Early Accountability

The Early Accountability Podcast is 3 years old and we are so excited! To mark this special milestone, Kimi is going to do a 3-part mini-series on the purpose of the podcast and her key takeaways from doing a weekly show for the past 159 weeks. Kimi is discussing the first takeaway on this episode: consistency is king. It has taken a lot of intentionality and planning to produce a podcast episode every single week. You can always come up with reasons not to do something, but you have to make sure that your reasons why you should are more important to you and will spur you on to action. For Kimi, it has been crucial to find what works for her and tune out the noise of what other people are saying that could put her off-course. When she first started podcasting, she reached out to a few experienced podcasters to see how they approached their podcasts, but she never took what they said as gospel and she realized the importance of blazing her own trail. Kimi outsources the editing of her podcast to someone who enjoys editing because if she were to have to edit (or even listen to!) her own podcast, it likely would never get published. You can apply those same principles to your own goals: evaluate what people are saying but ultimately do what works best for you. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 3-year podcast anniversary • Leveling up • Lessons learned • Consistency is king • Learn how to do you Connect with Kimi: https://kimiwalker.live/squad http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

The Early Accountability Podcast has finally launched a community! This is the (FREE) place to be for all things early accountability and goal activation! There will be exclusive content, special events, opportunities to connect with past guests, and best of all, so many ways for you to STAY ACCOUNTABLE, no matter what your goals are! Here is the link to sign up: https://kimiwalker.live/squad

This episode of the Early Accountability Podcast addresses a recent situation that happened to Kimi that turned out to be a good learning experience for listeners of the podcast. As you walk your own path, there will be times that you are confronted by people who don’t catch your vision and who take it upon themselves to give unsolicited advice that might feel abrupt and unnecessary. But rather than letting that push you off course or immediately respond with the wrong tone, Kimi recommends stepping back and considering a few things: 1. Everyone isn’t going to have your best interests at heart 2. People will give you unsolicited advice from time to time 3. The best immediate response is to pause and collect your thoughts – Once you have gotten grounded in who you are and the path you are walking, you can explain to them your motivations and why what they said was not helpful. 4. Remember that you don’t know their journey either – Empathy is often lacking in situations where feelings are hurt, so be careful not to jab back at them to “get even.” 5. Be firm in understanding who you are and what works for you – Don’t feel like you have to justify yourself to anyone. You don’t need to line up with other people’s methods or expectations. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Owning your methods of success • Tuning out the noise • Being unaffected by naysayers • Understanding who you are Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

