Embracing Change

How Growth, Mindset, and Money Shape the Life You Actually Want

Let’s face it—change isn’t fun. Most of us don’t go looking for it, and when it shows up, it usually feels like the last thing we’re ready for. But here’s what I’ve learned: with the right mindset and support, change can be one of the best things that ever happens to you.

That’s exactly what I explored in three of my favorite episodes of the Compounding Change podcast. What made these episodes extra special? They featured someone I know better than anyone—my sister, Jenna Stoliker. She’s not only an incredible leadership coach, but also one of the people I admire most when it comes to walking through hard things with courage and grace.

In these conversations, Jenna and I didn’t hold back. We talked about emotional healing, mindset shifts, and financial transformation—all the things people struggle with but don’t always talk about openly. And while these weren’t the first three episodes of the podcast, they’ve stuck with me because of how real and helpful they are.

Starting Over Is Scary—But Worth It

Jenna opened up about a really personal chapter of her life: leaving a difficult marriage. That decision forced her to ask some big questions—about who she was, what she valued, and how she wanted to move forward. She realized that a lot of the beliefs she was living by didn’t actually match her true values.

What came next wasn’t an overnight fix. It was a slow, intentional process of rebuilding from the inside out. She used affirmations, daily routines, mindfulness—you name it. She kept showing up for herself in small ways, every single day. And that’s something we talk about often on Compounding Change: little actions, done consistently, are what lead to big transformation.

Getting Real About What’s Holding Us Back

In another episode, Jenna introduced the idea of Positive Intelligence, or PQ. Basically, it’s a way of identifying those sneaky mental habits—what she calls “saboteurs”—that hold us back. Most of us have them, even if we don’t realize it. They’re the voices in our heads telling us we’re not good enough, not ready, or not capable.

The good news? Once you know they’re there, you can do something about it. Jenna encourages treating this process like an experiment. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just stay curious, try new things, and reflect on what feels true for you.

She also reminded us that messing up is part of the journey. Growth doesn’t happen in a straight line. “Having grace means coming back to grace,” she said. That line has stayed with me—and I think it’s something we all need to hear more often.

Talking About Money (Even When You Don’t Want To)

The third episode with Jenna focused on financial change—something that makes a lot of people freeze up, especially those in high-stress jobs like first responders. Money can be overwhelming. And when your job depends on routine, structure, and predictability, any kind of financial uncertainty can feel like a real threat.

We talked about how financial decisions don’t have to be scary. In fact, they can be empowering. It all comes down to mindset and having someone in your corner who gets it. Whether it’s planning for retirement, understanding benefits, or just figuring out where to start, taking one small step can change everything.

And guess what? That’s exactly what we’re leaning into in a new special series of Compounding Change called Do Something.

In Do Something, Jenna and I go deeper into the practical stuff people deal with every day—things like Social Security, divorce, retirement, family dynamics, and financial planning. These are areas where people often feel stuck or unsure, and our goal is to make them feel a little more doable. Not overwhelming. Just... possible.

Here’s the Bottom Line

If you’ve been going through change—or know it’s coming—know this: you’re not alone. Whether it’s emotional, mental, or financial, change is something we all face. The trick is learning how to work with it, instead of against it.

Jenna’s story—and the tools she shares—are proof that small steps add up. That reflection matters. And what is the best kind of change? The kind that builds over time.

So if you’re ready to do something about your mindset, your money, or your life, stick with us. Subscribe to the Compounding Change podcast, and keep an eye out for the Do Something series. We’re just getting started.