The BIGG Success Show

BIGG Success

You are the entrepreneur of your life. BIGG Success is about taking charge of your future by thinking like an entrepreneur—even if you never start a business. We call it personal entrepreneurship: a mindset that empowers you to take control, make better decisions, and reach your goals faster. We help you create the life you want. One that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. A life that’s fulfilling in all three key areas: personal, professional, and financial. Short-term wins. Long-term success. Holistic and intentional. Your co-hosts, George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster, combine business smarts with heart. George, “The Professor,” is a serial entrepreneur and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at the University of Illinois. Mary-Lynn, a veteran radio host turned entrepreneur, brings warmth and wisdom to every episode. Join us for straight talk, smart strategies, and uplifting stories to help you focus, move forward, and create the life you truly want. That’s BIGG Success!

  1. 1d ago

    Don't Just Restart Your Routine

    What if getting “back to normal” means returning to a routine that no longer fits your life? Before you fall back into familiar patterns this season, it may be time to reconsider which ones still deserve a place in your life. In episode #1208, George and Mary-Lynn explore how familiar routines can lead to default living. You’ll learn how to decide what still deserves your time, use the “fresh start effect” to rethink your priorities, and make one small change instead of overhauling everything at once. They also share a simple Routine Reset: Resume, Reevaluate, Redesign - a practical way to make sure your schedule reflects the life you’re trying to create. BIGG Takeaways: As summer ends, it's crucial to not just fall back into old routines without reconsideration.We often mistake familiarity for alignment; just because it was once part of our life doesn't mean it still fits.Before resuming your routine, ask yourself what truly supports the life you're creating today.Taking advantage of a fresh start doesn't just happen in January; every season offers a chance for renewal.One small change can re-energize your routine; focus on removing one commitment and adding something supportive. BIGG Chapters [00:14] Welcome to Champaign: A College Town [01:29] Reevaluating Routines and Familiarity [04:04] Embracing New Beginnings [06:10] Rethinking Your Routine [08:29] Transitioning to New Priorities Links referenced in this episode: BIGG Success NewsletterBIGG Success Life Map CourseResearch: The fresh start effect

  2. Aug 11

    Is Your Money Creating Options?

    If someone handed you $1 million, what would you do with it? Quit your job? Travel the world? Spend more time with family and friends? Start a business? Notice something? None of those answers are really about the money. They’re about the options the money creates—options you can use to create the life you want. What do you really want your money to make possible? In episode #1207, George and Mary-Lynn explore a different way to think about wealth: not by how much you earn, but by the choices your money creates. They discuss: Why a bigger income doesn’t automatically bring more freedom, Why designing your life should come before designing your finances, How intentional financial decisions can create greater flexibility over time. You’ll also discover a simple framework for earning, allocating, and creating options, plus an “Options Portfolio” exercise to connect today’s financial decisions with the choices you want tomorrow. BIGG Takeaways: Money should be viewed as a tool that creates options for your life, not just an end goal.Wealth is ultimately about the freedom to make choices that enhance your quality of life.Asking how a purchase creates more options can drastically change your financial decision-making process.Consider building an 'options portfolio' to focus on choices that align with your future goals. BIGG Chapters [00:14] Exploring Financial Options [01:00] Rethinking Money and Freedom [03:31] The True Purpose of Money [06:00] Designing Your Life and Finances [07:56] Creating Freedom through Financial Choices Links referenced in this episode: Life Map CourseBIGG Success Newsletter

  3. Jun 30

    Why Success Can Feel Lonely

    Success often brings opportunity, achievement, and recognition, but it doesn't automatically create meaningful connection. In episode #1204, George & Mary-Lynn explore one of the hidden costs of achievement: how the very qualities that help us succeed can gradually pull us away from the relationships that matter most. We discuss why networking isn't the same as friendship, why relationships require intentional investment, and how small, consistent actions can strengthen the people who enrich our lives. We also share a simple relationship audit that can help you reconnect with those who matter most. BIGG Takeaways: Success often brings a sense of loneliness because it's not just about having people around you; it's about feeling deeply connected to them.Many successful individuals realize that networking is not a replacement for genuine friendships, as they often lack meaningful connections despite having numerous acquaintances.To combat loneliness, it's essential to invest consistently in relationships, as meaningful connections require intentional effort over time.The Harvard Study of Adult Development highlights that strong relationships are crucial for happiness and well-being, overshadowing mere accomplishments or financial success.Building a life that feels connected and meaningful involves planning for relationships just as you would for your career or finances.Recognizing the hidden relationship costs of achievement can help us prioritize the connections that truly matter in our lives. BIGG Chapters [00:13] The Loneliness of Success [00:56] The Hidden Costs of Success and Loneliness [02:28] The Hidden Costs of Achievement [04:50] The Importance of Intentional Relationships [05:46] Creating Connections: The Importance of Relationships [07:31] The Importance of Relationships in Success Links referenced in this episode: Life Map CourseBIGG success NewsletterHarvard Study of Adult Development