While a lot of the methods and platforms for reaching goals in 2021 have been altered due to COVID-19, Kimi says that there are 3 non-negotiables that you need to keep in mind as you strive to activate your goals and achieve success. These are things you should put into your own personal “accountability toolkit” that will guide you through the year. 1. Right words – Be clear about your goals. Write them down in a format that works for you. Make sure your goals are realistic and then declare them in a way that will cultivate accountability. 2. Recharge – Especially during 2020 and 2021 when so much of our lives are still based at our homes, it is easy to overlook your own energy level. Make sure you take the time to relax, refresh, and refrain from the things that are draining you. Take care of yourself, providing time to rest, sleep, think, and just be. 3. Relationships – Connection is the cure – not for COVID-19 unfortunately, but for goals that fall flat or fail to launch. Be intentional about nurturing your relationships and seeking out connections with people who are in alignment with your various goals. Seek joy and happiness through relationships rather than trying to achieve. If you stick to these 3 R’s, you will see your resolutions become results and you won’t become a victim of your circumstances. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 2021 goals • Activating success • Accountability toolkit • Resolutions into results Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Perhaps you are already finding yourself struggling to work towards your goals this 2021. On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi talks about the main barrier that could be getting in your way and how to shift your mindset to overcome. Your mind is the one thing that can make or break your progress towards your goals because it can either help or hinder you from getting there. Here are some of the reasons that your mind could be holding you back: 1. Worrying too much about other people – Your mind could get caught up in worrying about what people think or say about you and keep you from moving forward. Instead, work to shelter yourself from their thoughts. Funneling out the noise will help you get back on track and make progress. 2. Thinking that COVID-19 is a barrier – While there may be some changes or restrictions, you can still choose to adapt and be cognitively flexible and work towards your goals despite the effects of the pandemic. There are also opportunities such as virtual networking events, courses, and coaching sessions that you can take advantage of during this time that might not normally be an option for you. 3. Thinking that things need to be perfect – If you are worrying that what you have to say is not good enough for you to put it out there, you are really just procrastinating. Put some time and thought into a system of checks and balances that will help you know what is good enough to put out there and keep you from analysis paralysis. Do what you can with what you have and make the best of your circumstances. You will be stronger for sticking with your goals and overcoming the barriers in your mind. Topics Covered in this Episode: • 2021 goals • Crippling thoughts • Overcoming barriers to reaching your goals • COVID-19 • Get out of your head Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Happy 2021, everyone! While this new year may feel different than all the rest due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new year’s resolutions may be more important now than ever. On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi discusses four tips for coming up with pandemic-proof resolutions that can help keep you moving, give you meaning, and provide some structure to the daily grind. Establishing new resolutions or goals for the new year is a great opportunity for evaluating what things you need to stop, start, or continue, so consider these recommendations as you think through yours: 1. Think long-term – With so many unknowns in the world right now, it could be difficult to set many short-term goals or resolutions. Find one or more things that you want to accomplish in the next 6+ months, recognizing that restrictions may ease up a bit by then, or perhaps not. 2. Find short-term motivators – While you are setting your ultimate sights on a bigger goal, you will likely find it easier to break up that larger goal into milestones which you can check off and celebrate along the way. This helps to keep you motivated and on track to achieve your long-term resolution. 3. Remain flexible and open to alternatives – If you normally set your workout schedule based on your next race or competition, you might struggle to commit to a training regimen because of the lack of in-person races right now, but you could look for a virtual race or one in a socially-distanced format that you can set your sights on. You can change your methods and still achieve the same end result. 4. Commit to frequent accountability checks –The important thing is to remain in community with other folks who can encourage and motivate you because it is pretty tempting to just not work towards your goals when you are just at home alone. You may even find that it is easier to be accountable with your partner or group over text or video calls than it would have been in person. Topics Covered in this Episode: • New year’s resolutions • Pandemic-proof resolutions • Making smart resolutions • The importance of goals Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

It is almost 2021, which means it is time to pick your word for the year. On this episode of The Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi explains the purpose behind choosing a word and gives listeners some simple and helpful tips for determining which word will be best for them. You want to choose a word that will inspire you, give you power, guide you, and give you a reference point throughout 2021’s ups and downs, so consider following these steps to figure out your word: 1. Reflect on 2020 – Think about what you were able to accomplish, what did not go as planned, the uncertainties you had to navigate, and the ways you had to be flexible. 2. Visualize 2021 – Think of what you need right now – what you need more of or less of. Ask yourself: Who do I want to be in a year? Where do I want to be in a year? Write your answers down and make your goals specific and realistic. 3. Brainstorm – Come up with a list of words that might work for you in 2021. 4. Pause, then pick – Take a few days to think over your list before you choose the one that you want to use to define the year. Here is Kimi’s list of sample words: consistency, commitment, improve, plan, positivity, connect, alignment, priority, delegate, listen, speak, faith, pray, improve, present, mindful, respect, appreciate, family, love, learn, give, grow, glow, try, vulnerability, discipline, determination, today, less, more, be, passion, purpose, shift, patience, manifest, grounded, simplify, relax, delight, unlimited, fearless, grace, compromise, teach, elevate, devotion, inspire, bravery, free, service, stability, organization, direction, resilience, heal, forgive, peace, tenacity, shameless, bloom, balance, laugh, whole, journey, expansion, change, and finish. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Word for the year • Word for 2021 • Power word • Commitment • Consistency

In conclusion of our conversation from last week, Kimi talks during this episode about what accountability partners and groups are NOT: • They are not a substitute for therapy – Be clear about what you need from your accountability circle and draw the line at things that belong in another environment. This can be difficult if you are working one-on-one with someone on accountability for a certain aspect of your life and you start opening up about other things that are going on. Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional counseling or help. • They are not a dumping ground for all of your problems – Remember that you are not the only one with problems in the group, so don’t monopolize the group’s time complaining or making excuses. Rising above your circumstances and choosing to put in the work to make yourself better is half the battle. • They are not supposed to involve dragging, pleading, or begging others to show up – If you or someone else in the group is not showing up or not putting in the work, this group might not be a good fit. Ultimately, it comes down to personal responsibility and the choice to make time for what is important. • They are not intended to make you feel insecure, small, or guilty – You should be walking alongside one another during this journey, so if anyone in the group makes you feel inferior or like your way is not the right way, evaluate whether this is a healthy space for you. Kimi shares about her personal experience in an accountability circle where comparison was toxic. If you are in an accountability partnership or group that meets these criteria, take a step back and evaluate whether this is the right situation for you to be in. You owe it to yourself to find the best fit that will spur you on to greatness! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Accountability • Understanding accountability groups • What you get out of accountability groups • What not to expect in accountability • Unhealthy expectations

