What’s Receiving Your Time and Attention That Is Competing with the Life You Want to Live?
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What are you no longer willing to tolerate in the life you’ve worked so hard to create?
As we enter the final months of 2026, I’ve been asking myself two important questions: What’s receiving my precious time and attention that is competing with the life I want to live? And what would change if I became far more discerning about what I allow into my life?
In this solo episode of Follow Your Joy, I’m sharing some personal reflections from a season of significant change, including a busy October of keynote speaking, meaningful connections, and a renewed commitment to protecting my time, expertise, creativity and financial well-being.
I’ve discovered something surprisingly liberating: Doing less of what no longer serves us creates more room for what genuinely matters.
And discernment isn’t simply about setting boundaries or saying no. It’s about making decisions that honor who we’ve become, what we value, how we want to earn our money, and the life we’re creating next.
Inside this episode:
- Why being constantly busy rarely means we’re creating value, fulfillment or income
- Recognizing the obligations, relationships and expectations we’ve outgrown
- The connection between discernment, dignity, prosperity and self-trust
- Why I’ve become far more selective about unpaid speaking and brand opportunities
- Creating healthier boundaries around social media, work and other people’s agendas
- How one of my dear clients changed her business model and finally changed her priorities that include travel, fun and adventure – rather than making decisions from decades of hustle mentality
- Why the identity that created your past success may need to evolve for your next chapter
- A discovery I’m especially excited about: Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality book and platform and the power of making people feel genuinely valued. It’s a significant message: becoming more intentional about how we treat people, what we create, and what deserves our attention.
I also share highlights from my October speaking engagements, including a deeply personal experience co-hosting the Single Parent Advocate Symposium in Dallas, where I spoke publicly about my own single-parenting journey for the first time.
I’m introducing the return of my La Vita è Bella private mentorship, now integrated with The Elegant Way Forward™ methodology—a more discerning, joyful and prosperous approach to life and business for accomplished women entering their next era.
And, for my brilliant creative men clients who have been part of my world since 2008, –I have private mentorship through Marla Diann Mentoring which continues to help you navigate significant life and business transitions.
Whether it’s single parenthood, divorce, widowhood, a career evolution, or the complexities of success and responsibility, what you don’t need is another strategy for achieving more.
Instead, you want an experienced, trusted mentor who can help you navigate the human side of everything you’ve created and everything that’s changing.
Here’s what I hope you’ll take away:
- The woman who created your success has brought you this far. But what does she want now?
- Perhaps the most elegant way forward begins with a gracious no—or not now.
- Less obligation. Less noise. Less giving your precious energy to things that no longer belong in your life.
- More creativity, meaningful relationships, financial freedom, adventure, and room to enjoy everything you’ve worked so hard to create.
Discernment is your birthright.
And I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you’re no longer willing to tolerate in the life you’re creating?
Resources + Links:
Your Complimentary Elegant Way Forward Guide
Thoughtful questions and practical exercises to help you recognize what you’re ready to leave behind, what deserves more of your attention, and how you want to live, lead and make decisions in your next chapter. Get your guide: https://marladiann.com/elegant/
Explore Private Mentorship for Accomplished Women and Men:
For accomplished women interested in La Vita è Bella and The Elegant Way Forward™, and men navigating significant life and business transitions through Marla Diann Mentoring International, I’d love to begin a conversation. Email: support@marladiann.com
Use my Calendly link to have a chat about your identity that is creating your next chapter. https://calendly.com/successcoach-marladiann/connection
-Marla’s Amazon Lifestyle Influencer Store – shop for favorites. https://www.amazon.com/shop/marla_diann
Loved this episode? Don’t stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/
If you enjoyed the episode and podcast, I’d appreciate a review on Apple & Spotify. Let’s connect: @marla_diann.
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hi, i’m your host
Marla Diann!
I’ve been transforming creative entrepreneurs’ lives for over 27 years through two businesses. As a success coach and business strategist, I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs collapse the time frame of achieving their desires and goals.
It’s time to make joy your inner GPS for life and business decisions rather than lean on your logic and reason, first.
You’ll not only be following what is most authentic to you and for you, but you will live the beautiful life meant just for you.
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