Author name: Cindy Donaldson

Ever Wonder Why You Keep Ignoring That Feeling?

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This morning, I found myself thinking about the quiet voice inside us all.

The one that says, “Do this,” even when logic tells you not to. Or the one that says, “Walk away,” even when everything looks shiny on the outside.

That voice isn’t loud or dramatic, but it carries an unshakable certainty. I call it my gut. You might call it intuition, inner knowing, divine download, or simply a feeling.

Yet most of us don’t listen.

We drown it out with spreadsheets, pros and cons lists, and everyone else’s opinions. We mute it under the constant noise of social media and the barrage of advice telling us how to live.

But your gut – that inner knowing – is rarely wrong. It may not guide you down the easiest path, but it will always lead you to the truest one.

That’s what I explored on my latest podcast episode. I shared stories about trusting my gut, ignoring it, and what happened each time. It’s honest, raw, and might remind you of your own moments of knowing. Or maybe it will just make you feel better about the craziness of your own life.

Over 62 years of building companies, coaching high performers, raising kids, loving deeply, and picking myself up over and over, I’ve learned:

Courage isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about doing the hard things despite the fear.

Trusting your gut is an act of courage. So is living a life that feels right instead of one that just looks right.

That’s why I created my Courage Formula Foundations program. Over the past few months, I’ve refined it with powerful frameworks, real-world practices, and a Field Guide & Journal to help you build unshakable courage, clarity, and self-trust.

Here’s what I believe:

  • You already have courage within you. It just needs to be activated.
  • You already know what you want and don’t want. You may just be afraid to admit it.
  • You already know what to do next. You’re just waiting for permission.

If your gut is whispering right now, pay attention. It might be saying, “This is your next step.”

So today, before your calendar takes over, ask yourself:

What is my gut telling me today?

Listen. Trust it. Act on it.

That’s where your courage lives.

Ready to build deeper self-trust and courage? Learn more about Courage Formula Foundations starting September 3 HERE

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When Success Stops Feeling Good: A Wake-Up Call for High Achievers

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There was a moment when I almost walked away from it all.

Not in a dramatic, burn-it-down kind of way.

More like a slow, quiet unraveling.

I was checking the boxes. Showing up. Growing my company. Hitting milestones.

And still feeling… nothing.

From the outside, it looked like success.

But inside, something was off. Not burnout. Not boredom. Just a persistent question I couldn’t shake:

Why am I still doing this?

It’s a hard thing to admit when you’re known as “the driver.”

The strategist. The doer. The woman who always finds a way.

But I wasn’t in love with the vision anymore.

And I was too attached to the hustle to say it out loud.

I realized I wasn’t just addicted to the pace. I was addicted to the identity that came with it.

The one where people constantly asked, “How do you do it all?”

The one where I felt valuable because I was busy, visible, and always in motion.

Letting go didn’t feel like an option—until it became the only option.

Here’s what finally made me shift:

I felt more excited about starting something new than growing what I had. My wins felt flat.

I started fantasizing about retirement. My body was tired, and I was ignoring it.

I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t this

And yes, I’m talking about Red Barn Consulting.

The company I built from scratch. The one that supported my lifestyle and brought me so much pride.

Until suddenly, it didn’t.

This wasn’t a crisis. It was a call to realignment.

So I paused. I asked better questions.

Am I still building something I believe in?

Or am I holding on because I don’t know who I am without it?

No one teaches us how to evolve with grace. We’re taught to grind.

But the truth? Sometimes staying is the real mistake.

I didn’t burn it all down. I restructured.

I let go of clients who no longer fit.

I made space for new vision.

And I created something more honest and aligned.

The version of Red Barn I run today is completely different than the one I launched in 2012.

Because I let it grow as I grew.

This is the work behind The Courage Formula: Foundations.

It’s the program I created during my pivot. Twelve weeks. Ten individuals. Real conversations, deep clarity, and powerful realignment.

If this is hitting you where you live right now, you’re not alone.

You don’t have to carry what no longer fits.

You’re allowed to want something different.

It’s not giving up. It’s growing forward.

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6 Pillars of High Performance

Your Mountain Isn’t the Problem

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The world is loud right now.
And if you're like me, your brain is trying to hold both the gratitude and the grief, the joy and the heaviness. You want to stay informed, but you also need to stay sane. That tug-of-war got me thinking about the season I’m in.

