venezuela, does a variety of aerial acts and grounds acts, has worked in big shows in Las Vegas like Criss Angel the Supernaturalist, V Theater at Planet Hollywood, Purple Rain at Tropicana, traveling circuses and more. She’s also a DJ, dancer, model, magician assistant and is part of the Dominguez Family which are known to be the best Globe Riders in the circus industry. We talk about: • What it's like to be a circus kid • Harsh realities of injuries in show business • The most shocking stage moment she experienced (it involves an elephant) • Stage fright and mindset for auditions • Some hilarious stories both on stage and off.
Ep.67: Twas The Night Before Christmas Poem
It's technically the night before, the night before Christmas but it's jolly and happy and we can all use that!
What better time to read this beautiful classic, "Twas the night before Christmas." It was originally written by Dr. Clement C. Moore in 1781 in Chelsea Square, New York. Dr. Moore wrote it to give to his Children for Christmas. The rest is history as it was printed in newspapers, magazines, and translated into many languages. I'm sure Dr. Moore had no idea what impact this little work of art would become. I'm honored to recite it today, and you're never too old to listen to this beauty so grab a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine and tune into, "Twas the night before Christmas."
Ep.66: BAH-HUMBUG - Don't Be A Scrooge
As mush as we hate to admit it we've all got a little Ebenezer Scrooge in us. We all have tendencies that don't look so pretty when when you look back on them. Join me in spreading more Cheer and Joy this holiday season, regardless of all that craziness going on out there, we can choose to not be a Scrooge.
“It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Ep.65: A Ballerina Follows Her Heart w/ Natacha Bachour
Natacha began her professional dance career at the age of 17, as a Corps de Ballet member with Ballet Arizona. It was there that she had the opportunity to dance ballets such as Serenade, Copelia, Pequita, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, sleeping Beauty, Divertimento No. 15, and many more. Her television credits include The 82nd Annual Academy Awards opening number, dancing for Lady GaGa in the Sinatra100 CBS special, the HBO TV movie Behind the Candelabra, and most recently the Netflix original GLOW. She has also had the pleasure of dancing lead roles in Vegas The Show at Planet Hollywood, Showstoppers at The Wynn, and one half of the lead ballroom couple in BAZ at The Venetian on the Las Vegas strip.
In this episode Natasha takes us behind the scenes on what it’s like to work in a ballet company, how to keep a healthy body image even with the high demands of directors, dancing through injuries, transitions to other creative avenues, and how she almost stopped dancing but decided to follow her love and passion for dance instead.
Follow Natacha on Instagram: Natacha_bachour
Ep.64: How To Not Lose Your Mind At The Holiday Party
Ahhh the most wonderful time of the year, hot cocoa, Santa, and awkward family moments. Here's some uplifting nuggets that will hopefully help to navigate the upcoming family or work holiday gatherings.
In this episode:
- How to keep your sanity and your feelings in check when you're just trying to help.
- How to use the irritations as indicators of steps in your own personal growth.
- Two words that work like a charm when you want to cry or scream after your burnt the cookies ;)
Ep.63: Operation Gratitude
Can I just say, I'm so grateful for you?!! As we approach a Thanksgiving that will look very different for so many of us, I want to take this moment to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I'm so grateful for every single one of my listeners. You're awesome!! My hope is that wherever you are, whoever you're with or not able to be with, I want you to know you are loved. I hope this episode gives a dose of encouragement and a sliver of motivation, and most of all a smile.
Build a box online for Operation Christmas Child HERE.
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude." — A.A. Milne
"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." — Charles Dickens
Ep.62: Dancing Through Obstacles & Injuries
An athletes worst nightmare... an injury. I just never thought it would happen to me, at least so soon. I share a quick glimpse into some pivotal moments facing dread, bitterness, and impactful lessons. I recognize the many pivots so many are faced with right now so I'm working on something exciting to help others so they don't have to go through what I did. Some are going through it now so I'm working as fast as I can. If you want to be the first to know when it launches then go here: Passion 2.0 WOOHOO!!
Oh and disclosure, as I talk about some retired dancers in this episode, this doesn't apply to all retired dancers that I know, just a few I've worked with so don't get your panties in a twist (or under-g for my stage peeps lol ;)
"My body could stand the crutches, but my mind couldn't stand the sideline" -Michael Jordon
Ep.61: Huge Goals & Dreams That Feel Out Of Reach
The process of beginning this goal/dream/or task
The process of improvement without over analyzing it to death
What your mind should be doing in the process to get you the greatest outcome
Go get your creative freebies: www.sparkyourinnerfire.com/gift
"If you want to reach a goal, you must see the reaching in your own mind before you actually arrive at your goal" -Zig Ziglar
"You have to set goals that are almost out of reach. If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential." -Steve Garvey
Ep.60: Entering the Twilight Zone Dimension of Mind
Have we entered the Twilight Zone? It sure feels like it lately! This episode puts politics aside so you can take a breather for a few minutes. I paint a picture of the middle ground between shadow and substance, things and ideas (I'm quoting the intro to the Twilight Zone theme here) But hopefully help to navigate some of this crazy climate after you're finished listening. I talk about one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes, "Monsters Are Due on Maple Street." The writer, Rod Serling was such a genius, ahead of his time with his timeless stories & messages that are still so applicable today. So in my best Rod Serling impression, "You've now crossed over into, the twilight zone!"
