Core Motivations Podcast

Michelle Connolly
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Core Motivations Podcast... Your first step towards discovering tools for Self care & Self love. We will use tools like the Enneagram, A Biblical perspective, Authors of books, and podcastors I love and so much more as we learn tricks and tips of learning how to give yourself love and care.

  1. 3d ago

    What to Ask When Life Hands You a Chapter You Didn’t Choose

    In this episode, Michelle Connolly, certified Enneagram coach and Symbus Marriage Coach, explores the powerful shift from a victim mindset to a hero mindset and what it means to reclaim your agency after pain.Making meaning without denying it. Pain is real. What happened matters. But the question becomes: “You may not get to choose what happened, but you do get to choose what it means and what you do next.” Key topics Michelle defines the difference between genuine victimization and a victim mindset, emphasizing that this episode is not dismissing trauma or real harm.In this episode, she explains how a victim mindset can become entangled with identity through blame, helplessness, and a rejection of problem-solving.She shares that painful experiences like loss, betrayal, disappointment, failure, and unexpected change are universal, but they do not have to become the whole story.Michelle introduces the central question: what meaning am I going to give this experience?She contrasts the victim mindset, which asks what happened to me, with the hero mindset, which asks what am I going to do with what happened to me?In this episode, she stresses that hero mindset is not toxic positivity, instant forgiveness, or pretending the pain did not matter.She frames hardship as a possible catalyst for self-awareness, boundaries, courage, compassion, resilience, and wisdom. Explaining agency as the belief that you can influence your life through your choices, responses, actions, and mindset.In closing, she encourages listeners to stop asking why me and start asking what now, reminding them that the past is part of the story but does not get the final word. As always... I'm Rooting for you 💕 All the things Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97 Email-Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com Instagram-instagram.com/coremotivations_coach Youtube-Michelle - YouTube Additional Resources The Willow Group–The Victim to Warrior Podcast | iHeart Resources for Survivors of Violence, Disasters, and Other Traumatic Experiences National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support. National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): Call 1-800-656-4673 for free, confidential support any time. VictimConnect: Call or text 1-855-484-2846 to find resources and referrals for all types of crime. When Victimhood Becomes an IdentityPhoenix Trauma Center & Dr Scott Giacomuccihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-6NGvkEsogTimestamps 00:00 - Welcome to the show and today’s real talk topic00:48 - Why this episode is about making meaning from pain01:55 - Clarifying victim mindset versus being a victim03:57 - Michelle’s personal experience with abuse and trauma05:10 - What a victim mindset looks like in practice07:17 - Painful chapters like loss, betrayal, and rejection09:55 - Pain is part of the story, not the whole story11:03 - The question of meaning: what does this experience mean12:22 - Pain can become an invitation for growth and boundaries13:44 - Victim mindset versus hero mindset15:05 - The hero questions that create forward movement16:30 - Why hero mindset is not fake positivity18:02 - When accountability and justice still matter18:54 - How setbacks reveal character in the story20:18 - The shift from powerless to purposeful21:29 - “This is who I am now” versus “I am still writing”22:25 - Reclaiming agency after hurt and disappointment24:29 - Agency is not control, but it is choice25:58 - What can I do from where I am27:17 - Responsibility without self-blame28:49 - Small choices that move you from victim to hero30:03 - Agency means the past does not get the final word30:58 - Closing reminders, disclaimer, and listener call to action32:19 - Where to find Michelle and how to stay connected

