311: Did You Have Any Fears When You First Started Your Business?

So I think you can always have a vision. And I think it's important to feed that vision, to meditate on that vision, to see yourself already in that vision, and to back way up. Because honestly, all we're dealing with is, what are you doing today? Welcome to the earn your happy podcast. I'm Lori Harder, founder of The Bliss Project, 3 Time Fitness World champion, fitness expert and cover model, turned self love junkie, lifestyle entrepreneur and author. Each week I'll bring you a a guest or a thought that will help you bust through your fears, connect to your soul, and get focused and clear so you can elevate your life, business, and relationships. We don't wait until we're ready for someone to tell us we're good enough. We take what we want and we anoint ourselves, get ready to earn, own, and unapologetically rock your happiness every single day. Are you with me? Here we go. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another Q and A day. What's the Q stand for, Evans?

Quarantine.

Another quarantine and acorn day, where we have quarantined ourselves to crack open 500 acorns before we let ourselves out of the room.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. And a happy new Year, which is like right here.

It's year 500 acorns for your new year.

And that was my goal, so I'm pretty much done for the year. You did it. I'm now a squirrel, and I think the squirrels are still quarantined this time of year. I think they are.

I want to Google what the meaning of acorn is. What does an acorn symbolize?

I think that it.

Because.

Why'd you think of that?

I don't know. Why? Tell me. Okay.

Ready? It's a symbol of strength and potential.

Oh, my goodness. I love that. That's perfect for the year. It really is. You guys find an acorn, plant it. Yep. And everything that you want is going to happen. Plant that little acorn because you're a squirrel who can have your nuts, too.

Yes, you can.

I love squirrels.

Me, too.

I really do. They bring me so much crazy pleasure.

And waffles.

Okay. Which is my dog. So we get more excited when Waffles see squirrels than when Waffles see squirrels. And we just talked about today how Waffles actually caught a squirrel once.

Yeah, that was weird.

Yeah.

She didn't eat it. She did not eat it. So don't freak out if your children are listening. The squirrel lived. It just had a slight limp, but it's fine now. It's fine. I think it was a pulled muscle, and I'm sure it hobbled off to its Cairo.

So it's a California squirrel.

It's fine. And they are tough.

Yeah.

They actually hiss at you. Please tell the difference between. Because I'm not crazy. When I first moved here, I was like, these things are. Are hardcore.

They scare me so badly.

Squirrels in the Midwest run away from you. The ones here literally chuck nuts at you. And they go.

It's almost like they're New Yorker squirrels.

They are. They totally are.

Like, the.

They came all the way over and they're like, I got a nut for you.

Look at this.

And they're like. But they actually.

Hey, take a picture.

It'll last longer. They really do. Like, their hands are up in the air. They're chucking nuts and pine cones. It's dangerous out here. I'm just saying, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, because the squirrels will kick your ass. All right. Speaking of ass kickings.

Yes.

Let's talk about quotes.

Oh, I love that. Okay.

All right. So we pick quotes. Guys, if this is your first time listening, we teach you a lot about nature, clearly. And we also pick our quotes for where we feel we're at. But technically today, do you know what I did? I'm just like, I don't know where I'm at today. Have you ever had one of those days?

I did the same thing.

I'm like, super good today, but I'm also like, I'm kind of tired.

Right.

It's been a long day. It has been an awesome one. But what emotionally, Like, a lot of output today. So my. I chose two because they're quick. So great. Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within yourself in your way of thinking. Marcus Aurelius. I love that one.

I love that. So simple.

Because I really, really can forget, especially around New Year's time. Like, I really am like, no, really. That thing is really going to make me happy. It's the constant observ foundation and balance of. We need to keep evolving and growing and doing what our soul is pulling us towards, but also remembering that ultimately the actual goal is not the thing that's making you happy. It's because you're choosing to evolve and enjoy every moment and just also enjoy life. Like, it's really the simple stuff.

It's the little things.

The older I get, the more. Like, when people used to be like, it's the little things, I'm like, bullshit. Yeah. But now, now I'M like, oh, that's true. But I don't think I'd even realize that if I didn't go for the big stuff first.

