1. Set Things Down

In the very first episode of the Calm and Confident Podcast, I share my personal journey from journalist to fitness instructor to entrepreneur, and I open up about the powerful lesson of setting things down—learning to walk away from things that no longer bring joy or just feel heavy, whether that’s a career role, a friendship, or a side hustle. I talk about building three successful businesses, balancing professional ambition with family life, and how I’ve learned to make room for growth by letting go with kindness. I also introduce the idea of offering less explanation when making bold decisions, encouraging you to trust yourself and speak with clarity and confidence. This episode sets the tone for what’s to come: real, supportive conversations to help you live with more calm and confidence in every area of your life.

“You have permission to set things down. You’re allowed to say, it’s been great. I valued it while I did it. In fact, I loved it while I did it. I’m just not carrying it forward.” – Trina

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Introduction to the Calm and Confident Podcast

Trina Gray, the host, shares her background as a former journalist and fitness instructor turned entrepreneur.
The podcast aims to help listeners live a calm and confident life, covering topics like career, business leadership, relationships, and health.
Trina expresses her desire to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere, similar to a coffee shop conversation.

The Concept of Calm and Confidence

Trina explains the importance of living a life with a sense of calm, even amidst chaos.
She discusses the significance of trusting oneself and being capable of handling life’s ups and downs.
The podcast aims to help listeners own their decisions and show up confidently in their lives.
Trina shares her personal journey, including her early career aspirations and her path to entrepreneurship.

Trina’s Career Journey

Trina recounts her childhood dream of becoming an anchor on 60 Minutes and her journey through journalism.
She shares her experience of becoming a group fitness instructor and how it changed her life.
Trina talks about opening her own medically based health club and launching a series of successful businesses
She highlights her success in creating corporate wellness programs and her experience leading a top direct sales team with a fitness company.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Trina discusses the challenges of balancing her career with raising her children.
She shared how setting things down along the way allowed her to create room in her life for what mattered most in that chapter – her kids and growing her career. That meant setting things down that had value but were taking her time and energy away from kids and career growth.
She emphasizes the importance of being a servant leader and serving others through her businesses.
She reflects on the lessons learned from her career and how they can help others.

The Lesson of Setting Things Down

Trina introduces the lesson of setting things down, emphasizing that it’s okay to walk away from things that no longer bring joy, or feel heavy.
Trina discusses the importance of making space for new opportunities and not feeling the need to fill every moment.
She encourages listeners to trust themselves and make decisions that align with their current needs and values.
She talked about setting things down with kindness, not resentment.

Examples of Setting Things Down

Trina provides examples of different things one can set down, such as friendships, side hustles, and volunteer roles.
She shares a personal story about ending a long-term friendship that no longer felt aligned or at ease.
Trina discusses the importance of walking away from things without resentment or dismissal.
She emphasizes that setting things down can lead to new opportunities and a more fulfilling life.

Offering Less Explanation

Trina introduces the second lesson of offering less explanation when making decisions.
She explains that offering less explanation can lead to more trust and respect from others.
Trina shares examples of how she communicated her decisions to walk away from various responsibilities.
She encourages listeners to speak with clarity and confidence when making changes in their lives.

Balancing Responsibilities with Enjoyment

Trina suggests that listeners can enjoy responsibilities with limitations or boundaries.
She provides an example of how one can enjoy a friendship or responsibility in smaller, more manageable ways.
She encourages listeners to trust themselves and make decisions that align with their current needs and values.