The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness

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Hey there, I’m Paulie Skaja, and welcome back to Live Into Your Best Life! In today’s episode, I’m diving into a message that I believe the world truly needs to hear. With so many people facing career uncertainty and job transitions, I’ve decided to share the final chapter from my book, Next Stop Your Dream Job: Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness.
This book was born out of a powerful session I facilitated with job seekers exploring new career paths. The insights we uncovered helped half of the attendees land new roles within just two months. These lessons remain just as relevant today, and my hope is that they inspire and guide you to your next opportunity.
Here are some key takeaways from this episode:
There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Some people follow a structured route, while others take a winding journey—and both are completely valid. Trust your unique path.
Consider your childhood passions. The way you played as a child can offer clues about the kind of work that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
Cookie cutters are for cookies. Traditional career paths aren’t for everyone, and new opportunities are constantly emerging. Embrace your individuality.
Ready, fire, aim! Perfectionism can hold you back. Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, start taking action and refine along the way.
Stand out in a crowded job market. Find what makes you unique and communicate your value. Talk to people, network, and let your strengths shine.
Obstacles are opportunities. Challenges help us grow. Every struggle you overcome strengthens you for the future.
Let others make their own mistakes. True leadership isn’t about solving every problem—it’s about empowering others to learn and grow.
If you’re searching for clarity, a career shift, or just inspiration to take the next step, this episode is for you. Tune in as I share powerful reflections and actionable advice to help you navigate your journey to professional happiness.
Let’s shake things up and figure out where YOU want to go next!
Listen now and start moving toward the career and life you truly want.
 
 

Buy Yourself: Unlocking Authentic Success

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with transformational life coach Adele Kamel Whitley to explore her groundbreaking Buy Yourself philosophy. Adele shares how so many of us spend our lives chasing dreams that aren’t truly ours—whether they belong to our families, society, or the expectations we’ve unconsciously absorbed. But what happens when we finally buy into ourselves?
Adele’s journey started in sales, where she realized that the most successful deals weren’t just about selling a product—they were about belief. She saw firsthand that people struggled to close deals because they hadn’t fully bought into themselves. This insight led her to expand the concept beyond sales and into personal transformation: What if we applied that same idea to our own lives?
She takes us through her personal wake-up call—a life-changing moment in Mexico when a simple values exercise revealed just how misaligned her life had become. That realization set her on a course of radical self-honesty, leading to a life and business built on true alignment and purpose.
Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the process of reconnecting with our inner selves, learning to trust our intuition, and taking action from a place of authenticity. Adele challenges us to sit with discomfort, embrace self-awareness, and rewrite the limiting beliefs we’ve carried since childhood.
We discuss the power of reframing past experiences—not erasing them, but changing the meaning we give them. She reminds us that our past doesn’t define us unless we let it, and by shifting our language and thoughts, we can create an entirely new reality.
Key Takeaways:
True transformation begins when we buy into ourselves and stop chasing someone else’s version of success.
Self-awareness is just the first step—lasting change happens when we take aligned action.
Our subconscious beliefs, often formed in childhood, shape our present decisions. But we can rewrite them.
Journaling, self-reflection, and NLP techniques can help us change our internal dialogue and build a more empowered future.
This episode is an invitation to step into your power and start creating a life that excites you!
Take Adele's quiz to learn what's stopping you from owning your life: https://buy-yourself.se/quizby
 
Follow Adele on your favorite social platform:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adelekamel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelekamel/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adele-kamel-whitley-30b54736/
eMail: Adele@Buy-Yourself.se
 

Ageless Growth: Embrace Your Evolving Journey

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I, Paulie Skaja, dive deep into the concept of age and how we often let societal expectations dictate our milestones—like voting, drinking, or retirement. I challenge those traditional ideas and share my personal belief that life is about continuous evolution. There's no "magic age" for success or when to stop working; instead, it's about shifting your approach as life changes.
I reflect on the wisdom of my parents: my mom's emphasis on doing things the right way, and my dad's advice to chase what I truly want, not what others expect. These lessons shaped my journey from childhood to today, as I’ve always followed my passions, whether in education, business, or career. The key takeaway here? It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and success can come at any age.
I share highlights from my early entrepreneurial days, from selling crocheted goods at 10 to my later career in IT and project management. My diverse professional background includes working in sales, marketing, coaching, and nonprofit work. Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned that believing in yourself is the first step toward achieving seemingly impossible goals—whether it’s launching a book in months or creating a positive community impact.
What matters is continuous growth and embracing opportunities, no matter how unknown they might seem. I urge you to reflect on how your past experiences can guide your future path. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about doing things the right way for you, and always striving to live your best life.
Key Takeaways:
Age doesn’t define when you should achieve milestones—continuous growth is key.
Trust your unique journey and pursue your passions, regardless of when you start.
Believe in your ability to create lasting change, no matter your age or stage in life.

