Podcast Summary: She's So Lucky
Episode Title: Stop Being So Realistic: Why You’re Playing Yourself By Playing It Safe (Solo)
Host: Les Alfred
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Introduction
In this empowering solo episode of She's So Lucky, host Les Alfred delves deep into the concept of "realism" and how it may be inadvertently hindering women's ability to create their own luck. Drawing from her personal experiences and recent experiments on TikTok, Les encourages listeners to redefine what it means to be realistic and to embrace a mindset that fosters growth, resilience, and opportunity.
Embracing Imperfection and Consistency on Social Media
TikTok Experiment and Its Impact ([00:12] - [10:39])
Les begins by sharing her summer experiment on TikTok, where she committed to posting a daily 60-second video speaking directly to the camera without overthinking the content. Despite initial discomfort with the spontaneous nature of TikTok, this experiment significantly enhanced her consistency and presence on the platform.
Les (02:45): "Every day I have been on that app for a minute now, talking for at least 60 seconds, and it has been a really great experiment because it's helped me be a lot more consistent."
This consistent activity not only boosted her visibility but also opened up new opportunities, underscoring the importance of perseverance and stepping out of one's comfort zone to harness the platform's potential.
The Power of Language and Mindset
Manifestation and Language ([04:30] - [10:39])
Les discusses her return to manifestation practices, emphasizing how the language we use shapes our experiences. She highlights the duality of language—how it can either entrap us in negativity or liberate us to embrace positivity.
Les (07:15): "Much of the language that we use and the way that we carry ourselves can dictate a lot of our experience."
She acknowledges the limitations of manifestation in the face of systemic oppression but maintains that personal language and mindset play crucial roles in shaping individual realities.
Breaking Free from Conventional Realism
Challenging Mediocrity and Seeking More ([14:43] - [26:14])
Les shares her personal journey of leaving a prestigious yet unfulfilling job to pursue greater aspirations. She reflects on the societal and internal pressures to remain "realistic," which often translates to staying within safe, conventional boundaries.
Les (18:25): "I knew that my life had the potential to be so much more. And I felt mediocre staying in this really small bubble that I no longer felt suited me."
This section underscores the importance of believing in one's potential beyond the limitations imposed by others' perceptions of what is achievable.
Developing Resilience: The Bounce Back Rate
Handling Minor Setbacks Without Losing Momentum ([31:08] - [46:14])
Les introduces the concept of "bounce back rate," emphasizing the ability to recover quickly from minor setbacks without letting them derail long-term goals. She differentiates between processing significant traumas and brushing off smaller disappointments to maintain forward momentum.
Les (35:50): "It's about how quickly we can bounce back from those little things that can sometimes lead to a big crash out."
Using personal anecdotes, such as a mishap with her hairstyle, Les illustrates how minor setbacks should be viewed as temporary obstacles rather than debilitating failures.
Redefining Realism and Encouraging Bold Aspirations
Expanding the Definition of Realism ([42:20] - [46:14])
Les advocates for an expanded definition of realism that includes the pursuit of positive outcomes and ambitious goals. She challenges the conventional notion that realism equates to complacency, urging listeners to believe that deserving and achieving "too good to be true" aspirations is entirely possible.
Les (44:10): "If you can think it, then it's realistic. If you can see a version of it, even though what's meant for me might be a different version, then I think that that's realistic."
She calls on her audience to journal their overlooked aspirations and take actionable steps toward making them a reality, fostering a community of support and shared growth.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In wrapping up the episode, Les encourages listeners to redefine what is possible for themselves by challenging restrictive notions of realism. She emphasizes the importance of community, self-belief, and resilience in the journey towards creating one's own luck.
Les (45:30): "What is something that you've talked yourself out of that you thought you were being realistic by casting aside and what would it take for you to start believing in that thing again?"
Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast's social media platforms to share their experiences and support one another in expanding their definitions of what is achievable.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency Over Perfection: Regular, authentic engagement on platforms like TikTok can open doors and create opportunities.
- Language Shapes Reality: The language we use influences our mindset and the experiences we attract.
- Challenge Conventional Realism: Breaking free from societal expectations allows for the pursuit of greater aspirations.
- Resilience is Crucial: Developing a high bounce back rate from minor setbacks preserves energy for significant challenges.
- Redefine Possibilities: Embracing ambitious goals as realistic fosters personal growth and the creation of one's own luck.
Notable Quotes
-
On Consistency:
Les (02:45): "Every day I have been on that app for a minute now, talking for at least 60 seconds, and it has been a really great experiment because it's helped me be a lot more consistent." -
On Language and Experience:
Les (07:15): "Much of the language that we use and the way that we carry ourselves can dictate a lot of our experience." -
On Breaking Free from Mediocrity:
Les (18:25): "I knew that my life had the potential to be so much more. And I felt mediocre staying in this really small bubble that I no longer felt suited me." -
On Resilience:
Les (35:50): "It's about how quickly we can bounce back from those little things that can sometimes lead to a big crash out." -
On Redefining Realism:
Les (44:10): "If you can think it, then it's realistic. If you can see a version of it, even though what's meant for me might be a different version, then I think that that's realistic."
Final Thoughts
Les Alfred's insightful discussion in this episode serves as a powerful reminder that being overly realistic can sometimes limit our potential. By encouraging a shift in mindset, embracing resilience, and redefining what is possible, She's So Lucky empowers women to create their own luck and live life on their own terms. Whether you're feeling stuck in your current circumstances or striving for greater achievements, this episode offers valuable strategies and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
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