What I love about breakfast (besides the eating part)

What I love about breakfast (besides the eating part)

by | Sep 18, 2023 | Applied psychology, Brules of Life, Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Dream Accelerator, Tara Sage Coaching

One key part of my mission is to turn complex behavioral and psychological concepts into suuuuuper accessible, user-friendly, easy-to-apply strategies that help you experience more joy and wellbeing in your life.

Because I love you and want you to thrive.

Because you don’t need to have studied this stuff for years or have degrees in behavioral psychology to learn from someone who does … that is, so long as that person (me) keeps it REAL and breaks things into simple, relatable, straight-talking micro-steps that make your life better.

So. That’s what I’m committed to.

With this said, can we talk about breakfast for a minute?

What I love about breakfast, besides the eating part, is that it’s a habit we ALL have.

Regardless of WHAT you eat. (This is not a message about your diet.)

Regardless of WHEN you eat. (Perhaps you fast until 2pm, or eat early. Do you.)

Unless you’re in the midst of a daylong fast … somewhere in the course of your day, I’m going to assume you, quite literally, break-fast.

From an applied psychology perspective, this is great news for two reasons:

  1. Because eating breakfast has built-in rewards … namely, that hunger gets satisfied, but also the pleasure of happy taste buds. (a.k.a. positive reinforcement)
  2. Because eating your first meal of the day is part of your routine. (a.k.a. conditioned behavior pattern, an established habit)

Here’s how this simple, daily, built-in habit provides you with a fabulous opportunity:👇

The behavioral and brain science is clear. Changing habits is most effective when you add a new habit (as opposed to trying to stop an old habit).

Let’s say, for example, that you aspire to:

  • read more books, or
  • build more physical strength, or
  • learn a new language, or
  • prepare more healthy meals, or
  • start a meditation practice, or
  • (fill in the blank with something that’s true for you)…

Since breakfast is an already established habit, it presents a PERFECT opportunity for you to add, in an effort to build on and establish more helpful habits into your routine.

For example, you might add …

  • 30 minutes of reading, or
  • 50 squats, or
  • a Duolingo lesson, or
  • making a big salad so it’s ready to eat for lunch, or
  • 10 minutes of meditation, or
  • whatever new habit will best support your goals

… all BEFORE you get rewarded by having breakfast.

To be clear, I recommend picking ONE thing you’ll add to your routine. ONE thing you decide you’re going to be sure to do BEFORE you eat breakfast. I also recommend doing it for at least 7 days, consistently, before considering adding any other new habits to the mix.

So, what supportive new habit will YOU add to your pre-breakfast routine? I’d love to hear!

Small changes add up. And small steps – if they’re the right steps – can be absolutely transformative: they build your confidence, they break old patterns, they free up energy, and they make you that much more ready and able to take on the bigger stuff.

Want to learn more ways to disrupt old patterns, build positive new habits, establish expansive new levels of empowerment, and experience a new kind of freedom in your life?

JOIN ME for my upcoming in-person special event where we’ll not only break bread, we’ll break brules! 😉 Click here to learn more and claim your seat at the table!

Big love,

 

I interrupt this broadcast

I interrupt this broadcast

by | Sep 11, 2023 | Applied psychology, Brules of Life, Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Dream Accelerator, Tara Sage Coaching

I interrupt this broadcast …

Many of the things we do are automatic. They’re instilled and engrained in us by what we’ve been taught and socially conditioned to do – or not do.

So much so, that autopilot kicks in. RARELY do we (adults) stop to question or revisit or reassess if such habits and patterns make sense/feel good/are aligned, now.

What you do matters.

Whether you do it consciously or unconsciously.

Whether what you do is supportive or detrimental.

What you do impacts everything you think, feel, believe, and create.

One way or another, for better or worse, these patterns sustain your experience. They feed your beliefs, and they perpetuate your behaviors. It’s the quintessential old-dog-new-tricks-dynamic.

Not ONLY does what you do matter, but the environments you do them in, matter.

Where you do what you do ALSO helps to either perpetuate or disrupt your habits – whether good or bad, supportive or detrimental.

Here’s the really good news:

Creating a change in your routine can have unexpectedly powerful positive impacts!

But, like that old dog, you aren’t likely to discover them unless you experiment and find out.

