Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth

Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth is a podcast hosted by Jen Sakowski that dives deep into the intersection of faith, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Each episode is packed with real-life stories, practical strategies, and inspiring conversations designed to help you find balance, success, and fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a person of faith, or simply looking to grow, this podcast offers valuable insights to guide you on your journey.

Faith Isn’t Plan B: How to Build a Business That Relies on God, Not Just Grit 05/13/2025

You’re Not Behind—You’re in Process 05/06/2025

Mastering the Mundane 04/01/2025

Mastering the Mundane Most of life happens in the ordinary—laundry, emails, errands, routines. But what if the mundane isn’t something to escape… but the very space where real growth takes root? In this episode, Jen dives deep into the concept of mastering the mundane and how showing up consistently in the “unseen” moments can transform your faith, business, and personal growth journey. As we step into Q2, Jen invites you to reflect back on where you may have drifted or gotten distracted—and how embracing the boring (yes, boring) can actually be your breakthrough. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What it actually means to “master the mundane” Why ordinary routines are the foundation of long-term growth How consistency builds the muscle of discipline (and why that matters) Ways to shift your mindset and find purpose in everyday tasks How to reflect on Q1 and realign for Q2 with grace and intention Reflection Questions: Where did I get distracted or discouraged in Q1? What routines or habits have I avoided because they feel boring? What simple, repeatable actions can I recommit to this season? Resources & Links: 💻 Visit to explore coaching, resources, and tools to help you stay rooted in faith and aligned in business. 📬 Want more weekly encouragement like this? for real talk, tips, and tools every Sunday. 🎧 Listen to past episodes of Optimized Living wherever you get your podcasts. Mentioned in This Episode: Mark Levander Productions – Special thanks to Mark Levander, who handles the editing and production of this podcast. If you're thinking of starting a podcast and want professional help, be sure to visit Mark's website . Join the Conversation: Follow Jen on social media and stay in touch with the Optimized Living community: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: Share the Love: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners. /episode/index/show/713214f1-8c03-4d58-ae0e-784da0b5f043/id/35874390

Small Actions That Spark Big Change 02/04/2025

Small Actions That Spark Big Change In this episode of Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth, Jen dives into the transformative power of small, intentional actions. So often, we set big goals but lose momentum when things feel hard or overwhelming. But what if success starts with just one small step? Jen shares personal stories, practical tips, and biblical encouragement to remind you that every action matters. Whether it’s reigniting your motivation or pushing past hesitation, today’s episode is a reminder that you’re just one decision away from building momentum and creating meaningful change. Key Points in this Episode: How You Do One Thing is How You Do Everything: Small actions reflect how you show up in every area of your life. Momentum Starts Small: Like learning to walk as a child, every small step builds strength and progress. Taking Action When Motivation Fades: Overcome hesitation with tools like the 5-second rule (5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO). Why Actions Matter: Your consistent efforts reflect your faithfulness and align with God’s call for you. Practical Steps to Build Momentum: Start small with one action today. Commit to the next right step. Override hesitation with intentionality. Celebrate small wins along the way. Scriptures Mentioned: Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Mentioned in This Episode: Mark Levander Productions – Special thanks to Mark Levander, who handles the editing and production of this podcast. If you're thinking of starting a podcast and want professional help, be sure to visit Mark's website . ------ Join the Conversation: Follow Jen on social media and stay in touch with the Optimized Living community: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: Share the Love: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners. /episode/index/show/713214f1-8c03-4d58-ae0e-784da0b5f043/id/35136320

Faith Over Feelings 12/17/2024

Faith Over Feelings In this episode of Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth, we explore the tension between our emotions and our faith. While feelings are valid and real, they were never meant to lead our decisions. Drawing on biblical truth and practical strategies, Jen shares how to pause, pray, and proceed with faith—even when emotions run high. Discover how choosing faith over feelings can bring clarity, peace, and a deeper trust in God’s perfect plan for your life. Key Points in this Episode: Feelings Aren’t Facts: Emotions can guide us temporarily, but they shouldn’t dictate our long-term direction. Jesus as the Example: In Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV), Jesus felt deep sorrow yet chose the Father’s will over His own feelings. Faith as a Daily Choice: Living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV) means trusting God’s wisdom over momentary emotions. Practical Tools: Pause, Pray, Proceed: A simple method to slow down and seek God’s guidance before reacting. Journaling & Scripture: Writing down feelings and memorizing verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 helps align emotions with God’s truth. Community Support: Leaning on trusted friends or mentors can reinforce faith-centered choices. God’s Sovereignty: Revelation 22:13 (NIV) reminds us that God is the beginning and the end, ensuring we can trust Him through every emotional storm. Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV) – Jesus choosing God’s will over His own feelings. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – Trusting the Lord rather than our own understanding. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) – Living by faith, not by sight. Revelation 22:13 (NIV) – God as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Practical Takeaways: Recognize when emotions threaten to lead and choose faith instead. Use prayer and Scripture to realign your perspective. Remember that God has already secured the victory, and your trust in Him anchors your responses. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who could use a reminder to choose faith over feelings. Don’t forget to subscribe to Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth so you won’t miss future episodes designed to help you live with purpose, faith, and resilience. Mentioned in This Episode: Mark Levander Productions – Special thanks to Mark Levander, who handles the editing and production of this podcast. If you're thinking of starting a podcast and want professional help, be sure to visit Mark's website . Join the Conversation: Follow Jen on social media and stay in touch with the Optimized Living community: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: Share the Love: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners. /episode/index/show/713214f1-8c03-4d58-ae0e-784da0b5f043/id/34471100

