Episode Summary: "Don't Stay in the Wrong Room: Embracing Change in Life & Business" (Episode 117)

Podcast: Courage & Clarity
Host: Steph Crowder
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 117 of Courage & Clarity, host Steph Crowder delves into a deeply personal narrative about embracing significant change in both her personal life and business endeavors. Unlike her typical structured episodes focusing on actionable business strategies, this installment serves as an intimate life update, offering listeners insights into the courage required to make unconventional decisions that align with one's evolving values and aspirations.

Moving Houses: A Bold Decision

The Unexpected Move

Steph begins by sharing the recent, impromptu decision her family made to move from their long-term home to a new neighborhood just across the street. This move was unplanned and diverged sharply from their previous pattern of upgrading to "nicer" homes. Steph explains:

"This move is different, very different than other moves that my husband and I have done together. We are not first-time home buyers. I think this is our fourth property that we've purchased together."
[15:35]

The Catalyst for Change

The decision stemmed from a personal reflection exercise known as the "Life Buckets" system, where Steph evaluates and clarifies her goals across various life domains. During this process, she discovered a longing for a more defined living space with distinct rooms, contrasting her previous open-concept home. This realization was both surprising and destabilizing, prompting her to trust the process and embrace the unexpected move.

"When you recognize that you might be in the wrong room, it's really time to ask yourself, what do we want to do? Life is so short."
[40:20]

Personal Growth and Transformation

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Steph candidly discusses her journey of personal growth, particularly her battle with alcohol. Having abstained from drinking for over 550 days, she faced the challenge of confronting suppressed emotions and reshaping her identity beyond the party culture she once thrived in. This transformation led her to seek a living environment that supports her newfound serenity and introspection.

"If you're covering up your feelings, you don't have to face a lot of things. You can find out that you're a different person completely than what you thought."
[25:50]

Rediscovering Authenticity

Through this process, Steph reconnected with her authentic self, reminiscent of who she was before alcohol altered her social interactions and personal preferences. This self-discovery influenced her desire for a home that fosters moments of slowness and joy, such as enjoying sunsets by a creek or having quiet spaces for reading and reflection.

"I've been reconnecting with the version of myself I was at 17 years old. I actually feel more like her than the person I became in my 20s and early 30s."
[35:10]

Embracing Change in Life & Business

Aligning Environment with Values

Steph emphasizes the importance of aligning one's living space with their current values and life stage. Moving into a house built in 1994 presented challenges, such as outdated features and necessary renovations, but it also offered the peace and defined spaces she craved. This change, though seemingly "crazy on paper," provided financial breathing room and a lifestyle more in tune with her authentic self.

"Don't stay in the wrong room just because you walked through the wrong door."
[50:45]

Reimagining Business Strategies

Drawing parallels between her personal move and business decisions, Steph advocates for questioning the status quo and being willing to pivot when necessary. She shares the concept of "Minimum Viable Income," encouraging entrepreneurs to reduce expenses and think creatively about sustaining their businesses without overextending financially.

"One of the best feelings I've had is having leftover money because I didn't buy a house at the top of my budget."
[55:30]

Lessons Learned

The Courage to Change

Steph reiterates the central theme of the episode—the courage to embrace change even when it defies conventional logic. She calls on listeners to trust their inner guidance and not fear judgment when making decisions that better align with their true selves.

"Have the courage to listen to your whispers. They can't hurt you."
[1:05:10]

Practical Takeaways

1. Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your life across different "buckets" or domains to ensure alignment with your current values.
2. Trust the Process: Embrace unexpected changes as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
3. Financial Prudence: Consider strategies like "Minimum Viable Income" to create financial stability and reduce unnecessary stress.
4. Authenticity: Prioritize living environments and business practices that reflect your true self and long-term happiness.

Conclusion

Episode 117 of Courage & Clarity serves as a powerful reminder that life and business success often require bold, unconventional decisions. Steph Crowder's personal story of moving houses encapsulates the essence of the podcast: finding the courage and clarity to pursue what truly matters, even when it challenges societal norms or personal comfort zones. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, embrace necessary changes, and trust in their ability to create fulfilling, authentic lives and businesses.

Notable Quotes

• Steph Crowder [15:35]: "This move is different, very different than other moves that my husband and I have done together. We are not first-time home buyers. I think this is our fourth property that we've purchased together."

• Steph Crowder [25:50]: "If you're covering up your feelings, you don't have to face a lot of things. You can find out that you're a different person completely than what you thought."

• Steph Crowder [35:10]: "I've been reconnecting with the version of myself I was at 17 years old. I actually feel more like her than the person I became in my 20s and early 30s."

• Steph Crowder [40:20]: "When you recognize that you might be in the wrong room, it's really time to ask yourself, what do we want to do? Life is so short."

• Steph Crowder [50:45]: "Don't stay in the wrong room just because you walked through the wrong door."

• Steph Crowder [55:30]: "One of the best feelings I've had is having leftover money because I didn't buy a house at the top of my budget."

• Steph Crowder [1:05:10]: "Have the courage to listen to your whispers. They can't hurt you."

Final Thoughts

Steph Crowder's Courage & Clarity Episode 117 is a compelling narrative that intertwines personal transformation with practical business strategies. By sharing her own experiences of moving houses and overcoming personal challenges, Steph provides valuable lessons on the importance of aligning one's environment and actions with their true values and long-term goals. This episode is a testament to the podcast's mission: empowering listeners to find the courage and clarity to pursue what they love, fostering both personal and professional fulfillment.