"Imagination... it's limits are only those of the mind itself." -Rod Serling
Ep.59: Masks & Costumes of Transition & Hats of Possibility
Halloween is coming, and as we put on our costumes and masks, I couldn't help but think of another type of mask we often put on. These happen often during transitions and new beginnings. The transitions in life can be overwhelming, and make us feel like we're losing ourselves in the process of becoming. The transitions can be having a baby, starting a new career, getting married, starting a business, and so many other huge transitions in life that probably aren't talked about enough. This episode digs to that very topic and some easy implementations to help navigate the process with ease.
For the download I mentioned in the episode go to: https://www.sparkyourinnerfire.com/gift
“As we develop new beliefs about who we are, our behavior will change to support the new identity.” —Anthony Robbins
Ep.58: Train Your Inner Coach - How To Get Your Head In The Game
Anyone else have an aversion to working out? I sure do. I'm a professional at talking myself out of it and pretending to distract myself with less important things or justify why I've worked out enough this week. **insert eye roll** I found some tricks this week that actually helped to keep my head in the game and add some excitement to finishing the dreaded workout. I've since been looking forward to it. So if it's a workout for you or another goal that you keep avoiding, this episode is sure to help you move the needle forward.
"I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count." --Muhammad Ali
Ep.57: Let's Be Kind - The Ripple Effect of Impact
You'll never be able to measure the impact you make in this world! Crazy thought if you think about it. In this episode I talk about the ripple effect of kindness and how seemingly insignificant tasks can help one another. Also, if you're a batman fan, you'll appreciate this and my horrible Batman impression, yea I went there, all for you!! haha
Can I just say, you matter, you're needed, you are loved, and you make a difference even if it doesn't feel like it. Sending my love!
PS: Click to join the free Creative Spark Challenge | More info
Ep.56: They Discourage Your Dreams & Abandoned Their Own
Sometimes the people we care about most don't relate to our level of excitement that we have about the things we're so passionate about. Some times we're met by discouraging words by those very people that we would have hoped to be the MOST understanding and supportive. In this episode I talk about a time I went into a downward spiral of doubt when I was hit with some discouraging words by a friend. I go over 2 practical applications you can do right away to start counteracting this to be prepared the next time, as well as a new perspective to looking at unsupportive people in our lives.
"Ships don't sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don't allow what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down." -unknown
PS: New 5 day challenge coming soon! Click to be notified when I launch the Passion 2.0 Challenge | More info
Ep.55: The Applause Poem
I'll never forget a tour I was on, the MC thanked the incredible audience at the end of the show by saying, "Applause is food for the performer, thank you for the banquet."
Those words lingered for me and painted a picture of what the applause truly represents for us.
Contrary to what many may believe, the applause is not to stroke our ego, our performance is a gift from us to you, and the applause tells us you enjoyed the gift. THAT is the gift the audience gives us. We did our job and we did it well, although that gift comes at a cost.
In this episode, against all resistance I was feeling about sharing these deep inner thoughts, I know I'm not alone when I express this. So I bit the bullet and shared a poem I wrote last year that talks about this very topic. Enjoy!
Ep.54: How to Prevent A Robot From Replacing You
An estimated 20 million jobs will be replaced by robots by 2030! That's frightening, but it doesn't have to be if you play your cards right and get ahead of it. In today's episode I go over:
- Things to think about in your current career and how to future pace it
- How creativity will become the greatest asset
- How to shift your perspective from starving artist to rockstar artist requesting only blue M&M's in the green room level of awesome, (JK, not the M&M thing, thats obnoxious) haha but seriously, you'll be in high demand.
"It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers." -Warren G. Bennis
"Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it." Brian Tracy
PS: New 5 day challenge coming soon! Click to be notified when I launch the Passion 2.0 Challenge | More info
Ep.53: Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionism
Raise your hand if you’re a perfectionist! (Raising my hand.) Sometimes perfectionism can be crippling to the potential of our life’s work. It can stop us from showing the world the very thing we were meant to create.
In this episode:
- The difference between Inner Creative Chaos vs Outer world environment
- What perfectionism actually is
- Easy encouraging tips you can implement today.
As mentioned, I go deeper into perfectionism in my Free Creative Spark Challenge, sign up here:
www.sparkyourinnerfire.com/creativesparkchallenge
"Perfection is just fear in really good shoes." -Elizabeth Gilbert
“The seed of your next artwork lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece.” - David Bayles
“There is a difference between obsessive perfectionism and taking time to create something that is the best you can offer. Knowing what needs to be better and stretching to improve yourself is what separates the mediocre from the marvellous.” - Suzanna Reeves