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Hi, Matthew!

I’ve heard it said that there are two types of people in the world—those who go after it, and those who just sit at home and let life pass them by.

Yet, I don’t think it is quite that simple—especially for women!

Given all the tasks that we have to do, just to stay afloat—things like take care of our families and our homes, get dinner on the table, keep our finances in check, keep up at work, manage multiple schedules, stay on top of pick-ups and drop-offs, and all those things we’ve committed to—finding the time to “go after it” can feel like an impossible task.

But what if it wasn’t impossible?

What if there was a way to truly “go after it,” and still keep track of all those other things that had to be done too, to set and accomplish BIG goals without losing sight of the little things?

That’s exactly what the Living Well Planner® was designed to do.

You see, as a mom AND a small business owner, a person who cares about taking care of things at home AND about going after those big dreams, I couldn’t find a planner that would help me do both. When I really started looking, I realized that there were work planners and blog planners and goal planners, as well as home planners and budget planners and mom planners, but no WHOLE LIFE planners.

And I refused to accept the idea that caring about your home life AND achieving big goals and dreams are mutually exclusive.

Why can’t we, as women, do both?

And so, since I couldn’t find the planner that lets me do both, I decided to create one instead. A planner that would help me organize my time, manage my finances, plan my meals, keep track of projects, and help me CRUSH my goals, all in one place.

Since 2015, it has done that for me, and thousands of other women too.

And it can definitely do the same for you.

Right now, during our Semi-Annual Sale, you can take advantage of our best price of the year on the Living Well Planner. Plus, as an RSO Insider (yep, that’s you), you ALSO get free shipping in the continental US when you use your secret promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout.

But here’s the deal–you can’t wait on this, for a couple of reasons.

First, due to production limitations, we only have a limited quantity of planners available this year, which means that we WILL sell out, even faster than we have in the past.

Second, this exclusive free shipping promo code expires in just a few days, on July 16th. And I know you don’t want to have to pay for shipping (because let’s face it–who does)?

Matthew, it IS possible to crush your goals and create a life you love, even in the midst of a never-ending stream of responsibilities. This is the tool that will help you do it.

Get my Living Well Planner now

That’s all for now—have a fantastic evening!

xoxo, Ruth

Ps. This post is one you won't want to miss!

Hi Matthew!

I don’t know about you, but I always wait until the last minute for everything!

And that’s exactly why I’m sending one last quick reminder that this is your LAST CHANCE to use your RSO Insider’s perk of free shipping PLUS take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner® during our Semi-Annual Sale.

Because if you are anything like me, you’ve kept putting this off, and now you are in danger of missing out.

So grab your purse or your wallet or whatever and get this done right now, before you are kicking yourself tomorrow. (Just be sure to use the secret promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout to get free shipping!)

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Thursday Matthew!

“I want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”

About to spend ten days alone with me in France and Italy, and this was literally my daughter Maggie’s only real request.

Inwardly, I groaned as soon as she said it, but it was my husband who said out loud the words that I was thinking: “Isn’t that supposed to be one of the top ten most overrated landmarks in the world?”

I poked him hard in the side and gave him "the look," then assured Maggie we’d do our best to make it happen.

As it turned out, the train from Antibes to Florence was going take us right through Pisa. Unfortunately, we were in for a long and arduous journey.

You see, that first train left Antibes early in the morning—too early for breakfast, and before the Currency Exchange booth at the station was even open. This might not have been a problem, except for the fact that we had spent our last remaining Euros on ice cream the night before.

I thought maybe we’d have time to get either food or cash in between trains, but our connections were too tight. In fact, at our second stop in Genova, we just barely made it, hauling our decidedly non-train-friendly suitcases up and down the stairs in the 100-degree heat, then heaving them onto the train in the most ungraceful way.

As we slid into our seats, sweating and panting from all the effort, we held out hope that on this train, the longest leg of our journey, there would finally be some food.

Alas, the food cart only accepted cash and only Euros.

I begged. I pleaded. I offered to pay in dollars. I put on my saddest, most pathetic face, and kicked Maggie under the table to make sure she did the same.

“Please, sir, we’re so hungry! We haven’t eaten all day. I have money, just no Euros. Can’t we please, please pay with American dollars?”

He was unmoved by our plight. It was going to be a very long train ride.

Several hours later, we pulled into the Pisa station and were greeted by what might have been the sweetest sight I’ve ever seen—McDonalds. It was almost as if those two golden arches were smiling right at me, and I could hear them whispering “we’ve been waiting for you.”

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that Filet O’Fish was the best food I’ve ever tasted.

Our bellies finally full, we managed to take care of all those other pressing details—exchanging more dollars for Euros, checking our bags at the station, figuring out how to take the bus to the famous Leaning Tower—which, for the record, was completely amazing and not at all overrated—then catching our last train of the day, the one that would take us on to Florence.

So why am I telling you this story?

Because it reminded me of a lesson I learned years ago—that money is essential to taking control of your life.

No one wants to find themselves stuck on a train without a Euro to their name, just like no one wants to find themselves feeling trapped and stuck and completely out of options.

Growing up, my parents used to always tell me, “we don’t talk about money,” and that made me believe that money was bad and shameful, and something to be embarrassed of. For a long time, I struggled to understand how to manage it, and I think maybe I was even a little afraid of it, especially after filing for bankruptcy at age 24.

It wasn’t until much later, after starting my own business and then taking Dave Ramsey’s financial peace class with my husband Chuck, that my relationship with money finally started to change for good. We walked through those baby steps one by one, first focusing our energy on paying off debt, then building an emergency fund, and ultimately building long-term wealth.

And with every step, I became a little more confident about taking control of my life and my decisions.

Richard Branson once said, “money gives you the freedom to do with your time what you want to do.” Along those same lines, Suze Orman says, "a big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life."

In other words? Money is freedom.

Most problems, whether it be while traveling or in business or in life, are fixable as long as you have money to pay for it. On the other hand, a lack of money, as I was painfully reminded this week, will leave you feeling completely powerless. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, money—or the lack thereof—permeates every single thing we do.

But here’s the thing we don’t always realize—a lot of times, financial freedom starts by addressing the core beliefs about money that have been holding us back—either that talking about money is shameful, or that we’ll never have enough money, or that there is a limited supply of money out there, or that we’re just plain bad at managing it.

Because often it is our money mindset that needs to change first.

And so, my challenge for you today is to take a hard look at your own thoughts regarding money. What core beliefs have you been clinging to that might be holding you back? And what are you going to do to start to change those beliefs in order to give yourself the freedom to create a life you love?

The truth is that money is everywhere. We live in a world of abundance, not scarcity. You have the ability to change your situation, but it starts with changing the way you think about it, then being willing to take action.

So what do you say—are you ready?

Live with purpose, friend, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Hi, Matthew!

It’s been a big day! As you may have already seen, today we kicked off our first-ever Semi-Annual Sale! For a limited time, you’ll be able to take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner®, (but only while supplies last.)

But as an RSO Insider (yep, that’s you!), we wanted to make sure you knew that this week only, you’re also eligible for a very exclusive perk–free shipping in the continental US!

Simply use the secret promo code, RSOFREESHIP, at checkout for free shipping to take effect.

The Living Well Planner has been changing lives since we first launched in 2015. It was the first of its kind—an all-in-one tool not just for planning your days, but for keeping track of your budget, managing your home, planning your meals, and reaching your goals.

And in the years since that first planner, the feedback we’ve received has been nothing short of incredible:

Ready to press the reset button and take back control of your schedule?

Get your Living Well Planner now. (Remember to use the code RSOFREESHIP for free shipping).

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. As you may already know, in past years we have sold out before we even began shipping, so we highly recommend ordering as early as possible, as we only have a limited number of planners in stock this year!

Happy Thursday Matthew,

I’m writing this email from the train, heading from Antibes in the south of France to Florence, Italy. This year, for the first time ever, my husband Chuck and I decided to take our two tween daughters on separate vacations.

The idea started brewing when I decided to attend a writing workshop hosted by my friend Laura in Italy and thought it would be neat to take my oldest daughter Maggie along. Then I figured, since we were already going to be in the general area, we should also spend some time with another dear friend, Gry, at her house in Antibes.

