In this episode I share how listening to Grant Cardone’s The 10X Rule reminded me that normal effort creates a normal, average life, and that if I want an extraordinary life I need to take extraordinary action instead of coasting.

I reflect on how staying in my comfort zone kept me stuck for years, including patterns from my upbringing around addiction and alcohol, and how fear of being seen and fear of failure can stop us from even starting.

I talk about building self-trust through small daily actions, from saying yes to simple self-care choices to committing to bigger identity shifts like becoming a runner. I explain how habits and neural pathways make change uncomfortable

AndI leave action steps: name one area where I’m being mediocre, imagine going 10% harder, choose one small daily habit, and commit fully (more at the bottom)

00:00 10X Rule Spark

01:32 Normal Effort Trap

02:54 Breaking Old Patterns

03:56 Fear of Failing

06:39 Stop Waiting Start

08:29 Comfortable Conditioning

10:12 Self Trust Micro Wins

15:06 Choose Your Identity

16:52 Habits and Neural Paths

18:55 10 Percent Action Plan

21:51 Bigger Why and Wrap

If you were game enough to accept my challenge here are the reflection questions:

- What one area of your life are you currently doing “enough” in?

- What would happen if you went 10% harder this week?

- Which small daily habit could you increase to push beyond average?

Write down one thing you will commit to doing fully, no shortcuts, this week.

And if you would like to dive deeper on your own healing journey and want to hear more about how I can support you - book in here:

https://calendar.app.google/3g2wMaQsMuN9WXvM7

Connect soon xo

In this episode I’m talking about frustration.... ironically while re-recording after my laptop didn’t save the first take LOL. I share where I’ve been over the past couple of years with starting and stopping the podcast, and why I took a three-month pause from my business (and a month off social media) to let my nervous system settle, be present with my kids as a single mum, and support my uncle after his quadruple bypass. I reflect on how growing and grieving can coexist, and how building from dysregulation can bleed into what we create. I unpack why frustration isn’t weakness, failure, or a sign to quit. it’s a signal of misalignment, crossed boundaries, unmet needs, value violations, or being right on the edge of growth. I also share a simple way to work with frustration instead of reacting: pause, breathe, zoom out, and ask what it’s trying to show you (including where the expectation vs reality gap is, what boundaries you’ve ignored, and whether you’re tired or misaligned). Wrapping it up with a bow and choosing vs chasing, moving with intention, and taking action even when it’s uncomfortable. Stay connected for more kōrero on topics like this xx

00:00 Laptop Fail and Frustration

01:10 Who I Am and Hiatus

03:57 Rest Seasons and Grief

05:52 Regulation Before Building

09:34 Frustration as a Signal

11:53 Fear and the Growth Edge

13:43 Pause and Ask Questions

16:32 Choosing Expansion This Year

18:58 Wrap Up and Stay Connected

In this episode, I share the deeply personal and transformative story of my first pregnancy and birth at the age of 16. From attending high school while dealing with severe morning sickness to navigating labour and a challenging emergency C-section, I describe how this experience not only made me a mother but also instilled a fierce determination and resilience in me. I discuss the emotional highs and lows, the incredible support system around me, and the life-changing lessons I learned. Join me as I open up about this sacred and often untalked-about journey, aiming to spark similar conversations and connections among listeners who have been through their own unique pregnancy and birthing experiences.

To dive deeper into these conversations, stay tuned and check out what I have got going on over at https://beacons.ai/gaylemoanajohnson

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:17 The Importance of Birth Stories

02:16 First Pregnancy Challenges

07:21 Labour and Delivery

15:30 Post-Birth Reflections

18:21 Conclusion and Invitation for Future Conversations

In this episode, I dive into the dual experiences of motherhood. The moments that have both saved and broken me. While reflecting on the profound impact of losing my father, I share the transformation from a life of addiction and chaos to one of growth and purpose through motherhood. From teenage struggles, handling grief, to the juxtaposition of public success and private battles, this episode explores the power of resilience, self-care, and the importance of feeling and navigating through life's challenges with authenticity. Join me as I discuss the messy yet beautiful journey of being a young Māori mum and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Motivation