You have the power to bring the psychology of change into your life in SUPER simple ways. Wonderfully empowering, life-enhancing ways … all while making discoveries about how to further elevate your happiness and wellbeing!

Sounds good, right?

And it works. It works because challenging conventional default modes creates a break in pattern, and this disruption of the old way, opens up opportunities for the new to come in.

Here are two simple ways to create a positive pattern interruption in your life:

(1) Do something different, or do something you already do but in a NEW way. Neither of these require you to go anywhere. As you move through your day, simply experiment with doing something even slightly different than usual. Shaking up your personal status quo could be as simple as wearing something you never wear, or cooking something you’ve never cooked before, or perhaps you don’t even change WHAT you do, but you switch up the order you do it in. Simple enough, right? Play with it, and see what you discover.

(2) Change your environment. If you know me at all, you know that I love to travel. I love how new environments inspire me in different ways. I love variety – be it a new state, country, landscape, or even just a new corner of a favorite cafe. On September 23, I will be in New Hampshire for a special event and you’re invited to JOIN me!

I am hosting this first-of-its-kind gathering that is really all about pattern interruption (a.k.a. brule breaking). Brule breaking provides a fresh approach and framework to deconstruct and challenge limiting perspectives, shift your unhelpful habits, and discover expansive new levels of awareness so that you can establish new more empowering, supportive, dream-accelerating patterns (a.k.a. the good stuff).

And THIS has the effect of naturally activating momentum, putting that skip in your step as you create more of what you desire in life.

How will YOU interrupt your regularly scheduled program?

What pattern interruption will you choose?

Comment below and tell me about it.

Ok, now you can return to your regularly scheduled program… if you wish. 😉

Big love,

PS – This special event is just one hour from Boston, two hours from Providence, and just 30 minutes from Portsmouth’s airport. An easy drive or fly to beautiful New Hampshire — September 23 — in my opinion, the best time of year to be there.

Brule – a sassy word to know AND understand!

Brule – a sassy word to know AND understand!

by | Aug 28, 2023 | Brules of Life, Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Dream Accelerator, Manifestation, Tara Sage Coaching

Brule is not just a sassy word to know, it’s also a word to understand!

On September 23rd, I’ll be sharing something I’ve never before shared publicly: a personal story about navigating a huge blind spot. Other than the exception of a few close friends, I never imagined I’d be telling this story. After some debate, I’ve decided to do it for one reason: it is the best way I know to demonstrate a teaching that has the power to change lives.

So share, I will. And – you’re invited to be in the room when I do.

Inspired by my book, The Brules of Life, I am hosting The Brule Breakers Brunch – a special in-person gathering for people who want to break the “brules” that hold them back from the life they desire.

In case you’re not familiar with the term, “brule” is sassy slang, for bullsh*t rules. 😜 BUT – it’s so much more than a sassy word!

Brules are psychological and behavioral blind spots that impede and prevent people from thriving. And they’re sneaky. They tend to hide in plain sight! (read: We ALL have them!) 

Like, for example, “Be independent” is a brule. Independence is a lie. A delusion. A myth. An impossible goal given that the truth of our interdependence is inherent and unavoidable, with evidence of this fact everywhere! (See chapter 7 in The Brules of Life for more on this critical brule to break, especially if you’re someone who feels stubborn pride – as I did before I busted through this brule – about your so-called “independence.”)

The brules that tend to hold us back the most are the ones that SEEM true and therefore go unquestioned and remain a blind spot in your unconscious, impeding you from thriving.

Blind spots happen when “brules” become embodied beliefs. 

Understanding the significance of what this word really means and really represents for YOU is critically important to everything you desire in life … because seeing a blind spot and breaking even ONE brule can change the trajectory of your entire life. 

It did mine!

Brule is a sassy word to know AND understand!

What if … you are just one shift, one decision, one brule-busting breakthrough away from everything you want? 

I will be presenting at a special first-of-its-kind event in Exeter, New Hampshire (1 hour from Boston, 2 hours from Providence, 30 minutes from Portsmouth Airport). 

JOIN ME for this special in-person event!

In addition to good food, new friends, raffle prizes and presents, you will learn:

  • the applied psychology of brule-breaking
  • how to go beyond seeming “limits” to create the life you think you cannot have
  • how to powerfully deconstruct any brule
  • the top 3 brules to break and how breaking them can open the door to a new kind of freedom. 

