
In this episode of Right About Now, host Ryan Alford sits down with Anniston Reikstins, a leadership coach and author of The Universe is Hiring, to explore the transformative journey of self-discovery. Anniston shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the power of action, authenticity, and overcoming self-doubt. The conversation delves into the role of fear as a catalyst for growth and the importance of aligning with one’s passions. Anniston introduces her book, which offers practical exercises for self-reflection and personal development. Together, they highlight the joy found in daily progress, the value of embracing life’s journey, and the deep fulfillment that comes from serving others.
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A
If someone said to you, you have a gift that nobody else has, if you believed that, like, how would you show up to your life? Would you show up being, like, all meek and mild? Or would you show up and be like, hey, I got something. This is Right about now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over 1 million downloads a month, taking the BS out of business for over 6 years in over 400 episodes. You ready to start SN snapping next and cashing checks. Well, it starts right about now.
B
Hey, guys, what's up? Welcome to right about now. We're always talking about what gets you right and what makes it today actionable. That's what we're about. Today's about action. It's about purpose. It's about goals. But goals don't matter unless you're making them happen. We all get in our head a little too much, myself included. That's why I'm excited for. For today's guest, who's actually one of the stars on our podcast network. She is Aniston Rickstein. Hey, Addison, what's up?
A
I am so happy to be here. I've been really excited about this conversation.
B
I know. I, you know, we all want to get hired at certain points. I, I. If the universe is hiring, I want to get hired. You know, I love the time you got a new book coming out. The universe is hiring. We'll talk about that here in a bit. But I did love the title. I had to get that out. I was like, yes, because it was like, I hear a lot of titles of books where I go. I feel like I've heard it a thousand times. I have not heard that one, and it really sunk with me, so bravo.
A
Well, thank you. And I can't, I honestly cannot take credit credit for it at all. It was one of those moments where I was like in a meditation, and it just landed. I saw the book cover, I saw the title. I had the outline. It was it truly. It was just like. It was like a present that landed in my brain. So I can't take credit. I don't know where it came from, but thank you.
B
Yes. No. Well, bravo. We're gonna get to that. Aniston is one of the co hosts of the in Powered Life podcast on the Radcast Network and also at SVP at a large company. She's a leadership coach. She's kind of a do it all, I think it sounds like. So how do you keep it all together, Anderson?
A
You know, What I think I've had to get really discerning. And I'm sure you can relate to this, Ryan, because you've got a lot going on too. But, you know, we all have a plate. And I think when you actually take the time to get really clear about what's on your plate and what do you actually want to be there and what is necessary, that you realize that a lot of the things that you're saying you don't have time for or that you're saying isn't possible is just a story story, and that you can reallocate the space around. And that's what I feel like. I've. I've gone through this process over the last 15 years of really, like, arranging my plate with just the things that really light me up, like spending time with my kids, obviously, and Rudy and, And. And my job, but also the things that really fulfill me, like writing and podcasting and coaching and. And the time. You create the time, right? Like, the time. It's amazing what you can do with time when you start to get really discerning and say no to things that you know are not for you or that are not really necessary.
B
I led the witness a little bit there because I. I have a. This firm belief that we make the time for what we want to make it for, and everything else sort of starts. I think we start. I don't. I'm not belittling anyone or judging anyone when I say this, because I do think you nailed it with the story thing. Like, we start, we create these narratives and we convince ourselves, you know, like, oh, just don't have time for that. I can't get to that. But we make time for what we want to make time for, you know? Right. Don't we? Don't we? And everything else gets kind of bucketed over here. And I think you subconsciously start to make that a valid reason why you don't do it. But it doesn't necessarily make it valid, right?
A
Nope. Nope. I think. I think having, like, really questioning your relationship with time is. Is an important exercise that I think every single person should do, because it becomes a scapegoat. And so, you know, for instance, if there's something that you were. Was really, really important to you, you would carve out the time. Right. And it might come as a cost of something else. Like when I was writing this book, I wrote it between the hours of 4am and 6am in the morning, because that was the only time I knew I was gonna have a quiet house that's when I'm at my most creative like in that flow. The cost was I was in bed every night at 8:30. Like the cost was late night Netflix. It was going out for late nights and late dinners. I just, I couldn't have both. But this was more important to me. So it was a choice.
B
Yeah. And you compartmentalized it in that way. And I think that's, I mean that's the one, I don't know, skill set that if anyone can learn. It's like you have to sort of compartmentalize these things and, and compartmentalize the steps that it takes to get it done right. And this is what I love about the book is, and about what I'm, what I'm sensing from you. I'm an action guy, you know, like we could talk about all you want but like let's start doing things like, because there's always, you know, you're planning and it's sort of my. I love personal development and coaching. I do, I believe in it. Especially high level ones like yourself and Rudy that are just high quality. You can get so much out of it and you don't know what you don't know. My only trepidation with the industry is just learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn. I'm learning. I've got all this stuff, okay, when are you going to do it? When are you going to put it into play? And I think that's a lot of your kind of mantra here, isn't it?