Leveling Up in Faith & Expecting Opposition 10/15/2024

Leveling Up in Faith & Expecting Opposition In this episode, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare and how, as we grow in faith and purpose, we will inevitably face new opposition. Have you ever felt like just as you start moving forward, things get harder, heavier, or even fall apart? That’s often a sign of spiritual warfare. Today, I want to encourage you to stay strong in the fight by putting on the full armor of God, staying vigilant in prayer, and recognizing that while the enemy may come against you, God has already claimed victory. Key Points in this Episode: New Level, New Devil: Each new level of growth and faith brings new opposition, often in the form of spiritual battles. The Spiritual Battle: Our fight isn't against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Everything we face in the physical world is connected to this spiritual battle. The Full Armor of God: God equips us for these battles through the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). While we are not immune to attacks, we have the tools to stand firm in the face of them. How to Stay Vigilant: Prayer: Strengthens us and connects us directly to God. Awareness: Recognize where the enemy is likely to attack. Community: Surround yourself with believers who can support you. Put on the Whole Armor of God: Each piece of the armor is essential, and prayer seals it all. God Has Already Won: Through our faith, we have direct access to the One who has already claimed victory. Revelation 22:13 reminds us that God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Scripture References: Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV) – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Revelation 22:13 (NIV) – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Action Steps: Spend time in prayer asking God for strength and guidance as you face spiritual challenges. Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be under attack and ask for God’s protection. Put on the armor of God daily to stand firm in your faith. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and uplift you in the journey. Resources Mentioned: *Armor of God Study - Mark Levander Productions – Special thanks to Mark Levander, who handles the editing and production of this podcast. If you're thinking of starting a podcast and want professional help, be sure to visit Mark's website . Connect with Jen: If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, or personal experiences with spiritual warfare and how you’ve overcome it. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Optimized Living: Faith, Business & Growth. Share this with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review—it helps others find the show and join our journey of faith and growth! *amazon affiliate link /episode/index/show/713214f1-8c03-4d58-ae0e-784da0b5f043/id/33293747

Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life 10/02/2024

Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life In this episode of Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth, Jen dives deep into the power of attitude and how it shapes our daily experiences. Using a personal story about frustration and a missed opportunity, Jen reveals how our mindset directly impacts how we show up in life and how gratitude can be the key to transforming even the toughest days. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, staying grounded in faith, and making intentional choices about how we respond to life's challenges. By shifting our perspective and focusing on gratitude, we can start to change our internal world, even when external circumstances are tough. Key Points in this Episode: The Power of Attitude: How our mindset shapes our experiences and impacts our ability to grow and succeed. Personal Story: Jen shares a personal example of how a negative attitude led to unnecessary frustration and missed opportunities. Gratitude as the Foundation: Why starting each day with gratitude can reset your mindset and help you see life's challenges in a different light. Self-Awareness and Choice: Encouragement to stay self-aware and choose how we respond to life's difficulties rather than react emotionally. Faith and Grace: A reminder that God gives us free will to choose how we show up, and that small, intentional changes can lead to significant personal growth. Practical Takeaways: Shift your mindset to gratitude when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Recognize that you have the power to change your internal world, regardless of what's happening externally. Give yourself grace as you practice new habits—big change comes with small steps. Commit to self-awareness and mindfulness in how you respond to life’s challenges. Join the Conversation: Follow Jen on social media and stay in touch with the Optimized Living community: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: Mentioned in This Episode: Mark Levander Productions – Special thanks to Mark Levander, who handles the editing and production of this podcast. If you're thinking of starting a podcast and want professional help, be sure to visit Mark's website . Share the love: If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who might need some encouragement. Don’t forget to subscribe and join Jen next week for more conversations on faith, business, and growth. /episode/index/show/713214f1-8c03-4d58-ae0e-784da0b5f043/id/33293582

Welcome to Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth 09/17/2024

Optimized Living: Faith, Business, & Growth

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