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi expounds on her recent push to be more visible and encourage more of a community atmosphere through Early Accountability. A part of this is an accountability circle that she has been leading, and this episode of the podcast is about what accountability is and what it can look like. An accountability partner or group is: • Formed by people working on a common goal or task – You are likely in a similar stage of life, either personal or professional, and the group provides a place for them to share, discuss, and bounce ideas off of each other. • A way for people to remain committed and connected – You tend to experience similar hiccups and hangups as well as triumphs and wins. • A safe place for reflection – This could be on the good, the bad, or the ugly. • A safe place to brainstorm – Since you are all in similar situations, you can collaborate and give each other new perspectives. • A place for encouragement and affirmation – Sometimes all you need to take the next step is for someone to give you the hope that you can do it. • A place for new perspective – This is especially important if your friends and family don’t quite see your vision and you need someone else who does. • A breeding ground for initiative – Your accountability partner or group should spur you to take action rather than just talking about what you want to do. These groups can require a lot of work, but if you want to experience great change, you have to put in the work! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Visibility • Accountability • Understanding accountability groups • What you get out of accountability groups Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker https://www.youtube.com/user/KimiFitWell

Our topic on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast is visibility: why it is difficult to do and why it is so important. Whether you are thinking of starting a podcast, writing a book, starting a blog, teaching a course, or just talking about an important subject, there could be many reasons why you are hesitant to put yourself out there: • Fear – Fear often holds us back. This could be fear of public speaking, fear of ridicule, imposter syndrome, or other obstacles that tell us we are not good enough to put ourselves out there. • Self-consciousness – This ties into fear, but it goes a step beyond to make us feel like there is something wrong with us. During the pandemic, this can manifest in not feeling “presentable enough” to record videos because of the lack of professional help for hair, makeup, photography, etc. and because you might feel like you don’t have a good space in your house to record video content. • You think people already know – Just because you know something doesn’t mean everyone who follows you does. Remember that you have a unique voice and perspective. Even if someone has heard what you have to say many times before, they might need to hear it from you in order to truly grasp it. • False perception of reality – Social media has made comparison far too prevalent. You might feel insufficient to be visible because you don’t think you can say things as well as that person you follow, but they probably feel the same way. Be confident in your message and don’t let anyone bring you down. But Kimi points out the reasons why visibility is important: • Building relationships – As humans, we need connection. We need to see that there are other people who have the same struggles and successes as we do in order to build up perseverance in overcoming adversity. • Increasing self-confidence – The more you do something, the more comfortable you will be doing it. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but practice makes better, and let that be good enough. • Leaving your mark on the world – With all of the technology available to us today, we have the capability to reach audiences far beyond those people we can see face-to-face. Take some time to dream about the mark you want to leave on the world and believe that you have something worth saying. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Visibility • Putting yourself out there • Overcoming fear • Building relationships • Leaving a mark on the world

Join my FREE 10-Day Video Visibility Challenge for Entrepreneurs. #WATCHMEWork2020 The kick-off meeting is on December 6th, 2020 at 7pm ET. https://kimiwalker.live/watchmework

Our topic on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast is being aware of the impacts that the holidays can have on mental health. This time of year can be characterized by stress, fatigue, expectations, travel exhaustion, financial strains, isolation, grief, and difficult relationships and interactions with loved ones, and the impacts of COVID-19 on our plans this season only escalate these feelings. Now – more than ever – it is important to be self-aware and take proactive steps to keep yourself happy, reduce stress, and take care of your mental health. Kimi outlines 5 things to try this season to make the most of this “different” holiday season: 1. Allow yourself to feel – Give yourself permission to be where you are right now. 2. Resist the temptation to give into social pressures – For the health of yourself and others, say “no” to events and gatherings that you don’t feel comfortable attending. 3. Enjoy the outdoors – Being outside is a great way to spend time with others in a socially distanced setting and to have a chance to unplug and get grounded in the serenity of nature. 4. Take care of your health – Get plenty of rest and exercise and be conscious of your food and beverage consumption. 5. Find new traditions – If you are not able to spend time in person with your loved ones, take advantage of technology that can help you stay connected: Zoom and Facetime, watching a Netflix Party together, and playing a game over the House Party app are great resources! Above all, know yourself and do what you think is best for yourself and others. Know that this season will not be normal, but do your best to make the most of it and check in with those around you to make sure everyone is doing ok. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Feelings around the holidays • Mental health • Isolation • Depression • COVID-19 National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