Healing Through Movement and Mindfulness

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In this heartfelt episode, I reconnect with my dear friend Amy Quarberg, whom I met over 20 years ago during an intensive coaching program. Our shared experiences in NLP, HNLP, and hypnosis training created a bond that has stood the test of time, and life’s synchronicities recently brought us back together.
 
Amy shares her inspiring journey from a traditional nursing career to her current role as an integrative therapy nurse at the VA Medical Center's Center for Integrative Health and Healing. Here, she blends Western medicine with holistic approaches, utilizing guided imagery, essential oils, auricular acupuncture, and mindfulness-based movement to address the mind, body, and spirit.
 
A lifelong dancer, Amy talks about how movement and grace are central to her healing practice. She recalls moments of profound clarity and joy that emerged from physically aligning her body and soul through dance. These experiences inspired her to teach others how to reconnect with their bodies and embrace the spiritual and healing power of movement.
 
Our conversation touches on the transformative power of presence and self-awareness. Amy emphasizes the importance of helping others find their spark, often through role modeling and guiding them to uncover limiting beliefs rooted in childhood. By addressing these emotional triggers, she has witnessed mental and physical transformations that lead to lighter, more authentic living.
 
We also dive into Amy’s advice for embracing life’s unexpected turns and following inner guidance. Her story of surrendering to the rhythm of life—whether through intuitive movement or trusting the process—reminds us of the healing power of authenticity and joy.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace movement to align your body and soul, sparking joy and clarity.
Reflect on inner programming to break free from limiting beliefs.
Trust life’s synchronicities and focus on what brings you joy.
Be authentic, stop comparing, and bring your unique gifts into the world.
Join us for this inspiring conversation and take the first step toward living your best life!
Learn more about Amy by visiting her site: https://www.amyquarberg.com/ and follow her on FB https://www.facebook.com/amy.quarberg/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amyquarberg/

From Rejection to Redirection

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with Christine Schwartz, an inspiring entrepreneur who transformed her life after being laid off in 2019. Christine takes us on her journey from corporate professional to founder of Reinvent Your Hustle and Refined Ritual, sharing how rejection became her ultimate redirection.
We explore how Christine navigated the uncertainties of entrepreneurship by embracing self-awareness, spiritual growth, and her desire to serve others. She opens up about organizing transformative retreats, recognizing resistance as a guide, and following what genuinely lights her up. Christine’s story serves as a blueprint for turning challenges into growth opportunities and finding alignment in both career and life.
I also share my personal experience transitioning into real estate while balancing the needs of my family, including my two-year-old daughter. Together, Christine and I discuss the importance of intentional decision-making and staying grounded in personal values during significant life transitions.
Key Takeaways:
Rejection is Redirection: Christine shares how losing her corporate job led her to discover her true purpose and create businesses that empower others.
The Power of Self-Awareness: By identifying resistance and leaning into her intuition, Christine found clarity and confidence to pivot with purpose.
Intentional Decision-Making: Reflect on how decisions impact your long-term goals and family dynamics, and embrace open communication with loved ones.
Defining Boundaries: Set clear boundaries based on your core values to protect your energy and stay aligned with your goals.
Challenging Expectations: Reject societal "shoulds" and create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Christine leaves us with a powerful message about aligning passions, skills, and intuition to build a life of meaning and impact. Tune in to hear how vulnerability, courage, and heart-centered actions can lead to both personal and professional success.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will encourage you to trust the signs, embrace change, and step into your next chapter with purpose.
 

