

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

Jul 20, 2021 • 24min
45 - Growing from People You Admire
45 - Growing from People You Admire
I share some great tips on how to draw inspiration from the people you admire and apply it to your own life. I talk about creating a genius journal and offer some creative challenges to help you embody the traits you want to cultivate. I also highlight some incredible individuals like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Charles Schultz, Frederick Douglass, and Malala Yousafzai, and share how you can apply their achievements and traits to your own life. Tune in and get inspired!
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2689
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jul 13, 2021 • 25min
44 - Analyze Geniuses to Change Your Life
44 - Analyze Geniuses to Change Your Life
Today we’re going to talk about something really exciting - how to achieve your goals by learning from the traits of successful people. So, first things first, let’s pick 10 people who inspire us and have traits that we want to emulate. Then, we’re going to analyze their achievements and the traits that made them so successful. We’ll compare them to our own characteristics and figure out which traits we need to work on to achieve our goals. And finally, we’ll find unique ways to apply these traits to our lives and our dreams - whether it’s through creating a coat of shields or writing down the harshest insults in a creative way. So, let’s get started on this journey toward success!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2683
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLv4Brza978
https://michaelgelb.com/programs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3s3yGRiCy8
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jul 6, 2021 • 23min
43 - Get Ahead with High Performance Habits
43 -Get Ahead with High-Performance Habits
Today we’re talking about how to become a high-performance person. First, take a test to see if you have the six skills it takes to be one. Then, focus on gaining clarity and generating energy by taking care of your physical health. Increase your productivity by working with your team and developing influence through building trust and demonstrating courage. Figure out the skills you need to accomplish your goals and avoid characteristics that are detrimental to being a high-performance person. And remember, as you gain clarity and energy, productivity will follow. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you’re just starting out - you got this!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2677
https://www.growthday.com/hp6-assessment
https://www.growthday.com/hph-tools
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jun 29, 2021 • 17min
42 - Identify Your Core to Gain Presence
42 - Identify Your Core to Gain Presence
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll explore the secrets to identifying your true self and unlocking your full potential with the framework of the book Presence by Amy Cuddy. We’ll discuss finding your three unique words, signature strengths, and values and how to combine them to create a powerful essay that reflects your passion. We’ll also explore the importance of confidence without arrogance and the benefits of feeling empowered. Join me as I delve into the world of personal growth and development.
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2670
https://www.amycuddy.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jun 22, 2021 • 18min
41- Be Genuine to Have Presence
41- Be Genuine to Have Presence
On today’s episode we’re discussing how to improve your body language to appear more authentic and confident. We’ll be sharing some tips from Amy Cuddy’s book “Presence” that you can start using right away. Learn how to take up space, have good posture, and stay positive in your conversations. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to convince others that you’re genuine and confident. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2665
https://www.amycuddy.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jun 15, 2021 • 18min
40 - Find Friends and New Activities
40 - Find Friends & New Activities
Are you looking to expand your social circle and make new friends? Well, you’re in luck because today we’ve got some tips for you. First up, say yes to new adventures and other people. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and start a conversation. Next, try joining clubs or attending sporting events or meetup groups where you can meet like-minded individuals. Don’t forget about your old friends either; don’t be afraid to join and meet their friends. And, of course, there are online groups and chat rooms where you can connect with people virtually before meeting up in person. Remember to keep an open mind and embrace friendships with people who may be different from you. Who knows, you might just make some of the most incredible friendships of your life! https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2660
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jun 8, 2021 • 18min
39 - Good Grief
39 – Good Grief
We’re going to talk about how to cope with loss and grief. It’s important to understand that everyone experiences loss differently, and there’s no structured timetable for when you’ll “get over it.” Some healthy ways to cope include finding a ritual to mark the end of whatever you’ve lost, adopting healthy habits, and seeking counseling or advice from those around you. So, whether it’s the end of a job, a relationship, or something else, it’s important to take care of yourself and find healthy ways to move forward.
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2654
https://www.usurnsonline.com/grief-loss/mourning-a-death/
https://www.wikihow.com/Mourn
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/04/learning-how-to-mourn-during-a-pandemic/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Jun 1, 2021 • 19min
38 - Let Adversity Make You Awesome
38 - Let Adversity Make You Awesome
In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to overcome anxiety and failure in your life with the Book You are Awesome by Neil Pasricha. We’ll explore practical tips to help you become failure-proof and create a positive mindset. Learn how to use magic words to take the sting out of negative situations and shift the spotlight away from yourself. We’ll also discuss how to reframe failures as learning opportunities and embrace the uncertainty of the future. So get ready to take on new challenges and pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you’re doing.
Linkshttps://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2650
https://www.neil.blog/you-are-awesome-book-neil-pasricha
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

May 25, 2021 • 18min
37 - Be Everything at Work by Smooshing
37 - Be Everything at Work by Smooshing
Today’s episode is about how to become a valuable employee by using your skills as a multipotentialite or someone who likes to be good at many things. I discuss the book How To Be Everything by Emily Wapnick. We’ll discuss some key takeaways, including the importance of having various skills, finding the right balance between boredom and overwhelm, and experimenting with different jobs and assignments. Plus, we’ll explore four different work models and how to communicate your diverse skills to your boss. So, if you’re ready to become an indispensable team member by bringing everything you are good at, let’s get started!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2642
http://howtobeeverything.com/
https://puttylike.com/
https://puttylike.com/tedx/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

May 18, 2021 • 16min
36 - Be Everything
36 - Be Everything
On today’s episode, we’re diving into the idea of being a “multipotentialite” - someone who doesn’t have to pick just one thing to do in life. We’ll be looking at the book “How To Be Everything” by Emily Wapnick and exploring the benefits of being a generalist. We’ll learn about the three C’s and how to balance them, as well as the importance of networking and finding like-minded individuals. Plus, we’ll discuss how to overcome doubt and know when it’s time to move on from something. So, if you’re someone who loves to do lots of different things and wants to learn how to make the most of your skills, this episode is for you!
Linkshttps://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2640
http://howtobeeverything.com/
https://puttylike.com/
https://puttylike.com/tedx/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com