Not wanting to be left home alone for 10 days, Chuck and my youngest daughter Annie decided that they would take a cruise together while Maggie and I were off exploring Europe.

And while this separate vacation thing may have happened accidentally, it’s been such an amazing gift. With two girls so close in age, we tend to treat them like a unit most of the time, not as separate individuals with their own thoughts and ideas and personalities.

But these past four days in France with Maggie have been so much fun, and it seems a little odd to say this, but in some way I feel like I’m finally getting to know HER for the first time.

She’s so mellow, an astute observer of people and things. She’s totally comfortable with silence, and never feels the need to just talk for the sake of talking. And she is such a tween! One minute she seems so grown up, the next minute she is still just a little girl. And I really love both sides.

But honestly, I think the thing that has impressed me most about Maggie is her quiet confidence. She’s not a talker, but she’s not at all shy. She’s independent self-assured and most definitely not clingy. I’ve loved watching her blossom, to hold her own in a room full of adults—even adults who speak a different language—and to not just observe, but offer to help and strike up conversations all on her own.

As someone who tends to talk too much when I get nervous or uncomfortable, her ability to stay calm and poised in every new situation has inspired me.

It’s eye-opening to realize that although I’ve known this girl for twelve years now, though we’ve lived in the same house and talked every single day, there is so much I still don’t know.

Mary Tyler Moore once said, “sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you’re really strangers.” Along those same lines, Penelope Lively once noted that “getting to know someone else involves curiosity about where they have come from and who they are.”

In other words? You’ll never regret the time you spend getting to really know the people closest to you.

And so, my challenge to you this week is to spend a little 1-on-1 time with the people who matter most to you, and getting to know them just a little bit better. Ask questions. Listen. Observe. You might just be amazed at what you learn!

Live with purpose, friends, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Want to keep up with our adventures? Be sure to follow me on Instagram, or check out my highlighted Instastories in my profile!

P.P.S. Don’t forget that our Summer Clearance sale ends on Sunday! This is your last chance to save up to 60% on some of our most popular items! SHOP THE SALE HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Thursday Matthew,

It all started innocently enough.

I happened to look out across the canal in our backyard and noticed that our neighbor Tom’s huge mango tree was practically bursting with fruit. Suddenly I had a craving for mango salsa. And what could be better than mango salsa made with free mango?

Naturally, I turned to my husband and said:

“Why don’t you take the canoe over to Tom’s and snag a couple of those mangos—I’m sure he won’t mind. I mean seriously, what is he going to do with all of them?”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind either,” Chuck agreed, “but I don’t need to take the canoe, since our neighbors next door also have a mango tree and they already told me we could have as many as we wanted.”

A few days later, I came home to find two beautiful, perfectly ripe free mangos sitting on my counter, and I was a very happy girl.

“What are you going to do with those?” Chuck asked.

“I want to make Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa—that sounds so good! But I’m going to need you to go to Publix for a few things… we need red onion and avocado and cilantro. Oh, and a lime. And a couple pounds of fish. But don’t get the farm-raised kind, because you know I don’t like that. And I guess we’ll need tortillas too, plus sour cream. And the kids would probably like some of that yellow rice with it too. Oh yeah, and we also need some blackening seasoning. I think that’s a thing.”

He looked at me, eyebrows raised, but said nothing. Then, list in hand, he headed to Publix, and an hour later was home with all the goods.

Finally, he couldn’t help himself. “You know, this free mango ended up costing us almost $40! Doesn’t that strike you as a little ridiculous?”

All I could do was laugh, because he was totally right. It was ridiculous.

So much effort, and all that expense, just so I could enjoy my “free” mango.

So what’s the point of this story?

It’s that sometimes the free stuff costs us a lot more than we realize. And not only that, I think a lot of us make this exact same mistake in ways that are a lot more impactful and have a lot more at stake than turning a free mango into a $40 dinner.

We trip over a dollar to save a penny, and never realize the true cost.

I was recently chatting with a local small business owner who told me she purposely limits her sales in order to keep them below a certain threshold in order to continue qualifying for certain government benefits. It hadn’t occurred to her that the increase in sales would more than make up for the loss in benefits—she just didn’t want to miss out on her freebie.

Another couple I know literally decorated their entire house around a remnant piece of really fancy carpet that they got for almost nothing. I’m not sure they even actually liked the carpet, but it was such a “good deal” that they were willing to spend thousands to make it work.

I see it happen when people refuse to invest in themselves, whether it be to buy the right tools or the right training or the right help along the way. They refuse to pay for the solutions that will help them get to where they need to be faster and easier, and they think they are saving money, but really they’re just holding themselves back, which will always cost more in the long run.

Which begs the question: Are you doing this too?

Albert Einstein once noted that “Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing.” Along those same lines, Will Leamon wisely observed that “Sooner or later there will always be a cost for ‘Free Stuff.’”

In other words? Be smart enough to pay attention to the true cost.

Because there’s really no such thing as a free mango.

Thriftiness and frugality can be great quality traits that serve you well and guide you to make smart financial decisions. But sometimes those same traits can blind us to the opportunity costs of not investing in ourselves, and in the things that we want most.

And so, my challenge for you this week is to take an honest look at your own spending habits. Have you been tripping over dollars to save a few pennies here and there? And, if so, what are you going to do about it?

Live with purpose, friends, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. As you may have noticed, this newsletter is coming to you on Thursday, rather than Friday. This is not a mistake! After 6 years of Friday newsletters, I thought I’d mix it up a little and try sending on Thursday instead. Hope you don’t mind! :)

P.P.S. Speaking of saving your pennies, don’t miss our Summer Blowout sale in the Living Well Shop! You can save up to 60%, but only while supplies last! Shop the sale HERE.

P.P.S. If you haven’t yet had a chance to listen to this week’s episode of the Do It Scared® podcast—definitely do! (Especially if you have kids or grandkids!) I chatted with Mindy Mcknight about keeping your kids safe online in a viral world, and she has SO MUCH practical advice to share! Listen on iTunes HERE or on our website HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Monday Matthew!

Fun fact: on average, it takes 66 days for something to become a habit. In a little over two months, you can (with pretty minimal effort) make something stick…

So what would happen if you applied this to courage?

That’s exactly the question my guest for Episode 62 of the Do It Scared® Podcast, Kate Swoboda is answering on today’s episode.

Kate is a life coach, author of The Courage Habit, and Director of the Courageous Living Coach Certification Program. She’s also an expert on courage who has developed four simple habits you can use to push past any resistance that might be keeping you stuck.

And if you are ready to stop holding yourself back, and to finally find the courage to live life to the fullest, this episode was meant for you!

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

P.P.S. Maybe the first step is as simple as identifying what’s holding you back? Take our free Do It Scared Fear Assessment™ (kind of like a personality quiz for fear types) to find out how fear is showing up in your life. And, if you order my new book Do It Scared® you can upgrade to get your premium results for free.

Here’s exactly what to do, step by step:

1. Order your copy at Amazon HERE.
2. Use your order number to fill in our bonus form HERE.
3. Check your email inbox for your bonuses!

Happy Thursday Matthew!

I’m in Nashville this week to meet with my EBA VIP mastermind—this group of 13 incredible online business owners that I have the privilege of mentoring. We get together once a quarter for three days of workshopping, hot seats, and coaching.

It’s hard to describe the intensity of what happens during our time together. I never know exactly what we’ll end up talking about, or who will have the biggest breakthroughs, but somehow it always ends up being exactly the right thing. Honestly—and I get that this probably sounds completely hokey—I’d say it’s almost a little bit magical. It’s just that good.

But this week something happened that’s never happened before—on Tuesday night, my students put ME on the hot seat.

(Side note: If you’ve never heard that term before, a “hot seat” in this context basically happens when one person becomes the sole focus of the entire group, in order to confront an issue or problem.)

It was terrifying.

After all, I’m supposed to be the coach, the teacher, the one who has all my s#%t together. It’s not really my job to share my own problems—at least not while they’re happening—it’s my job to help everyone else through their issues, to offer the wisdom of experience and perspective, and to push them to focus on the opportunities that will help them accomplish their biggest goals.