A
A hundred percent. And I was one of those people for a really long time, to be frank, you know, where I, I, I'm a, I'm a natural born like seeker. I love to learn, I love to read. I've read thousands of books. I mean Rudy is astounded at my, I took a speed reading course just so I could read more. I mean I'm, I'm that kid. Like I was the nerd who loves school anyways. I mean her and I, I have to meet her. I think we would get along great. But the a point came where I was, I was learning so much, I was consuming so much information, but nothing was really changing in my life. Right. I would read a really great personal development book and then I'd be like, oh my God, I feel so great. And then ask me two weeks later and I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about that book. And it's because I was missing a really important element which is actually taking something from the book, applying it, experiencing it. And not just once, but Repetitively, and then being able to then create a change and a shift in my way of being and showing up and how I think. But I think what happens is it's just that a lot of people will consume because that's comfortable. It doesn't require you to really do anything outside of your comfort zone or anything different than what you normally do. And then they miss out on the gold. Because the gold is that, I mean, you could take a book, one singular book, and you could apply one singular idea from a book, and it will change your life forever. But if you don't apply anything, it's. It's kind of wasted space. It's just a. It's just an idea. But ideas don't create change.
B
Bingo. Ideas don't create change. And hope is not a strategy.
A
That's right. That's right.
B
Two of my favorite sayings. Talk with Annika here. So talk to me, like Aniston, about, like, what you said. It came to you in a vision. I'm thinking, like, I always admire people with, like, books that's like that, like, the path to get there, but it's obviously a lot of impressions over time. So I feel like when you write a book, you get these impressions over time, and then it's your sort of application of it, or you're. You're pulling from themes and things that have helped you that ultimately did it. What were maybe some of those career journeys, some of those things that maybe built that path or that mind map for you?
A
Oh, that's a. I mean, it's a great question. And I think for me, I was. I started asking questions, I would say, in my early 20s, like, big questions, because I. I felt really lost, and I was looking around and I was. I had found myself in an. In working at this amazing advertising agency right out of college. It was the dream job, and it was what I had worked so long for. And then I remember one day I was sitting there and I was looking around, and I had that. I saw this guy sitting across from me who had been with the agency for, like, 20 years, sitting in the same cubicle he'd been in for 20 years. And I just had this sinking feeling of, like, so this is it. This is. This is it. Like, this is what I worked so hard for. And now this is it. Like, it's going to be like, every day is kind of the same. And. And so I started asking questions and, And. And I allowed those questions to be like, well, what do I really want to do? And who do I. What Am I good at. And. And you know, I started unraveling a lot of things. And thankfully for me, those questions started a lot earlier than I think a lot of people get to. Um, I know a lot of people in their mid-30s, kind of that midlife crisis, if you will. That's where those questions really start coming. But for me, it hit me early. And so it started me on this journey of like, self discovery. So my path was being created out of necessity for myself. And I became, I became the student. I was a student of myself. And it was through this process that led me to, you know, understanding a desire to coach and to give back. Because I think that's the natural. That's the natural path, right, is you, you learn and you apply and then you want to turn around and you want to teach it. Because I think it's just ingrained in all of us, which is why so many people want to be coaches, you know, because it's just that natural thing within us. But the thing for me was, what I couldn't grapple with is I've always been very career minded and I've been successful in business. And yet on the flip side, at home, behind closed doors, I was Ms. Spirituality, you know, married to a coach. We were hosting coaching sessions in our home for years. I mean, like, having strangers come in. Nobody at my work knew about this. Like, it was like I was living a double life is what I felt like. I had all the things that really filled me up. I was writing in the mornings and I was meditating and I was having this whole experience. And then I would like, button it up and go into the office and sit in the boardroom and, you know, be a badass executive. And that was kind of my life. And that worked until such a time as the desire to grow that. That real authentic part of me started really kicking in. And I wanted to launch into coaching and I wanted to be a speaker and I wanted to share all of these things I was learning. But that fear of, like, what will they say? Oh my God, they're going to fire me. They're going to think I'm a crack, you know, quack. They're going to think I'm, I've gone off the deep end. And all of those fears kept me very, very small. And, and so you kind of hit that, that point where you're like, what am I going to do? And I finally had to make the decision and the leap that I was going to have to start showing up and to face that fear and what's interesting, Ryan, is I had. Thankfully, someone came in. Well, someone. That person being my husband, showed me how to do this because at the time, I was working as a director at a company, a very large company, and they headhunted Rudy because they needed someone to come in and lead their sales teams. He was taking a break from his companies, and he was like, fine, okay, I'll go do it. I sat him down and I said, rudy, this is not one of those companies that you can just come in and just say everything that you're thinking and, you know, bring all of these spiritual ideas into. I mean, it's very corporate, right? And he was. And I was like, so you might have to just, you know, just be thought thoughtful of what you're saying. And he was like, I have no intention of doing that. He's like, I'm gonna show up and be me. And if they don't like it, like, okay, fine, what do I have to lose? Then I'll go somewhere else or I'll do something different. And I was petrified for him and for me, because what would that look like for me? You know, I was his wife. Anyways, to my surprise, when he came in, in all of his glory and all of his rootiness, he. He. He approached these sales teams as he would as a high, high performance coach and as a spiritual teacher. And it worked. Like, it worked. People loved him. The. The revenue went, like, through the roof. Like, the company was having gains like it had never seen. And I just sat there with a mouthful of teeth, like, all these years I've been here, I could have been doing all of this, and instead I've been. I've been allowing that fear to stop me. And I know I'll never get where I want to go unless I can start being who I want to be. And that means everywhere. Not just at home. It means at the office, at the grocery store, as a mom, you know what I mean? And. And that was the big turning point for me. And so when I received the idea for this book, to your point. Yes, I didn't. I received it, and it was. I was like, one of those things. I was like, huh? And I wrote it all down. I was like, that's such an interesting concept. I'll think about that later, you know, because I was like, I don't know if I have. I don't think I have the time to write a book at this point. But it wasn't until I started training on these topics a lot, and I would get. People come up to me and they would say, is there something else? Like you've really. You've really, you know, tweaked something within me. Like I'm thinking about a lot of what you're saying and I want to continue with this work. Do you have a book? Do you have something I can take and like work with? And I was like, no. But I could, I could write a book and I already have the whole outline because I got it in a down and it's like a download one day. So long story short, yes, this was the path and it was certainly a path and I was the student of the path and I still am a student of this path.
