

Start with Small Steps
Jill from The Northwoods
Start With Small Steps is a practical, thoughtful podcast about making meaningful progress in everyday life—without overwhelm. Each episode breaks big ideas into small, manageable steps you can actually use, whether you’re working on habits, health, productivity, faith, or personal growth.
Instead of chasing quick fixes or perfect systems, this podcast focuses on steady change, reflection, and realistic action. You’ll hear clear explanations, relatable examples, and simple frameworks designed to help you think better, choose wisely, and keep moving forward—even when life feels complicated or slow.
Start With Small Steps is for anyone who wants growth that fits real life: small actions, honest reflection, and progress that lasts.
Instead of chasing quick fixes or perfect systems, this podcast focuses on steady change, reflection, and realistic action. You’ll hear clear explanations, relatable examples, and simple frameworks designed to help you think better, choose wisely, and keep moving forward—even when life feels complicated or slow.
Start With Small Steps is for anyone who wants growth that fits real life: small actions, honest reflection, and progress that lasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2022 • 24min
114 - Fight Back Against Bad Thoughts
114 - Fight Back Against Bad Thoughts
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions? You can take control of your emotions and thoughts. Let’s break free from unrealistic demands and irrational beliefs and gain self-control and free will. By using the scientific method, we can figure out what works for us and take small steps toward changing our thoughts and behaviors. So, are you ready to say goodbye to negative thoughts and hello to a happier, healthier you? Let’s do this together!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3380
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Nov 8, 2022 • 27min
113 - Get in the Right Gear
113 - Get in the Right Gear
Do you ever feel like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done? The book 5 Gears - How to be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram has got you covered! This insightful read dives into the importance of being in the right “gear” for different activities. From focus mode to rest mode, this book covers it all. But it’s not just about balancing your modes, it’s about communicating your schedule and expectations with others too. Don’t get stuck in one gear for too long - learn how to effortlessly transition between them.
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3375
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Nov 1, 2022 • 21min
112 - Awkward Awesomeness
112 - Awkward Awesomeness
If you’re looking for a book that will help you turn your social awkwardness into an awesome asset, then “The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome” by Ty Tashiro, PhD is the perfect read for you. This book takes a fresh approach to the topic of social awkwardness by highlighting its positive aspects, such as the ability to pay close attention to detail. Not only that, but it also provides practical tips for improving your social skills, like creating a chart of emotional responses to help navigate social situations and focusing on fairness, kindness, and loyalty when trying to be likable. In this podcast, we dive into the author’s insights on the topic and how you can use them to identify areas of awkwardness in your own life and create a plan for improvement. So, if you’re ready to take a step towards becoming a more confident and socially skilled individual, tune in to this episode now!
https://tytashiro.com/awkwardaweasome/
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/04/awkwardness-why/524385/
https://www.ted.com/talks/ty_tashiro_why_we_re_socially_awkward_and_why_that_s_awesome
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3371
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Oct 25, 2022 • 21min
111 - Use the BICAT System to Think Better
111 - Use the BICAT System to Think Better
Get ready to sharpen your decision-making skills with the book “How to Think Like a Lawyer and Why” by Kim Wehle! In this podcast, we break down the five-step framework for making good decisions and how it can be applied to everyday situations like buying a house or choosing a job. We’ll explore the importance of identifying biases and arguing against ourselves to avoid them. So grab a notebook, and let’s dive into the world of critical thinking!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54109216-how-to-think-like-a-lawyer
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3357
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Oct 18, 2022 • 19min
110 - How Lawyers Think and Decide
110 - How Lawyers Think and Decide
I delve into the world of legal analysis and decision-making by reviewing the book by Kim Wehle, “How to Think Like a Lawyer and Why” as we explore the nuanced and analytical approach lawyers take to problem-solving. Discover how you too can apply these methods to everyday dilemmas and make better decisions. In the second half of the episode, we’ll dive deeper into the framework of lawyer thinking and how it can help you develop creative solutions that work.
https://www.npr.org/2022/03/08/1085099905/law-professor-kim-wehles-latest-book-is-how-to-think-like-a-lawyer-and-why
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3350
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Oct 11, 2022 • 21min
109 - Serotonin, Cortisol, and Dopamine
109 - Serotonin, Cortisol, and Dopamine
We delve into the fascinating world of brain chemistry and hormones! Discover how the levels of serotonin, cortisol, and dopamine in our brains can have a huge impact on our mood, stress levels, and even our sleep and bone density. We’ll explore the addictive power of dopamine and how low serotonin levels can leave us feeling tired and unmotivated. Plus, I’ll share the secrets of how cortisol can regulate our stress and blood sugar levels, all while keeping our hormones in balance for optimal health. Don’t miss out on this valuable information - tune in now and empower yourself to take control of your health and well-being!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3339
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Oct 4, 2022 • 22min
108 – Lose a job? Don’t Panic!