And I love it.

I love finding solutions to other people’s problems. I love being able to connect the dots and see the things they can’t, simply because they’re too close to the problem. I love calling people out and letting them know they’re making a stupid decision or holding themselves back in some way, and that it needs to stop.

Because when someone signs up for my mastermind, they are signing up for brutal honesty. And because they trust me and my advice, they’re agreeing to make themselves vulnerable and to open themselves up to completely candid feedback. And while it’s not always easy to hear, they also know that it is the fastest way to success.

But you know what?

These women don’t actually need me. They are smart. They are talented. And they are crushing it. Each one of them has a unique superpower, and every time we meet, I am in awe of what happens when those superpowers connect.

What they actually need is each other. I’m just the one that brings us all together.

Which brings me back to my surprise hot seat.

It was at the end of a long day of coaching, which basically meant that any energy I may have normally used to protect my ego was already spent. I was too tired to not be completely honest and vulnerable.

And so, I just laid it out there for them, all the biggest issues and disappointments and problems I had been struggling with over the past couple months, in real-time with no filter and no spin. For the first time, I wasn’t sharing a lesson I had learned, I was just sitting in the mess.

And they sat with me.

But they didn’t just sit with me, they also schooled me so hard! They gave me the same brutal honesty and candid feedback I’m so good at giving to them. They told me where I was being stupid and what I was doing wrong. They gave hard truths that hurt, but that I so needed to hear.

Brene Brown says that “vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness, it is our greatest measure of courage.” Along those same lines, Robert Kiyosaki once said that “giving honest and well-intended feedback is often confused with being mean. It’s not mean, it’s nice.”

In other words? Being willing to both give and receive honest feedback is both one of the scariest and most courageous things you’ll ever do.

But I promise you this—nothing will help you grow or improve faster. And whether you’re trying to build a business or lose weight or get your finances in order or accomplish any other big goal in your life, finding those people who will push you and hold you accountable and make you better is the smartest thing you can ever do.

And so, my challenge for you this week is to do just that—start actively looking for people who will make you better, either in real life or online. Seek out those people who can hold you accountable and give you honest feedback, even when that feedback is hard to hear. Surround yourself with people who care enough to tell you the truth. It might mean hiring a coach or a mentor. It might mean stepping outside of your comfort zone to join some sort of group or program or club or association.

But those people—your people—are out there. It’s your job to find them.

Live with purpose, friend, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Have you listened to this week’s podcast episode with JoAnn Crohn? It’s soooooo good! JoAnn is one of the members of my mastermind, as well as the founder of No Guilt Mom, and she has SO much insight to share, not just on being a business owner, but on the power of persistence when things don’t always work out the first time. It’s so inspiring! You can listen on iTunes HERE or on our website HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Monday Matthew!

Have you ever wondered what your true calling is supposed to be?

It’s not always easy to figure out what path you are meant to be on, and no one knows that better than Jordan Lee Dooley, author of the bestselling book, Own Your Everyday, and my guest for today’s episode of the Do It Scared® podcast.

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or the pressure to perform, or maybe just wondered whether you were headed in the right direction, this is definitely an episode you’ll want to hear!

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Hi, Matthew!

Something big is happening tomorrow, and as an RSO Insider, we thought you should be the first to know! (In fact, you can count this email as your VIP access pass!)

For the first time ever, we’re launching our Semi-Annual Sale!

For a limited time, you’ll be able to take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner®, but only while supplies last.

Believe me when I tell you that they are going to go fast! You may remember that last year we completely sold out, and this year, due to production limitations, our quantities are even more limited. That’s why we wanted to give our insiders an early heads up! (The sale is officially starting tomorrow, but if you use this link, you’ll be able to get the sale price right now!)

But that’s not all!

You see, here at Ruth Soukup Omnimedia we believe in giving the best perks to the people who are already part of our amazing community. And what could be a better perk (besides scoring the lowest price of the year) than free shipping?

And so, just for you (and only through July 16th), shipping to anywhere in the continental USA is on us! Just keep in mind that since this is an exclusive perk JUST for our RSO Insiders, you have to use the promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout for the free shipping to take effect.

Happy planning!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. As you may already know, in past years we have sold out before we even began shipping, so we highly recommend ordering as early as possible, as we only have a limited number of planners in stock this year!

P.P.S. Don’t let this secret RSO Insider perk sneak by you! Free shipping starts today and only goes for one week. Remember to use the promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout!

Happy Thursday Matthew!

Have you ever had a person in your life that you just could not get along with? Maybe your mother-in-law or next-door neighbor or another parent or a co-worker? A person that takes everything you do or say in the worst possible light, or alternatively a person that just bugs you and grates on you, no matter what? A person that makes your skin crawl just being in the same room?

I think we probably all have. Sometimes there are people with whom we just don’t click.

They might have done something at one point that offended us, or we offended them, and neither party has been able to move on. They might have a strong personality that we find hard to take, or there might be something about our own personality and mannerisms that they just don’t like. It could even be a jealousy thing—they are jealous of us, or vice versa.

And sometimes it is all just a big misunderstanding. In fact, not too long ago I was reminded of this in a couple of very big ways.

In one case, I inadvertently did something that deeply upset and offended another woman, and from that moment on she began to read into every move I made, and took every word or action on my part as a direct assault on her, even though none of what she was assuming was actually true. When it finally all came out, and we were able to clear the air, it made me realize just how clouded and tainted our vision can become when we don’t like someone very much.

It was a good lesson, because the truth is that with another friend this week, I was the one who was reading everything wrong and taking everything personally, when it really truly wasn’t intended that way at all. And once again, when we were finally able to hash it out, it was clear that there truly was no real malice there. My perception had clouded the truth.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from Irving Becker, who said “if you don’t like someone, the way they hold their spoon will make you furious. If you do like them, they can turn their plate over in your lap and you won’t mind.”

I love that quote because it is such a good reminder that sometimes we judge people a whole lot more harshly than we should, simply because we just don’t like them very much. For whatever reason—valid or not—we started out on the wrong foot, and that negative perception clouds our view of what they do and say.

And while sometimes there really is no hope for salvaging a damaged relationship, I think a lot of times it is mostly our skewed perceptions—or the other person’s skewed perception of us—that get in the way.

My guess is that there might be at least one or two people in your circle that fall into this camp, and so my challenge for you this week is to take the time to examine your own perceptions. Is the way they hold their spoon making you furious (or vice versa?). Perhaps it’s time to clear the air, or at least start giving the benefit of the doubt.

The results might just surprise you!

That’s all for now—live with purpose friend, and have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Don’t miss our Semi-Annual Sale happening in the Living Well Shop right now! This is your chance to get our game-changing Living Well Planner® for the lowest price of the year. If you like following an academic calendar and want to start using it in August, I’d definitely get your order in today! Grab it HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Thursday Matthew,

It was supposed to be just a quick trip.

One night in Nashville to attend a one-day workshop with my Director of Operations, Laura, then right back home again.

The day started out so well. The workshop—part of the Business Accelerator program with Michael Hyatt—was phenomenal! There is always so much power in taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, to get feedback from your peers, and great advice from someone who has walked the road before you.

As we hopped into our Uber at the end of the day and headed to the airport, I felt completely energized and full of clarity.

The first sign of trouble came when I couldn’t log in to the Delta app to check into my flight. Something was definitely off.

The next red flag came when I checked in at the counter, and the agent recommended I switch to an earlier flight.

“Your flight is delayed,” she said, “and there’s a chance you won’t make your connection. I’d recommend getting on the earlier flight, just to play it safe. It’s not a great seat, but it is a very short flight.”

Wanting nothing more than just to get home, I agreed to take the downgraded seat, then said goodbye to Laura and headed to my gate.

The gate was pure chaos. Between the technology glitch and the weather, almost every single flight had been delayed, and you could feel the collective tension in the air of people who were very sick of waiting.

I took a deep breath and braced myself; it was going to be a long night.