B
Yeah. So much to sort of unpack there. I. I want to start by saying there was a look like, as I mentioned, the empowered life is on our network. Rudy and Aniston show was amazing. Don't. This is not a. I'm just telling you. Do yourself a favor. Go listen, you. You won't stop. So. But in all seriousness, the moment we got on today and Rudy and I have a lot more contact than you and I and we started talking, you remind. I've, you know, I came up in the ADC business and I was like, there's a familiarity with Aniston that's this like badass advertising. You know, like person like that. I would go to another agency and be like, God, she's a badass and I respect the hell out of her. And it was kind of like that mutual respect thing. Like when. Because you know how it is with agencies to agencies when you're an agency. Agency.
A
Oh, yeah.
B
I was like, that was totally the vibe I got when you got. I'm like, you reminded me of like New York ad agency badass. So that's the highest compliment I can give you. That was a.
A
Well, thank you. I'll take it.
B
I didn't know you were on the marketing and ad side, so that was fascinating. But then this journey, I think sometimes I feel like, you know, there's a lot of books that get rid a lot of stuff and it's certainly typically by subject matter experts. But there's something super credible and interesting when someone has lived and breathed and sort of developed these concepts through the. Their own personal development. And I think that makes this highly credible because you're almost your biggest case study perhaps in overcoming some of these things and then putting them into practice. I love that. And I want to talk, you know, about what it is that people can expect from the book.
A
What people can expect from the universe is hiring is, is an opportunity to get really clear, number one. And, and I say that because I think that a lot of times we don't really create the space or people won't create the time and the space to, to, to take a, take a beat and to assess, like, who am I and, and what am I? What are my passions and what really actually lights me up? And what were those dreams that I've just been seeing sitting on? Because I kind of believe they're a figment of my imagination at this point. Like it's never going to happen, but for some reason they won't leave you alone. I actually have an exercise in, well, I have an exercise in every single one of the chapters because back to what you were, what we were talking about earlier, Ryan, in terms of experience, like every chapter there's something for you to anchor this information and for you to do. Because my goal is that you could literally read one chapter and, and it could be life changing for you if you just do the exercise and actually go through the process of that experience. But one of, one of the exercises is, it's called an authentic self resume. Because I've seen, I'm sure you've seen, I've seen thousands of resumes in my time, right? Thousands of resumes. And we will pour over our resume and write all the things that we've done in our career. But if you ask someone to sit down and now I want you to write a resume about you. Like, about who you are authentically and what your passions are, what your unique strengths are. Like, what is your unique, your unique selling proposition that you bring to the table a gift that you have that maybe nobody else does. People have a hard time with this. They have a really hard time with it because they don't know. And it's because they've been so busy being somebody else that they're not even aware they're being somebody else anymore. And so they're so disconnected from who they really are that of course they're going to feel unfulfilled and unhappy and lost. And so my goal in the beginning of the book is really to help bring people back to who they are at their core and then from there give them a roadmap and a step of like, how can you start today, Today being who you came here to be and fulfilling the role that you came, that I believe that we all have uniquely one that's been created for, for us, that we are meant to fulfill and that we're uniquely being qualified for Every single day through our experiences.
B
The universe is hiring. Discover the role you were born to fill. Talking with Aniston, Rick Steens. Look at there. I got it. Yes. Aniston, talk to me. I think when I hear you say people finding their purpose and you know, like, is it self doubt? Because I'm sitting here going, I think some people are confident, so maybe it's not self doubt. It's always. But is it, is that what it is? 9 out of 10 times? Is it just self doubt or is it in an inability to take action that isn't guaranteed to succeed? I feel like those are two very different things. They sound similar, but they're different. Some people just question, you know, they're just naturally unsure of themselves. And then some people just don't like the unknown. Right?
