Breaking the Maybe Mindset
Brilliant Balance
Ever find yourself circling around a decision, stuck between yes and no, with a big “maybe” holding you back? This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on the “maybe mindset”...that quiet habit of postponing meaningful choices and playing it safe. I’ll share why it’s so tempting to linger in indecision, the real price we pay for not committing, and practical strategies for finally breaking that cycle. Expect honest recollections, a fresh perspective on why clarity doesn’t require perfect certainty, and a powerful invitation to make bolder, more confident choices. If you’re...
info_outline
The myth of the "perfect choice"
Brilliant Balance
Happy New Year! As we kick off the new year with a fresh season of possibilities and clean, blank calendar pages, the pressure to make “just right” choices can trip us up in our careers and personal lives, or even when managing our week. So, today, I’m discussing the myth of the “perfect choice.” I’m taking a close look at how perfectionism and procrastination go hand in hand, keeping us from taking action. I’ll share my honest experiences and a practical framework to help you break out of analysis paralysis, with a gentle reminder that progress happens when we act, not when we...
info_outline
Instead of Resolutions, Try This
Brilliant Balance
Ready to make this your most extraordinary year yet—without the pressure of unrealistic resolutions? In this episode, I’m challenging the usual approach to New Year’s resolutions and sharing a refreshing perspective to kick off your year. As we head into January, it’s so easy to get caught up in creating grand resolutions and making bold promises for change. But as I discuss, these resolutions often burn bright and then quickly fizzle, leaving us feeling frustrated or behind. Instead, I’m inviting you to focus on something much more powerful—making small, intentional choices every...
info_outline
Permission to pause
Brilliant Balance
Today, I want to talk with you about giving yourself permission to pause. As we move through a season that’s usually packed with busyness and long to-do lists, I’m inviting you to slow down—truly rest and enjoy the present moment without feeling guilty or needing to justify it. In this episode, I’m sharing why stepping out of your normal routine, even just for a little while, can help you feel more clear-headed, creative, and connected with the people around you. I believe taking this kind of pause sets us up to enter the new year feeling grounded and restored. Let’s let go of the...
info_outline
The high cost of playing it safe
Brilliant Balance
Today, I’m discussing the hidden cost of playing it safe, a topic that’s secretly all too familiar for women with strong track records of achievement. If you feel restless for that next big leap, yet find yourself sticking to the safe and predictable path, or even avoiding measured, everyday growth opportunities, this episode is for you. I’ll help you rethink what responsibility and excellence truly mean, and shed light on why we avoid risk and how to start taking meaningful, supported risks to bring more growth and fulfillment into our lives. From navigating childhood patterns of...
info_outline
When life looks great.... but doesn't feel great.
Brilliant Balance
Do you feel like your life ticks all the right boxes, yet something’s missing under the surface? This week, I’m discussing a surprising paradox many high-achieving women experience—what happens when our dream lives look perfect and applaudable from the outside, but fail to bring fulfillment on the inside. If you’ve been performing instead of living or started to sense that your ladder to success has been up against the wrong wall, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how to spot the performance trap and signals of misaligned success, plus practical strategies for reconnecting with...
info_outline
Give this year the ending it deserves
Brilliant Balance
As this year winds down, I’m inviting you to give it the fully present ending it deserves before you jump ahead to all that next year holds. In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite ways to embrace December with intention, whether that means finishing strong, leaning into rest, or striking a balance between the two. I’ll prompt you to reflect on what you’re ready to release, and what you still want to accomplish (minus the pressure or perfectionism), trading burnout for brilliance and making space for the magic that lives in the present moment. Plus, I’m sharing an exciting sneak...
info_outline
Make holiday choices that work for you
Brilliant Balance
In this episode, we’re looking at how we unintentionally contribute to our own holiday overwhelm, and how we can make choices this season that actually work FOR us instead of against us. The holidays are meant to sparkle with joy, but we all know firsthand how it feels to get caught in the whirlwind of picture-perfect expectations (miles of twinkling lights and Pinterest-worthy cookies anyone?). I’m sharing how to take back control, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season instead of running yourself into the ground. You’ll learn why doing less isn’t a failure (it’s liberation)...
info_outline
Become the next version of you: The Enneagram Revisited with Heather Warnke
Brilliant Balance
This week, I’m joined by our newest Brilliant Balance coach and a certified Enneagram expert, Heather Warnke, for a conversation about the transformative power of the Enneagram. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Enneagram or just curious about this buzzworthy tool, you’ll discover how finding your true Enneagram type can catalyze profound self-awareness, compassion, and growth. We’ll break down what the Enneagram really is, why we sometimes mistype ourselves, and how uncovering your correct type can reshape the way you lead, love, and live. For years, I thought I knew my Enneagram...
info_outline
Unpopular advice: Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Brilliant Balance
In today’s encore episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite mindset reminders: how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Expecting and embracing discomfort is where real growth happens—personally and professionally. I’ll revisit a memorable parenting moment to show how stepping into discomfort creates growth, and share the mindset shifts I use with clients and family. If you’re facing a new challenge or feeling stretched in your current chapter, this episode is for you. You’ll get practical tips on why discomfort is normal, temporary, and totally survivable. Join me for a fresh...
info_outlineToday, I’m inviting you to shake up the routine of your daily life and revive the sparks of sheer delight, pleasure, and aliveness you may be missing lately. This week, I’m introducing the "Live a Little” challenge, a seven-day invitation to rediscover the small moments that make life truly worthwhile.
From dancing in your kitchen to savoring a sunset or saying yes to that spontaneous treat, you’ll find practical ways to rekindle creativity, resilience and genuine joy. I’ll share science-backed insights on the power of positive emotions and challenge you to not just survive your days, but to truly feel good, right now.
Follow along on Instagram (@cskolnicki) for inspiration, ideas, and a gentle push to live a little this summer—because your most brilliant life starts with the micro-moments you choose to savor.
Show Highlights:
- Find delight in simple spontaneity. [00:47]
- What if we rediscover everyday pleasures together this summer? [05:23]
- Positive affect and the science of feeling good. [08:07]
- Remembering that you are allowed to feel good. [09:41]
- Announcing the “Live a Little” challenge. [11:00]
- A list of simple ideas to spark delight. [12:59]
- The power of small stuff. [17:26]
- Spread the word. [19:12]
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057