That's true.

It's all of it.

It's just all of it. It's all an acorn.

You know what it is? Because guess what? That acorn's gonna be a tree. A big old oak tree. Right. Oh, great.

And people are gonna sit under. Cinder it. Wait, what?

And then people are gonna burn it down to cinders. No, you mean sit under it.

Did I say burn it down?

I thought you said cinder.

Oh, no, I thought that. I was like, I did not mean to say it. Burn it down.

She's like, I didn't say burn the tree down.

Say a picnic.

It's okay if you did, Evans. Maybe you want it to be warm. All right, my second one is, it is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are. Not true. Oh, I just thought of, like, how easy it is to, like, edit yourself on social media and be whatever you think people want you to be. And the second you actually say how you really feel, people are like, well, that hurts my feelings. And you're like, oh, my God, I didn't mean it that way. Or I was just trying to be this way. I was just actually being me for the first time.

And it's hard.

Yeah. It's crazy. So I would rather start coming out even more, being myself and living even more authentically. And I talk about this all the time, like, in that podcast. Yes. That was titled. I think it's sooner or later, you're gonna be caught being yourself. It's a quickie, you guys. If you have not heard it yet, like, that's pretty much, like, exactly what this quote is about. It's like, I would rather start being myself and really working on authentically showing up as myself every single day than someone being like, wait a minute. Who you really are in real life is not in line with how you show up. And I'm like, I'm actually much happier if I can just be myself in all areas at all times.

Right. And that episode is episode 283. You will get caught being yourself.

Look at her looking stuff up and making this just so organized.

We're organized now.

That won't happen on my end, guys, so don't even put that expectation on me. All right, I would love to know your quotes.

Okay, well, I googled Lady Gaga quotes because I. I just think she's awesome.

I do too she's so cool.

She just does things that she wants to do. And her voice is amazing.

Yeah. So what was her quote?

Her quote is, don't you ever. Don't you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are.

Hmm. We kind of talk about the same thing right now. That weird? Yeah. Okay, so why is that affecting you today? Why did you like it?

I feel. I think all the same reasons. You said it's just nice to be yourself and stay true to who you are, and good things happen when. When you're true to yourself.

Okay, so this is coming. I might have just thrown out my original question for you.

Oh, no, no. Oh, yes.

Because that makes me want to ask you. What is a part of you that you are not yet authentically living into? Like, a part of you that you're like. Wait, how do I say this? Hold on. Because I want this exact answer. What is a part of you that you're not? Like, this is getting worse. Like, not letting out. Yeah, Like. Okay, is there an inner, like, actress I don't know about? Is what's going on?

Oh, I think there's an inner French woman who lives in France, obviously.

Oh, my.

But, you know, French women are so confident and sexy. Oh.

Oh, my God.

Deep down there, little acorn right now.

Really?

You're aware you just shared that with me, right?

And your listeners.

Yeah.

That there are now two of.

So sorry. Hi, Mom. She doesn't even listen. I don't know who it is, but. Oh, you know. Anyway, you know, French women wear sexy hosiery. They sure do. Is that coming? Absolutely. Red lips.

Red lips.

What else do they do?

They drink a glass of wine. And they.

They swear a lot. They swear. But they say it's so French. Sexy. Yeah, they say it. Frexy.

Frexy.

Oh, my God. You're gonna be frexy.

I can't wait. Tomorrow, little piece of bread.

What's up, Frexy? Chris isn't even going to know. Have you met our. Our new assistant, Frexy? Oui, oui. You'll just start swearing at us. We know that's not what all French people are like. Stop it.

But I admire how French women are so confident. And they do seem to be more confident, don't you think? They carry themselves in the most amazing way.

Oh, my goodness. Whenever I'm in Paris, I feel like such a troll.

They're so chic.

Oh, my God, they, like, are so put together. Yep. And did I tell you about the one time that I asked the French women in Louis Vuitton what she thought of American women.

Oh, no. What'd she say?

I mean, it wasn't awesome.

She wasn't happy about it.

She just didn't understand why we wear sneakers out, you know? Cause it's a thing like they really put. It's just the. They really put like food and fashion and things like that at a much just higher level of priority because they think it's art.