A
It's a different kind of fear, right? It's a different kind of fear. I think, to answer your question, it's both. Definitely both. And I think you, you hit two of the core obstacles that, that people have. But people have, I think one of the things in terms of self doubt, like when, like if you, Ryan, if you knew for a fact, if someone said to you, you have a gift that nobody else has and nobody, nobody else will ever have in, in the, for the rest of, of eternity, right? You have this gift and it's a superpower. And when you are, you start to utilize it and you start to work on it and perfect it and become a master of it, that when you share this gift, it is going to light you up in a way that nothing outside of you can. Like no amount of money, no amount of things, no amount of relationships, but this. Wouldn't you be curious? Like would number one, would you not walk a little straighter, like, huh, I got this gift. You know what I mean? Like, if you would believe it, if you believed that, like, how would you show up to your life? Would you show up being like all meek and mild and like. Or would you show up and be like, hey, I got something.
B
I had a vision. You remember the old commercials of the Kool Aid man running through the brick wall? Oh, yeah. I was like, that's what you do. I've dated myself a little bit. But he, he just the pond of how he was a glass bowl, I think, and he ran through brick walls and somehow didn't break. But that was you. That's what you do though. If you had that confidence, right?
A
If you had that confidence, if you knew. And I think that because so many people don't actually think that they're good at anything. Sure. They have no worthiness, sure. They have self doubt because they don't. They're not connected to this belief that they're here for a reason and that there is something actually important for them to do. And in the doing comes the fulfillment and the freedom and the joy and everything that they seek. Right. It's the thing I think when it comes to like having goals and just saying, okay, I want to live a big life, so I'm going to have a big, a lot of money and I'm going to do all of these things. That's great, right? I think it's great to stretch and it's great to have goals. But what I see, and I'm, and I, and I'm around a lot of very successful people as I know you are as well. What I see is a lot of really miserable people because they've gotten it all and now they're really effed because they're like, what, what, what am I to do now? Like what else can I do? What, what's that next level? Because it's not working. And instead of, of asking themselves like okay, what, when I do it really fills me up. Like what is the thing that lights me up? And what if I just started doing that in addition to everything else I have going on in my life? How would that, how would that shift things for me? And what I find is that when you start doing those things and it doesn't necessarily have to be tied to your paycheck, it could be, I have a friend who, her love is for fostering puppies. Like that's her thing. She loves animals. She has a very high paying VP level position at a very large company. But she, but on the side in the mornings and when she gets home and this is what she's doing, but it is growing. It's something in her life that's starting to grow. And I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't turn into a business one day because that's the nature of our purpose. When you land on it, it will start to expand in ways that you can't even imagine or fathom. And so a big, a big point of discussion in this book is the idea of stop waiting. Stop waiting to be something or to do something. Because the magic is, is when you actually start to do it right where you are. Like right where you are, you find ways, the littlest, littlest bit of a way. And, and your life will start to shift and change. But you've got to have Enough faith to at least start.
B
Faith is the word, isn't it? I mean that's really what a lot of this comes down to. It's like faith because like, I mean not to get spiritual gospel on you, but like, you know, it's the belief in what you can't necessarily see. Yes. The non tangible no matter what it is, you know, that's God or purpose or you know, like what, how you're going to make something happen that you don't know exactly what the steps are, but you have to stack the actions. I got a question for you that's not necessarily related to the book, but maybe in this whole realm there's always a lot of this talk around the journey is everything and versus because like the successful people that I run into are always on journeys, the ones that are happy and myself included a little bit. And I've turned into my father a little bit with like little, little things and that I like to do projects, so to speak. Yeah, I never understood about my dad, you know, I'm a kid, like young now. I get it. And so what's your sort of belief on, you know, destination versus journey as it relates to all this?
A
I don't believe that there is ever a final destination, if you will, like during your lifetime here on Earth. Like I think if you just look at the nature of the universe. The nature of the universe is expansion. That's the natural, that's, that's the way that the universe is. Everything is always expanding. Everything is always, not only the universe and the planets and all of the elements, but our bodies as well are constantly changing. In that to be stagnant and to stop changing and to stop expanding is actually is contradictory to nature. And that's where I think we become toxic and we become ill and we become sick. And so I believe that the journey is just this ever flowing, ever expanding, ever evolving path. And that you know, scientists will say, and researchers have said that that true happiness doesn't really come from the achievement. And all you have to do is ask someone who's just made like had the biggest achievement of their life and the dopamine hit is never quite as big as you think it's going to be or lasts as long as you think it will be, but that instead it is actually the process of seeking and just continual progress. Like feeling like you are having you. There's progress in your life. It could be the littlest bit of progress and it could just be in one area of your life. But acknowledging and always looking for where Am I progressing? Where am I expanding? I believe is, is a key to continued fulfillment and happiness. To have a life that just never stops and never. You just never. It doesn't mean that you're not satisfied. In fact, it's the opposite. I think it's becoming satisfied and having that dopamine hit, but having it daily, being able to look for it daily.
