"Going It Alone" Will Make You Fail
The Power of Finding Your Tribe + New Format!
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uninspired? You’re not alone—literally. The key to unlocking your potential might be finding the right people to walk alongside you…
I’ve been up to something…
🎯 Riley’s Friday Focus 🎯
Stop trying to grow alone:
Welcome back to another edition of the newsletter! This week, I want to talk about the importance of finding your tribe. (Yes, I sound like an Instagram influencer but hear me out!) For me, this means building relationships with other aspiring creators and coaches in the personal development space. This year, I’ve prioritized my Full Focus “Certified Pro” certification and begun taking this newsletter and my YouTube channel a little more seriously.
Sometimes - I hesitate to share this - I kinda jokingly calling it my "side hustle," or as Amy Porterfield says, my "Tiger Time." But in reality, this side hustle is part of a long-term transition plan to become a full-time author, speaker, and coach after my Air Force career. A significant part of this journey will be surrounding myself with like-minded creators.
This summer, I joined a Facebook community of Full Focus Certified Pros and started a mastermind group on a bit of whim. We just wrapped up our second meeting this week, and it was awesome. The energy and accountability from interacting with those who share similar goals is remarkable.
It reminds me of my time as a Star Wars creator, I’m struck by how integral the community was to my growth. Star Wars Celebration conventions were more than just fan gatherings—they injected energy and passion amongst us “Star Wars Creators” where I connected with fellow podcasters and bloggers. Building friendships with people like Steve Glosson from Geek Out Loud and Mark Newbold from Fantha Tracks transformed those events into something special.
Now, as I focus my creative work towards personal development and productivity, I’ve been thinking a lot about the need for a similar community. Having peers to challenge you is crucial for consistently pursuing your goals. It’s easier to stay focused when you’re part of a group that shares your aspirations.
As a quick aside, trying a little bit of a new format. I’m a nerd. Like, a giant productivity nerd. ( & Star Wars Nerd… & Self-Help nerd… & well, you get the idea.) So I’m going to start featuring content that has inspired me each week at the end of each newsletter. Let me know what you think!
🎙 Content Corner 📺
This Week's Picks:
Anthony O’Neill on Financial Freedom:
If you’re familiar with the Dave Ramsey program, you’ll know Anthony O’Neill. He has a unique way of discussing debt that hits different - particularly his insights on how the financial system traps people in cycles of debt, preventing them from reaching their full potential."Tragedy at the CrossFit Games" - Buttery Bros:
This full-length documentary covers the tragic death of an athlete during the 2024 CrossFit Games. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of safety over the “drama of the event” in competitive sports but also the power of community in times of loss.
📚 What I'm Reading 📚
Coach Builder by Donald Miller:
This book has been a game-changer for me. It’s a practical, step-by-step guide to becoming a coach, with a focus on systematizing your approach to help others while building a sustainable business. My biggest takeaway has been the importance of creating a menu of services, ranging from free content to in-depth coaching programs, all designed to provide maximum value.
💡 Parting Shot 💡
Your Hero’s Journey:
Remember, all the productivity hacks and time management tricks in the world are the only tools to help you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Define your values, align your life with them, and blow up your Death Star.