It's true. I mean, there's something to be said about putting yourself together before you walk.

Out of the house. You know what I say about it? It's uncomfortable as hell.

Yes.

Spandex.

I put my spandex to the test this last week. They're great.

Mine too. I love them.

Just loving my body in all phases.

Right. High waisted denim is the way to go.

You know what it is?

What?

No, it is.

Oh, I thought you were gonna say, you know what it is. Hey, you know what? Would you like to know? Your itunes review of the week.

I would love to hear it.

I'm going to read it to you.

Could you read it?

Sure.

Like a French woman.

This is my favorite go to buy. That was terrible. I'm sorry.

Please don't put that frexie. We'll wait on that.

This is from Aly Ryan 0 maybe she's French. She said this is my favorite go to podcast as I build my new online business and create the change I've been craving. Thank you, Lori, for being so real, authentic, inspiring and for offering so much value and motivation. I have several marks as my favorites that I love to listen to when I need a serious dose of self love and super helpful information. I love this podcast and everyone on it.

Oh my gosh.

Ally.

Ally.

Ryan.

Allie gets a bag of acorns.

Ally, we're sending you acorns.

Allie, you're gonna have so many oak trees.

Just a oak tree farm in the summer. Yes.

Actually, you're gonna have to wait because you can't have it right away. You can't harvest your seeds right away. You gotta wait.

You're putting in the work.

Yeah. But Ally, thank you for putting in the work to send us a review because it really means a lot. It's how you get the podcast out and I so appreciate it. And I love every single word. Me too. I love it here. You know, I'm words of affirmation. Like people like my husband tries to buy me presents. I'm like, do not buy me a present. Write down some really amazing words. And that's my present.

Yeah.

Yeah. It's the best.

It's nice to feel loved.

So I'm kind of just secretly really liking the words of affirmation on these reviews. So thanks, Allie. You're not getting acorns. You're getting a mug.

A mug. A mug of acorns.

Yes. That'd be hilarious. She might love oak trees.

Contact us. I'll put an acorn in there. I'll find one.

Yeah. And you know what? Those trees could later maybe be like a new kitchen remodel. That's right. Oak cabinets or something. Oh, yeah, Yeah. I used to make cabinets with my dad.

That's so cool.

It is really cool, actually. It's quite cool. Okay, next question.

Okay, your question number one is from Kayla Wilke Aylawilkie. Did you ever have any fears that got in your way from when you were starting your business in the beginning?

If so, what? Okay. Yes, absolutely. Of course. So fears in the beginning, like, this will have to take me way back to like, the beginning of maybe online, my online business, when I was doing that. So that was the very first one I had. And that was quite a while ago. So probably, I don't know, nine years ago. But I'm, you know what I'm going to say the beginning of every business, the fears, because it has not changed. Like, whether I'm starting something new now I can say that the fear is always, am I going to be able to do this? Am I cut out for the work that it takes? Am I going to be able to stay interested? And am I going to be able to put up with, like, the criticism that comes with it? So those are like my real fears all of the time. But now I can see, see that. And I just talked about this in my quickie and it was a quote about there are no weaknesses. And you really don't really have. You can't really talk about fears as like, I'm not going to be able to do it if you can find a solution for it. So you have no weaknesses if you can find a solution for it. So when I think about fears, it's kind of that same thing. Like, if you have a fear, confront it. Be like, why am I afraid of this? And what do I need to feel safe around it? Or do I need to hire a coach or do I need to help. Hire someone who can help me with this thing I don't feel secure about? Yes. So I think those are always the first steps is like, what are my main fears? Okay, how can I support myself in these fears? Because if you're still in the fear part of starting a business, then we don't even need to talk about the other things because you won't take action past your fears. So first of all, it's like, what's the thing that's stopping me from taking action? And it's gonna be the thing that stops you all the time. So really figuring out what you need to support yourself around that fear, I think is really vital and know that it's normal. Can we just always be like, hi, can we just start the podcast saying, hi, we're weird and afraid? Can we just call this weird and afraid?