B
Yeah, I think you nailed it. I think that's what it is. It's like you call it evolution, call it change, whatever it is, we're evolving. And I feel the least, I don't know, fulfilled when I, when I'm not sort of in my, you know, my wife might say my changing mood, but like not my mood necessarily, but like, you know, but like learning and advancing, you know, like, it's just like you gotta stay in a, you know, movement, both physically and, and in your mind. Because I think, I think when I've been in my lowest points, it's like I feel stagnant, you know, and I think it, I'm thankful to be somewhat self aware of it because I think some people get lost in that dungeon, unfortunately, and that's why they need to read this book.
A
Absolutely. And a really quick way out of that, at least in my experience and from what I've seen with a lot, you know, so many different coaching clients is, is just if you want a quick, a quick way, a detour out of that stagnancy is, is through service. It's through somehow saying, all right, who can I pour into today? What do I, what can I uniquely give to someone today and make that your focus? And I'm telling you, there's a magic in that. It's like you just taking your eye off of what you think is making you upset or, or angry or frustrated or is in your way and putting it instead on serving somebody else. By the time you're done, you come back and things have changed. It's like you no longer have that same energy about what, where your life was. And if you do that over time enough times, I think the problem goes away. It's like that is in my experience has always been the magic. So when I feel stagnant or I'm not sure what to do, like where to go or what direction to take. My question is, all right, how can I serve today? And let me let that be my goal, that becomes my goal instead of some other far reaching goal that I don't even know if I should be reaching for.
B
That's million dollar advice right there. That's Going to be a highlight clip. I'm just going to go and tell you because it is so true. And it, it does, it does a couple things. It takes your mind off of yourself and suddenly. And then sometimes like what you're serving, you're like, well, I don't have it so bad. So it might be that like helping with the other problem. And then also it gives you a purpose in serving that reframes your entire mind. That opens pathways for which new evolution to take place. And that is incredible advice. Boom. I love that. Is how do people, you know, like, I, I think people, some people think they hear that and it's like, well, how can I serve? I mean, so is it like, you know, it's like going down to the, the local charity or like, like what, what do you do? Like, I think like people. Sometimes you think it's obvious, but I don't know, like, it's. Where do people find, you know, ways to serve? Is it. And do you mean it like literally serving within like your own company or like serving, you know, like a outside thing?
A
You know, I think it can differ. This is where like, so in I. I journal in the mornings. Like, that's part of my priming process in the morning is. Is I always make time to journal and so I would my processes. I just kind of write down the question and then I see what comes to me, like, okay, how could I serve today? And while I always think, you know, it seems like, oh, that's really aspirational to want to be this way. Honestly, it is the most selfish thing I do because I know that by do when I do it, I always feel better, right? And yes, it helps other people, but selfishly, it feels really good, right, to do that. So sometimes the. Actually last week I'll give you this example. I woke up and I was just having a day because you do. Like, there's. There's no world, no person on this planet, I can tell you, lives at a 10 every day. It's. It's not possible. And to think that it is, you're setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment. There's the pen. There's the pendulum. The pendulum will always swing. So you're going to have days where you are like on a high and then you're going to have days that it swings back and you're just like, I don't know what happened, man. Like, I just don't. I just don't feel right today. I'm not in it. I'm just not feeling it. And so I. I sat there. I didn't have a lot of time because I was training that day. And so I grabbed my phone and I sent five text messages. I sent one to my dad, I sent one to a co worker, I sent one to an acquaintance, so I don't know very well. I sent one to, like, a distant family member and then another friend. And I just. I said, I just want to tell you I love you and here's all the things I love about you. And can I just tell you, like, I, as I'm like, writing those text messages, not only did I feel great, right, and it shifted. It shifted my energy, but all day long I got messages back from them. And one. One particular of the. Of the recipients came back to me and said, like, you have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. Like, this didn't just make my day, it made my month, and it was free. It took me 30 seconds. And so we don't have to complicate it. And some days it's in a big way. I'll get an idea or an inspiration. One time I did this, and it led to us starting an entire virtual group that lasted for three years. It was from this one question, how can I serve today? And I got the idea. And you just gotta follow the inspiration you'll be shown if you ask the question, I believe this. I believe this is a spiritual law, that if you ask the question, you will get the answer. You just have to be open to receive it and be willing to take action on it.
B
Yeah, bingo. Receiving it's the hardest part for some people, I think, but that's when you have to open these pathways and you have to read books like, the universe is Hiring. So the Empowered Life. There's a lot of connections here with the book, with what you guys do with Empowered University, you know, helping busy professionals get into this mindset. That's really what we're talking about. Here's a mindset. It's learning mindset, but action. So talk to me about what, what you're excited about, with what you're doing with coaching and leadership and the podcast.
