{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6502ec015032c7001167fc64/695cc567cff5303b49dc7cc9?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Quiet Work No One Sees When You’re Building a Life","description":"<p>This episode isn’t about big launches, viral moments, or overnight success.</p><p>It’s about the <em>quiet work</em>.</p><p><br></p><p> The thinking.</p><p> The testing.</p><p> The pulling back.</p><p> The sitting with doubt instead of bulldozing through it.</p><p><br></p><p>In the first episode of 2026, Michelle reflects honestly on the year just gone — what worked, what didn’t, and what only made sense once she stopped pushing and actually paid attention.</p><p><br></p><p>From stepping back over Christmas to avoid burnout, to questioning growth, sponsorship, social media, and the direction of the brand, this is a grounded look at what it really takes to build something that lasts.</p><p>No reinvention narrative.</p><p>No “new year, new me”.</p><p>Just clarity earned the hard way.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>In this episode, Michelle talks about:</h3><ul><li>Why <em>not</em> publishing over Christmas was a deliberate decision — not a failure</li><li>How being busy isn’t the same as being aligned</li><li>What last year revealed about presence, attention, and nervous system burnout</li><li>The difference between testing ideas and chasing validation</li><li>Why community and collaboration matter more than doing everything alone</li><li>Losing momentum — and why that doesn’t mean you’re lost</li><li>The realities of running an unfunded podcast and staying values-led</li><li>Rethinking sponsorship, growth, and keeping the show independent</li><li>The thinking behind Dare Club and the Thursday dares</li><li>Why small, intentional challenges beat dramatic life overhauls</li><li>Living in the “dip” without panicking or quitting</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Books, ideas &amp; references mentioned:</h3><ul><li>Lessons inspired by <strong>Tim Ferriss</strong> and extracting meaning from lived experience</li><li>Stoic thinking via <strong>Ryan Holiday</strong> and <em>The Obstacle Is the Way</em></li><li>Reflections on ADHD from <em>Scattered Minds</em></li><li>The Netflix documentary <strong>Stutz</strong> and practical mental tools</li><li>Purpose, alignment, and slowing the pace instead of forcing progress</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Why this episode matters:</h3><p>If you’re heading into 2026 feeling:</p><ul><li>unsure but not broken</li><li>tired of loud advice</li><li>quietly questioning the direction you’re heading</li></ul><p>This episode is for you.</p><p>Because building a life isn’t about constant forward motion.</p><p> Sometimes it’s about stopping long enough to hear yourself think.</p><p><br></p><h3>What’s next:</h3><ul><li>Guest episodes return next week</li><li>Dare Club and weekly dares resume shortly</li><li>More intentional challenges, clearer direction, less noise</li></ul><p>If you want to support the show, leave a review, share the episode with someone who’s in the messy middle, or join Dare Club for the weekly challenges.</p><p>And as always — thanks for listening.</p><p><br></p><p>Join Dare club https://stan.store/shewhodareswins</p><p>Shop: www.shewhodareswins.com</p><p>Support the show https://www.patreon.com/c/shewhodareswins</p>","author_name":"Michelle Hands"}