After more delays (and more than a little grumbling by the restless crowd), we were finally cleared to board the plane. After all the delays, even this earlier flight was going to be cutting it close. I took my seat and crossed my fingers that we’d be on our way very soon.

Spoiler alert: we weren’t. Not even close.

The following text thread gives an accurate picture of the entire experience:

We sat there for another hour before we were finally cleared to take off. And by the time we made it to ATL, my connecting flight was long gone.

And here I am, still in Atlanta, still waiting to get home.

So why am I sharing this sad tale with you?

Well, mostly because it’s Thursday and I tend to write this newsletter about whatever happens to be fresh on my mind.

But also because after a good night’s sleep in a very comfy bed, I now have some fresh perspective, and although I’d still like nothing better than to be home right now, I can see both the humor and the essential life lessons in the situation.

Here are my top takeaways:

1.) Some things are just completely out of your control. How you decide to react to them is still on you.

2.) Don’t eat tuna sandwiches on an airplane. Please, for the sake of everyone around you—just don’t do it.

3.) Stress brings out the best and the worst in people, but in those kind of situations a little bit of kindness and laughter goes a very long way.

Tony Robbins once said, “here’s a two step process for handling stress. Step 1: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Step 2: It’s all small stuff.” Along those same lines, Lou Holtz pointed out that, “it’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

In other words? You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust the sails.

Chances are pretty good that right now there is something in your life that’s not going exactly the way you want it to. Maybe you’re annoyed or disappointed or stressed or angry or feeling let down. Maybe you screwed up, or maybe someone else did. Maybe you feel like life is totally unfair.

And you know what? It might be. Because life’s not always fair.

But in the end, you still get to choose how you respond.

And so that’s my challenge for you this week—to check your attitude and choose your response. Choose laughter. Choose joy. Choose forgiveness. Choose to keep moving forward.

Because that is how you’ll win in the end!

Live with purpose, friends, and have a great week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Need a little help getting dinner on the table faster this summer? Our 10 Meals in an Hour bundle is the perfect solution! With over 100 easy & delicious recipes, plus shopping lists, meal plans, and step-by-step instructions, it is everything you need to save your sanity (and minimize your time in the kitchen) all summer long! Grab it this weekend only for just $15. Get all the details HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Monday Matthew!

It was in the medi-vac helicopter while struggling to stay conscious, that Michael O’Brien decided that if he survived, this was going to be his last bad day.

From there on out, Michael’s entire world changed and he is on Episode 63 of the Do It Scared Podcast to talk about how the worst moment of his life ultimately gave him the courage to change and begin helping others realize their potential.

Michael is now a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and business coach, and his story is nothing short of powerful! He shares how he's shifted his focus from himself towards helping others, along with advice for life and business that we can all use to push through our fears and reach our full potential.

You can listen to Episode 63 on iTunes here. If you don’t have access to iTunes, you can also listen to the podcast directly on our website or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript.

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Monday Matthew!

The internet can be a scary place sometimes, especially for our kids.

From how you navigate what your pre-teen is watching on YouTube, to what age they should start using social media, to how to keep tabs on what they are actually doing... the internet can sometimes feel like a parental minefield.

That’s why, on today’s episode 61, we are talking to social media guru, YouTuber, influencer, and mom of six amazing kiddos, Mindy McKnight, about how to safely navigate the world of social media with your kids, and about bringing your best self to the opportunities right in front of you.

Let me just say, this family is rocking it out on social media. With nearly 15 million followers across their combined accounts, Mindy has a whole lot of insight to share, not just about what it takes to build a successful online business but what it takes to build a successful family in an increasingly online world. (And honestly—you don’t have to be a parent to listen to this one—she shares some golden nuggets of wisdom that apply across the board!)

You can listen to Episode 61 on iTunes here. If you don’t have access to iTunes, you can also listen to the podcast directly on our website or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript.

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Monday Matthew!

I’m just going to say it—today’s Do It Scared® Podcast episode is nothing short of an incredible act of courage.

My dear friend Lauren Greutman is sharing a story she’s never told publicly before.

Lauren is a bestselling author and media personality, as well as a blogger at LaurenGreutman.com. We’ve known each other for a long time, and she’s one of those people who has always seemed to have it all together. But behind the scenes, and behind the polished exterior, her life was falling apart.

I’ll warn you right now—there are some parts of this story that aren’t super pretty.

But I also know that Lauren’s honesty and vulnerability about some of the biggest mistakes she’s made will inspire you. It’s an episode I think every person needs to hear!

You can listen to Episode 64 on iTunes here. If you don’t have access to iTunes, you can also listen to the podcast directly on our website or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript.

xoxo, Ruth

Hi, Matthew!

I’ll keep this super short, but I just wanted to send a quick reminder that this is your last day to use your RSO Insider’s perk of free shipping in the continental US, PLUS take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner® during our Semi-Annual Sale. (Just be sure to use the secret promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout by midnight!)

The Living Well Planner is the only planner on the market designed to help you organize your whole life, not just your schedule. From planning your meals to managing your budget to crushing your goals, it will not just help you get more done, but get more of the most important stuff done.

Order your Living Well Planner now, and get started right away!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Don’t forget to use your secret promo code RSOFREESHIP at checkout! But don’t wait– this promo code expires at 11:59 PT!

Hi, Matthew!

If you had to pick a word right now to describe yourself, what would it be?

C’mon, be honest…would it really be a word like calm, or pulled together, or organized or balanced?

Probably not, right?

Maybe it would be something more along the lines of frazzled or chaotic. It could be busy or stressed or overwhelmed. Or maybe it would be a whole phrase—something like “spinning around in circles” or “putting everyone else’s needs before your own.” And if your kids have been home all summer, driving you insane, it might just be along the lines of “at the end of my rope.”

Or maybe you don’t feel frazzled you just feel stuck. Frustrated. Unmotivated. Afraid. Maybe you feel like there has to be something more out there for you, but you just don’t quite know how to get there.

Sound familiar?

But what if life could be different?

What if instead of feeling frazzled, you felt fulfilled? What if instead of spinning in circles, you were able to plan your days in a way that felt purposeful and intentional? What if, every morning, instead of hitting the snooze button for the third or fourth time, you couldn’t wait to jump out of bed and start your day?

What if instead of feeling stuck and unmotivated, you were able to find momentum and begin creating the life you always wanted?

A life you love.

What if?

Believe it or not, the Living Well Planner® is a tool that is designed to help you do just that. It offers a tangible solution to the chaos of a busy life, and it will empower, enable, and inspire you to take back your time and manage your schedule, allowing you to focus on your BIG goals while still navigating the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities of running your home.

It is designed to help you find the balance you crave, to allow you to be the best version of yourself—the mom and wife and friend and person you want to be—while giving you permission to make your dreams a reality.

It is designed to help you create a life you LOVE.

SO much more than just a day planner, the Living Well Planner will help you:

• Identify your biggest, most important long-term goals and priorities, then give you a comprehensive framework for breaking them down into manageable bites.

• Gain an overview of your year at a glance, so that you can plan out the big picture & avoid the tyranny of the urgent.

• Set purposeful, clearly stated monthly goals that keep you focused and on track in order to move you closer to your long term plans.

• Create and implement a monthly cash flow budget so that you can proactively tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

• Purposefully block out your time each week through our hour-by-hour scheduler.
• Plan your meals and your to-do list, right on the same page as your weekly schedule so that you can see your whole week at a glance.
• Become more purposeful with your time by eliminating overwhelm, getting all those details out of your head and into one organized space.

And right now, during our Semi-Annual Sale, you can take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner!

One thing you should know is that due to some production limitations, we have a more limited quantity of planners available this year, which means that we WILL sell out, even faster than we have the past two years. As such, we highly recommend ordering sooner, rather than later!

It IS possible to crush your goals and create a life you love, even in the midst of a never-ending stream of responsibilities.

And here’s to creating the life you want—a life you LOVE!

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Friday Matthew,

Last week I had the opportunity to spend a few days on Necker Island with a small group of some of the smartest, most inspiring female entrepreneurs that I’ve ever met.