    What to Ask When Life Hands You a Chapter You Didn’t Choose

  2. Aug 13

    Stop Scheduling your clock-Start Scheduling your energy

    We all have good intentions. We know what we want to accomplish, how we want to show up, and what matters most to us. But then real life happens—and suddenly the perfectly planned week doesn't look anything like we imagined. In this episode, Michelle Connolly explores the messy middle between intention and action and why having a strong intention doesn't necessarily mean we have a strategy for executing it. We'll look at the psychology of intent versus action, why rigid time-blocking can set us up for frustration, and how learning to schedule our energy instead of simply scheduling our time can help us work with ourselves rather than against ourselves. Michelle also introduces the idea of The Intention Trap—the cycle of creating ambitious plans, falling short when life gets messy, and then responding with guilt or self-criticism instead of curiosity and adjustment. You'll learn how to create an energy map, build a more flexible weekly schedule, create a minimum viable day when your original plan isn't realistic, and use a simple reset approach when your week inevitably goes off the rails. Because intentional living isn't about creating the perfect plan. It's about knowing what matters, creating strategies that support it, and learning how to come back to it when life gets messy. A Question to Consider Where are you currently scheduling your intentions rather than your actual energy? And when your week doesn't go according to plan, ask yourself: “What matters now, and what's my next best step?” As Always... I'm Rooting for you💕 Connect with Michelle Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97 Contact through email Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com Instagram instagram.com/coremotivations_coach Youtube Michelle - YouTube IMPACT RESET I- Identity the intention - What did I actually want to accomplish? M- Meet reality- What is actually happening right now, what should change?P- Pinpoint the priority-What matters most now pick 1-3 things?A- Adjust the strategy- Do I need to change the time approach, environment or even expectations? C -Check my energy- do i have energy for this task right now. What task does my current energy match? T -Take the next step- what the smallest action I can take right now? 4 = High energy — productive and engaged 3 = Moderate energy — functioning well but not at your peak2 = Low energy — tired, distracted, or easily overwhelmed1 = Very low energy — depleted, mentally or physically exhaustedStep 3: Notice how you feel Next to each rating, write a few words describing how you usually feel. For example: You're looking for patterns. 8–10 AM | 5 | Focused, creative, motivated 1–3 PM | 2 | Sluggish, distracted, tired Step 4- Match your tasks to your energy, Build your week around your energy to restore High Energy- Important work-creative Low Energy-Routine tasks-errands Time Stamp 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:31 The importance of gratitude and mindfulness 02:47 The reality of weekly planning and energy levels 04:34Why rigid time blocking sets you up for failure 05:16 Understanding the psychology of intent versus action 06:41 The gap between desire and behavior 08:13 Planning based on your actual self, not ideal self 10:09 The intention trap and the messy middle 11:53 The role of environment and willpower 13:29 Matching tasks to energy levels 15:06 The importance of awareness and self-compassion 17:13 The weekly reset and realignment 20:07 Energy mapping and identifying energy drains and boosters 23:35 The impact reset framework (impact, meet reality, prioritize, adjust, check, take)

    Stop Scheduling your clock-Start Scheduling your energy

  3. Aug 3

    Mastering Mindfulness, Gratitude & Personal Agency with Aaron Hendon

    Welcome to Core Motivations, the podcast where we explore the deeper motivations that shape our thoughts, relationships, leadership, and everyday decisions. Today, Michelle is joined by Aaron Hendon—an acclaimed real estate leader, keynote speaker, and author—for a candid conversation about challenging conventional wisdom and discovering how gratitude can become a catalyst for extraordinary personal growth. Drawing from his upcoming book, How to Live a Grateful Life in an F'd Up World, Aaron shares how reframing adversity can help us build resilience, develop a healthier mindset, and create lasting change. Together, Michelle and Aaron explore practical strategies for moving beyond reactive living, cultivating gratitude in the midst of life's challenges, and embracing the personal agency we all have to shape meaningful outcomes. You'll also get a front-row seat to a live Enneagram typing session as Michelle guides Aaron through the process, offering a fascinating look at how self-awareness can deepen leadership, strengthen relationships, and accelerate personal transformation. As Always... I'm Rooting for you💕 Get Connected Today Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97 Contact through email Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com Instagram instagram.com/coremotivations_coach Youtube Michelle - YouTube Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-connolly-92016330a https://www.instagram.com/aaronhendon_themindfulceo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhendon/ Key Topics Aaron's journey to becoming a mindful leader and entrepreneurUsing mindfulness and gratitude to build resilience and reduce stressBreaking free from hustle culture through intentional livingFinding purpose by aligning with your true valuesThe five steps to cultivating lasting gratitudeA live Enneagram typing session and insights into personality patternsHolding both grief and gratitude as a path to growthPractical ways to practice mindfulness in everyday life00:00 - Introducing Aaron Hendon and his inspiring journey02:46 - From bakery to mindfulness, Aaron’s transition into real estate03:26 - Landmark Forum: Breaking limitations and finding freedom05:22 - Using mindfulness meditation for sales success06:13 - Slaying hustle culture one mindful moment at a time08:37 - The connection between mindfulness and living in alignment with your true north10:38 - Developing self-agency through kindness and acceptance11:32 - The role of meditation as a tool for mindful living13:08 - How mindful communication enhances relationships and work performance16:12 - Aaron’s mission: empowering a million people to meditate18:03 - The concept of agency: The ability for self-determination22:04 - Holding grief and gratitude simultaneously for emotional resilience25:02 - The five A’s of gratitude: awareness, allowance, acceptance, appreciation, attitude28:32 - The power of language and experiencing reality without resistance32:14 - Curiosity and compassion in understanding others’ perspectives35:11 - How mindfulness influences leadership and team dynamics37:26 - True north as a metaphor for life purpose39:29 - Introduction to the Enneagram as a tool for self-discovery45:04 - Exploring emotional responses through the gut, heart, and head triads52:45 - Understanding and working through self-limiting beliefs55:47 - The importance of the stance and how we move through the world61:50 - The significance of developing a self-awareness map for behavior and choices70:29 - Recognizing your default settings and how to shift toward growth78:55 - Final takeaway: The power of self-kindness and compassion

