Welcome back to The Next Brave Step podcast! I am your host, Chelsy Weisz and today, I am thrilled to introduce you to my signature coaching method: The Next Brave Step Blueprint. This proven system has guided hundreds of people worldwide through transformative change, whether they are struggling with their job, finances, health, or relationships.

What is the Next Brave Step Blueprint?

The Next Brave Step Blueprint is a comprehensive action plan designed to navigate significant life changes. It is broken down into six key stages that we’ll explore over the next six weeks. Each stage offers a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goals and transform your life.

The Six Key Stages of Personal Growth

1. The Reckoning: Recognizing the need for change and confronting your current reality.
2. Evaluation: Assessing what’s working and what’s not.
3. Strategy: Developing a clear and actionable plan.
4. Massive Action: Implementing your plan with bold, decisive action.
5. Course Correct: Adjusting your plan as needed.
6. Receive and Repeat: Embracing your achievements and preparing for continuous growth.

The Reckoning Stage: Recognizing the Need for Change

Today, we focus on the first stage of the blueprint, The Reckoning. This stage involves recognizing the need for change and confronting the reality of your current situation. It’s a pivotal moment that often involves facing unpleasant truths you may have been avoiding.

Personal Story: My Own Reckoning

For me, one of the most pivotal reckoning stages occurred before my divorce. Despite an outwardly perfect life—two kids, a beautiful farmhouse, and a successful photography business—my marriage was emotionally abusive. I spent years journaling and assessing my life before realizing that to have the relationship I wanted, I needed to leave my current partner. It was a difficult decision, filled with fear and unease, but it was necessary for my personal growth.

The Power of Pinpointing the Problem

Pinpointing the problem is crucial in the reckoning stage. It requires honesty with yourself and can be challenging, especially when dealing with shame or guilt. Clearly defining the problem sets the stage for actionable steps forward. Whether it’s a toxic relationship, financial debt, or an unfulfilling job, identifying the issue is the first step towards change.

Embrace the Discomfort for Personal Transformation

The reckoning stage can be filled with frustration, fear, and unease. It often involves major life events that act as triggers, such as getting laid off or facing a health crisis. These moments of discomfort are crucial for personal growth and should be embraced as opportunities for transformation.

Avoiding the Problem: The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response

It’s natural to avoid confronting difficult issues. This avoidance can manifest as fight, flight, or freeze responses. You might find yourself constantly angry, running away from problems, or freezing and doing nothing. Recognizing these avoidance behaviors is key to moving past them and making necessary changes.

Making the Decision to Transform Your Life

The reckoning stage culminates in a decision point: Will you take accountability and improve your situation, or will you continue avoiding the issue? This decision is pivotal for personal growth. Even inaction is a decision that indicates acceptance of your current situation.

Call to Action: Your Turn to Take The Next Brave Step

Grab a piece of paper or open your notes app and journal about what brought you to this episode. Pinpoint the exact problem you want to change. Whether it’s a relationship, your health, or your job, clearly define it. This exercise is the first step towards the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Looking Ahead to the Next Brave Step: Evaluation Stage

Next week, we will delve into the Evaluation stage, where we assess what’s working and what’s not and begin to build a plan for achieving your goals. Today, focus on the reckoning and get clear about what needs to change.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Next Brave Step. Remember, you deserve to live the life you were born to live. Embrace the reckoning and take the first brave step towards transformation.