If you’re not familiar with Necker, it is Sir Richard Branson’s private island, located in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, and let me just tell you—the list of people in the world who have been able to experience the magic of this place is short but notable. People who have done incredible things—Sara Blakely, Princess Diana, Barack Obama, and Nelson Mandela, just to name a few.

And now, ME. How is that even possible?!

Our first night on the island, I actually sat right next to Richard himself at dinner. We shared a great conversation, and I even managed to muster up the courage to give him a copy of Do It Scared®.

It was completely and utterly surreal, in the best possible way.

Because as I sat there, and as I spent those incredible days soaking it all in, I was overcome by the quiet realization that if I could be there, on Necker Island, a place I’ve only read about and not even dared dream about visiting, a place where some of the most successful people on the planet have come to be inspired, there is literally nothing in the world that I can’t do or achieve.

And that was a pretty big insight, because the truth is that I’ve had some setbacks lately that have deeply shaken my confidence and made me question my own abilities, and whether I am even on the right path.

But now I know that the sky is literally the limit. For you, for me, and for anyone else who's ready to put their best self out into the world, even when it feels uncomfortable.

I think so often in life, we hold ourselves back from what we are actually capable of. We self-edit and tell ourselves that our dreams are impossible, before we’ve even given ourselves a chance to dream them. We stay stuck in all those demands of our day-to-day existence, and then we tell ourselves we’re too busy and too overwhelmed to do anything different.

But if you want something different for your life, it is your job to go out and get it. It is your job to make it happen. It is your job to stop making excuses, and to start putting your head down and get to work.

And the thing is, you won’t be alone. There are so many amazing people out there in the world, doing amazing things. You can be one of them.

And if I could tell you just one thing, give you just one piece of advice that would change everything for you, it would be this:

Say yes.

Say yes to that little spark inside you that wants to try something new. Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even when they feel scary or hard or unknown. Say yes to investing in yourself, for the SAKE of investing in yourself—to taking a class or finding a coach or attending a conference. Say yes to taking risks and pushing past your comfort zone. Say yes to being inspired by other people, and dare to make mistakes.

Given the inspiration for this letter, it seems appropriate to quote Sir Richard, who once said “if somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” Along those same lines, Branson also said “I have enjoyed life a lot more by saying yes than by saying no.”

In other words? All the good stuff happens when you start saying yes.

Since starting my online business 9 years ago, I’ve done a lot of things I could have never even imagined—become a NYT bestselling author, written multiple books, created a physical planner, conquered my paralyzing fear of public speaking, traveled all over the world, hosted my own live events, and even bought a building.

And if you had told me when I started that even ONE of those things would have been possible, I would have laughed in your face.

But everything good that has happened in my business—and really in my life for that matter—is a direct result of saying yes. Even when I’m scared. Even when I don’t know what I am doing.

And so, my challenge to you this week is to start saying yes. Dare to open yourself up to a world full of infinite possibilities, because I promise it is out there waiting for you to take advantage of it. Say yes.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Live with purpose, friends, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Speaking of saying yes, have you listened to this week’s episode of the Do It Scared Podcast® with Carla Moore? SO many people have reached out to tell me that this has been their favorite, most inspiring episode of the podcast so far (and that is saying something!) You can listen on iTunes HERE or directly on our website HERE.

P.P.S. If you’re not sure where to start with saying yes, I would recommend you begin by finding out what’s holding you back by taking our free Do It Scared Assessment™ to discover your unique Fear Archetype™. Because believe it or not, understanding your fear is the first step in moving past it! You can access the assessment HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Monday Matthew!

Sometimes change takes a while.

But sometimes, it happens all at once.

For Carla Moore, my guest for Episode 60 of the Do It Scared® Podcast, it literally happened with a crash—hitting a cement barrier at 55 miles per hour.

The thing is, this crash could have killed her, but instead, it became a defining moment in her life, the moment she realized she wasn’t living the life she wanted, and the moment she decided to make a change.

And change she did. She lost over 100 pounds, became a triathlete, traveled and experienced life like it was all brand new.

The thing is, you don’t have to have a literal crash to start transforming your own life. Carla, who is now an author, motivational speaker, and HBO Executive, joins me on this episode to talk about what it means to leverage your own crash moment to pivot your life and exactly the steps that it takes to get there. We're also going to talk about mindset, especially when it comes to doing hard things, and what the real secret is to losing a whole lot of weight.

All I can say is that if you’ve ever felt stuck and like you aren’t living the life you were meant for, this is an episode you definitely have to hear.

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

P.P.S. Maybe the first step is as simple as identifying what’s holding you back? Take our free Do It Scared Fear Assessment (kind of like a personality quiz for fear types) to find out what is holding you back. And, if you order my new book Do It Scared® you can upgrade to get your premium results for free.

Here’s exactly what to do, step by step:

1. Order your copy at Amazon HERE.
2. Use your order number to fill in our bonus form HERE.
3. Check your email inbox for your bonuses!

Happy Monday Matthew!

It’s a good day--wanna know why?

Hal Elrod is back on the Do It Scared® podcast, this time to share something so powerful, it might just change everything for you.

On today’s episode, he shares how he used what he calls “the Miracle Equation” to achieve the improbable and then he explains how you can too.

And I promise that what he has to share today is going to blow you away in the best possible way.

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Happy Monday Matthew!

Have you ever thought about how much we take for granted? We don’t usually think about how easy it is for us to breathe or talk or move--we just do.

But what if that was taken away?

On today’s podcast episode 65, I’m talking with Chris and Emily Norton about their inspiring true story of courage and perseverance after Chris was paralyzed from the neck down in a college football accident, but then walked--with Emily’s help--across the stage at graduation, in a viral video that was seen around the world.

You don’t want to miss how much insight and wisdom these two share, not just on what it takes to push past the most difficult circumstances, but on how to look beyond your limitations to see what’s possible.

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Happy Monday Matthew!

Calvin Coolidge once said, “nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

It’s one of my very favorite quotes, and few people I know embody this quality more than my friend JoAnn Crohn, my guest on episode 66 of the Do It Scared® Podcast.

JoAnn is the founder of the brilliant parenting website, No Guilt Mom, and she has SO much wisdom to share--not just about parenting guilt-free, but also about business and the importance of persistence (even in the face of failure).

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Happy Thursday Matthew!

My girls just started school last week, and I don’t know about you but I am SO ready to get some routine back into my life again!

Of course it might just be that I’m a total sucker for new beginnings. To me, every new season is a fresh start, and a chance to wipe the slate clean, to start over. Maybe I just mess up more than most people, but quite honestly, I’ll take every chance I can get!

Because the thing is—and the thing I have to sometimes remind myself—is that not every week has to be a home run! Sometimes a single is all you need. And even a strikeout isn’t the end of the world. There are a lot more innings left to play.

And so, just in case you’re also feeling like you’ve struck out this week, or you just feel completely overwhelmed, here are a few steps that always help me get my mojo back. They might just help you too!

• Take a Walk. It might be the last thing you feel like doing, but a long walk—or even a short one—to clear your head and get your blood flowing is one of the best things you can do. There is a ton of research that says spending time outdoors is a proven mood booster, as is exercise. I also find it helpful to listen to relaxing music or an inspiring podcast to help clear my head.

• Take Ten Deep Breaths. Research has shown that we tend to breathe more shallowly when we are stressed, which only compounds our feeling of anxiety. However, taking a few minutes to mindfully breathe deeply has been shown to instantly lower stress. Try it and see!

• Do a Brain Dump. If your mind is racing with all the things you have on your plate right now, the best thing you can do is get those things out of your head and onto a piece of paper. Set the timer for 10 minutes and quickly jot down every obligation or to-do item that comes to mind.

• Separate the Must-Dos from the Should Dos. Once you’ve got all the to-dos out of your head, it is time to analyze and prioritize. When things are in our head, the less important things tend to take up just as much space and mental energy as the critical things, causing us to feel overwhelmed. But once we can get them into a place where we can see them, it is a whole lot easier to separate the most important tasks from the ones that can be put off until later. Take the time to rank each item in order of importance, then only focus on the most important item, followed by the next most important item, and so on.
  