108 – Lose a job? Don’t Panic!
Are you feeling down after losing your job? Don’t panic! In “Overcoming Redundancy” by Gordon Adams, you’ll find valuable advice on how to bounce back and take charge of your career. From networking to identifying your values and career anchors, this book offers a roadmap to success. But that’s not all! The author also suggests taking the opportunity to learn new skills and explore exciting new opportunities. So, dream big, prepare your elevator speech, and get ready to find a job that meets your needs and makes you happy and fulfilled!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3334
Overcoming Redundancy: 52 inspiring ideas to help you bounce ...Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › book › show › 45047460-...
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Sep 27, 2022 • 27min
107 - The 1-Page Marketing Strategy
107 - The 1-Page Marketing Strategy
I review “The 1 Page Marketing Strategy” and I have to say, it’s a game-changer for small businesses. The author stresses the importance of identifying a specific target audience and crafting a clear message, which has already helped me focus my marketing efforts. Plus, the book offers practical advice on lead capture, nurturing, sales conversion, and customer experience - all crucial elements of a successful marketing plan. I also love the emphasis on content creation and becoming an expert in your niche, which has inspired me to step up my game. If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, I highly recommend checking out this book!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3328
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Sep 20, 2022 • 16min
106 – The Culture of Fortitude and the Self
106 – The Culture of Fortitude and the Self
In this episode, I dive deep into exploring the various cultural attitudes toward personal strength and fortitude. I chat about some cultural concepts such as sisu, fiero, angelic patience, novaturient, and more! I encourage you to tune in and think about which attitude resonates with you the most and how it can help you during tough times and in improving your life.
Links
https://proofed.com/writing-tips/15-useful-foreign-words-that-dont-exist-in-english/
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/20-foreign-words
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3322
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Sep 13, 2022 • 22min
105 - Best Advice of the Last Year
105 - Best Advice of the Last Year
I’m excited to share with you the best advice from the past year of my podcast on our second anniversary! I’ve gathered all the top tips and insights that I know will help you in your personal and professional life. Let’s dive in!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3316
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com Don’ts
Don’t Be Buried by Time Management - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/98-create-new-standards-for-time-and-life/ and https://startwithsmallsteps.com/97-abandon-the-time-trap-by-focusing-on-your-purpose/ and https://startwithsmallsteps.com/96-our-damaging-concept-of-time/Never Lie to Yourself - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/95-ending-the-lies/Never Read Minds - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/93-make-everyone-happier-at-work/Don’t Assume You are Always Right - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/87-changes-that-save-relationships/Don’t Sweat the Wrong Stuff - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/87-changes-that-save-relationships/Act Now - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/81-go-go-now/Don’t Let Your Dopamine be Manipulated - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/80-dopamine-dizziness/Don’t Assume the Negative View is Wrong - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/76-be-negative-and-be-prepared/
Do’s
Is Stress Relief Making Things Worse - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/100-be-childlike-and-see-the-world-in-a-new-way/Discover Your Work Style - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/92-identify-your-work-style/Find Your Season of Life - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/91-thrive-in-the-seasons-of-life/Make a List of Habits to Improve - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/ben-franklins-life-improvement-plan/Find Your Fun Magnets - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/83-are-you-having-fun/Get Courage - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/82-gain-everyday-courage/Come Up with Health Snacks - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/78-take-five-and-a-health-snack/Be a Scientist in Your Own Life - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/74-be-a-scientist-of-your-own-life/Be Your Own Best Friend - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/70-say-yes-to-yourself/Turn Your Goals into an Epic Quest - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/64-geek-and-quest-your-goals/Get Cozy - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/64-geek-and-quest-your-goals/Generous Tit for Tat - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/59-can-nice-people-get-ahead/Find your Ikigai - https://startwithsmallsteps.com/57-pick-the-full-or-half-ikigai/Be Flexible and Look for Opportunities – In a time like this, the best thing we can do is stay loose and look for your chance to act. Even in a rough time, there are chances to get what you want.
Challenge
Think about if you could have an opportunity to knock on your door. What would that look like? What are you looking for that you can start watching out for and ponder? Start looking for those opportunities, and then be ready to jump. 5 4 3 2 1 GO!


