Episodes

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
Welcome to "Live Into Your Best Life" with your host, Paulie Skaja. In this episode, Paulie delves into the nuanced world of coaching, separating the wheat from the chaff in an industry flooded with self-proclaimed experts. Drawing on her own journey from soccer mom and IT problem-solver to certified coach and agile expert, Paulie shares insights into what makes a quality coach and how to find the right fit for your personal and professional development needs.
Paulie emphasizes that coaching isn't just about certifications; it's about practical experience, deep personal growth, and a commitment to continuous improvement. She recounts her early knack for problem-solving and leadership, which eventually led her to formal training in various coaching methodologies like NLP, HNLP, hypnosis, and EFT. Her expertise isn't limited to theoretical knowledge but is grounded in years of hands-on experience in leadership roles and enterprise transformation.
Central to Paulie's coaching philosophy is the idea that a good coach not only guides but empowers clients to find their own solutions. This approach, honed through her diverse career and personal experiences, underscores her belief that effective coaching requires a blend of training, real-world application, and genuine connection with clients.
Throughout the episode, Paulie encourages listeners to critically evaluate potential coaches, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal goals with a coach's expertise and style. She challenges the misconception that coaching is a one-size-fits-all solution, stressing the need for a trusting relationship and shared vision for growth and transformation.
Paulie invites listeners to consider what aspects of their lives they want to improve and offers practical advice on how to navigate the search for a coach. Whether it's enhancing wellness, navigating relationships, or achieving professional goals, Paulie advocates for coaches who not only have the right credentials but also the personal experiences that resonate with their clients' journeys.
As the episode concludes, Paulie leaves listeners with a call to action: take the first step in your personal growth journey. Reflect on what you truly want to achieve, research potential coaches diligently, and don't hesitate to schedule introductory conversations to gauge compatibility and fit.
Tune in to "Live Into Your Best Life" for more episodes packed with actionable insights and honest discussions about living your best life. Remember, the journey to personal growth and fulfillment is ongoing, and Paulie Skaja is here to guide you every step of the way. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and continue the adventure of self-discovery and improvement. Until next time, embrace the opportunity to live into your best life.

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Special Guest Joshua Peters
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," host Paulie Skaja interviews Joshua Peters, a hypnotherapist and coach from Minneapolis. Joshua specializes in helping clients find inner strength and confidence to overcome anxiety, fear, and self-doubt, enabling them to move forward in all areas of their lives. He also hosts the "Super States" podcast, where he interviews experts in trance and personal development.
Joshua shares his journey into hypnotherapy, starting with his life in a small town, where he worked a soul-crushing job and dealt with a failing marriage. His transformative experience began with attending a Landmark Forum, a weekend program that uses NLP-type language and mindset reframing techniques. This experience helped him realize that the meaning of life is what we make of it and sparked a series of life-changing decisions, including quitting smoking, finding a new job, and eventually getting a divorce.
Joshua's path led him to discover sideshow acts like fire eating and bed of nails, which taught him to move past fear and step into uncomfortable situations. This period of self-discovery and empowerment was crucial for his personal growth. He later moved to Minnesota to be with a new partner, balancing his time between his children and his new life, thanks to the help of a hypnotist who helped him overcome his fears.
Inspired by the effectiveness of hypnosis, Joshua mentored with a hypnotist and began helping others with similar issues. By 2018, he went full-time with his hypnotherapy practice. Paulie and Joshua discuss the importance of peeling away layers of trauma and self-doubt to reach personal transformation, highlighting that the journey may take time but is ultimately rewarding.
Joshua enjoys working with creative individuals and those who are self-motivated, as they tend to engage deeply with the process and see significant results. He emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices and letting go of burdensome elements of one's life to move forward and live fully. Joshua recounts his journey of letting go of his past life, symbolized by an act of physically throwing rocks into a dumpster and leaving everything behind. He emphasizes the importance of intentional actions and planning, detailing how he gave a six-month notice at his job to align with his future aspirations, which culminated in selling his house and making a clean break from his old life in August 2018.
Joshua reflects on the significance of being in alignment and how it facilitated his steps toward personal growth and fulfillment. He uses the analogy of a map, suggesting that while a straight path from point A to point B is ideal, life often requires navigating through various hubs where everything clicks into place.
The conversation shifts to Joshua's podcast, which he started as a way to network and discuss topics that intrigued him but were outside the norm. The podcast allowed him to connect with interesting people and explore new ideas, further aiding his personal and professional growth. He shares how the podcast became a tool for self-expression and stretching his comfort zones.
The episode concludes with Joshua offering practical advice on taking action, even if it's small steps, to start making changes in one's life. He encourages listeners to break routines and try new things to build momentum for change. Joshua also provides information on how listeners can connect with him through his website and a special email transformation program designed to help people clear out mental blocks and achieve transformation without significant financial investment.
Paulie wraps up by thanking Joshua for his transparency and authenticity, emphasizing the power of storytelling in personal transformation. She encourages listeners to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast to continue receiving valuable insights and support on their journey towards living their best lives.
To connect with Joshua via email: Joshua@xfactorhypnosis.com and make sure you take advantage of his free offer to begin transforming your life now through this 7 day self-hypnosis program.