Reignite Your Spark: Discovering Passion and Purpose with Laura Best

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In this episode, I sit down with Laura Best, the dynamic founder of The Passion Collective, a global movement helping people reconnect with their passions. I first met Laura at a holiday event, and her warmth and energy immediately drew me in. Today, she shares her incredible journey from burnout to building a thriving community of over 14,000 "Passionados" worldwide.
Laura opens up about founding The Passion Collective 10 years ago, starting as a small Facebook group for women seeking fulfillment. Now, it’s a global phenomenon offering intimate events, authentic connections, and “practical inspiration” to help people infuse passion into their lives. From young professionals to retirees, Laura’s mission is clear: to create a space where everyone can connect, grow, and rediscover joy.
We dive into her transition from a high-pressure marketing career to embracing imperfection, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing authentic relationships. Laura shares her insights on overcoming judgment, setting boundaries, and finding energy through meaningful connections.
Here’s what I took away from our inspiring conversation:
Authentic Connections Matter: Using "concentric circles," I’m reminded to nurture relationships that energize me and gently step back from draining ones.
Boundaries Preserve Energy: Laura reframes boundaries as essential tools to align with people who uplift and support our goals.
Rediscover Joy Through Exploration: Whether it's trying new activities or experimenting with hobbies like pottery or knitting, Laura encourages us to “dip a toe” without fear of failure.
Mindful Time Use Brings Passion: Reallocating just a few hours weekly from passive activities can reignite our spark.
Celebrate Progress: Laura’s playful “passion bingo” helps reflect on growth and nurture curiosity.
We wrap up with a peek at her upcoming book, Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions Without Quitting It All, which promises to inspire readers to explore their passions without overhauling their lives.
Tune in to discover how small shifts can spark big joy, and get ready to embrace your passions with purpose!
Learn more about Laura and the Passion Collective then sign up for her newsletter, join one of her sessions, and book her as a speaker for your upcoming event.
 
 

Empowering Teams Through Collaboration and Communication

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I’m joined by Alyssa Sharp, an expert in team engagement and communication. With over 12 years of experience in project management, Alyssa shares her unique approach to leading teams with a human-centered mindset and an agile framework. As a professional rooted in psychology, Alyssa helps businesses foster collaboration, streamline systems, and drive results by understanding the deeper needs of people and facilitating meaningful change through communication.
Alyssa emphasizes the importance of creating a team environment where collaboration thrives and everyone understands the purpose behind changes. This leads to greater team engagement and success. She also delves into the challenges of shifting from individual performance to team-based outcomes, reflecting on her time in retail management. There, she saw firsthand how strong collaboration could boost both customer experience and team morale.
In our conversation, I reflect on my leadership journey and how my views on workplace culture evolved. Early on, I had a team member tell me they didn’t come to work to make friends, which challenged my perspective. Over time, I realized that fostering authentic relationships among team members is vital because we spend so much time together.
We also discuss the power of networking and building human connections without the expectation of immediate rewards. Often, these relationships come full circle in ways that lead to future collaboration or valuable advice.
Lastly, Alyssa opens up about her own career pivot during the pandemic, when she left a secure job to pursue consulting. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the value of trusting your instincts and pursuing what truly excites you.
 
Visit Alyssa’s site  asharpcoach.com and connect with her on LinkedIn. 
 
Key Takeaways:
Collaboration Drives Success: Alyssa’s human-centered leadership approach helps teams thrive when they understand the purpose behind changes and collaborate effectively.
Shift from Individual to Team Success: Transitioning from individual performance to team-based outcomes is key for long-term success and improved team morale.
Authentic Relationships Matter: Fostering genuine connections among team members creates a supportive work culture, enhancing collaboration and engagement.
Networking Without Expectations: Building relationships with no immediate agenda often leads to valuable future connections and collaborations.
Trust Your Instincts: Alyssa’s career pivot during the pandemic reminds us of the importance of trusting our instincts when making significant life or career decisions.
If you’re looking to streamline your processes, empower your teams, and embrace change, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Be sure to tune in on Apple and Spotify—subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend!
 
 