  4. Jun 12

    Micro-Retirements: Don't Spend Your Life Preparing to Live

    Micro retirements are the focus of our conversation today, challenging the traditional work-now-live-later mindset that many of us have followed for decades. We dive into why it’s crucial not to postpone living and how taking intentional breaks can lead to a more fulfilling life. With stories about our youthful dreams—like being a Disney tour guide or the “check guy” for rock stars—we illustrate how exploring what truly matters now can enhance your journey. We’ll explore how micro retirements can be tailored to fit your life, emphasizing that it’s not about running away from responsibilities, but rather about moving toward what excites you. Join us as we unpack the hidden costs of delaying your dreams and provide actionable steps to start living more fully today. BIGG Takeaways: Micro retirements are designed to help you intentionally focus on meaningful experiences instead of waiting for traditional retirement.The concept of micro retirement challenges the outdated work now, live later mindset by promoting life experiences now.Don't let life drift you away; instead, design your life intentionally to achieve big success.Asking yourself what you're postponing can help you identify what truly matters to you right now.Micro retirements offer deeper renewal and growth, which can be more fulfilling than regular vacations.Creating a life map helps ensure you don't drift through life but instead land where you want to be. BIGG Chapters: [00:00] Embracing Micro Retirements [01:10] Understanding Micro Retirement [04:47] The Hidden Cost of Delayed Living [05:47] The Concept of Micro Retirements and Intentional Living [09:15] Exploring the Side Effects of Success Links referenced in this episode: LifeMapCourse.com5 Ways to Find Fulfillment and Achieve SuccessBIGGsuccess.com/Join

  5. Jun 2

    How to Know Which Opportunities to Say No To

    Have you ever said "yes" to a great opportunity… only to realize later that it pulled you away from what mattered most? The more successful you become, the more opportunities show up. But not every opportunity deserves your time, energy, or attention. In episode #1202, George and Mary-Lynn explore why ambitious people often struggle most with saying no. George shares a personal story about overextending himself early in his entrepreneurial journey and the costly lesson he learned about chasing too many opportunities at once. We introduce a simple three-part Opportunity Filter Framework designed to help you evaluate new opportunities before committing your time, energy, and attention. You'll learn how to align opportunities with your long-term vision, protect your current priorities, and count the real cost of every "yes." BIGG Takeaways: Saying no can be challenging, but it's crucial for maintaining focus on what truly matters.Every opportunity you say yes to comes with a hidden cost that could derail your goals.A clear vision helps filter opportunities, ensuring they align with your long-term aspirations.Prioritizing your current goals is essential; even good opportunities can be bad timing at times.To decide what deserves your yes, use the three-part Opportunity Filter Framework effectively.Clarity and focus are key; they protect your future and help build momentum towards success. BIGG Chapters: [00:15] Starting a New Venture in Real Estate [01:30] The Dangers of Overextension [03:03] Navigating Opportunities: The Challenge of Choice [05:48] The Opportunity Filter Framework [08:37] Saying No to Opportunities [11:10] Challenging the Traditional Work-Life Model Links referenced in this episode: Join our newsletterBIGG Success Life Map Course

  6. May 19

    The Biggest Lie We Tell Graduates

    Graduation can feel exciting, hopeful, and full of possibility. But it often comes with pressure too. In Episode #1201, The Biggest Lie We Tell Graduates, George and Mary-Lynn explore one of the most damaging messages many people believe: that you should already have everything figured out by now. The truth? Meaningful success rarely works that way. In this episode, we'll unpack why many people stay stuck waiting for certainty, and how putting direction over perfection creates forward momentum. We also introduce the Direction Over Decision framework to help BIGG Goal-Getters move from paralysis into progress. BIGG Takeaways: Graduation ceremonies create a magical moment, but they often bring overwhelming pressure afterwards.Every transition can feel like graduation, where uncertainty meets societal expectations for certainty.The biggest cultural lie is that you should have your life figured out by now, which is damaging.Instead of seeking a perfect decision, focus on the direction you're willing to explore next.Many successful people didn't have a perfect plan; they took steps before feeling ready.Life is not a straight line, and most decisions are not permanent; they are directional choices. BIGG Chapters [00:14] Graduation Ceremonies and Their Significance [01:24] The Reality of Life After Graduation [03:38] The Paradox of Choice and Its Impact on Graduates [05:28] Choosing a Direction Over Making Decisions [07:05] Navigating Uncertainty in Career Choices [09:00] Taking Meaningful Steps Towards Success Links referenced in this episode: BIGGsuccess.comLife MapOODA LoopsJoin our newsletter

4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

You are the entrepreneur of your life. BIGG Success is about taking charge of your future by thinking like an entrepreneur—even if you never start a business. We call it personal entrepreneurship: a mindset that empowers you to take control, make better decisions, and reach your goals faster. We help you create the life you want. One that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. A life that’s fulfilling in all three key areas: personal, professional, and financial. Short-term wins. Long-term success. Holistic and intentional. Your co-hosts, George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster, combine business smarts with heart. George, “The Professor,” is a serial entrepreneur and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at the University of Illinois. Mary-Lynn, a veteran radio host turned entrepreneur, brings warmth and wisdom to every episode. Join us for straight talk, smart strategies, and uplifting stories to help you focus, move forward, and create the life you truly want. That’s BIGG Success!

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