A
Well, a lot of, of of my coaching is within a business setting. And same with Rudy. And what we've learned is people are people wherever they are. And when you coach the individual, right, when you can coach the individual and you start at the foundation, and you can help them shift into a better, more empowered mindset and where you can help them connect to their purpose and why they are in the position that they are in because there always is a reason. You just have to learn to look for it, that things start to shift and change. And I believe that every single individual in a company has the potential to be an A plus player. Every single individual. If you're a business owner and you're listening to this or even if you just work for a company, everyone that you work around, like everyone has the potential to be the worst or the best within them. It's about, and I think it, it, it, it's the employer's responsibility, in my opinion, if you really want to maximize your team, to support your team and helping them reach their highest potential individually. And that doesn't just mean professionally. I think it means personally as well, because there's no, there's really. It's all the same. And, and so what I love is that we, we bring all of those concepts which haven't historically been in a business setting into business settings and into boardrooms and, and it's unbelievable what the changes that can happen, not only from a revenue perspective, but just tenure and, and just making people just overall employee satisfaction and happiness and their connection and their willingness to be vulnerable. I don't know. That really jazzes me up. And so we talk a lot about that on the Empowered Life podcast. A lot of topics that we bring into businesses, but also with, you know, outside of businesses and coaching. Because again, wherever you go, there you are and you bring all your stuff with you. And so I think it's just a willingness to be, be a student wherever you are.
B
What I love about Empowered and even the word, but like the power is in you. No one has to, no one's going to give it to you. It's inside you. Like, it doesn't mean you don't need help. It doesn't mean we're alone, but it's sort of. I mean, I have a firm belief in this. I'm not putting these words into you and Rudy's mouth or anything because they're just my beliefs. But like the statement that everything that happens to me is my fault and everything, everything good and bad is I own. It's. And that is in power. Like that is. That's acknowledging that it's within me to do great things, to live, find my purpose, to live it, to take action, to have the life that I want. And it doesn't mean we don't get help. But at the end of the day, you, the person have to make up your mind to do these things. And it's fine to reach a handout. It's fine to that, but no one can it. It's so I see it sometimes when people, you know, like, they get the push, you know, which we all might need, but then they don't have it within themselves to sustain it. And so, I don't know. I want to get your thoughts on that. But ultimately, is that not just the bare truth?
A
It is. I mean, it's, it's my truth, certainly, and it's, it's been my experience in my almost 44 years on this earth. I think that, you know, it is a different way of looking at the world and it will create it. I believe it's the great turning point for a lot of people when they start to shift out of the I am a victim life is happening to me. I am unlucky. I'm not worthy of that. You know, it's the, the. And then that victimhood behavior like blaming and complaining and excuses, that's all just symptomatic, right, of that, that singular core belief of I am, I'm, I'm a victim. And you cannot be a victim and a victor of your life at the same time. You cannot. You just can't. And so you have to make a decision and start to help build the belief. And that's where a lot of my studying and learning and just. And all the things that I've been doing has been helping me build this belief and reaffirm the belief that in fact, I believe our external reality is just a reflection of our own energy. And when you change, you can change your world, but only when you're willing to change. And the change does not start when someone else's changes to make you feel more comfortable. And then you can change how you feel. No, no, no, you change how you feel about it. And then the things that you look at will change. And that is the magic. And so we, I'm. I love anything that, that empowers the individual to learn how to heal themselves, to learn how to radically shift their life experience. And once you've done it for yourself a couple of times, you'll never go back because you realize you're like, oh my gosh, all along I have had this power all along. If I can create it, I can uncreate it. That's. That's it. Like, if there's something that you don't like but you believe in, like you said, everything that happens to me is also, you know, I'm taking full accountability, a hundred percent accountability, then that also means I can uncreate it. I Can change it. I can edit that. I don't like that anymore. So what do I need to do to shift within myself? Because I have that power to shift my perspective and how I feel about something so that I'm going to see something different in my world. And that's the. That's the effect and this is the cause.
B
Talking to Anderson Rickstein's. She's the chief human officer of. Right about now, officially, we just gave her that title. She will be back because we need more humanity on this show. I could be a little, you know, like, there's something about the way you kick people's ass, but yet you don't make them feel like it. Like, I'm sitting here going, I'm just absorbing it all. I'm like, she's kind of punching me in the face a little bit, but like, in a really nice way. Not. Not really, you know, I mean, by that, like, because it is. It's so true. And, you know, I deliver it as a man and just the way I do. I'm just like, come on, get it on. And then, you know, but you're. You, you know, you grounded a little bit, but. But you're saying the same things. I love it.
A
We've had so. And Rudy and I oftentimes will share a stage or we'll be speaking in the same place. And we have been called. Rudy's been called the hammer and I've been called the hug. So it's like, you know, because we have different energy, but we'll be saying the same exact things. And like you said, like, he. He kind of just like punches you in the face with it where people are like, holy moly. And then I come in and like, put them back together. Like, let me get. Let me show you. It's going to be fine. It's going to be okay.
B
Yes, exactly. I love it. Good tandem. Aniston, give us some details. When's the book coming out? Where do people buy it? This will be releasing in a few weeks, so the book will probably be coming out maybe even the week of. We could even time it. So.
A
Yeah.
B
What are all the details?
A
So the book launches January 7th, so about a week into 2025, which I'm so excited about. A day before my birthday, by the way. That was. That was a 38.
B
You're almost 40.
