

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

May 11, 2021 • 19min
35 - What Do You Notice?
35 - What Do You Notice?
Are you tired of the same old routine and want to spice up your daily life? I talk about the book The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker. He has great advice to see more of the world around you.! First, put away all your distractions, and focus on the world around you. Try to count down from 100 or find ten mistakes on your walk. You can even pretend to be a historian or a spy! Look at the world around you through different eyes, and notice the smells, sounds, and emotions. And don’t forget to record your observations, whether it’s keeping a nature log or taking a photo. So, why not challenge yourself to notice three new things every day? Get ready to explore and discover the world around you by what you learn!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2632
https://robwalker.substack.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

May 4, 2021 • 21min
34 - Meeting New Co-Workers but Keep the Old
34 - Meeting New Co-Workers but Keep the Old
In this episode, we’re discussing how to advance your career and take on new challenges. I review the book Rise by Patty Azzarello, and she shares valuable insights on finding a mentor, connecting with colleagues, and staying up-to-date on industry trends. She also emphasizes the importance of idea-making and confidently telling the story of what you can bring to the table. Tune in for more career-boosting tips! https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2619
https://azzarellogroup.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Apr 27, 2021 • 23min
33 - Look the Part to Feel the Part
I review the book Rise by Patty Azzarello. As a translator between your customers and co-workers, it’s important to make sure you’re always relevant to the company’s needs. Identify your personal brand and make sure every project and communication exudes that brand. Don’t annoy stakeholders - be brief and give them exactly the information they need. Don’t disappear - have a presence and be prepared to take constructive criticism. And finally, always have ready answers and stories to give the best possible response to any challenge. If you are interested in advancing your career even when it feels like it is stuck, listen to this episode.
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2619
https://azzarellogroup.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Apr 20, 2021 • 25min
32 - Focus on the Right Job
32 - Focus on the Right Job
Today, we’re going to be talking about how you can get ahead in your career. We’ll be reviewing a book called “Rise” by Patty Azzarello, which is all about what companies want in their employees and how you can get promoted the right way. One of the key takeaways is that you need to go above and beyond your job description by doing what needs to be done. But how do you make sure you’re focusing on the right things? Well, the book suggests keeping a priority list and building in a time buffer so you have time to think and plan. It’s also important to protect your important projects and communicate effectively with your boss and coworkers. And finally, building trust in your community at work is crucial for getting those top projects and promotions. So, if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, stay tuned for some great tips and insights! Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2619
https://azzarellogroup.com/
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Apr 13, 2021 • 18min
31 - The Future Wants Action
31 - The Future Wants Action On today’s episode, we review the book “How to Decide” by Annie Duke. She provides a great method for making objective decisions using CUDOS. We’ll break that down and give you some practical tips to help you make better decisions. Plus, we’ll talk about how to avoid biases and make decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2564
https://www.annieduke.com/books/
Seinfeld on the ignoring the future and Night Guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHPtYfMh7A
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Apr 6, 2021 • 24min
30 - 95% Chance of Better Decisions
30 – 95% Chance of Better Decisions
Today we’re going to be talking about a book called “How to Decide” by Annie Duke. It’s all about thinking like a poker player and making good decisions even when you don’t have all the facts. We’ll be discussing the concept of thinking in percentages instead of black-and-white thinking, reducing errors, and getting away from bias. It’s a great read for anyone looking to make better decisions in their life.
Link
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2559
https://www.annieduke.com/books/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYNsSeYjkp4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBOxgsWrU3k
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2559
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Mar 24, 2021 • 18min
29 - Dance a Little and Take a Nap
29 – Dance a Little and Take a Nap
In this episode, we will discuss preparing for a tough conversation. We’ll cover everything from getting a good night’s sleep to identifying negative thoughts and picking the right location for the conversation. You’ll learn to warm up the other person and be in the right frame of mind. And most importantly, we’ll give you a mental phrase to repeat in your head to stay strong and talk slowly. So buckle up, and let’s dive into how to have a successful tough conversation. That’s a mentor, a friend, someone to vent to, or a professional counselor.
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2542
Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Mar 23, 2021 • 18min
28 - Is this a good question?
28 – Is this a good question?
I am diving into the art of negotiation with Alexandra Carter’s book, Ask For More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything. She suggests using action verbs and open-ended questions while keeping an eye on body language and emotions. It’s important to clarify with “Tell me” questions and to know when to keep silent. By framing the situation in the best possible light and finding the middle ground, both parties can come out as winners. So, let’s start negotiating like a pro!
Linkshttps://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2478
https://alexcarterasks.com/book/
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2521
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Mar 15, 2021 • 24min
27 – Negotiate the River Of Your Life
27 – Negotiate the River Of Your Life
Do you know what can be really intimidating? Negotiating. But don’t worry, I am sharing the book Ask For More by Alexandra Carter. it’s packed with some seriously valuable tips on how to prepare for a negotiation. First, figure out what you want and what problem you’re trying to solve. Then, turn those issues around and make them positive. And don’t forget to figure out what the other person needs, too! During the negotiation, keep your eyes and ears open, take notes, and follow up on any action items. And last but not least, have a BATNA - the best alternative to a negotiated agreement. So, if you’re ready to become a negotiation pro, keep listening!
Links
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2502
https://alexcarterasks.com/book/
https://www.brodow.com/Ten-Tips-For-Negotiating
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140706235222-29831932-5-steps-to-create-a-strong-batna-for-negotiation-success/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140318020938-1468172-top-10-tips-when-negotiating/
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

Mar 9, 2021 • 21min
26 - Have Insight in Sight
26 - Have Insight in Sight
Today’s topic is all about self-awareness as discussed in the book Insight by Tasha Eurich. It’s important to understand what’s going on inside of you, as well as how others perceive you. Look out for those “alarm clock moments” - whether it’s a new role, new rules, or just everyday insights - and really listen to what they’re telling you. And don’t just focus on yourself - getting feedback from others can be just as valuable. Make sure you choose the right people to give you feedback, ask specific questions, and focus on one or two things at a time. It’s all about gaining a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Linkshttps://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2490
https://www.insight-book.com/
https://www.kornferry.com/insights/articles/565-accurate-self-insight-decreases-derailment-risk
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2015/01/08/top-ranked-leaders-know-this-secret-ask-for-feedback/?sh=1bfa53bb3195
https://www.successpodcast.com/blog/2018/6/25/adam-grants-guide-to-success-and-self-awareness
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2006/04/11/americans-see-weight-problems-everywhere-but-in-the-mirror/
https://hbr.org/2015/03/research-were-not-very-self-aware-especially-at-work
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youre-not-all-that-self-promoters-six-times-more-likely-to-derail-according-to-pdi-ninth-house-and-university-of-minnesota-study-147742375.html
Jill’s Linkshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
Twitter startwithsmallsteps
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com