I've paused my RV life for now and thrown myself back into work. I'm networking like crazy. My son is getting married. Another international trip is around the corner. And in the middle of all that motion, a familiar feeling showed up again:

That inner voice whispering, "You're not doing enough."

It’s my personal kryptonite.

Maybe you’ve felt it too - doing all the things, yet feeling like you’re not moving fast enough. Like you’re treading water, burning out, and still not getting anywhere.

I know that place well. Part of it is the entrepreneur life. Part of it is how I’m wired. But the kryptonite? That part can take me out of the game if I don’t catch it in time.

And here’s what I’ve realized.

Most people aren’t held back by lack of skill, knowledge, or opportunity.

They're held back by something deeper:

  • Self-doubt
  • Avoidance
  • Comparison
  • Old stories
  • Fear

Mount Everest, aka Your Life

There’s a metaphor I always come back to when I feel stuck. It’s that moment when I’m standing two feet from the summit of my personal Everest—flag in hand, ready to plant it—and I freeze.

I tell myself my feet are stuck in the ice.
I watch others pass me.
I start doubting whether I belong on this mountain in the first place.

So I descend.

No summit. No flag. No selfie of a lifetime.

But here's the truth my inner Sherpas always remind me of:

My feet were never frozen.
I was never stuck.
I just didn’t trust myself to take the final steps.

And trust me, those steps are scary. Success brings visibility, responsibility, decisions, discomfort. But so does staying small. So does never seeing the view from the top.

So today, I’m inviting you to reflect.

Find a quiet place. Grab a journal. And answer these questions. You don’t need perfect answers. You just need to tell yourself the truth.

Your Monday Climb: Ask Yourself This

  1. What’s the mountain I keep circling but never fully committing to?
    Is it something I truly want—or something I think I should want?
  2. Am I more afraid of failing—or of actually getting everything I say I want?
    What would success really change in my life, and am I ready for that?
  3. Where am I quitting too soon, and where am I afraid to quit at all?
    Not every climb is meant to be finished. But some are. And I keep walking away before the summit.
  4. Who am I comparing myself to that makes me feel behind or not enough?
    What if they’re not ahead of me—they’re just on a different mountain?
  5. What part of me do I need to let go of in order to keep climbing?
    Is it perfectionism, people-pleasing, an outdated story, or the belief that I have to do it alone?

It’s a new week. A clean slate.
Maybe it’s time to plant your flag.
I’ll see you at the top.

Cindy

 

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A time for healing

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I must admit I'm tired, it's been an emotionally exhausting 48 hours.

Sometimes things don't go as planned.  I'm taking my own advice today and choosing to not be consumed by the negativity, to focus on what i can control and to just be in the moment.  Yesterday was rough - but the silver lining was that I was honored to speak at Annual Women's Achievement Awards hosted by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. A HUGE shout out to their Executive Director - the AMAZING Renee Miller (I grabbed a selfie with her before I left). She and her team did a great job of bringing together some of the most inspiring women I've ever met.

Women who challenged the status quo.

Women who stood up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves.

Women who helped people and families when they were in their darkest hours.

Women who are changing the lives of others, who are breaking barriers - who are simply raising their hand to say "it's my time - and here I am."

The energy in the room was infectious. I met some new friends, have a few coffee (or wine!) dates lined up and even ran into a long time colleague Pauline Handy from back in my insurance days - we had never met in person until yesterday!  Talk about a gift!

I needed yesterday far more than they needed me as a keynote.

The day was healing.

The day gave me hope.

That morning I posted on my social that I had lost hope in humanity.  I was being honest - it's how I felt.  I felt let down, gutted and afraid.

I needed that sisterhood - and the energy from several awesome men in the audience who snuck up to me after my speech and told me they "got me", they understood my words and they also understood what needs to be done.

I didn't hold back in my keynote - I didn't dim my light.

I talked about equality, I talked about leadership, I talked about inclusion and the importance empowering others to use their voices for the greater good.

The healing begins - but the work isn't over.

I deeply believe in women's rights - but more importantly I believe in human rights.

We come together when we build bridges not walls.

We come together when we lift others up, not when we pull or push them down.

I hate to admit it but I don't think America is ready for a female president - especially one of color.  Many of my friends told me that - and I didn't want to believe it. Yet - here we are.

She was held to a different standard.

She fought a great fight, given the circumstances she was tossed.

And now we move on.