Weird and afraid. That's how I feel all the time.

Weird and afraid and possibly having public bodily functions.

Yes. Yeah, we're all. We all do it.

We all do it.

You're not alone.

Nope. Not. Blame it on someone else. Yep. Just kidding.

Blame it on dog.

Oh, my dog's with me. You don't have a dog with you.

It was.

Bye.

Bye.

All right, next question. Great question. Thank you so much for sending in your question.

That was a great question. Next is a question from Collab with Cummings and they ask, how do you best break down a five year plan so that you're motivated daily to stick to it?

Collab with Cummings. Thank you so much for that awesome question. I think it's really important to write down a five year vision. I think sometimes when we say a plan, and if plan feels good for you, go for it. But for me, plan sounds really scary because I can honestly tell you now that I've been like, kind of. I started with five year plans, really, when I was setting goals, because when I first started doing vision boards, I think we had talked about this on one of the episodes. It was almost like over 11 years ago, and I totally used to be like, oh, in five years I'll be here. And I think that can be super overwhelming to look at. So I think you can always have a vision. And I think it's important to feed that vision, to meditate on that vision, to see yourself already in that vision and to back way up. Because honestly, all we're dealing with is, what are you doing today?

Yes. One thing I.

And if we're like, oh, in five years, I'm supposed to be this. And I haven't even done this. I'm like, how about you just not eat chocolate chip pancakes this morning and you try like. Or have one less than you normally do. Right? Like, there's a lot of shit like that that's going to have to get cleared up. So like have the five year vision and then back up to one year and be like, where do I want to be in one year in order to think that I could even start becoming this person I want to be on year five. So in one year, what does it look like? Who do I want to be? And then I say, okay, well who would I need to be and what would I need to be doing in six months to be that person in one year? And then I back it up even more. I'm like, okay, okay, so my three month plan, in order to be this person in six months or one year, what will I be doing right now? And then I back it up to even like two weeks. So a bi weekly plan is really important. I just talked to another girl who's really like, she's kind of a genius at planning out your year and she doesn't plan much further than that ever. Talking about the power of not planning past that, but having your vision. Then she said, like, a bi weekly plan is probably the best thing to have because you don't really get done as much as you think you will in a week. Look, I'm being super honest. Evans and I have had a to do list that I started on Tuesday that I thought was gonna be done Tuesday. It got pushed to Wednesday. Some stuff got done, a little more stuff got done. It's now gonna be Friday. And we'll finally get the list that I thought would get done in two days. But I know, I actually know this. That's why I don't overload the list is because I know that some days I'm gonna feel awesome, we're gonna check all the stuff off. And other days I'm gonna be like, you know what, Evans? I'm done for the day. Like, I'm good. Doesn't need to all be done. So back it up to bi weekly things like what do I need to do in order to become this person and what's so. And that's gonna be something probably pretty small, right?

Little steps.

Oh, it's tiny, isn't it? Like, yes. So if I said I want to be like a yoga master in five years, what would I have to do tomorrow? I'd have to. Well, what I have to do right now, I'd have to go online and find a studio near me. Yes, that's it.

That's step one.

That's step one. And then you know what, you go to the class and then you know what you do, you like keep going to the class and sometimes you don't even know what to do next. Right.

You gotta, you'll figure it out on. Once you're on that path.

Yeah, it's kind of crazy.

What do you think about? Because I've heard some people will visual write down a whole journal entry on like, okay, this is my life in five years. This is the perfect day. Have you ever heard of that exercise?

Yeah, I love that.

I think that's kind of cool too.

Yeah, I think that's super fun.

It's like daydreaming.

I'm all about the vision and I'm all about the daydream. And I'm all about like, oh, I didn't know that. That's something I would really enjoy. And I, I also want to challenge people though. Like, don't wait for some of those things that you loved about the vision. You can actually pull through a lot of that joy that you were experiencing. Because here's what, here's what we get really caught up on. We think that when you have the vision and the house and the cars and the husband and the babies and the blah, blah, blah, like, I will tell you that, like, as, as I've slowly gotten all of these different things I've dreamed of, your level of happiness doesn't change. You settle back into where you were. Unless you choose to actively engage with being happier and more grateful every day.

With the holidays and the new year.

Coming, you probably are looking around your.

House thinking that you would love to upgrade and freshen up your environment. And there is no easier way to do that than with your window treatments. Nobody covers windows better than Blinds.com. blinds.com brings your space to life in your way. They have free design help. Other retailers may claim to have experts, but blinds.com has spent nearly 30 years building an award winning team of over 100 design consultants that are ready to help you create your dream space. Always convenient, always tailored to you. Three ways to shop 1. Perfect fit. Whether you want to DIY have it all done for you or you're somewhere in between, choose what works for you and rest easy knowing the fit is guaranteed. So the holidays come fast, you guys, and you can freshen up your window treatments fast as well. And unlike some competitors, the price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees and there's zero pressure. From blackout in motorized options to classic shutters. Blinds.com has window treatments for every room, style and budget, even shades for your outdoor space. The Black Friday deals@blinds.com are going strong all month long, so don't miss your chance to save big. And as always, our listeners still get $50 off when you spend $500 or more. Just use code earn at checkout limited time offer rules and restrictions apply. See blinds.com for details. 2026 is the year that you launch your business. It's the year that you've become the boss. You become the leader. That idea that you have that has been eating at you forever that just will not leave you alone is going to come to life. Maybe it's something that someone tells you you should always sell or a store you've already head. And with Shopify, 2026 is when you finally make it happen. Shopify gives you everything you need to sell online and in person. Millions of entrepreneurs have already made this leap from household name to first time business owners. Just getting started, you guys. I use Shopify for glossy and I remember when they sent me my little shopping bag celebrating my 10,000 sales and I literally cried because I was so scared to take the leap. And I'm so glad that I did and that I use Shopify. It gives you all the tools to easily build your dream store. You can choose from hundreds of beautiful templates that you can customize to match. Your brand setup is fast with Shopify's built in AI tools that write product descriptions and headlines and help you edit photos. So marketing is built in too. You can create email and social campaigns that reach customers wherever they scroll. So as you grow, Shopify grows with you. You can handle more orders, expand to new markets and do it all from the same dashboard. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com happy. Go to shopify.com happy that's shopify.com happy. Hear your first cha ching this new year with Shopify by your side.

Oh, it just won't change.

It won't.

Have you found that?

Yes.

Tell me about it.

Yeah, I think it always falls back on that. Those quiet moments of being grateful for where you are right now and the little things. And if you focus on, if you have that grateful mindset just keeps getting better and better.

Are you setting goals this year?

I'm setting little goal, yeah, I'm always setting goals. But I'm not one of those people who's like in 10 years I would like to be a basketball player.

So I'm starting my stretching routine now.

But I do like the exercise when you write out your ideal day.

Yeah.

You can pick little things, like, oh, I wrote, I would like to have a quiet morning. Well, that's something you could start right.

Now, but just take some quiet time. Yeah. Did you write that? Yeah.

Just, like, waking up a little earlier.

I have stuff like that right now, too. Like. Like, oh, I want to be able to really meditate longer. I'm like, I can do that now. Yeah. What in the world do I think is going to change? Right.

Or you think, oh, I really want to take a class. We'll go sign up for that class right now.

Are there any classes you want to take?

I think I would like to take some sort of art class. Even though I have absolutely no skills in art.

I really want to take some sort of art class.

It would be fun.

Maybe like a. You know, there's an art school, like, right down the road.

Right. Every. They have everything here. Or even just go to museums more.

Yeah, maybe I'll have you take Chris to museums because he really wants to do that too.

There are just so many good ones.

I'm not super interested in that.

That's okay. You can do something else that interests you.

Like, I like walking through super fast.

What about a type of museum where you get to do things where it's not just looking, it's more interactive.

Yeah, that's good. Like a children's museum.

Yes.

Where I get to go to the grocery store that's in it and check out, like, fake fruit. Have you been to those?

Yes. I love those.

I'm like, can I please be the beggar?

Wasn't that the best game playing house and stu?

If I could have had that when I was little. Like, the real thing. Like, so I will go up to all the kids at the children's museum and be like, you don't know how good you have it. And they're like. And I'm like, pack the groceries. Have fun. Live out my childhood.

Okay, so no museums then.

I mean, I like some of them. I do. Yeah.

I just.

I can't. I want to specifically go to things that are interesting. You know what really changed for me, though? What? So I started reading about. Oh, my God, please help me. Who's the famous artist who wrote. Who did the Sistine Chapel? Michelangelo.

Michelangelo, yes.

Okay, So I had been reading the Michelangelo book. I can't remember the title of it.

Oh, it's so good.

I'm gonna have to figure it out. It's one of those real thicky, thick books where you're, like, intimidated.

Wait, was it like a biography or it's his story.

Okay. Written by someone else.

Okay.

But I mean, it is a biography, but it's like. I don't know if it's all. It's almost also written like a story, though. Ooh. So what do you call that? Wait. Because it's not, like, real. It is real life, but mixed with, like, it's made.

Wait, it's not the Da Vinci Code, right?

No.

Might want to edit that question out.

You know what? Keep it in. You know what? I don't care. Show them that even perfect people screw up.

Yeah. Lady Gaga says I should be who I am. You know what?

And I would ask that in real life. We are exactly how we are in real life right now. I'm pretty sure. No, but let's get back to this book, because I will tell you. And I don't remember the title, but it is. It. It made me like. I literally told Chris. We went and sought out museums where I could go see his work because I became so obsessed with wanting to see his actual work because I was so in the story. And I have seen the Sistine Chapel, and I was in Rome, and I went to Italy, and while it was amazing and I got to learn about him, if I went back now and if I went to Florence, where his whole life took place, basically what I'm saying is I'm going back to Florence, and it's going to be magical because I went to Florence once, and I actually didn't love it that much, But I think it's because I didn't feel. I didn't understand the depth of, like, what I was actually in. I didn't appreciate what was around me. So while, yes, I loved it and appreciated the pizza, like, a lot, I now was like, I can't believe that I took for granted some of the beautiful things that were around me and just what the story was. I mean. I mean, story makes us. We're human beings. So if you want to appreciate life more, is what I'm saying, like, even these little moments, like, go learn about something or someone or, like, look at what's around you and learn about, you know, what went into the building of the place that you frequent all the time, or the coffee shop, learn about the owner, was that their dream was that, like, why did they pick those beans? Like, you are gonna just, like, fall over. When you really learn about how rich and beautiful all of the people and the things that went into the experiences that enjoy every day, it's just going to make them that much more rich.

You know what?

That could be a good goal. That would be such an awesome goal. I should go and learn about the. My. My coffee shop owner.

I will do the same thing.

Yeah, let's do that. We can come back and have a coffee talk on it.

Instead of looking at phones and not.

Talking, I'm gonna learn about them. And they'll be like, why the effort? Why are you talking to me? I'll be like, we're gonna talk about you on a podcast.

What kind of beans do you use?

What kind of. Have you seen a coffee bean? Like a real one?

Yes. They're beautiful.

Oh, my gosh. I had no idea. When we were in Guatemala, this man was like, come here. I'm going to show you some coffee beans. And I was like, what are you going to show me? And he really showed me coffee beans.

Coffee beans?

Yeah. It was amazing.

They smell like heaven and they're white. It's crazy.

They're like white little beans that you would never guess. Could be aromatherapy.

It's.

We should look into the history of coffee beans.

You know what, you guys, stay tuned. You're on the edge of your seat. You don't get the rest of this. You get to learn next time. All right, everyone, we're sending you so much love. And until next time, earn your happiness. Bye.

Bye.

Thank you guys so much for spending this time with me on the earn your happy podcast. I am so glad that you stopped by. If you could take one second to share this episode with someone you think would love it, that would be absolutely amazing, and we would be forever grateful. Also, please leave us a review if you feel so moved by going to itunes and leaving us an honest thought, an honest comment. Tell us what you think, Tell us what you want to hear more of. It would really help us out on our journey to helping thousands and thousands of people. Until then, don't forget to earn your happy. Thanks again, guys. Bye bye.