• Ask for Help. Another benefit of getting your list on paper is that you might be able to more easily see which items you could delegate to someone else, such as a friend or family member, or perhaps even by hiring someone to give you a hand. It’s okay to ask for help!

• Get More Sleep. This is a biggie! While our temptation might be to sleep less in order to get more done, there is no better cure for feeling overwhelmed than a good night’s sleep. (I promise!)

Teddy Roosevelt once wisely said, “do what you can with what you have where you are.” Along those same lines, Fred Rogers once noted, “in times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”

In other words? There will always be seasons of overwhelm and days where we feel like we’ve struck out, but sometimes the key to getting through the most stressful times is just giving ourselves the grace to do the best we can.

And so, my challenge for you this week, if you are feeling out your groove and like you don’t even know where to begin, is to try to implement at least one or two of the strategies listed above. Take a walk. Breathe. Get more sleep. And get those thoughts out of your head and onto a piece of paper, so that they stop overwhelming your thoughts. Do this, and you’ll be hitting home runs again before you know it!

Friend, you’ve got this.

Live with purpose, and have a fantastic week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Speaking of striking out, did you miss my free training today? Don’t worry—you can still catch the replay tonight at 9pm ET on our LWSL Facebook Page!

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Hi, Matthew!

Let’s face it–ME time can be pretty hard to come by sometimes, can’t it?

Life gets crazy and before you know it, weeks–or sometimes even months and years–slip by, taking care of everyone and everything around you, without ever making a little time for yourself.

Believe me, I’ve been there, more times than I can count.

And that’s exactly why I’d like to invite you to join me this coming Thursday for a free LIVE training called, Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done.

I’ll be sharing some practical steps you can take right away to stop feeling so frantic, and instead get focused, along with easy-to-implement (and completely genius) time hacks that you’re going to LOVE. Plus, you won’t even have to feel guilty about taking this time for yourself, because you’ll be learning something along the way.

I think I should probably also mention that it’s going to be SO MUCH FUN (if you’ve attended any before, you know that live trainings with me are always a lot of fun!)

Best of all? The training is completely FREE to join! That said, you do have to register, and because space is limited, I recommend showing up a little early to secure your spot!

GET REGISTERED HERE

See you on Thursday!

xoxo, Ruth

Hi, Matthew!

In case you missed it, I wanted to send a quick reminder that I’m hosting a LIVE training tomorrow and I’d love to have you join me!

Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done

10AM ET AND 1PM ET

REGISTER HERE

Both of these training times will be LIVE, so make sure to reserve your virtual seat as soon as possible!

If you're dreaming of making a fresh start this fall, of getting back on track for your goals (or even setting some new ones), being a whole lot more organized, and just pushing that reset button we all wish we had sometimes, then this training is definitely for you!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. We’ve got an awesome gift for all attendees, but you have to show up live to get it– I’ll see you there!

Hi, Matthew!

I’m hosting a live training today, and I’d hate for you to miss this chance to press the reset button on your productivity! (I promise it will be worth your time!)

Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done

10AM ET AND 1PM ET (LIVE)

REGISTER HERE

Ready for a fresh start? Want to kick off fall with a large dose of calm? Need to get back on track for your goals? Or just ready to get a whole lot more organized? Then you’ve got to be there!

I’ll see you there!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. We're giving an awesome gift to all attendees, but you have to show up live to get it. See you soon!

P.P.S If you can't make the live webinar, don't worry—you can still catch the replay tonight at 9pm ET on our LWSL Facebook Page (it will be pinned to the top of the page)!

Happy Thursday Matthew!

“How do you stay motivated and positive, even when things go wrong?”

It’s a question I hear a lot, almost every day. Because the reality is it can be pretty challenging to not get discouraged in the face of setbacks and defeats. How do you keep a positive outlook when it feels like life is just handing you one hard blow after another?

And, if you’re anything like me, you tend to focus on the negative and on the things that are going wrong. Instead of seeing the four A’s on the report card, we fixate on the C. Instead of hearing all the compliments, we only remember the criticism. Instead of celebrating a job well done, we worry about that one thing that went wrong. Instead of cheering for that half-pound weight loss, we lament the fact that we still have 20 pounds left to go.

Instead of seeing our glass half full, we wonder where all the water went.

A few years ago, I attended a business coaching program with a company called Strategic Coach. Once a quarter, I’d go to Toronto for a day of learning, followed by a second day of workshops. It was a big commitment and a lot of travel, but I can honestly say it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made, not just for my small business, but for myself.

But if I were to identify the one single thing that made the biggest impact for me, it was probably the one simple trick I learned for keeping my glass half full.

In fact, it is almost so simple—and yet so powerful—that I don’t know how I managed to go almost 40 years of my life without knowing it.

Are you ready for it?

It’s writing down my wins, every single day.

Every time something good or positive or unexpected happens, I write it down. Every time I have a success or a triumph, however small, I write it down. Every time I make progress in the right direction, however minimal, I write it down.

It only takes a few seconds, and yet this ridiculously simple habit, over the course of the last few years, has changed everything.

Because in all honesty, the last six months have been far from perfect. There have been a lot of really hard moments. Frustrations. Setbacks. Betrayals. Stress. Tragedy. Disappointment.

But keeping track of, and actually writing down, all the good moments? That’s the one small difference that has completely changed my perspective. It keeps me looking at the positive, even when life throws a curveball or two my way.

Zig Zigler once said that “the choice to have a great attitude is something that nobody or no circumstance can take away from you.” Along those same lines, Dale Carnagie wrote “it isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”

In other words? It’s what we choose to focus on that will ultimately determine what we see.

My challenge for you this week is to try this one simple trick, just for a week, and see what happens. Whenever you notice something good—a kind word, a compliment, a small triumph or success, jot it down. Keep track of the things that go right, then keep your list nearby as a reminder for when they don’t. You might just be amazed at the results!

Live with purpose friends, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Back-to-school time is right around the corner (here in Florida my kids actually started school TODAY), and I always love using this time of year as an excuse to get refocused on my goals and priorities. If you’re ready to hit the reset button, then I’d love to have you join me next Thursday for a free LIVE training called Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done. There are a few different times to choose from, and it is completely free to join, but you do have to register, as seats are limited. Get registered HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Happy Monday Matthew!

Finding our purpose in life isn’t always a smooth path. In fact, it very rarely is.

And sometimes, when we’ve made enough mistakes, it can feel like we might never figure it out.

But sometimes it’s those very mistakes that actually end up becoming our defining moments.

And, that’s why I’m so excited to have blogger and podcaster Rachel Ritlop here on Episode 69 of the Do It Scared® Podcast, to talk about finding your calling and having the courage to move on, even when you've screwed up so badly that redemption seems impossible.

And I promise that what she has to share today about the worst moments of her life is nothing short of transformative, courageous, and inspiring.

Once you listen HERE, hit reply to this email or message me on Instagram to let me know what you think!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Happy Monday Matthew!

Just a quick heads up to let you know that our newest episode of the Do It Scared® podcast is live!

This week’s guest is miner-turned-freelance writer Gina Godeen, who’s here to share her inspiring story of starting over, along with some super practical advice for how you know it’s time to pivot...along with the practical steps you need to take.

You can find it on iTunes HERE or listen on our website HERE. It’s the perfect dose of motivation & inspiration to get your week started off right!

Happy listening!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Hello, Matthew!

Please tell me I’m not the only parent who hates homework.

The begging, the pleading, the fighting and cajoling…for years homework in our house has been little more than an exercise in frustration and resulted in more than a few tears (both theirs and mine!)

Honestly, it felt like I was losing the battle. And yet, I wasn’t quite sure how to fix the problem.

Until, that is, my friend JoAnn handed me a solution that literally changed our lives. It was called Homework 911– a course she developed FOR KIDS to teach them how to get their homework done ON THEIR OWN.

It literally changed everything for us. Not only did my kids love watching it, but they actually implemented her solutions, all by themselves. In one evening, our homework battles were a thing of the past.

If I were planning to have more kids, I think I would owe my next-born to JoAnn. Her course was THAT good.

So why am I telling you this?