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in
Welcome to "Live Into Your Best Life" with your host, Paulie Skaja. Today's episode delves deep into the iterative journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Paulie invites us to reflect on the recurring challenges we face, whether in our careers, relationships, or personal development.
Paulie shares insights gained from coaching sessions where individuals feel stuck, revisiting familiar obstacles. Often, these moments reveal deeper layers of complexity or new dynamics at play. It's a reminder that growth is ongoing—we continually refine our responses to life's challenges, whether launching a business, navigating relationships, or advancing in our careers.
Paulie emphasizes a crucial perspective shift: sometimes, the issue isn't us; it's the dynamics with others. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, he illustrates how perceived conflicts can stem from external pressures or others' insecurities rather than personal shortcomings.
She introduces a powerful exercise: viewing situations from multiple perspectives—ours, theirs, and an outsider's. This technique fosters empathy and understanding, helping resolve misunderstandings and diffuse tensions. It's a tool to unravel complexities and discern if the issue lies within us or in external dynamics.
Throughout the episode, Paulie encourages authenticity and self-awareness. She challenges us to honestly confront lingering issues that might hinder our progress, advocating for a deep dive into our blind spots and emotional triggers.
Analogizing life's challenges to ascending a spiral staircase, Paulie reframes repeated struggles as opportunities for growth at higher levels of understanding and resilience. She shares personal victories where confronting and overcoming recurring challenges led to personal breakthroughs and professional advancements.
Acknowledging that personal growth involves continuous learning, Paulie invites listeners to embrace curiosity and gratitude. She encourages us to seek lessons even in challenging interactions and to practice forgiveness and closure where needed, allowing us to move forward unburdened by past grievances.
In closing, Paulie extends a message of empowerment. She urges listeners to persist in their iterative journey towards living their best lives, emphasizing that each moment offers a chance for improvement and self-discovery. With grace and humility, she reminds us that perfection isn't necessary—only a commitment to ongoing personal evolution.
Join Paulie Skaja each week as she guides you through navigating life's challenges with curiosity and resilience. Subscribe to "Live Into Your Best Life" for more insights and techniques to empower your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. Together, let's embrace each day as an opportunity to iterate, learn, and live into our best lives.