Take Action: The Key to Creating the Life You Deserve

Are you ready to stop dreaming and start achieving the life you truly deserve?
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
Welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! I’m your host, Paulie Skaja, and today’s episode is all about taking action — the critical difference between dreaming and achieving. Lack of action is the number one reason people fail to accomplish their goals, and it’s time to change that.
Many of us have aspirations for new jobs, skills, or lifestyles but fall into the trap of waiting for opportunities to come to us. As I share in this episode, meaningful change starts with intentional action. This realization became clear to me when I published or co-authored three books in a single year. It wasn’t something I planned out meticulously—it happened because I seized opportunities as they arose.
Through anecdotes and practical advice, I discuss why people resist change and how understanding your “why” can help overcome this inertia. Whether it’s quitting a habit like smoking or stepping into a new career, clarity about what’s holding you back (known as secondary gain) is crucial.
Key takeaways:
Change requires effort: Doing what you’ve always done won’t lead to new results.
Break down your goals: Identify what you’ll start, stop, and continue to achieve your vision.
Focus on your why: Align actions with personal values, not external expectations.
Stay flexible: Progress often involves pivots, and that’s okay.
As we move into a new year, avoid setting rigid resolutions. Instead, adopt an action-oriented mindset that evolves with your needs and priorities. Everyone has the potential to achieve incredible things. With the right mindset and strategy, you can too.
Subscribe to Live Into Your Best Life on Apple or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Let’s take action together to make this year your best yet!
 
 

Seasons of Miracles: Embracing Life’s Transitions with Purpose and Possibility

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Hi there, and welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! In today’s special holiday episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics—miracles and the changing seasons, both in nature and life. As this episode airs on December 25th, I couldn’t think of a better time to reflect on the wonder and beauty of this season.
 
I explore the cycles of life and nature, drawing parallels between the changing seasons in Minnesota and the phases of our personal journeys. From the crisp beginnings of autumn, the coziness of winter, the renewal of spring, to the vitality of summer, I share how each season brings unique opportunities to pause, reflect, and grow.
 
I also discuss how miracles—those unexpected yet delightful moments of divine intervention or synchronicity—can shift our perspective. By viewing life through a lens of possibility, we can uncover breadcrumbs of inspiration leading us toward the next amazing chapter in our lives.
 
This episode is an invitation to embrace each moment fully, regardless of the season of life you're in. Whether you're in the "spring" of youthful discovery, the "summer" of vibrancy and growth, the "fall" of harvest and mentorship, or the "winter" of reflection and wisdom, there’s always a chance to live intentionally and create your best life.
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Miracles often lie in the way we choose to see the world—look for the synergies and synchronicities around you.
 
Each season of life offers its own gifts. Recognize where you are and lean into its opportunities.
 
Living fully means showing up every day with curiosity and purpose, even if your energy varies.
 
Retirement isn’t about stopping—it's about freedom to continue contributing meaningfully.
 
You can live your best life every day by noticing and acting on the possibilities right in front of you.
 
Let’s explore this season of miracles together—one moment, one choice, one miracle at a time. Happy holidays! 
 

Thriving Through Peri-menopause: Nutrition, Hormones, and Empowerment

Special Guest: Stephanie Crassweller
 
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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I have the privilege of sitting down with Stephanie Crassweller, a passionate advocate for women’s health, focusing on the crucial phase of perimenopause. Stephanie shares her fascinating journey from a background in kinesiology and personal training to specializing in hormonal health and nutrition for women aged 35 to 60. With her expertise, Stephanie has helped countless women navigate the challenges of hormonal changes, from weight gain to emotional struggles, and the lack of effective advice from traditional healthcare.
We dive deep into how metabolism, hormones, and nutrition play a vital role in managing the transition through peri-menopause and menopause. Stephanie’s approach empowers women to see this phase not as something to fear, but as a transformative time in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of unlearning diet myths, prioritizing self-care, and adopting sustainable habits that support both mental and physical health. A particularly touching moment in our conversation is when Stephanie shares a success story of a client’s husband thanking her for “giving his wife back”—a reminder of how health journeys not only impact the individual but their families as well.
This episode also reflects on the evolution of diet culture, starting in the 1960s, and its lasting impact on women, especially as we experience hormonal changes. We discuss how societal pressures, stress, and lifestyle factors shape our approach to food and health. Key takeaways include:
The importance of balanced meals and avoiding processed foods to prevent inflammation and digestive issues.
How stress, sleep, and hormonal shifts can disrupt metabolism, making weight loss more challenging.
The pitfalls of restrictive diets and fasting, which can lead to muscle loss and increase stress on the body.
Practical tips for long-term health, including eating regular meals, lifting weights, and prioritizing sleep.
Ultimately, this episode is about learning to rebuild habits that promote long-term well-being, focusing on the unique needs of each individual woman during this transformative phase of life.
To learn about all the ways Stephanie and her team can support your healthy living journey, visit her web site at VitalityOET and listen to her podcast "The Metabolism & Menopause" podcast