  4. Jul 31 ·  Bonus

    Coming soon to a podcast near you

    Coming Soon on Core Motivations: Aaron Hendon on Gratitude, Resilience & Transforming the Way We Lead What if the way you respond to life’s challenges could become the doorway to greater resilience, purpose, and personal growth? Get ready to Join Michelle Connolly, certified Enneagram and marriage coach, on Core Motivations this coming Monday as she welcomes Aaron Hendon—acclaimed real estate leader, keynote speaker, and author—for a powerful conversation about mindset, gratitude, leadership, and the deeper motivations that shape who we become. In this thought-provoking episode, Aaron shares insights from his upcoming book, How to Live a Grateful Life in an F'd Up World, and explores how we can challenge conventional wisdom, reframe adversity, and create meaningful change in our lives. He reveals why resilience isn’t just a popular concept—it’s a skill we can develop by intentionally rewiring the way we think, respond, and engage with the world around us. Michelle and Aaron discuss practical strategies for moving beyond reactive living, cultivating gratitude during difficult seasons, and recognizing the personal agency we each have to create the results we desire. This episode also features a special live Enneagram typing session, offering a unique look at how self-awareness can deepen leadership, improve relationships, and unlock personal transformation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, coach, or someone seeking more clarity and purpose, this conversation offers practical tools and meaningful insights you can begin applying immediately. In this episode, you’ll discover: How gratitude can transform your perspective during challenging timesWhy resilience is a skill anyone can developHow to move from reacting to intentionally creating your lifeThe connection between self-awareness and effective leadershipHow the Enneagram can reveal deeper motivations and patternsTune in to Core Motivations for this inspiring conversation with Aaron Hendon and discover how understanding what truly drives you can help you live and lead with greater intention. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is ready to unlock their untapped potential.

  5. Jul 25

    The Art of Waiting Well: How Patience Leads to Better Decisions and Less Chaos

    In this heartfelt episode, Michelle shares a personal story about a fall caused by a runaway dryer ball, using it as a metaphor for life’s lessons on patience, purpose, and the importance of slowing down. If you're looking for inspiration on how to navigate setbacks and embrace intentional movement in daily life, this episode offers meaningful insights. As Always... I'm Rooting for you 💕 Main Topics Covered: The importance of pausing and assessing before rushing into actionScientific benefits of slow movement for health and stress reductionLessons learned from personal injury about purpose and decision-makingThe concept of waiting well and trusting the timing of lifePractical tips for implementing slow, purposeful moves in daily routines Get connected today Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97 Contact through email Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com Instagram instagram.com/coremotivations_coach Youtube Michelle - YouTube Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and episode overview: lessons from a dryer ball incident00:28 – The story begins: an unexpectedly eventful laundry day01:16 – The dryer ball escapes, leading to humorous yet painful consequences02:24 – The fall, injury, and realization of the importance of timing03:45 – How rushing can cause unnecessary stress and injury04:32 – The importance of stopping, surveying, and making a plan05:48 – Scientific benefits of slow movement for physical and mental health07:09 – The power of intentional pacing in everyday life08:44 – Recognizing the value in waiting and not rushing decisions10:00 – The significance of waiting well and trusting divine timing11:28 – Key lessons: moving with purpose helps reduce stress and prevent chaos12:30 – Teaching others through example: pause, process, proceed13:26 – The benefits of mindful movement and slowing down15:50 – How slow, deliberate movement can lower cortisol and improve focus17:36 – Waiting as a purposeful act: patience can bring bigger rewards18:54 – Biblical insights on waiting and trusting divine timing20:18 – Personal reflections: injury as a lesson to slow down21:09 – Practical takeaway: pause, assess, plan, and move intentionally22:14 – Final thoughts: embracing the calm in a hurried world23:06 – Connecting with Michelle: where to find her online23:35 – Closing encouragement: share, follow, and root for your growth