A
Oh, yeah. Almost reverse. I'm reverse aging.
B
Hey. Yeah. You and Rudy both look great. Yeah. I think he's got you topped. I'm joking. He. I'm joking because is he Older? Is he older? Are you all the same age?
A
Yeah, and I meant tops.
B
Not. Not in his looks, but in his age. You got him beat on the looks, but for sure.
A
But he's 46.
B
Yeah, I thought we were about eight.
A
Years older than me.
B
Yeah.
A
Okay, so the book is available for pre order right now on Amazon, on Barnes and Noble ibooks, pretty much anywhere you can find your books online and then it will be anywhere that books are sold as of January 7th. So really excited about it.
B
The universe is hiring. Discover the role you were born to fill. Aniston Rick Stain's. What about the podcast? Everything else you guys are doing with the Empower University, where's all that?
A
Yeah, so Empower Life. Empower Life podcast. You can find us, obviously. Well, first of all, I just want to thank you, Ryan, and your amazing company because Radcast, you know, I will say we had been at our podcast podcast a couple of years before we met you and the team. And what you guys have assisted us in terms of supporting our growth with this podcast has been extraordinary. And what you do is really such a gift to the world. And so anyone who's listening to this, who is who wants to launch a podcast or has a podcast, I really hope that you guys reach out and and get supported by Radcast because it's incredible your service. So thank you for that. And Rudy and I are going to be hosting our first live event later this year, so we'll be launching information there. But I would say you can find me on Instagram. Aniston Blair Ricksteins, you can find us an empowered life podcast and we'll be keeping everyone updated with all the great announcements.
B
Yeah, you can find them on the radcastnetwork.com one of the top shows on our network, constantly ranked the top 30 or 40 in their category. And on the way up, it's quality. Her and Rudy bring on amazing guests. And look, you already heard her talk, you know, I'm already like wrote down seven things I gotta do today. I'm gonna. I've got action, baby. I'm taking action. That's what we do well right about now. Aniston, it's been a pleasure. Love having you on.
A
Thank you so much, Ryan. This has been awesome and I'm just so honored to be here. So thank you.
B
Thank you. Ryanisright.com that's where you'll find all the highlight clips, the links to all of Aniston's stuff. Look, go get the book. You know you want it. You need it. You gotta take it. Yeah. No hammer. You got all. All the. All the softness, but it's the truth. She's bringing it to you. We love it. We love having them on the network. And number. Look, we're number one for a reason. We got guests like Aniston. Thank you so much for making us number one. We'll see you next time. Right about now, this has been Right.
A
About now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast network production. Visit ryanisright.com for full audio and video versions of the show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for listening.
Podcast Summary: Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Episode: "The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill"
Release Date: January 7, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford, host Ryan Alford engages in a profound conversation with Aniston Rickstein, a multifaceted leadership coach, co-host of the Empowered Life podcast, and author of the upcoming book "The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill." Released as part of the Radcast Network’s top-tier business programming, this episode delves deep into themes of purpose, personal development, and the power of intentional action.
Ryan Alford welcomes Aniston Rickstein to the show, highlighting her impressive background in leadership coaching and her role within the Radcast Network. Aniston shares the genesis of her book, emphasizing that the title, "The Universe Is Hiring," was not her own creation but rather a profound insight that emerged during a meditative state. At [01:08], she remarks:
“It was one of those moments where I was like in a meditation, and it just landed. I saw the book cover, I saw the title. It was just like a present that landed in my brain.”
Aniston credits this epiphany as the catalyst for her writing journey, setting the stage for a transformative narrative centered around discovering one's unique purpose.
The discussion transitions to the challenges of juggling various professional and personal responsibilities. Aniston articulates her strategy for maintaining balance by being discerning about her commitments. At [02:26], she states:
“I think when you actually take the time to get really clear about what's on your plate and what do you actually want to be there and what is necessary, that you realize that a lot of the things that you're saying you don't have time for or that you're saying isn't possible is just a story.”
Ryan concurs, emphasizing that making time is a matter of prioritization rather than availability. He adds at [03:32]:
“We make time for what we want to make time for, you know? And everything else gets kind of bucketed over here.”
This segment underscores the importance of intentionality in time management, advocating for the allocation of energy towards activities that genuinely resonate with one’s passions and goals.
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the transformation from knowledge acquisition to actionable change. Aniston reflects on her personal journey, acknowledging her initial tendency to consume vast amounts of information without implementing it. At [06:18], she confesses:
“I read a really great personal development book and then I'd be like, oh my God, I feel so great. And then ask me two weeks later and I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about that book.”
She elaborates on the necessity of applying learned concepts repetitively to instigate meaningful change, stating:
“Ideas don't create change. And hope is not a strategy.”
Ryan reinforces this by highlighting the mantra of taking action over perpetual learning, emphasizing that practical application is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Delving deeper into career development, Aniston shares her early experiences in the advertising industry, which led to a pivotal self-discovery journey. At [08:51], she recounts:
“I felt really lost, and I was looking around and I had found myself in an amazing advertising agency right out of college. It was the dream job, and it was what I had worked so long for. And then I remember one day I saw this guy sitting across from me who had been with the agency for 20 years, sitting in the same cubicle he'd been in for 20 years. And I just had this sinking feeling... this is what I worked so hard for.”
