I am BACK from my summer podcast break.

At first, I thought it would just be time to rest, recharge, and soak in the season. 

But what I didn’t expect was how much space it gave me to reflect on what’s next – for my life, for my work, and for this community.

And here’s what surprised me: I realized I’m ready to move beyond good enough.

For years, “good enough” was exactly what I needed. It helped me quiet my perfectionism, show up consistently, and build momentum even when things weren’t perfect.

Good enough has helped me create extraordinary results. That season was necessary.

But as I’ve entered this next chapter, something shifted.

So often, in the second halves of our lives, we start fantasizing about slowing down. And don’t get me wrong – I love my leisure time.

But what I discovered surprised me: I want to grow even more. I want to stretch. I want to see what’s possible.

And truthfully? I have a feeling I’m just getting started.

This week, I’m sharing what this realization means for me – and how it might inspire you to raise your own standard for what’s next.

And for the first time ever, I’m sharing it not just in audio, but on video.

Click here to watch my debut YouTube episode: The Self-Image of Excellence: What Separates the Best from the Rest.

And since this is my very first YouTube video podcast, I’d love your support!

When you watch, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe – it helps me reach more women who are ready to elevate their self-image.

Fair warning: doing new things may feel a little awkward. But that’s the point.

Awkward beginnings are part of becoming excellent.

None of us starts flawlessly – we grow into it. And I’m inviting you to grow right alongside me.

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh standards, and the exciting truth that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

With love,

The Standard You Set

Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

~ often attributed to Aristotle

Here’s the paradox of excellence: it’s not about perfection, it’s about evolving standards. The woman who stays comfortable with “good enough” forever isn’t being kind to herself – she’s limiting herself. There comes a moment when what once felt like growth starts to feel like settling.

Excellence isn’t about being better than everyone else; it’s about being better than who you were yesterday. It’s the willingness to feel awkward again, to be a beginner again, to stretch beyond what feels safe. The standard you set for yourself becomes the ceiling of what you’ll achieve.

Oribe Dry Shampoo

I discovered the Oribe Dry Shampoo a few months ago when my regular brand was out of stock, and now I’m completely converted. What I love is how it actually refreshes my hair instead of just masking oil – it adds volume and that clean, fresh scent that makes it feel like I just left the salon.

There’s something powerful about having products that genuinely deliver on their promises. When I know my hair looks and feels great, I carry myself differently – more confident, more put-together. Sometimes excellence starts with the small details that make you feel like the best version of yourself.

The Self-Image of Excellence: What Separates the Best from the Rest

This is a big moment – my very first video podcast episode, and honestly, I’m feeling all the nerves that come with trying something new. But that’s exactly what this conversation is about: the willingness to be uncomfortable in service of growth.

I dive deep into what it really means to pursue excellence (hint: it’s not perfection) and how to know when you’re ready to raise your standards. This episode is for anyone who’s feeling that pull toward something more.