    The Art of Waiting Well: How Patience Leads to Better Decisions and Less Chaos

  6. Jul 13

    Myth Busting the Enneagram: 8 Common Misconceptions

    In this episode of Core Motivations Podcast, Michelle Connolly explores common misconceptions about the Enneagram and breaks down why this framework is much more than a personality test. She explains how the Enneagram helps reveal core motivations, defense patterns, and growth paths so listeners can better understand themselves and their relationships. Enneagram is designed to reveal the patterns you already live in, not put you in a box. The real value comes from using it as a tool for self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and intentional growth. She also introduces helpful concepts like the three centers of intelligence, instinctual variants, and levels of development to show how much depth the Enneagram really has. Call to action Take the Enneagram assessment, and book a free 30-minute meet and greet to explore coaching sessions for deeper insight and personal growth. “Education is the key for self-liberation.” As always... I'm Rooting for you💕 Connect with Michelle Email ⁠Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/coremotivations_coach⁠ Youtube ⁠Michelle - YouTube⁠ Free Enneagram assessment ⁠https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/⁠ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet ⁠https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97⁠ check out ⁠⁠Lailah Gifty Akita⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Clarifying what the episode covers and why it matters01:01 - How the Enneagram is misunderstood as just another personality test02:48 - The core purpose of the Enneagram: understanding motivation and defense patterns05:02 - Limitations of Enneagram assessments and their accuracy07:54 - The constancy of your core type and how behavior expression evolves with growth11:12 - Addressing myth: You have only one core type, not multiple13:39 - Why the Enneagram explains strategies behind actions, not outward traits15:14 - Clarifying that type movement in stress doesn't mean changing your core type17:10 - Your wing is limited to adjacent types; misconceptions about multiple wings20:43 - Debunking hierarchy myths: All types are equally valuable and capable of success23:18 - The true purpose: fostering self-awareness and inner understanding24:36 - Recognizing unconscious patterns to move beyond autopilot reactions26:51 - Exploring the nuanced aspects: stress paths, wings, centers of intelligence, and levels of development29:17 - The three centers: gut, heart, and head types and their responses to the world30:48 - The role of instinctual variants: self-preservation, social, and one-to-one31:18 - Levels of development: how self-awareness shifts expression within the same type32:48 - Self-awareness as the key to unlocking healthier behaviors and deeper self-knowledge34:04 - Practical steps: using assessments, coaching, and continued learning for growth35:35 - Invitation for coaching and personalized Enneagram explorations to deepen your journey36:47 - Final reminder: The Enneagram reveals the box you're living in, granting freedom to move beyond it38:12 - Closing encouragement: Share, subscribe, and connect to continue your self-awareness journey