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Special Guest Lauren Neal
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this insightful episode, Paulie chats with Lauren Neal, a project management expert and author, about her journey of self-discovery, career development, and her mission to help women feel valued in the workplace. Lauren shares personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and valuable lessons from her book Valued at Work.
Lauren begins by reminiscing about her childhood, particularly how a comment from her dad calling her "my little engineer" and a toy elephant with wheels sparked her interest in problem-solving. This early encouragement set her on a path toward engineering and project management, even if she didn't realize it at the time. Her story emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing innate skills from a young age.
Reflecting on her high school years, particularly her involvement in the yearbook committee, Lauren explains how she quickly rose to the position of co-editor. This role required her to integrate various components like photography and page layouts, which unknowingly developed her project management skills. These early experiences have continued to influence her career.
Transitioning to her professional life, Lauren discusses how her love for solving problems and integrating solutions naturally led her to project management. She highlights the themes running through her life and career, demonstrating how early interests and skills can shape our professional paths.
Delving into the inspiration behind her book, Valued at Work, Lauren shares her frustration with feeling undervalued and invisible in male-dominated environments. Encouraged by her partner and motivated by a book proposal challenge, she decided to write a book to help women in similar situations. She found that many women shared her feelings of invisibility and undervaluation at work, prompting her to create a narrative approach featuring two male characters discussing real experiences of women in STEM fields.
Lauren explains how she used real stories from interviews and LinkedIn posts to build the book's narrative, aiming to make it both engaging and relatable. The characters, Marcus and Steve, represent common archetypes in the workplace, allowing readers to see different perspectives on inclusion and leadership.
Lauren's book has received positive feedback, particularly from women who feel validated by the experiences shared. Men who have read the book have also found practical ideas to implement in their organizations. Lauren emphasizes the importance of recognizing everyone's value and fighting the natural impulse to favor those who are similar to ourselves.
In her speaking engagements and through her Leadership Catalyst program, Lauren aims to help teams become more inclusive, self-organizing, and effective. She encourages listeners to network, find their passions outside of their day jobs, and share their experiences with trusted individuals to realize they are not alone in their feelings.
Lauren concludes by advising listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn, where she is active and shares her insights. She underscores the importance of carving out elements that are truly oneself and not tying one's identity solely to a 9-to-5 job. The episode wraps up with a reflection on Lauren's journey from a little girl inspired by a Lego set to an advocate for workplace inclusion and leadership development.
Click here to reach out to Lauren.

Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," Paulie Skaja explores the profound impact of our thoughts and words on our energy and overall well-being. Reflecting on a previous discussion with Monica about courage and action, Paulie identifies the current world's chaotic energy, influenced by political uncertainty, economic challenges, and the constant connectivity of technology. He likens this pervasive energy to Pigpen from the Peanuts cartoon, a swirling chaos that affects focus and contributes to accidents and illnesses.
Paulie emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from technology to regain personal clarity and energy. He demonstrates how our thoughts directly influence our physical and emotional state, prompting listeners to consider the contrasting feelings evoked by words like "desperate" versus "determined." By choosing positive thoughts and consciously managing our internal dialogue, Paulie suggests we can alter our energy and impact those around us positively.
Encouraging listeners to engage in self-experimentation, Paulie invites feedback and reflections on how these practices influence daily life. He concludes with a call to subscribe, share the episode, and continue exploring ways to live with intention and positivity.

Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Special Guest Monica Kenton
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this podcast episode hosted by Paulie Skaja, spiritual and energy guide Monica Kenton joins to discuss her extensive background in shamanic practices and dream teaching. Paulie introduces Monica as someone who helps creatives and entrepreneurs find balance and fulfillment through personalized spiritual roadmaps, emphasizing Monica's ability to guide others in listening to their inner guidance, making better choices, and manifesting desired lives.
Paulie shares his admiration for Monica's coaching style and their longstanding friendship, highlighting Monica's straightforward yet compassionate approach in supporting personal growth. Monica, in turn, shares insights from her own journey, starting with a pivotal car accident that sparked her exploration of energy work and shamanic practices. She reframes challenges as awakening moments rather than obstacles, stressing the importance of intuition and aligning mind, body, and spirit.
The conversation explores the concept of following life's breadcrumbs—small cues that guide individuals toward discovering their true paths. Monica uses personal examples, including her brief stint in acting, to illustrate how such explorations can clarify alignment with deeper goals. Courage in making life and career pivots is discussed, underscored by Monica's high school experience that taught her the value of taking action and aligning with personal desires.
Throughout, Monica advocates for slowing down to listen to inner guidance, recognizing signs of alignment or misalignment, and trusting in the journey's unfolding. She encourages setting intentions and deadlines for goals to empower their manifestation, promoting a proactive approach to personal transformation.
In summary, the episode explores themes of personal growth, aligning with life's flow, and summoning courage to pursue change. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs through personal development and seeking external perspectives. The dialogue concludes with a focus on creativity as a catalyst for personal fulfillment, introducing a program aimed at assisting individuals in completing creative projects with ease and satisfaction. Overall, listeners are encouraged to embrace change, take decisive steps aligned with their aspirations, and nurture creativity as a pathway to personal growth and fulfillment.
To learn more about what Monica offers and her new program, visit her site: https://www.monicakenton.com/finish-line/