This is an intimate event – space is very limited.

If you can be there, great!  Save your seat here. I can’t wait to see you!

If you can’t be there on September 23 but still want to learn more about brules … I’ve got something for you too: Grab my FREE Book of Brules bonus chapter,The Only Skill You Ever Need. Learn the skill that makes all the difference, especially if dreaming feels carefree in ways that you do not.

Every time I sit down to write to you, my goal is (1) to provide thoughtful ways for you to feel more free and get to know yourself better, (2) to inspire you to trust your dreams more than your fears/more than you did yesterday and (3) offer some ideas for how to develop the personal habits and actions that make those dreams REAL. 

In this bonus chapter, I believe I have done all three.

>>> https://tarasagecoaching.com/os/

To success on your own terms, 

Momentum will be yours (here’s how)

Momentum will be yours (here’s how)

by | Aug 14, 2023 | Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Dream Accelerator, Tara Sage Coaching

In order to make your dreams real, it is very important that we create a space where your dreams and goals are gaining accelerated momentum. 

Accelerated momentum is when renewed zest for life and a new kind of confidence takes hold within you. 

It’s when the life you’ve been trying to breathe into your dreams, starts breathing life into YOU! 

When accelerated momentum takes hold, you are no longer caught in the weeds, no longer doubting or questioning if you will live your dreams, no longer believing that you can’t, and no longer making or buying your own excuses.

Accelerated momentum is essential because dreams require energy and attention! And when your energy is scattered, or you’re waffling between this choice and that choice, this action and that action, or in a constant start, stop, start, stop, start, stop rhythm 
 momentum doesn’t ever have a chance to really get rolling.

Here are 3 keys to creating accelerated momentum on behalf of YOUR dreams:

(1) Teamwork makes the dream work. Private coaching is one of the most powerful forms of support you’ll ever experience. Gain personalized feedback, accountability, brainstorming, resources and highly focused, forward-oriented coaching – all personalized to YOU.  

Like Kimberly 
 who had this to say about her experience in The Dream Acceleration Program: “I learned a process of becoming more, becoming my best self. I did the work of transforming my dreary existence into a beautiful life, but I couldn’t have done it without Tara’s coaching. She holds the space for you to truly up-level your life, and guides you through the process of becoming your fully actualized self.”

(2) Go beyond fear and doubt. Fear is a normal natural part of the process, but we want to make sure it’s not directing your decisions and your life. One key skill to learn is how to master the psychology of fear and build your courage.

Like Rob, who had this to say about his experience in The Dream Acceleration Program: “I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about spending the money, but I think that in itself is when you have a breakthrough moment … when YOU decide to invest in YOU! Once you make the commitment to pursue what you want most out of life, Tara can take you there.”

(3) Build your belief along with your skills. Step by step, create real momentum on a life that reflects your deepest dreams and desires. From there, anything you want in the future will be yours because you will have the tools to create it! 

Like Stephanie 
 who had this to say about her experience in The Dream Acceleration Program: “I learned how to eliminate the obstacles and move towards my dreams with energy and enthusiasm. This process is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I now feel as if there is nothing I cannot do or conquer.”

Want to learn more and join me for this 6-month private one-on-one coaching space, where we start from exactly where YOU are, and work on managing your energy, prioritizing what to give your attention and energy to, clarifying and removing obstacles, and planning out and providing you with complete support to step into a bigger vision for who you are and how you get to live? 

If yes, I’m happy to chat and explore together how this process can make your blind spots vanish and new possibilities emerge, so that you finally create and live the life you’ve dreamed of. Claim a spot on my calendar for a call at www.sessionwithtara.com. 

Tame your inner dialog with THIS

Tame your inner dialog with THIS

by | Aug 7, 2023 | Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Dream Accelerator, Tara Sage Coaching

As you consider making a change, it’s normal for your mind to swing from predicting and wanting to plan for everything that could possibly go wrong, to wanting to focus on creating the best and fastest path to what you want most.

Your inner dialog may sound something like this:

If so 


First, big hug. I know it’s frustrating to be working so hard while feeling like you’re falling short of your potential, maybe wondering silently or out loud if this is all you will ever do, be, or have.

You’ve done amazing things for yourself, but I know you want more. 