    Myth Busting the Enneagram: 8 Common Misconceptions

  7. Jul 13

    Myth Busting the Enneagram: 8 Common Misconceptions

    In this episode of Core Motivations Podcast, Michelle Connolly explores common misconceptions about the Enneagram and breaks down why this framework is much more than a personality test. She explains how the Enneagram helps reveal core motivations, defense patterns, and growth paths so listeners can better understand themselves and their relationships. Enneagram is designed to reveal the patterns you already live in, not put you in a box. The real value comes from using it as a tool for self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and intentional growth. She also introduces helpful concepts like the three centers of intelligence, instinctual variants, and levels of development to show how much depth the Enneagram really has. Call to action Take the Enneagram assessment, and book a free 30-minute meet and greet to explore coaching sessions for deeper insight and personal growth. “Education is the key for self-liberation.” As always... I'm Rooting for you💕 Connect with Michelle Email Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com Instagram instagram.com/coremotivations_coach Youtube Michelle - YouTube Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97 check out ⁠Lailah Gifty Akita⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Clarifying what the episode covers and why it matters 01:01 - How the Enneagram is misunderstood as just another personality test 02:48 - The core purpose of the Enneagram: understanding motivation and defense patterns 05:02 - Limitations of Enneagram assessments and their accuracy 07:54 - The constancy of your core type and how behavior expression evolves with growth 11:12 - Addressing myth: You have only one core type, not multiple 13:39 - Why the Enneagram explains strategies behind actions, not outward traits 15:14 - Clarifying that type movement in stress doesn't mean changing your core type 17:10 - Your wing is limited to adjacent types; misconceptions about multiple wings 20:43 - Debunking hierarchy myths: All types are equally valuable and capable of success 23:18 - The true purpose: fostering self-awareness and inner understanding 24:36 - Recognizing unconscious patterns to move beyond autopilot reactions 26:51 - Exploring the nuanced aspects: stress paths, wings, centers of intelligence, and levels of development 29:17 - The three centers: gut, heart, and head types and their responses to the world 30:48 - The role of instinctual variants: self-preservation, social, and one-to-one 31:18 - Levels of development: how self-awareness shifts expression within the same type 32:48 - Self-awareness as the key to unlocking healthier behaviors and deeper self-knowledge 34:04 - Practical steps: using assessments, coaching, and continued learning for growth 35:35 - Invitation for coaching and personalized Enneagram explorations to deepen your journey 36:47 - Final reminder: The Enneagram reveals the box you're living in, granting freedom to move beyond it 38:12 - Closing encouragement: Share, subscribe, and connect to continue your self-awareness journey

    Myth Busting the Enneagram: 8 Common Misconceptions

  8. Jul 6

    Grass Roots Back to where it all began

    Discover practical insights on self-care, personal growth, and overcoming challenges with the Enneagram as your guide. Hosted by Michelle Conley, this episode emphasizes patience, gratitude, and showing up for oneself as essential tools on your journey to self-love and understanding. As always I am Rooting for you! 💕 In this episode: Michelle shares her personal struggles with gratitude and the power of consistent practiceInsights from psychology on brain plasticity and learning processesAn overview of the nine Enneagram types, their core fears, desires, weaknesses, and longingsHow to identify your core motivations through reflection and assessmentTips for showing up authentically and confidently in daily lifeThe significance of self-compassion and reframing setbacks as growth opportunitiesThe importance of practicing gratitude and cultivating patience during life's challengesHow neuroplasticity supports learning and transformation over timeDeep dive into the Enneagram: understanding nine core types and their motivationsOvercoming imposter syndrome and building confidence through self-awarenessPractical self-care strategies: setting boundaries, managing stress, and nurturing your well-being Ways to connect Start with your Free Enneagram assessment ⁠https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/⁠ Don’t forget to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet ⁠https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97⁠ Contact through email ⁠Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/coremotivations_coach⁠ Youtube ⁠Michelle - YouTube⁠ Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to self-care and gratitude practices02:06 - Brain plasticity and the science of learning04:22 - How the brain rewires with new habits and experiences07:07 - Embracing the "under construction" process of personal growth10:42 - Introduction to the Enneagram: nine personality types and core motivations13:39 - The concept of being under construction and spiritual growth from scripture16:45 - How the Enneagram helps describe human behavior and self-understanding19:01 - Deep dive into each Enneagram type: core fears and motivations24:39 - Core fears of Types 1 to 9 and their impact on behavior34:02 - Encouragement to take the free Enneagram assessment36:20 - The importance of showing up for yourself and self-practice strategies41:22 - Final reminders on self-care, creating your toolbox, and mindset shifts

    Grass Roots Back to where it all began
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About

Welcome to Core Motivations Podcast... Your first step towards discovering tools for Self care & Self love. We will use tools like the Enneagram, A Biblical perspective, Authors of books, and podcastors I love and so much more as we learn tricks and tips of learning how to give yourself love and care.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Connolly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Connolly
  • Show Website
    Core Motivations Podcast