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
Welcome to another empowering episode of "Live Into Your Best Life" with your host, Paulie Skaja. Today, Paulie delves into the transformative concept of Shu Ha Ri, originally from martial arts but extending its wisdom to all aspects of life.
Shu Ha Ri unfolds in three stages: Shu, Ha, and Ri. Beginning with Shu, Paulie explains the importance of mastering foundational rules and processes. Drawing parallels to "Karate Kid," she illustrates how disciplined adherence to basics—like waxing cars and painting fences—lays the groundwork for future mastery.
Moving to Ha, Paulie emphasizes the evolution beyond rules. Once familiar with the principles, individuals gain the flexibility to adapt and innovate. Using the analogy of learning to drive, she illustrates how initial caution transforms into confident, unconscious competence over time.
Ri signifies mastery, where individuals transcend rules to create new methods and approaches. Paulie shares her journey of integrating diverse influences into personalized strategies, applicable across personal growth, professional development, and leadership.
Throughout the episode, Paulie champions authenticity. She challenges the idea of compartmentalizing roles, urging listeners to embody their true selves consistently. By eliminating distractions and focusing on meaningful actions aligned with core values, individuals can accelerate progress towards their aspirations.
Reflecting on her podcast journey, Paulie celebrates the power of consistency. Each episode exemplifies incremental progress through the principles of Shu Ha Ri—steadily refining her message to impact lives, regardless of audience size.
In conclusion, Paulie invites listeners to adopt Shu Ha Ri as a guiding philosophy. Whether pursuing personal goals, navigating professional challenges, or exploring spiritual growth, embracing Shu, Ha, and Ri fosters continuous improvement and empowers individuals to live authentically and confidently in every sphere.
Join Paulie Skaja on this enlightening journey towards your best life. Subscribe to "Live Into Your Best Life" for weekly insights and actionable steps to propel your personal evolution. Together, let's embrace Shu Ha Ri and thrive!
Until next time, stay well and continue evolving with Paulie Skaja.

Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Live Into Your Best Life with Paulie Skaja! In today's episode, Paulie delves into the intriguing concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, shedding light on their nuances and implications for various aspects of our lives.
Paulie begins by clarifying that a fixed mindset and a growth mindset are not inherently good or bad. It's crucial to recognize that everyone may exhibit a mix of both mindsets in different areas of their life. The key is to understand where these mindsets serve us and where they might hold us back.
Paulie highly recommends the book Mindset by Carol Dweck, which offers valuable insights into the fixed versus growth mindset debate. This book has been a cornerstone in Paulie's coaching, especially in leadership and executive development, providing practical advice on when and how to adopt a growth mindset.
Paulie shares her passion for leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset in effective leadership. Leaders often rise to their positions based on past performance, but transitioning to a leadership role requires a shift from managing tasks to empowering people. Paulie underscores the importance of self-awareness and the willingness to delegate and develop others as critical components of a growth-oriented leadership style.
A key aspect of fostering a growth mindset is learning to empower others. Paulie advises leaders to ask open-ended questions that encourage team members to find their solutions, which can lead to innovative outcomes and personal growth. By letting go of the need to control everything, leaders can build a more capable and confident team.
Paulie offers practical tips for those looking to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. It starts with self-reflection—understanding where you currently stand and where you want to go. By becoming aware of your thought patterns and how they influence your actions, you can begin to make conscious shifts towards a more growth-oriented approach.
In personal relationships, Paulie stresses the importance of understanding your values and setting boundaries. Recognizing that others may have different values and learning to navigate these differences with a growth mindset can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Paulie encourages listeners to reflect on various areas of their life—health, business, relationships, spirituality—and assess whether they are operating with a fixed or growth mindset. Professionals in fields like coaching, wellness, and change management often adopt a growth mindset, continually looking to help others reach their potential.
Paulie wraps up the episode with actionable steps: Take time to reflect on whether you are living with a fixed or growth mindset in different areas of your life. Pay attention to your communication, both verbal and written. Are your responses growth-oriented or limiting? Gradually shift your mindset towards one that embraces possibilities and solutions.
Paulie invites listeners to engage with the podcast. If you enjoy the content, subscribe and rate the show five stars. Share the podcast with friends who might benefit from the insights. Leave comments or feedback for future episodes.
Join Paulie Skaja in exploring how a growth mindset can transform your life and help you live into your best self. Until next time, embrace the journey and live into your best life!

