Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon

I had  a scary wake-up call recently when I was caught in the whirlwind of juggling multiple responsibilities while neglecting my own well-being.  It was a valuable lesson for me on how stress often lurks beneath the surface and then rears its ugly head and stops me in my tracks.  But here’s the thing, I actually think I’m pretty good at self-care. This recent experience though taught me that I was checking off boxes rather than truly getting the rest I needed. In this week’s blog, I share what happened as well as a brief look at the societal norms and workplace expectations that contribute to the normalization of stress, particularly in the entertainment industry. I also offer up practical strategies for recognizing and addressing the warning signs of stress in our lives so we can course correct together and take care of ourselves.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

It's the end of January and I'm wondering if all your good intentions on how you're going to navigate the year and achieve your goals is slipping through your fingers? If yes, you're not alone. (If no, you’re a rock star!) Setting goals can be a thrilling ride, but often, the road to achieving them is paved with unexpected twists. If you've ever found yourself frustrated or contemplating ditching your dreams, this week’s podcast is for you. I explore the seven biggest mistakes in goal-setting and how to get yourself back on track.Check it! 🚀 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Understanding the intent behind your words and actions is what will  determine who is in the driver’s seat of your life and career. You may think that you are driving, but if you are not clear on how you are honoring your values and purpose then your life will slowly and inevitably spin out of control.  And you’re going to feel really crummy along the way.  In this week’s blog, I explore how Intentions aren’t about doing stuff or creating an outcome; they're about “being” and aligning your actions with what’s truly important to you. Check it! And if you like it, give me a thumbs up! 😁 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

As I start to wind down on 2023, I keep returning to the most inspiring book I read this year: Tricia Hersey's Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it as a gift to yourself. When Hersey wrote about Grind Culture, I felt like I was caught in the headlights holding my gigantic to-do list, color coded markers and pomodoro timer. In my final blog and blogcast for 2023, I peak into the normalization of Grind Culture, the toll on my well-being and how I want to honor Hersey’s work. Join me!P.S. As a gift to the Moonshot Mentor community, there are awesome journal questions to reflect on the past year and envision 2024. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Throughout my life, I’ve had this niggling thought that maybe I’ve been playing small. When I learned about the concept of “moonshots” it got me thinking that maybe I was playing small because I was afraid to fail. The very nature of a moonshot is that you’re likely to not succeed, but wow - what a journey it is there to try and get there!! In today’s blog, I explore steps to uncover your unique moonshot, redefine success beyond the conventional, and embrace setbacks with resilience.Sneak peak: moonshots are not solely about grandeur; they are about aligning with your values and purpose. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

I've had the privilege of witnessing people move from stagnation and apathy to motivation, focus, and passion. Some have transformed from timid bystanders into visionary leaders. Others, who once played small or not at all, have changed the trajectory of someone else's life. How did they do this? By aligning their talents and passions into a clearly defined life purpose. This week’s blog and podcast will help you define your life purpose. But you need to know first that your life purpose isn't about chasing grand, unattainable goals or measuring success by societal standards. It's about connecting deeply with your gifts, gaining clarity on how to use them to make the world a better place, and letting that guide your life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Do you ever wonder how a beekeeper tolerates all the bee stings of the job? Well it got me wondering about how to develop professional resilience - especially since I’ve had more than the occasional professional “sting.” Check out this week’s blog to learn how to build your tolerance to those 'ouch' moments in your career. 🐝 I call it the BEE: Building Empowerment through Endurance concept. Is it possible to transform those stings into opportunities for growth? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

A few weeks ago, I was up at Mammoth Lakes for the first time. On a hike in the forest I came across a remarkable pine tree that had been struck by lightning and was folded in half. It was an embodiment of resilience - it was sprouting new branches despite its deep wounds. In this week’s post, I explore how to access resilience through building a strong foundation in your life by honoring your values, living your purpose and nurturing your unique talents. This foundation will help you face  adversity and overcome career setbacks. And you can now read, listen or watch!  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

A friend recently had a major setback at work - it honestly was a sh*t show and both my friend and their organization was at fault. It was heartbreaking to witness how each side engaged in finger pointing and didn’t actually take time to confront the failure. The failure of the project, the failure of communication, the failure of process. In today’s post, I talk about the critical role of resiliency on your career path and confronting failures head-on. And that includes gracefully adapting to unforeseen challenges. I’ve got a great example of how setbacks need not be stumbling blocks; instead, they can serve as a stepping stone to tap into your resiliency, paving the way for a career that's not just robust but truly thriving.P.S. In an effort to make my work accessible to everyone, you can now read, listen or watch the post. Yup, gulp, yikes. Really putting myself out there by going on camera. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Everyone gets triggered.  It’s normal to have a strong emotional response to a situation that violates your values or reminds you of an upsetting time in your life. One of the best ways to manage them is to know your triggers so you trigger less frequently and process quicker.  That being said, you’ll never not be triggered. I know. It sucks. To give you a handle on tackling situations where you're triggered, let's dive into a recent run-in I had with my own perfectionism. This might shed some light on handling the "getting through it" part of managing triggers, especially since mine stretched out over a few days. And it involved a trip to CostCo that got me back on track again. Check out this week’s blog and podcast for more.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe