Kandid Conversations

5 Books That Helped Me Get Out of My Own Way

Ever wake up and think: “I don’t even know what I’m even doing anymore.” Yeah. Same.

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just off your game, consider this episode your reset button.

I’m breaking down five books that helped me rethink everything from being present, to breaking old mental agreements to building habits that actually last , plus the one daily ritual that turned insight into action.

Because here’s the thing: You can read all the self-help in the world… but if you don’t create space to apply it, nothing changes.

You'll walk away with:

• Five book recommendations with my personal takeaways (not just summaries—the real shifts they created)
• The identity principle that helped me build three years of consistent workouts
• Why "let them" applies to more than just other people
• My bonus tip: the one practice that turned knowledge into lasting change
• Permission to sit in the funk without beating yourself up about it

Hit play and let me know what you think...

The Calendar Is a Liar

If the end or the start of the year has got you feeling discouraged,  you're questioning your progress, your pace, or your purpose… this episode is for you.

I recorded this episode to remind you that this season is not a failure, even if it doesn’t look like a win.

In this episode, I reflect on how year-end pressure, social media highlight reels, and “new year, new me” energy can quietly convince us that every season should look like harvest. Using nature, and my own garden, as a guide, I talk about the importance of embracing dormancy and rest as necessary parts of growth, not signs that something has gone wrong.

You’ll hear about:

• Why feeling “behind” is often a calendar issue, not a personal one

• The difference between resting and quitting, and why surrender isn’t giving up

• What dormancy really means (and why it still counts)

• How to stay grounded in seasons of difficulty or uncertainty

• A reminder that your worth is not tied to productivity or visibility

Lastly, this episode is an invitation to end or start the year honestly, rather than strongly, and to honor the season you’re actually in and trust that what’s happening beneath the surface still matters.

If you’re in a quiet, uncertain, or in-between season, press play.
You’re not behind. You’re human. You got this. 

Tough Conversations: Ask This One Question Before You Avoid It

If you’ve ever bit your tongue to keep the peace or avoided saying what needed to be said because you weren’t sure how it would land, this one’s for you.

When you confuse discomfort with pain, you end up running from the very stretch that could build your confidence, clarity, and courage. Chances are, you're not a victim of your circumstance; you're a victim of your perspective.

In this episode, I share a surprising lesson I picked up at a hip hop R&B yoga class (yes, Biggie and Warrior Pose in the same room!) and how one simple question changed the way I show up to hard conversations.

You’ll hear:

• The key difference between pain and discomfort (and why most of us get it wrong)

• How fear of rejection, perception, and vulnerability show up when pitching yourself or leading others

• Why reframing awkward conversations as 'the stretch you need' unlocks confidence and growth (and how to do it)

Whether you’re on the yoga mat or in the boardroom, growth always asks the same thing: Is it pain, or just discomfort?

How to Deal With People Who Refuse to Take Accountability at Work

Ever dealt with someone who dropped the ball, and then straight up pretended they didn’t? Even after you presented them with receipts!?

Yeah. Same.

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the fastest ways to lose trust as a leader: dodging accountability. I’ll walk you through a recent real-life situation that had me giving permanent side-eye, and then, because you know I’m not just here to vent, I’m giving you 5 practical strategies to protect your peace and your professionalism when someone refuses to own their part.

Oh, and while we’re at it, consider this your official heads-up:
I'm launching a brand new tool to help you prep for these exact types of conversations. It’s called the Speak Without Losing It Conversation Planner, and it’s coming with both a printed guide and an AI-powered pocket coach. More soon, but let’s just say… it’s about to change the game for leaders who want to stay calm, clear, and composed, even when folks get messy.

If you’re tired of carrying the weight of other people’s avoidance, this one’s for you.

The Anxiety Cheat Code I Wish I'd Known at 30

Ever felt a wave of frustration, overwhelm, or self-doubt, and couldn’t quite shake it off? What if the key to getting unstuck wasn’t in your mind, not in your words, but in your body? Today's episode is all about the cheat code I've discovered at 50, which is key to navigating conflict with self and others (that could’ve saved me a lot of heartache years ago)

From unexpected headaches to chest tightness and hair pulling, I’ve learned to catch the cue, shift the energy, and reclaim my power, no deep meditation app required.