It’s because Joann just published a book called Drama Free Homework that shares all her secrets for solving your homework struggles, and for the next 3 days, you can not only get the Kindle version of her book FREE on Amazon, you can grab her awesome book bonuses free HERE as well!

It’s a sweet deal for any parent, and one I would definitely recommend taking advantage of right away, because Joann is basically a genius when it comes to kids.

Here’s what to do:

1. Get Drama Free Homework FREE on Amazon (if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the app for any device HERE)
2. Get your free book bonuses HERE

That’s all for now– have a great day! (And you’re welcome!)

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Homework 911 isn’t available right now, but enrollment should be opening soon! I’ll be sure to email you when it does--it’s SO GOOD!

Hi, Matthew!

Do you want to know the biggest thing that holds us back from accomplishing our goals and dreams?

It’s not how smart or talented we are.

Or how much free time we have.

It’s not how much money we earn, or where we live, or our level of education. It’s not our athletic ability or the way we look. It’s not whether or not our spouse is supportive, or whether we had a good childhood, or that the deck might be stacked against us.

Believe it or not, it’s none of those things.

In fact, most of the time, all of those things are nothing more than excuses.

No, the number one thing that holds us back from accomplishing our goals and dreams is something every single one of us faces, and that every single one of us—no matter how many other advantages we may have—must overcome.

It’s FEAR.

It’s the fear that we aren’t good enough, or the fear that someone might laugh at us, or the fear it will be too hard.

But mostly, it is the fear that we might fail.

That we will fall flat on our face.

It terrifies us.

Paralyzes us.

It holds us back and prevents us from even trying.

We’ve all experienced it.

Whether it be the fear of asking for that promotion at work, the fear of taking the leap and starting our own business, the fear of going back to school or speaking in front of a crowd or daring to travel to a new country. It could be the fear of getting serious about paying off debt, the fear of setting limits with our kids, or the fear of setting boundaries with a friend or family member who is taking advantage of us.

There are a million different ways in which our fear holds us back. A million different ways in which we let fear win.

But do you know what I’ve learned?

Sometimes, we just need a plan. A tangible road map to follow. A tool designed to help us take action, even when we feel afraid.

Because ultimately, action is the antidote to fear.

And that’s exactly why the Living Well Planner® is so completely life changing. It’s the first of its kind—an all-in-one tool not just for planning your days, but for keeping track of your budget, managing your home, planning your meals, and reaching your goals. And every single page is designed to help you take action so that you can not just get more done, but get the most important things done.

Here are just a few reasons why our planner is better than the rest:

As always, the Living Well Planner is undated, so that you can begin using it at any time. And all that really means is that there’s no excuse not to get started right away.

Isn’t it time you gave yourself permission to actually go after your own goals and dreams? While we can’t do the work for you, this planner will help you get there...it’ll help you take back your time, and give you space to be the best version of yourself, the best mom, the best wife, and friend and person that you want to be!

And it will not only empower, enable, and inspire you to take back your time and manage your schedule, it’ll also allow you to focus on your BIG goals while still navigating the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities of running your home.

In other words?

It is the sanity saver we’ve ALL been waiting for!

There are just two days left to take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner during our Semi-Annual Sale, so if you are a last-minute girl like me, you’re getting down to the wire.

You should also know that due to some production limitations, we have a more limited quantity of planners available this year, which means that we WILL sell out, even faster than we have the past two years. I highly recommend ordering sooner, rather than later (as in….right now!)

Get your planner HERE.

And here’s to creating the life you want—a life you LOVE!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. If you didn’t get a chance to catch my free webinar, “Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done,” be sure to catch the replay! I shared some super practical tips for things you can do right now to feel more organized and on top of it this year, even as the busy tornado of life swirls around you. You can watch the replay HERE.

Happy Thursday Matthew!

Not too long ago, my youngest daughter Annie came home in tears because another girl in her class had been mean to her.

“She said I was bad at math,” she sobbed, “and she won’t let me play with her. Why doesn’t she like me mommy?”

And I have to be completely honest—my very first thought was to kick that little girl’s you-know-what! When faced with adversity, I tend to be a fighter, not a runner, and my mama bear claws were ready to swipe. Because in that moment, all I wanted to do was make it all better, make my daughter stop hurting, and teach that other little girl a big fat lesson.

Instead, I held her tight and wiped the big round tears that were rolling down Annie’s cheek while we talked. I told her I was so sorry that this girl had been unkind, and that I knew what she said wasn’t true.

“But you are good at math,” I told her, “in fact, you are one of the top kids in your whole class. Why do you think she would have said that?”

“I don’t know mommy. She just doesn’t like me. She said I was slow because I’m always the last one done.”

Anxious to fix it and to make her feel better, I went straight into problem-solving mode, suggesting a few clever—and perhaps not very nice—jabs she could throw out the next time this girl wasn’t nice.

“You have to stick up for yourself honey. Don’t let anyone else steal your power. You tell that girl she’s being a jerk.”

(Perhaps not my finest parenting moment.)

Annie wasn’t having it. “I don’t want to be mean, mommy. Then I would be just like her, and I’m not mean.”

Ouch.

The next day, when we arrived to pick her up from school, Annie ran to the car, beaming from ear to ear. She could hardly wait to tell us what had happened.

“I beat her, Mommy! We had math today, and I concentrated really hard, and I was the first one done in the whole class! I’m not bad at math! I won!”

I don’t think, in that moment, I could have been any prouder. She chose the high road—no small feat for a second grader—and I couldn’t help but be inspired.

Marcus Aurelius once said, “the best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” Along those same lines, Louisa May Alcott once wrote, “because they are mean is no reason why I should be. I hate such things, and though I think I've a right to be hurt, I don't intend to show it.”

In other words? You can’t get ahead when you are busy trying to get even.

I wish I could say that mean girls go away at some point, but I think we all know that’s not true. Whether you are 7 or 70, chances are you can think of at least one person in your life who fits the bill. Mean girls exist at every age, in every social setting we encounter, whether it be the women at work, the ladies at church, the clique at the gym, or the other moms in our neighborhood or at our kids’ school.

We’ve all experienced it, and it hurts. A lot.

And when it happens, our first instinct is usually one of two things—we either want to retaliate and be nasty right back, or we pull back and hide. Either way they win.

But there’s a third option—we can choose to hold our head high, and to buckle down and get to work. We can choose to ignore the criticism or those little digs, and to instead prove our naysayers wrong. We can be kind and strong and wise, and better than that person that wants to bring us down.

My challenge for you this week is to do just that. Dig deep to find that reserve of strength inside yourself and resolve to win. Actively choose kindness over pettiness, and choose grace over bitterness. Be brave enough to stand up for the underdog instead of going with the crowd. Be the friend you always wanted. You might just be amazed at the results.

Live with purpose, friend, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Did you grab your free copy of my friend JoAnn’s new book, Drama Free Homework yet? It’s SO good! Get it on Amazon HERE, then get your free book bonuses HERE. It’s packed with super practical tips and strategies for helping your kids take control of their own homework routine!!

P.P.S. Don’t forget that our Semi-Annual Sale ends TOMORROW!! It’s your last chance to grab the Living Well Planner® at the lowest price of the year! Be sure to grab yours HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Hi, Matthew!

I think this is what they call “the dog days of summer.”

And if you are a parent with kids still at home, you probably know exactly what I mean! It’s that time of the year when our kids—as much as we love them—are starting to drive us just a little bit crazy, and we’re starting to think about how great it will feel to get refocused come fall.

You might even be secretly counting the days until school starts again.

(Or maybe that’s just me.)

In any case, if this is you, and if you are dreaming of making a fresh start this school year, or of getting back on track for your goals (or even setting some new ones), and being a whole lot more organized, then I would love to invite you to join me for a FREE live training this coming Thursday, August 8th, called Reclaim Your Sanity: 7 Simple Strategies to Take Back Your Time & Get More Done.

If you’ve ever attended one of my live trainings, you know that they are a lot of fun, and always jam-packed full of practical tips that you can apply right away, along with a strong dose of encouragement. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and even get feedback on your specific dilemmas.

There will be two times to choose from—10am ET and 1pm ET, so you can attend when it is most convenient for you. (Get more details HERE.)