This realization propelled her into a path of self-exploration, ultimately leading her to embrace coaching and authentically align her professional life with her personal values and spiritual beliefs. Aniston emphasizes the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self both in personal and corporate environments.
Aniston provides an overview of what readers can expect from her book, highlighting actionable exercises designed to foster self-discovery and purpose alignment. One notable exercise is the "Authentic Self Resume," which encourages individuals to articulate their authentic strengths and passions beyond conventional career achievements.
At [19:38], she explains:
“If you ask someone to sit down and now I want you to write a resume about you. Like, about who you are authentically and what your passions are, what your unique strengths are... People have a hard time with this because they've been so busy being somebody else.”
Each chapter of her book includes exercises aimed at anchoring the information and facilitating experiential learning, ensuring that readers can implement changes incrementally and sustainably.
The episode delves into common obstacles such as self-doubt and fear of the unknown that hinder individuals from pursuing their true purpose. Aniston addresses these fears by reinforcing the notion that everyone possesses a unique gift meant to bring fulfillment and joy.
At [20:43], she asserts:
“When you start to utilize [your unique gift] and you start to work on it and perfect it and become a master of it, that when you share this gift, it is going to light you up in a way that nothing outside of you can.”
Ryan complements this by discussing the concept of faith as an essential element in taking action despite uncertainty, encapsulating one of his favorite sayings:
“Hope is not a strategy.”
Aniston champions the idea that life is a continual journey of growth and evolution, rather than a series of fixed destinations. She posits that stagnation contradicts the universe's inherent nature of constant expansion.
At [26:11], she elaborates:
“The nature of the universe is expansion. Everything is always expanding. Everything is always... our bodies as well are constantly changing. To be stagnant and to stop changing and to stop expanding is actually is contradictory to nature.”
She emphasizes that true happiness stems not from achievements alone but from the ongoing process of seeking and making continuous progress. This philosophy encourages listeners to find daily joy in small advancements and personal growth.
Aniston introduces the concept of service as a powerful tool to overcome feelings of stagnation and self-absorption. She shares a personal anecdote where sending heartfelt messages to others not only uplifted their spirits but also transformed her own energy and perspective.
At [30:14], she shares:
“I sent five text messages... I just said, I just want to tell you I love you and here's all the things I love about you. As I'm writing those text messages, not only did I feel great, right, and it shifted. It shifted my energy.”
This practice of serving others redirects focus from personal struggles to the act of giving, fostering a sense of purpose and connection that naturally leads to personal transformation.
Aniston discusses her approach to coaching within business settings, emphasizing the potential for every individual to reach their highest capabilities when supported appropriately. She advocates for integrating personal development concepts into corporate environments to enhance employee satisfaction, performance, and overall workplace harmony.
At [34:53], she states:
“Every single individual in a company has the potential to be an A plus player. It's about... helping them reach their highest potential individually."
This holistic approach not only benefits the employees but also drives positive outcomes for the organizations they belong to, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between personal fulfillment and professional success.
As the episode wraps up, Aniston announces the official release date of her book, "The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill," set for January 7, 2025. She encourages listeners to pre-order the book on platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, promising a wealth of insights and practical exercises designed to help individuals uncover and embrace their unique roles in the universe.
At [42:21], Aniston shares:
“The book launches January 7th, so about a week into 2025, which I'm so excited about.”
Ryan wraps up the episode by praising Aniston’s impactful message and reinforcing the Radcast Network’s commitment to featuring transformative voices that inspire action and growth among its listeners.
Aniston Rickstein [01:12]:
“Goals don't matter unless you're making them happen.”
Ryan Alford [03:32]:
“We make time for what we want to make time for, you know? And everything else gets kind of bucketed over here.”
Aniston Rickstein [06:18]:
“Ideas don't create change. And hope is not a strategy.”
Aniston Rickstein [19:38]:
“People have a hard time with this because they've been so busy being somebody else.”
Ryan Alford [08:06]:
“Hope is not a strategy.”
Aniston Rickstein [26:11]:
“To be stagnant and to stop changing and to stop expanding is actually is contradictory to nature.”
Aniston Rickstein [30:14]:
“There’s a magic in that. It’s like you just taking your eye off of what you think is making you upset or, or angry or frustrated or is in your way and putting it instead on serving somebody else.”
This episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford serves as an inspiring blueprint for individuals seeking to align their lives with their true purpose. Through Aniston Rickstein’s candid dialogue and actionable advice, listeners are encouraged to transcend self-doubt, prioritize their passions, and engage in meaningful service, ultimately discovering the unique roles they are meant to fill in the universe.
For more insights and to stay updated on Aniston’s work, visit www.RyanIsRight.com or follow @rightaboutnowshow and @ryanalford on Instagram.
This summary captures the essence and key discussions of the episode, providing actionable insights and notable quotes to benefit both regular listeners and those new to the podcast.