I'm not sure what the future will hold - but I know I have what it takes to get through it.

I'm worried about the affordable care act, women's health care, public education, the economy, avoiding wars and I'm worried about the division, the racism and the violence.

It's the hand we've been dealt.  It's not our first rodeo.  My grandmothers got through earning the right to vote, the great depression, world wars, the civil rights movement, Roe V Wade, the availability of birth control and hell - prohibition!  Sadly they died before marriage equality was passed but I'm so incredibly grateful my daughter was sitting in the Supreme Court that fateful day to watch it become official.

I'm going to channel my daughter today - on her forearm is tattooed:

"You rarely win, but sometimes you do." Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird.   

It means - you stand up for what you believe in, even if you think the odds are stacked against you.  Because sometimes - you will win those battles and they will be worth it. You persist.

Things always don't turn out how you imagine - but that doesn't mean you give up.  

There is always hope and there is always a fight to fight.

Find your tribe, surround yourself with likeminded people - find that healing energy, that inspirational energy - that empowering energy.

It's going to be ok.

Thank you again Renee for yesterday - you were my guardian angel that I didn't realize I needed.

A time for healing Read More »

The Fight is Real

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Happy Monday and Hello November! I'm sitting here in the RV, huddled under my down comforter with coffee by my side. Yea - we are still in my son's Connecticut driveway wrapping up the final swing of my speaking engagements and work obligations before we pack up and head south to pick up Dave's mom and head to Germany for the holidays.

Go grab a beverage (and that blanket) and let's dive in. I like many have a lot on my mind this November 4th.

In my life-time I hope we can change this.

It's a big week here in the U.S. Tomorrow is election day, and many - including me - are anxious, exhilarated and hopeful that we will break an almost 250 year run and elect the first woman president. The first woman of color as president. It's one of the biggest glass ceilings - and I hoping to see it shattered.

Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History.

My favorite hat with one of my favorite quotes- in the pic above. I got it at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

I'm not a radical feminist - I don't have a poster of Gloria Steinem hanging up that I bow to daily, but I do DEEPLY believe in equality for all.

As women - we are held to a different standard. I've met and worked with a myriad of amazing male leaders but most of them didn't have to fight nearly as hard as their female counterparts - including me - to get where they are.

As women when...

We show empathy - we are weak.

We show confidence - we are bitchy.

We take time to be with our family - we can't possibly be effective leaders.

We take time away from family to work on our career - and we are God awful mothers.

I've been through it all - and then some.

I was taught to put my nose to the grindstone, do what I was told and to not question authority. That didn't work out too well. If you know me - well you know.

Shifting

Wednesday I have the privilege of being the keynote speaker for the Annual Women's Achievement Awards hosted by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. There's nothing like being in a room full of empowered and smart women. The energy is infectious - truly infectious!

Over the past 6 months I've spoken at a myriad of women only events - or those honoring women - and I'm honored and humbled to have been a part of it all!

I want it to end.

Not women achieving greatness - but I want the NEED to continually have to show the world that we are capable.

I want more than 52 women CEOs in the Fortune 500.

I want more than 25% of C-suites in those 500 companies to be women.

And yes - I want equal pay, for equal work for women.

We are capable - beyond capable. Just put a single mom in charge of a project and watch her fly - we are super human because we needed to be.

We should be celebrating Kamala for her achievements not because she's a woman or the color of her skin. And, those achievements are many.

But, I know the importance of tomorrow.

I understand the assignment - we've worked so hard to get here and we aren't going back.

It's not just women's rights - it's human rights.

I'm tired of the fight - because there shouldn't have to be one.

I'm tired of the divide, because when we come together magic happens - yet we continue to battle.

Equality matters.

Today - I'm channeling Martin Luther King - in his famed "I Have a Dream Speech" - I beg of you to read it if you never have, or read it again because his words are even more relevant today.

As he gave his life for equality in America - he poignantly said:

"We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."

This is a reminder to lift others up, help those who can't help themselves, understand that you never know someone's entire story and that women are beyond capable to lead - a family, a committee, a company and yes - a country.

Have an amazing day and go VOTE!

Sending big love xoxoxo

Cindy

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You do NOT need PERMISSION!