You’ll also hear:

• Why I don’t say “I have anxiety” anymore, and what I say instead
• The surprising science behind how your body and brain get out of sync
• And how women in their 40s and 50s can stop fighting their bodies and start partnering with them

Do you have a Mind-Body Reset for Stress, Overwhelm, and Self-Doubt?

Tune in and let me know what you think!

 

Stop Telling Yourself “I Don’t Know What to Do”

Have you ever found yourself staring at your to-do list, your goals, your dreams, and suddenly felt paralyzed by the thought, “I don’t know what to do”?

In this episode, I’m sharing why that phrase is more dangerous than it sounds, and how it silently fuels self-doubt, indecision, and burnout. You’ll learn the exact mindset shift I use (and teach my clients) to stop spiraling and start moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

We'll explore:

• Why “I don’t know what to do” is often code for “I don’t trust myself to choose”

• How to spot the difference between craving clarity and clinging to control

• A 3-step framework to shift from overthinking to grounded action

• And yes, why going to God is part of my strategy for getting unstuck

Whether you’re facing a life pivot, career decision, or just trying to make it through the day without second-guessing yourself—this one’s for you.

Because chances are, you do know what to do. You just need permission to trust yourself.

 

Join the Reset Challenge: https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

Changing Careers in Your 40s? You’re Not Lost, Lazy or Behind—You’re Brave ASF

In today’s episode, I get real about the silent grief, identity shifts, and hormonal chaos that come with career changes in your 40s and 50s. This isn’t just about finding a new job, it’s about letting go of the version of you the world expected, and making space for the life that actually fits.

We’re talking:

• What grief looks like when you’re not crying—but stuck, spiraling, or secluding

• The identity no one prepares you for 

• Why your hormones might be hijacking your decisions

• The invisible shame behind “I should have it all figured out by now”

• Financial fears, ageism, and the silent pressure of starting over

• And most of all… the courage it takes to love yourself more in the middle of the mess

If you’ve ever asked, “Is this it?” — this episode is your reminder that it’s not too late to choose yourself.

Day 7: When Getting Out of Bed Feels Like Climbing a Mountain

If you've ever woken up feeling like getting out of bed was the hardest part of your day, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m guiding you through one of the most powerful shifts I’ve learned: how to calm the spiral of overthinking and return to the present moment when fear, pressure, or overwhelm starts to run the show.

You’ll learn the grounding technique I use to reset my nervous system, and the one question I ask from that place of clarity that changes everything.

In just a few minutes, we’re ditching the shame, reclaiming your power, and getting you back into alignment—one breath and one loving choice at a time.

 

📥 Want the full RESET Challenge experience + free journal pages? Join here: https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

Day 6: Why Your To-Do List Isn’t the Problem, Your Mindset Might Be

Ever look at your to-do list and feel like you're drowning, no matter how early you wake up or how hard you grind? You’re not lazy, and you’re definitely not failing. You’re over-functioning.

In this final episode of the RESET Challenge, I’m sharing the mindset shift that helped me stop trying to do it all myself and start asking a better question: Who can help me carry this?

You’ll hear:

• The real cost of trying to figure everything out alone

• Why “being strong” sometimes leads to burnout

• How to embrace the 80% rule and release perfectionism

• A simple 3-step challenge to start asking for help today

This isn’t a hustle strategy,it’s a healing one. And it may just change the way you lead and live.

Want the journal prompts and reset worksheet for today? Join here: https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

 

Day 5: Burnout? Why Romanticizing Your Day Might Be the Answer

Tired, but don’t know why? It might not be the work. It might be the pressure to prove your worth through it.

In today’s episode, I’m digging into something I see all the time, especially with highly ambitious leaders and executives: the exhaustion that comes not from the tasks, but from tying your worth to constant output.

We’re flipping the script on productivity, perfectionism, and the rat race by learning how to romanticize our lives again, not just the milestones, but the midweek, regular-smegular moments too.

I’ll share my own story of performance-based identity, why "recovery" and "restoration" are not the same thing, and how to create your own daily “signature moment” that energizes your soul, not just your schedule.

✨ This episode will help you:

• Break the belief that rest has to be earned

• Detach your identity from endless proving

• Add everyday magic to your work routine

• Create a “Breakout Block” that fills your cup, not your calendar

Want the journal page to help you plan your razzle dazzle moment and restoration time?

