Actually, I Can with Nika Stewart

Nika Stewart
Actually, I Can with Nika Stewart

Challenging the status quo has never been more important. Actually, I Can with Nika Stewart is the podcast that confronts conventional thinking to inspire you to dream bigger. Using a counter-intuitive approach to life opens up the power of what’s possible. Nika shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, creators and other rebels who have dared to think differently about everything. Exploring unconventional strategies for success opens the door to finding purpose and pursuing your passions. You’ll hear how to master the art of failure and learn how to embrace risk. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, unleash your creativity, and discover all that’s possible when you believe in yourself and your dreams. Ready for a shift in perspective? Open to seeing what’s possible for you in a new way? Actually, I Can is the best place to start making things happen on your terms. 

Episodes

  1. 10/12/2023

    Rewrite Your Story

    Can you rewrite your life’s story and shape your own destiny? Actually, you can! That’s what I’m sharing on today’s episode. I am so grateful for all of you who reached out about my health after hearing the first episode of this show. I am well and currently considered cancer-free. For that I am grateful. My journey continues both with medication, and with reconstruction. It’s my new normal and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but overall, I am in a very good place. Today I want to talk about the power of our words. We can choose to describe our situation any way we want. It’s literally your choice. I’m not advocating lying to yourself or anyone else. I am encouraging you to write your story. You are not just the actor; you are also the creator of your experience. Every day we face challenges both tiny and significant. One of the biggest ways I got through my diagnosis and surgeries and associated treatments was by choosing the words around the story I told myself and others. How many times have you heard (or said) “I’m so stupid” or “I’ll never be able to . . . “ The way we talk to ourselves and to others matters. For better or worse, we internalize those messages over and over again. Hear how this worked for my husband and I when we bought our dream home and had to sell our townhome. Shifting how I talked about this changed everything for us. The same thing happened when I was faced with an unexpected bill for my chemotherapy. My energy and language around this made things better at a very difficult time. How can you choose different words to describe your situation to yourself? The words you use when you talk to yourself have so much more power than we realize. I encourage you to use words that empower you. Rewrite your story with words that bring you hope, courage and power. What words will you choose?  Connect with Nika Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  2. 10/05/2023

    Vulnerability is what matters.

    How do you show up and shine? Are you excited to let the world see your brilliant and unique self? Some of you might be an exited yes, but I know many of you feel anxiety instead. That’s why I’m talking about this important topic. How we show up is everything! We have been conditioned to believe that to be taken seriously we have to be perfect. Or do we? The magic happens when we let go of the pressure to be flawless and embrace our authenticity. I’m going to guide you through the fun of showing up as your true self. Here’s what that can do for you: ·        Make more authentic connections. ·        Get the recognition you deserve. ·        Inspire the right people who will be eager to work with you. ·        Be seen as an inspired leader. I was always taught that I needed to be perfect. Owning a small business just added to that pressure. To be trusted means you have to know everything and never show any doubt, right? My experience has shown me that’s just not true. My most engaging posts and videos with the largest views are when I share my less-than-perfect self. Yep. Now, for many of you that’s going to be a scary thought. After all, showing up as our very real, imperfect selves takes vulnerability. Most of us (maybe all of us?) were taught to never let someone see us as the messy, imperfect people we are.   Vulnerability is a tremendous strength. When we show up as our real selves others see us as approachable, interesting and relatable. You create a space where they feel okay to show up as their imperfect self. People are more likely to relate to you, not less! Accept your imperfect self, flaws and all. The more you share the things that you thought you should hide; the more people will be drawn to you. Being part of a community is a great step to help you manage fear. When you have a tribe on your side, it’s so much easier. Lastly, be easy on yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding on this journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  3. 10/05/2023

    Rewriting the Rules of Adversity

    Where did the “actually, I can” approach to life begin for Nika? Her husband joins her and explains that her journey with cancer transformed her, and he shares (as only a husband can) that the elements were already inside her and it was extraordinary to see and experience firsthand. As Nika explains, all the rules are made up so why not write your own? You can do what Nika has done, and that’s what they cover on this episode. They go back to 2019 and Nika shares how great life was for her at the time. She felt great and her family was well, and her business was successful. Always an optimist, Nika believed being positive in all situations was key to her good life. She embraced challenges the same way. What can I take from this and how can I turn this into something that will make life better was her approach when things didn’t go as planned. “What can I focus on that’s good about this (supposedly) negative situation?” – Nika Stewart Then, she was diagnosed with cancer. Her first reaction was curiosity and adventure which she acknowledges sounds a bit crazy. There was also a sense of urgency and Nika knew that she had to get into action. She was determined and became her own advocate for getting the tests and treatment she knew she needed. This is where Nika chose to rewrite the rules which led to her positive outcome. Hear what’s considered “normal” in this situation, and what Nika did instead. She reminds us that this is a choice. You don’t have to do what’s expected. Instead, you can choose to flow with the situation. Nika decided to embrace instead of accepting the effects of chemotherapy. She focused on the joy. Yes, the joy of chemo! She attributes this approach to the positive attitude she was able to maintain. The assumption that anything is negative is made up. Nika’s approach; focusing on the good is what works for her. She also took a long-term view and now considers her diagnosis and treatment a positive part of her journey. Great things continue to come out of this experience. She’s garnered millions of views on her YouTube channel, hundreds of thousands of followers, and she’s gotten to do lots of unexpected things like throwing out the first pitch at a charity softball game. What matters most to Nika? The comments from others who shared that they felt better after seeing her video or how much hearing her story helped them deal with their own challenges. This experience showed Nika that you really can create positivity in your life. She now lives it, and continues to embrace the “actually, I can” attitude. You can too! You don’t have to follow anyone else’s path. All the rules are made up so why not create your own?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  4. 10/05/2023

    Rethinking Graduation

    Graduation. A fun, exciting time, right? It’s a wonderful rite of passage worthy of a big celebration to be sure. So why are we sticking with the same old graduation script that’s anything but exciting? Why can’t we have a ceremony that matches the excitement and emotion of the event? My daughter just graduated from high school, and I have to admit that when they began playing Pomp and Circumstance, it was cool. Seeing 530 kids walk in and take their place was kinda neat and I can see why they do that part. Then the boring speeches began. Most of the graduates were interacting with their phone. People I didn’t know (and my daughter didn’t either) gave long speeches telling them how proud they were of her. Nice, I guess but why is it someone she’s never seen before? It went on and on and on and on from there. Where is the fun in that? I’m all for celebrating these big accomplishments, but who said this is what we’re stuck with? In true Actually, I Can mode, I went looking for answers. You have to hear how this is done in Sweden. They aren’t all the same but it’s a real celebration that truly releases the graduates to start the next part of their lives. It’s part performance with family participation, and it’s a party for everyone involved. Why can’t we do that? Someone tell me why this is the way this is done even when the graduates themselves don’t enjoy it? Why should this be something to endure? Can we get past the need to follow this program that is anything but a celebration? I’d love to hear your ideas on this!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Challenging the status quo has never been more important. Actually, I Can with Nika Stewart is the podcast that confronts conventional thinking to inspire you to dream bigger. Using a counter-intuitive approach to life opens up the power of what’s possible. Nika shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, creators and other rebels who have dared to think differently about everything. Exploring unconventional strategies for success opens the door to finding purpose and pursuing your passions. You’ll hear how to master the art of failure and learn how to embrace risk. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, unleash your creativity, and discover all that’s possible when you believe in yourself and your dreams. Ready for a shift in perspective? Open to seeing what’s possible for you in a new way? Actually, I Can is the best place to start making things happen on your terms. 

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