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I cannot tell you how many people I've coached around the topic of needing validation or permission to live your life how you want it. Here's the good news - you can get over the guilt, the uncertainty and yes - you CAN do hard things! Tune in to hear about my journey with the Permission gremlin and see how I've crushed it! #changeyourlife #mindset #motivation #takecontrol #createabetterlife #podcastepisode #confidence #fyp #viral #courageformula #TheCindyDonaldsonShow #Coaching #lifebydesign

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Pushing Beyond the Hard Stuff: Embrace Resilience and Unleash Your Life by Design

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Have you ever looked at someone living their dream life and wondered how they got there? What sets them apart from the rest?

The answer lies in their ability to push beyond the hard stuff and cultivate the right mindset. It's not just about luck or talent; it's about resilience, a growth mindset, mindfulness, confidence, and purpose.

Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. But it's how we respond to them that defines our journey. Resilience is the key to bouncing back from adversity and moving forward stronger than before. When faced with a difficult situation, embrace the power of resilience and remind yourself that this is just a temporary setback. Shift your focus from the problem to the solution and take small steps towards overcoming it.

Transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is another essential element in pursuing your dream life. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than roadblocks. Embrace the idea that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a stepping stone towards success. Adopt a positive attitude towards learning and view setbacks as valuable lessons on your path to greatness.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us stay present and centered amidst the chaos of life. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the past or future, which can drain our energy and focus. Cultivate mindfulness by practicing meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the present moment. By training your mind to be fully present, you'll gain clarity, reduce stress, and make better decisions aligned with your goals.

Confidence plays a significant role in pursuing your dreams. Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when faced with self-doubt or criticism from others. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who uplift and inspire you. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to propel yourself forward. Remember, confidence is not about being perfect; it's about embracing your flaws and owning your unique strengths.

However, resilience, a growth mindset, and confidence alone are insufficient without a sense of purpose.

Discovering your purpose is about finding what truly fulfills you and aligning your actions with your values. Take time to reflect on your passions, interests, and what brings you joy. Set meaningful goals that excite you and give you a sense of direction. When your actions are driven by purpose, you'll find the motivation and determination to push beyond any obstacle that comes your way.

Life is a journey, and along the way, you will face countless trials and tribulations. But remember, it's in those difficult moments that the seeds of greatness are planted. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Believe in yourself, stay focused on your dreams, and never give up.

So, what are you waiting for? Start cultivating resilience, adopting a growth mindset, practicing mindfulness, building confidence, and pursuing your purpose. Push beyond the hard stuff, and watch as your dream life unfolds before your eyes. The power to create the life you desire is within you.

A gentle reminder that no one but YOU can create your life by design.  No one - it's all on you to make it happen and I promise you are beyond capable of doing it!

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Unearth Your Genius: A Journey to Finding Your Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values

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Did anyone ever say to you "OMG, you are a genius!" or "How do you do that so easily?"

I'm sure the answer is yes, although we tend to brush off comments like that because they make us feel uncomfortable. Well, buckle up - because we are going to enter the uncomfortable zone of uncovering your GENIUS!

Today, we're setting sail on an exciting voyage that leads us to the treasure trove of our truest selves. We're embarking on a quest to find our inner genius.

Yes, you heard it right. You, me, everyone, we each possess a unique genius. To get geeky: It's an incredible amalgamation of our purpose, mission, vision, and values that form our personal genius when combined.

Many of us often find ourselves stuck in the monotony of life. Day in and day out, we sometimes feel lost, devoid of purpose or meaning. Yet, amidst this mundanity, there exists a spark within us, a whisper of greatness, waiting to be acknowledged, nurtured, and amplified. That whisper is your genius calling out to you. PS - learn to listen to it!

Now, the concept of a 'genius' might seem daunting. You may think, "Einstein was a genius, Picasso was a genius, but me?" Yes, absolutely, YOU! Genius doesn't only equate to mathematical equations or masterful artistry. It's much more personal and profound than that.

It’s about finding your unique way of seeing and bringing the world to life.

Firstly, let's clarify the meaning of 'genius.' It's that inherent capacity within you that allows you to create, influence, and contribute to the world in a way that only you can. Your genius is a blend of your talents, passions, values, and strengths. It is what gives you purpose, provides a mission, defines your vision, and aligns with your values.

Your genius isn't something to find in the external world; it's something to be discovered within. The journey to your genius is essentially the process of self-discovery and self-awareness.

So, how do we embark on this quest? Well, it starts with purpose.

Your Purpose is the magnetic North Star guiding you. It's the 'why' that drives us, the passion that fuels our heart, and the sense of fulfillment that quenches our soul. Purpose gives us direction; it aligns our actions and decisions.