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
Welcome to another empowering episode of Live Into Your Best Life with your host, Paulie Skaja. Today, let's embark on a journey of transformation and possibility, as we explore the profound impact of shifting our perspective towards a mindset of belief and action.
Imagine for a moment that you possess the power to achieve anything you desire. What if you could truly believe that the best outcomes are within your reach? As Paulie reminds us, our beliefs shape our reality – what we focus on, we attract.
But what if, instead of harboring doubts and self-limiting beliefs, we chose to believe in our ability to succeed? What if we took consistent action towards our goals, trusting in our worthiness to attain them?
Like a scientist conducting an experiment, we can set hypotheses for our lives and measure our progress along the way. Just as tracking daily steps can lead to improved health, tracking our actions and their outcomes can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Yet, patience and consistency are key on this journey. Progress may be gradual, but each small step forward brings us closer to our desired destination.
As we navigate this path, we must remain vigilant for signs of progress – tangible evidence that our efforts are bearing fruit. Whether it's noticing changes in our physical well-being or receiving recognition from others, these signs affirm that we are on the right track.
And when discomfort arises – as it inevitably does when we step outside our comfort zones – we must discern whether it signifies growth or resistance to change. By embracing discomfort as a sign of growth, we can move forward with confidence and resilience.
So, dear listeners, let's commit to tracking our progress, whether through journaling or using apps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Together, let's live into our best lives, one step at a time.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast with your loved ones. Join us on this adventure of personal growth and discovery, and remember to enjoy the journey every step of the way. Until next time, take care and be well.
#PersonalGrowth #BelieveInYourself #ProgressNotPerfection #LiveYourBestLife

Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Special Guest Chris Christensen
Paulie's free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this episode, Paulie Skaja engages in a profound conversation with Chris Christianson, Director of Sales at an assisted living company. Together, they explore Chris's journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of networking in shaping his career path.
Chris opens up about his upbringing, deeply influenced by his mother's gregarious nature and his storytelling grandparents. From an early age, Chris found joy in connecting with people and understanding their stories, laying the foundation for his future in networking and relationship-building.
After a decade in construction, Chris realized the limitations of physical labor and sought a career path that aligned with his passion for interpersonal connections. Networking became his guiding light, helping him transition into sales, where he could leverage his natural inclination towards advising and supporting clients.
Reflecting on his childhood love for sports and his affinity for seniors, Chris found profound fulfillment in serving the elderly, honoring the wisdom passed down by his grandparents. Despite initial hesitations, he embraced change and trusted his intuition, ultimately finding his calling in the assisted living industry.
Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasizes the importance of active listening, storytelling, and authentic human connection. He encourages listeners to trust their instincts, embrace vulnerability, and keep moving forward on their journey towards fulfillment.
In closing, Paulie and Chris invite listeners to reflect on their passions, connections, and instincts, urging them to live into their best lives with courage and authenticity. If you resonated with Chris's journey and insights, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more inspirational episodes. Until next time, remember to live into your best life and enjoy the adventure!