It is free to attend, but you do have to register in order to receive the link. The one thing you do need to know is that space is limited and we are expecting a very full house, so I recommend showing up at least a few minutes early if you can!

Most of the tips will apply no matter what season of life you happen to be in, but are especially helpful for those parents just about to start a new school year!

That’s all for now—I hope to see you in the live training next Thursday!

xoxo, Ruth

Hi Matthew!

It’s been a little over 2 weeks since Do It Scared® debuted into the world, and in the midst of all the craziness surrounding this book launch, I just wanted to take a few minutes to say this:

THANK YOU!!!

Here’s a little snapshot of what you helped do in just a few short weeks:

#1 New Release in Women and Business

#1 in Business Mentoring and Coaching

Ranked in the top 150 on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books List

And whether you are new to this community, or you’ve been part of LWSL or Elite Blog Academy for a while now, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your support and enthusiasm for this book, and for the message of Do It Scared.

But do you want to know the really cool part?

This is a book that is already changing lives! (Because while it is categorized on Amazon as a business book, it is really a book for EVERYONE!)

And there is so much more where that came from—just search #doitscaredmovement on Instagram!

But there’s even more great news!

Our book bonuses are still available, but not for much longer! And if you already bought the book or purchased it offline then you qualify for all the bonuses!! Simply fill out the form with your order number HERE.

Here’s what it includes:

• Free Premium Do It Scared® Fear Assessment Report. Our premium report will give you a lot more insight into your top three Fear Archetypes, including how they interact—and what you can do about them. (Trust me, you’ll want your premium results while you read the book).

• 1 Month Trial Membership to Doing It Scared™. Our exclusive members-only community was created to provide accountability, motivation, and encouragement to anyone who’s chasing a dream or going after a big goal.

• The Do It Scared Workbook. Designed to bring the lessons alive, it will help you maximize the impact the book has on your own life!

That’s all for now—thanks again, and have a great evening!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Haven’t purchased the book yet? Here’s what to do next:

1. Order the book HERE
2. Fill out the form HERE to claim your bonuses
3. Check your email your bonuses and membership access

Hi Matthew!

What could you do with a little more time?

The truth is that we all get the same 24 hours, but without a good system for setting goals, taking action, and getting things done, it is easy to see those precious hours slip away.

And if you’ve ever felt like you are just treading water and not really making progress towards all those things you really want to do, then keep reading, because I might just have the solution you didn’t even know you were looking for.

It’s called Tame Your Time.

It’s our comprehensive system designed to help you organize your time, crush your goals, and get more done in just nine simple and super practical lessons. You can complete the whole course in an afternoon, but what you’ll learn will literally change the way you approach your to-do list forever.

And right now, for two days only, during our Secret 36 Hour Flash Sale, you can save more than 65% off the regular price of $297, and get it for just $97.

It’s an insanely good deal, but you’ll have to act quick!

I’ll see you inside the course!

xoxo, Ruth

Hi, Matthew!

Just wanted to send out a quick note to remind you that our Semi-Annual Sale ends tonight at midnight.

That means it’s your last chance to take advantage of our lowest price of the year on the Living Well Planner®.

At this point, we are dangerously close to selling out, so I highly recommend ordering now! As you may remember, we have sold out the past few years, and when that happens it can take up to 6 months to get our planner back in stock. I’m not kidding when I tell you it’s important to get your order in ASAP!

Get your planner HERE.

xoxo, Ruth

Hi, Matthew!

Have you ever dreamed about becoming a writer or publishing a book? If so, I wanted to let you know that on Tuesday at 4pm ET I’m co-hosting a training with my good friend Chandler Bolt, founder of Self-Publishing School, that walks you through everything you need to know about publishing your first book.

It’s called “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...The Busy Person’s Guide to Getting It Done In Just 30 Minutes Per Day," and it is completely free to join, but you do have to register, which you can do HERE.

Hope to see you there!

xoxo, Ruth

Hi, Matthew!

If you’ve never dreamed of being a writer, then this email probably isn’t for you.

But how to become a published author is something I get asked about all the time.

And believe me, I totally understand that dream and that longing, because I had it too.

That’s exactly why, if you have a dream of writing a book, I wanted to make sure you saw that this afternoon at 4pm ET, I’m co-hosting a training with my good friend Chandler Bolt, founder of Self-Publishing School, that will walk you through everything you need to know about publishing your first book.

It’s called “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...The Busy Person’s Guide to Getting It Done In Just 30 Minutes Per Day,” and it is completely free to join, but you do have to register, which you can do HERE.

Hope to see you there!

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Monday Matthew!

Just a quick heads up to let you know that our newest episode of the Do It Scared® podcast is live!

This week’s guest is lawyer-turned-interior-designer Tasha Agruso, who’s back to share more of her incredible story and also explain why creating a space you love is such an act of courage.

You can find it on iTunes HERE or listen on our website HERE. It’s the perfect dose of motivation & inspiration to get your week started off right!

Happy listening!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.

Happy Thursday Matthew!

Not too long ago, I attended the funeral of a friend of ours from our former church.

Ms. Jenile was an older woman, one who had taken us under her wing from the moment we arrived there, a woman who lovingly taught both my girls Sunday School and who volunteered in the office during the week.

She was a woman who always showed up, not to be front and center, but to be in the background, serving wherever she was needed. Later, when I served on the children’s ministry team, I always knew she was the one volunteer we could always count on, the one who would be there no matter what, never to take charge, but just to shower every child with as much love as she could.

She gave of her time--and her heart--without ever complaining that she was too busy, or too old, or, after she was diagnosed with lung cancer, too sick. She gave to the end, always with a cheerful heart.

And while I sat there at her funeral and listened to her friends and family recount how willingly she served, I couldn't help but think that hers was a life we should all be striving for. Because while we were sad to have to say goodbye, her funeral was a celebration of a life that had made a difference.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “a great man is always willing to be little.” Along those lines, someone else wisely noted, “success consists of doing the common things in life uncommonly well.”

In other words? Success isn’t how great you can become, it’s how you live your life.

To a world that values grand gestures and celebrity, my friend Jenile—who spent much of her life namelessly toiling in the background—may not have been considered a “success.” She wasn’t wealthy or famous. She didn’t live in a big house or drive some fancy car. She hadn’t climbed the corporate ladder or impressed the world with her accomplishments and accolades.

But there is not a doubt in my mind that the first thing she heard, upon taking her last breath here on earth, was "well done, my good and faithful servant."

May we all be THAT successful!

My challenge for you this week, as we say goodbye to summer and start ramping up for the busyness of the fall, is to remember to adopt a servant’s heart. Look for small ways to bless the people around you, quietly and humbly, without expecting anything in return. I promise there is always something you can do!

Live with purpose, friend, and have a wonderful week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. Is one of your goals to get more organized this fall? My friend Laura is hosting a free online summit in September called Organized HQ, and I’ll be one of the featured speakers! It’s free to attend, and you can watch from the comfort of your own home, but you DO have to register--simply get signed up HERE.

WHAT'S TRENDING THIS WEEK AT RSO:

Hi Matthew!

It was my daughter Maggie’s 13th birthday this past week, and like last year, all she wanted to do is get organized so she can do more crafts! It totally cracks me up.

In any case, it reminded me that my friend Laura’s online summit, Organizing HQ, will be happening very soon, and I haven’t had a chance to tell you about it yet! It’s a free five-day virtual summit dedicated to helping you get organized and create practical solutions for your home, schedule and life.

It’s going to be a lot of fun (I’m one of the speakers!) and the best part is that it’s completely free! All you have to do is get registered HERE.

I’ll see you there!

xoxo, Ruth

Happy Monday Matthew!

Just a quick heads up to let you know that our newest episode of the Do It Scared® podcast is live!

This week we’re chatting with health coach Brandice Lardner about overcoming body image issues and daring to make peace with yourself, exactly as you are.

You can find it on iTunes HERE or listen on our website HERE. It’s the perfect dose of motivation & inspiration to get your week started off right!

Happy listening!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play, or click here to access the show notes and transcript or listen on our website.