I imagine that, while you’ve thought about going for your bigger dreams, whatever they are, you also don’t want to lose what you’ve worked so hard to create – your relationships, your security, your reputation, even your family. 

And, let’s be honest, it’s easy to get freaked out by the prospect of change. Also totally understandable, because it all feels so UNCERTAIN. 

Maybe up to now, you’ve thought it best to put your dreams on the back burner, for a time. You’ve had your reasons, and I honor that. 

BUT  – I also know that while you don’t want to lose what you’ve worked hard for, there’s a desire for MORE – be it a desire for more freedom, to be more yourself, or simply that you’ve been waiting long enough to act on the dreams in your heart, dreams that don’t seem to go away!

In The Dream Acceleration Program, one proven step at a time, we massively accelerate the realization of your deepest dreams and goals. We build on what you’ve already created, all while becoming more fully yourself, so that you can have your biggest dreams, be your biggest self, AND create deeper relationships, increased confidence, free time to do what you want with – and more because of it!

If you see yourself in any of this, claim a session and let’s discuss it further.

You won’t catch me doing this

You won’t catch me doing this

by | Jul 31, 2023 | Brules of Life, Coaching, Create Your Life!, Dream Acceleration, Tara Sage Coaching

Coaching, as an industry, has a million-and-one problems. I have done my fair share of hemming and hawing about them, debating what to do about them, and stewing about what it means for “my industry” and “the reputation of the industry as a whole.” 

What I have come to understand is that my job is to solve exactly zero of these problems. 

My job is not to fix the coaching industry. My job is to serve my clients and give generously to those who value what I share. Full stop. 

Imagine, for example, going into an online coaching forum and asking a question about strategies for booking clients, and instead of receiving answers and guidance being told you are “giving your power away” by asking the question.

This is an example of a recent trend I’ve noticed in some coaching spaces. Coaches responding to clients who ask how to do something strategically or how those who’ve achieved success in a specific area did what they did … and the coach responds by telling the client that their question is crowdsourcing (which apparently implies a negative connotation) – even going so far as to say that asking such questions is a symptom of “giving your power away.”

LISTEN. If you choose to work with me, I won’t do this.

Here are 10 reasons I won’t pull this crap, er, I’m mean, 10 reasons I won’t do this:

1.) It is a thinly veiled way of sidestepping the question and belittling the client (all while saying you are empowering them).

2.) Asking for help is an act of BRAVERY and will always be treated as such in my world.

3.) As a client of mine, you can bank on always being received in a way that has you knowing with certainty that you don’t need to edit yourself, that you are safe to ask anything and know you will be responded to with the highest level of support I am able to provide to you. This is what I will deliver. I hold nothing back. Every question has an answer, and if I don’t know the answer and you don’t know the answer, together we will find how to get you the answers you need.

4.) Investigating (a.k.a crowdsourcing) others’ actions as you determine the approach you will choose as you move forward, is smart. Learning from the experience of others is part of figuring things out. While there are many paths that can take you to the same place and you’ll never hear me say you *must* do it a certain way, if I can save you from going down roads I know are full of potholes, I most certainly will.

5.) If I know of a superhighway that takes you there (and I do know several fast-track paths that generally aren’t common knowledge), you can know with absolute confidence and certainty that I won’t withhold this either. To do so would be completely unethical, in my view.

5 more… 

6.) It’s NOT an “either/or.” Either ‘ask what others have done and give your power away’ OR ‘don’t ask and be empowered to figure it out independently’ presents a choice built on false constructs. Lord knows, you don’t need any more BS to navigate! Especially from the very coach you hired to help you sort out the time-sucks and navigate around the nonsense. (Sigh.) I am here to help you spot and deconstruct BS constructs, not add to them!

7.) None of this needs to be made to mean that you can’t figure it out on your own.

8.) None of this needs to be made to mean that you don’t trust yourself.

9.) To be clear: As a professional, I hold no attachments to what actions you choose to take, or not take. I regularly tell clients, “take what you like and leave the rest.” As your coach, in addition to any strategic support, I will also be coaching you on the inner work around trusting yourself to make decisions, take aligned action, and figure it out as you go. You can know with confidence that I’m here for all of it. 

10.) You are powerful, always.  

Ready to work together? Let’s talk: www.sessionwithtara.com

Big love,