Next comes the mission. Your mission is the 'what.' It’s the tangible manifestation of your purpose. If purpose is the destination, then the mission is the road map to getting there. Your mission statement could be as simple as "inspiring others through art" or as broad as "making the world a better place."

Your vision, on the other hand, is the 'how.' It is the strategy, the game plan that turns your mission into a reality. It's your unique approach to achieving your mission and fulfilling your purpose. Your vision is the creative part of your genius that navigates the course of your journey.

Lastly, your values are the ethical compass of your quest. They are the principles that guide your actions, the non-negotiables of your character. These fundamental beliefs lay the foundation of your integrity and authenticity.

Your genius is the harmonious symphony of your purpose, mission, vision, and values. It's the heart of your authenticity, the essence of your individuality, and the pinnacle of your potential.

Unleashing your genius isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey of personal evolution. It requires courage, perseverance, and self-acceptance. It calls for an unyielding belief in your potential and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Remember, your genius is uniquely yours. It's as distinctive as your fingerprint, as personal as your reflection. It can't be replicated, replaced, or rivaled. Therein lies its power and its beauty.

When you master it, the magic happens.  It's attraction marketing at it's finest - people will be drawn to you, and repelled by you allowing the right people into your life.

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You are Settling…But you don’t have to

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One of my favorite Audible listens is Gary John Bishop’s UnF*ck Yourself – he’s in your face, and the accent doesn’t hurt.  A recurring theme throughout the book is: “You are living the exact life you want.”  He isn’t wrong – and here’s my spin.

We get comfortable even when life is shitty. I know because I’ve been there.  When you are in a downward spiral, incorporating one more thing to your “must-do” list you call your life is simply overwhelming.  Staying in a bad situation, be it a relationship, your health, or a nasty habit, is easier than changing. We consciously decide to stay where we are for fear of the change process and worry that even if we put some hard work in, the grass may not be greener.

Rock Bottom is real…but you don’t have to wait for it.

People will often make a change and create different life/habits when the pain of the current situation gets intolerable – hitting that rock bottom moment when enough is enough or when a life-altering moment shocks them into realizing a change is essential if they are to live their best life.

We fear that staying where we are is far scarier than where we may go – so we leap blindly and trust our gut.

I took up running and hitting the gym when my doctor told me I was headed on a path of destruction with my health – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high-stress levels – the list goes on.

My father quit smoking when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I left an abusive marriage when my 14-year-old daughter said, "Why don’t you just leave him Mom.”

And now at the age of 60, witnessing the decline and passing of my father-in-law I’m taking another hard look at my health, age, longevity and bio-hacking.

The hard stuff can be incredibly motivating.

When there is no crisis but a WANT for change – it comes down to YOU because that strong motivation isn’t there.

 You can want many things in life, but until you are willing to take action and make a CHANGE – you are settling with the exact life you choose. Hard to swallow, yes – but it’s true.  Trauma and rock bottom are wake-up calls that force many to change, but a “want” doesn’t motivate.

How do top performers do it?  Discipline, Grit, and Process.  Doesn’t sound sexy, because it isn’t – but it works.

I’ve challenged my group coaching clients to choose 3 small things they will incorporate or change in their lives over the next 30 days.  Nothing hard, things that they know without a shadow of a doubt they can accomplish BUT those actions need to be aligned with a bigger goal.

Perhaps you want to double your sales in the next year – a small “thing” would be making one more sales call a day. That small thing will add up over time to 30 sales calls – and my guess is there will be a few closed deals out of it.

Perhaps you want to lose 100 pounds – that number is daunting.  But increasing your step count by 2000 a day will make a big difference in 30 days!

The reason I’m having them do the 3 small challenges is two-fold.  One, the tiny steps add up towards the big goal as I noted above, but even more important is the mental boost you get when you do anything consistently for 30 days.  Seeing those check marks, feeling accomplished – you get an endorphin high.

That endorphin high is crucial because it will push you do continue on. You are training your brain that the discipline isn’t painful – in fact, there is some joy in it!

Lastly, I reminded my clients to flip the switch in their brains and say I GET to do this versus I HAVE to do this.   I have to thank my mentor for that tidbit of advice – it’s truly brilliant.

You don’t have to settle; start with subtle changes. It works.

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6 Pillars of High Performance

The 6 Pillars of High Performance

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