Day 4: What Would the Fearless Version of You Choose?

Stuck in indecision? Overthinking every move? Today we flip that. In this episode of the RESET Challenge, I walk you through a powerful letter-to-self exercise that helps you stop reacting from your past and start deciding from your future. If you’ve been struggling with doubt, burnout, or just feeling stuck, this episode will reconnect you with clarity, courage, and the version of you that’s waiting on the other side of fear.

Want the journal prompts that go with this episode?https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

Day 3: A 2-Minute Daily Habit That Builds Self Care + Confidence

If you could get one hour back in your day, how would you spend it?

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most overlooked reasons we feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck—we wait until the end of the day to make space for ourselves. But by then? We’re already depleted, running on fumes, and numbing out in survival mode.

That’s why I created the Win Before 10™ practice: a 2, 10, or 20-minute ritual that centers you before the world gets loud.
Not because it’s cute—but because alignment before achievement is how we reclaim our peace, clarity, and energy.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why starting your day in survival mode is costing you more than you think

• What alignment actually means (and how to spot when you’re out of it)

• How to create a realistic morning ritual that fuels you—even if you only have 2 minutes

• The powerful mindset shift that helps you protect your peace all week long

📥 Want the journal prompts + reset worksheet for today’s challenge?
Join the FREE 7-Day RESET Challenge and get every audio lesson + workbook delivered to your inbox:👉 https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

Say it with me: To lead well, I must be well. And leading well starts with me.

Day 2: How to Set Goals With Soul, Not pressure.

Ever chased a goal that looked good on paper, but left you feeling empty, overwhelmed, or off-track?

Yeah, me too.

In this episode, we’re unpacking why traditional goal-setting can backfire, and how to reset with intention, not just ambition. Because here’s the truth: most of us aren’t behind… we’re just operating off of self-imposed deadlines, comparison traps, and goals that don’t actually match who we are now.

This isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about setting goals that feel good in your soul.

✨ In today’s reset, you’ll learn:
• The #1 mindset shift to stop spiraling when outcomes don’t happen fast enough
• Why “more” isn’t always better—and how to focus on what truly matters
• How to define success based on how you want to feel, not just what you produce

PLUS: I’ll walk you through a journaling prompt to help you set aligned, doable goals for the season you’re in.

📥 Want the worksheet that goes with this episode?
Join the FREE 7-Day RESET Challenge to access all the audio lessons + guided journaling prompts:
👉 https://www.kandiajohnson.com/resetin7days

Let’s reset your goals with clarity, ease, and energy.

Day 1: Who Am I When I Strip Away All the Shoulds?

Ever find yourself saying, “I should be further along by now”... “I should feel more grateful”… or “I should want this life I built”?

Yeah. Me too. This episode kicks off a 7 day free challenge to reset and reclaim your power  in life and at work. For worksheets, you can get access here. 

I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when we live by everyone else’s expectations—and forget who we are underneath all the “shoulds.” Because sometimes it’s not burnout… it’s misalignment. And the real you is tired of pretending. 

I’ll walk you through a powerful mindset shift and a journaling practice to help you reconnect with the version of you that doesn’t need to prove anything.

✨ What you’ll take away:
• Why “shoulds” are just sneaky comparison traps
• How to begin rewriting the story that’s keeping you stuck
• A simple reset ritual to reconnect with your voice and values

This isn’t about burning your life down. It’s about finding your way back to you.

Let’s begin.

When Your Life Doesn’t Fit Anymore: Now What?

Ever look around at your life and think, “I should be grateful… but this ain’t it?”

Yeah. Me too.

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from sitting at that exact crossroads—and what I’ve seen so many high-achieving leaders quietly navigate behind the scenes. Plus, I'm sharing the deets on my free 7-day reset challenge, you can join here. 

Key episode reflections include:
• Why redefining success is essential for growth
• How to build clarity without burning your life down
• What to do when you know something has to change, but don’t know what’s next

PLUS, in the free 7-Day Audio Reset Challenge, each day, I’ll drop one mindset shift, one journal prompt, and one mini reset moment—because you don’t have to fix your whole life to start feeling better about it.

👉 Join the FREE RESET Challenge Here