This episode of the Early Accountability Podcast contains the conclusion of Kimi and Tyran’s conversation in which they are going through the Resolutions to Results framework with Tyran’s goals for the next 90 days. We have reached the final stage of the framework: activation and creating a plan. Considering that Tyran’s achievement style is the Juggler, it is even more important that he think through and plan out his next steps towards achieving each of these goals. Regarding his goal of launching a new product for Life Behind the Beard, Kimi and Tyran determined that he can establish which product they are going to launch as well as make some decisions about marketing and potential pre-sales within the next 2 weeks. Within the next 4 weeks, Tyran can have labelling the products taken care of and he will have put some more thought into whether it is worth it to continue to use the marketing agency they have hired. Kimi recommended that Tyran and Gary leverage their social media to increase awareness and build buzz surrounding the launch, perhaps using a virtual assistant to help with these logistics. Tyran’s second goal was to increase the company’s sales and revenue consistently. Kimi’s advice was to work towards a 33% increase, bringing up the lower threshold of their monthly sales from $3,000 per month to $4,000 per month. This would be another good place to utilize a virtual assistant who could help by pulling reports, reviewing analytics, and taking notes during Tyran and Gary’s weekly strategy meetings. Finally, Tyran wants to increase his podcast production frequency. Kimi suggested that he work to get ahead on his evergreen content that can be scheduled and posted in future months which would free up some mental capacity to record episodes related to current events as needed. She also pointed out that this would be another good opportunity for a virtual assistant, helping out with scheduling episodes, posting episodes, and scheduling podcast guests. It could also help to build up his personal brand through live videos on social media which would increase his face time with his podcast audience. Tyran will come back on the show early next year to report back on his results! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Resolutions to Results • Goal activation • Taking action • Accountability • Setting milestones Connect with Tyran: https://www.lifebehindthebeard.co/ https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard101 https://beardtalkwithavet.com/

EAP 146: Know Your Weaknesses, Play to Your Strengths by Kimi Walker

During the next few episodes of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi will be walking through her Resolutions to Results framework with one of her podcast mentees and former guests on the show, Tyran Cosby. Tyran is the co-founder of the Life Behind the Beard line of beard oil and personal grooming products and the host of the Beard Talk with a Vet podcast. On this episode, Kimi talks with Tyran about Step One of the framework and helps him drill down on his vision and goals. Tyran says that after 20 years in active duty, the most important thing to him is being able to spend time with his family to make up for lost time, and that he also enjoys cooking and acting as well as pushing himself outside of his comfort zone by doing his podcast. These elements make up the vision planning aspect of the framework by helping him define what he wants to see in his life. When it comes to goal clarity, Tyran has 3 main goals for the next 90 days: to podcast more, to increase sales, and to introduce a new product into the Life Behind the Beard inventory. Meanwhile, his personality often leads him to spending a lot of his time helping people, researching and learning on topics he is curious about, and being very involved in the lives of his kids. Kimi asked Tyran to pinpoint his motivations for each goal. The reason why he wants to podcast more is because he feels that he has a message to share to veterans and members of the military because he has been there and now he wants to provide what he can as an outreach. He wants to increase the sales of Life Behind the Beard so they will have the capital they need to expand their product offerings as well as their marketing efforts. And Tyran wants to add a new product to their inventory before the holidays because he genuinely believes that their products help people enhance their lives. Come back next week for the continuation of this conversation, focusing on Step Two of the Resolutions to Results framework! Topics Covered in this Episode: • Resolutions to Results • Vision planning • Goal clarity • Finding your “why” Connect with Tyran: https://www.lifebehindthebeard.co/ https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard__/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/lifebehindthebeard101/?hl=en https://beardtalkwithavet.podbean.com/