Flourish Academy Podcast

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

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares her surprising journey from high-functioning anxiety to inner peace. She explores the concept that you are not your thoughts, offering insights on separating yourself from anxious thinking and the power of language. If you've felt trapped by anxiety or labeled yourself as an anxious person, this episode guides you toward personal growth and liberation from anxiety's constraints. Join Heather on this enlightening journey toward self-discovery and inner peace. Show Notes
 - Understanding the nature of anxious thoughts and their impact on our lives. - Realizing that you are not your thoughts, but the thinker of your thoughts. - The power of choice in selecting thoughts that serve you. - The role of language in shaping your identity and anxiety. - Practical steps to separate yourself from anxious thoughts. - Recognizing that you can trust yourself to handle whatever life throws your way. - Heather's refusal to acknowledge her anxiety in the

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, join Heather Lahtinen as she dives into the fascinating world of personal growth and mindset breakthroughs. Today, she is venturing into a somewhat unconventional realm—hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis. Tune in to explore how the power of the mind can influence our lives, especially when it comes to weight loss and personal transformation. Show Notes - Exploring the concept of virtual gastric band surgery through hypnotherapy and how it can profoundly influence behavior and perception. -Emphasizing the fundamentals of hypnotherapy as a state of heightened concentration and focused attention, expertly guided by trained hypnotherapists. - Uncovering the intricacies of a unique program offering virtual gastric band surgery through hypnotherapy — an innovative approach and structured three-week process, designed to bring about transformation. - A firsthand account of a real-life experience with self-hypnosis audios specially crafted for healthy weight loss. Discover

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, join Heather Lahtinen as she dives into the common feeling of being stuck. Heather founded the Flourish Academy as a resource for photographers of all levels, and today, she's here to help you shatter the barriers holding you back in both business and life. Tune in to explore how to break free from the mindset of "I've tried everything" and embrace a fresh perspective that opens doors to new possibilities. Show Notes: - The fallacy of saying "I've tried everything" and the hidden message behind it. - Heather's personal story about finding misplaced items and its relevance to mindset. - Recognizing the abundance of unexplored options when you think you've exhausted all possibilities. - Encouragement to challenge limiting beliefs and ask better questions to uncover new solutions. - Embracing the iterative process of trying, failing, and learning in the pursuit of goals. - Acknowledging the importance of understanding the "why" behind your goals. - A reminder that

Welcome to the Flourish Academy podcast, where we dive deep into the realms of personal growth and self-discovery. In today's episode, your host Heather Lahtinen opens up about her personal journey of finding meaning in difficult circumstances. Join us as Heather shares a heartfelt anecdote from her childhood that shaped her mindset and decision-making in profound ways. Through her candid storytelling, you'll learn how the pursuit of growth often leads us through thorny paths, where embracing discomfort can yield remarkable insights. Tune in as we explore the transformative power of embracing embarrassment, finding hidden lessons, and fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges. - Heather's childhood memory of an embarrassing softball game that left a lasting impact. - The struggle to prove oneself and the origins of the need for validation. -The fine line between pushing oneself to achieve and overexertion fueled by the fear of embarrassment. - The deep-rooted aversion to feeling embarrassed and it

Join host Heather Lahtinen on the Flourish Academy podcast as she shares her personal journey of overcoming a money meltdown. In this episode, Heather dives into her own experiences and thoughts surrounding financial challenges, offering valuable insights and a transformative mindset shift. Discover how she went from survival mode to embracing abundance and growth, and learn practical tips to improve your relationship with money. If you're ready to break free from financial stress and unlock your potential for prosperity, this episode is for you. Show Notes: - Heather reflects on her last major money meltdown and shares her experience and thoughts on the topic. - She discusses the challenges many of us face when it comes to money and the importance of addressing them. - Heather shares her approach of making a detailed list of upcoming expenditures and saving for them, which initially seemed logical and responsible. - She reveals how this approach backfired, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed, nervous, s

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen delves into the topic of boredom. Discover the surprising benefits of allowing yourself moments of downtime and how embracing boredom can lead to breakthroughs in your business and life. Join us as we explore the importance of giving your brain space to think, be creative, and process emotions. Get ready to redefine rest and tap into your true potential. Show Notes: - Explore the concept of boredom as a catalyst for creativity and problem-solving. - Discuss the negative perception of boredom and the fear of facing one's own thoughts. - Highlight the impact of constant consumption and the missed opportunities for self-reflection. - Share insights from an article on relaxation and the barriers to embracing rest. - Explore practical strategies for making rest more accessible and beneficial. - Encourage listeners to shift their perspective on boredom and view it as a productive and necessary aspect of brain function. - Emphasize the importance of setting aside time for downtime a