00:16 Reflecting on Father’s Passing

01:15 Motherhood: A Path to Growth and Healing

04:56 Struggles and Resilience

08:48 The Impact of Loss and Addiction

12:31 Rediscovering Purpose and Self-Care

19:20 Navigating Motherhood and Personal Growth

22:25 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode, I delve deeper into my experiences as a young mother between the ages of 15 and 20. Inspired by a recent therapy session, I discuss the adversities and beautiful moments that shaped my journey. From the chaotic and turbulent relationship with my ex to battling judgement, discrimination, and my struggle with addiction, this episode is about how I persevered through profound challenges. I found strength and purpose in raising my children, which motivated me to finish school and rebuild my life. Join me as I share the powerful lessons and the steps that led me to become the person I am today. Let's get the word out and support those on similar journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:21 Therapy Insights and Reflections

02:08 Early Motherhood Challenges

02:42 Turbulent Relationships and Family Dynamics

06:42 Struggles with Discrimination and Judgment

08:39 Coping Mechanisms and Addictions

11:36 Finding Strength and Purpose

13:37 Educational Achievements and Support Systems

20:09 Public Speaking and Sharing My Story

23:39 Reflections and Encouragement

27:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Subscribe to stay tuned!

If you want to deepen your healing and personal development journey, my 11: 11 experience is starting 11th Nov 2025. Dm my socials below

@gaylemoanajohnson (BTS) (Fb, Insta, TT)

@growingwithgayle - podcast and coaching (Fb, Insta, TT)

https://beacons.ai/gaylemoanajohnson

Join me as I share the challenging and transformative journey of becoming a teen mama at 15. In this first episode of a six-part series, I open up about my turbulent childhood, dealing with addiction, abuse, and mental health struggles. I talk about the moment I found out I was pregnant, the fears of telling my parents and school, and the discrimination I faced. Despite these hardships, I outline how these experiences shaped me, leading me to finish school, pursue a career in social work, and become a life coach. This episode is a candid look into the life lessons and resilience that have defined my path.

Come follow the journey @gaylemoanajohnson (BTS) and @growingwithgayle (Podcast & coaching).If you want to deepen your healing journey the 11:11 experience starts 11th November 2025 - DM me on socials for more details.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:29 Vision for the Series01:31 Life Before Motherhood04:59 Finding Out I Was Pregnant07:03 Telling My Family and School12:28 Facing Discrimination and Challenges19:17 Overcoming Adversity20:38 Career and Personal Growth24:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Perfection is a straight-up lie. It’s impossible, it’s exhausting, and honestly…it’s just procrastination dressed up fancy.

In this episode, I’m sharing how perfection showed up in my own life. From becoming a mum at 15, to hiding behind masks, to burning myself out trying to “look like I had it all together.” Spoiler: I didn’t.

I cried in the shower most days. Life has been messy as hell. But the messy middle? That’s where all the growth came from.

So here’s what we’re doing today: smashing the myth of perfection, swapping it out for progress, alignment, and intention. I’m giving you 3 permission slips to move NOW - even if it’s messy, even if you don’t feel ready (because ready is a choice, not a feeling).

Reflection for you: what’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting for “perfect”?

Messy action gets shit done. Let’s talk about it.

If this aligns or you know someone who needs to watch this - send it to them! & stay around by subscribing to watch more of these conversations.

PS - I do this work deeply with women 1:1 and in my programs - the doors open to join us! DM me on my socials @gaylemoanajohnson or email gayle@moanajohnson.co.nz

See you soon!

Self-doubt is loud - but it doesn’t have to be the one running the show. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real, messy parts of my own journey. The false starts. The fear. The inner voice that said “Who do you think you are?” and what I did to move anyway.

Whether you’re standing at the edge of your next big move or sitting in the quiet fog of uncertainty, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to be fully ready. But you do have to begin.

I’m also putting a gentle challenge out there because sometimes, what you need isn’t more time… it’s one brave decision.

Let’s talk self-doubt, self-trust, and starting anyway.