Starlit Success

Jessica Gaines

The Starlit Success podcast is a show designed for those feeling unfulfilled with the daily grind of life. Hosted by Certified NLP and Success Coach, Jessica Gaines blends practical self-development tools, mindset shifts and spiritual principles to help you recognize your limitless potential, discover your true purpose and align with your passion to create your ultimate dream life. If you're ready to transcend your current reality, follow what truly lights you up and create success on YOUR terms, this is the show for you.

  1. 2h ago

    #33: Talking to a Wall? 3 Communication Tips That Actually Work

    Have you ever tried to explain yourself to someone and felt like you were literally talking to a wall? The more you try to get your point across, the more they defend theirs. Nobody feels heard, frustration builds, and what should have been a simple conversation turns into a battle over who can prove their point. I recently found myself in one of those conversations—and as frustrating as it was, it made me realize how easily we can get communication completely backwards. Because good communication isn't just about saying the right thing. There’s something else happening during difficult conversations that can determine whether the other person actually hears you…or immediately puts their guard up. So in this episode, we're talking about what makes communication actually WORK—and three simple shifts that can completely change the way a conversation unfolds. Why trying harder to make your point can actually backfire What might really be happening when someone “isn't listening” The communication mistake that can instantly put someone on the defensive Why feeling heard can matter just as much as finding a solution How to navigate difficult conversations without turning them into arguments 3 communication tips you can use at work, in relationships, with your kids, or anytime you're dealing with another human If you've ever struggled with difficult conversations, conflict resolution, feeling unheard, communicating with difficult people, or simply wished you could communicate more effectively, this episode will give you a completely different way to approach the conversation. Because sometimes getting someone to listen has less to do with what you're saying…and more to do with what happens before they’re willing to hear it. 00:44 What Started It01:49 The Frustrating Phone Call04:26 Why Communication Breaks Down10:32 Human First Message Second16:13 Three Keys to Connect21:00 Are You Making This Mistake?21:56 How The Conversation Completely Changed Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #33: Talking to a Wall? 3 Communication Tips That Actually Work
  2. Aug 26

    #32: The Messy Middle (#5) - Let Them See the Mess (Being Real Makes You Relatable)

    Have you ever hidden a part of yourself or your life because you were worried about what other people might think?  Maybe it's an insecurity, a mistake, something you don't know, an unpopular opinion, or literally the mess in the background of your life. In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing why I'm learning to stop trying to control how I'm perceived and let people see more of the real me. Because the things we're most tempted to hide might actually be the things that make us the most relatable. Why fear of judgment keeps us from being ourselves How hiding our flaws and insecurities can hold us back Why authenticity and vulnerability make you more relatable What happens when you stop worrying so much about what other people think How embracing your imperfections can build confidence Why the goal shouldn't be to impress If you've ever felt pressure to have it all together, worried about being judged, or held back because you weren't sure how people would perceive you, this episode is your reminder to show up anyway. You don't need to look like you have it all together to make an impact. Sometimes letting people see the mess is exactly what makes you human. 02:43 Are You Focused on Your Image or Your Impact? 04:32 When Ego & Fear Hold You Back 05:57 Why Being Real Makes You More Relatable 08:29 Why We Trust Imperfection 09:12 Give Yourself Permission to Be New 10:04 It Takes Confidence to Show Up Messy 12:51 Done Is Better Than Perfect 14:16 Stop Trying to Impress. Start Connecting. 15:23 Ask the "Dumb" Question 17:35 Challenge: Practice Showing Up Messy 18:42 Final Thoughts Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #32: The Messy Middle (#5) - Let Them See the Mess (Being Real Makes You Relatable)
  3. Jul 22

    #31: We Made It To Florida! (A Quick Life Update)

    We made it! 🌴 After months of planning, packing, emotional goodbyes, and a 20+ hour drive, my family and I have officially made it to Florida. This week, I'm giving you a quick life update from our new home (boxes, clutter, and all) and sharing why I'll be taking a short break from the podcast as we get settled into this exciting new chapter. More importantly, I want to remind you of something I needed to hear myself: Dreams are rarely easy, but they're always worth pursuing. In this episode, I share what this move has taught me about following your dreams, giving yourself credit instead of beating yourself up, protecting your mental health, and choosing what matters most in different seasons of life. If you've been waiting for the "perfect" time to chase a dream, I hope this episode reminds you that every dream starts as nothing more than an idea, and the only way it becomes reality is by taking that first step. Thank you for being part of this journey. I'll be back in a few weeks after we've unpacked a few more boxes, helped the boys get settled into school, and had a chance to soak in this new adventure. Until then... don't be afraid to do hard things. They just might lead you to the life you've been dreaming about. 💙 01:00 Travel Chaos Confession02:32 Settling In Gratitude03:18 You Can Do Hard Things04:21 Give Yourself Credit05:30 Family First06:26 Short Break Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #31: We Made It To Florida! (A Quick Life Update)
  4. Jul 15

    #30: The Messy Middle (#4) - Scared Doesn't Mean Stop

    Have you ever felt excited about making a big change... only to question everything once it became hard? Whether you're changing careers, starting a business, moving, ending a relationship, or finally following a dream, it's easy to mistake feelings like fear, stress, sadness, or uncertainty as signs you're making the wrong decision. But what if they're not? In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing one of the biggest mindset shifts I've experienced during our family's move to Florida, and why the difficult emotions that show up during change don't necessarily mean you should stop. ✨ Why big life changes bring conflicting emotions✨ The mistake that causes so many people to give up on their dreams✨ How to tell the difference between fear and genuine intuition✨ Why remembering why you started changes everything✨ How to stay connected to your vision when the journey gets hard If you're navigating a major life transition or questioning a decision that once felt exciting, this episode will help you reconnect with the reason you started in the first place. Because scared doesn't mean stop. Sometimes it simply means you're growing. 01:36 Why Change Feels So Hard03:52 Which Emotion Should You Trust?04:52 The Renovation Lesson06:37 Remember Why You Started10:02 Scared Doesn't Mean Stop10:45 Your Challenge Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #30: The Messy Middle (#4) - Scared Doesn't Mean Stop
  5. Jul 8

    #29: The Messy Middle (#3) - Not Everyone Will Understand

    Have you ever wanted to make a big change in your life but worried about what everyone else would think? Whether you're changing careers, starting a business, moving, setting boundaries, or finally following a dream that's been on your heart for years, one thing is almost guaranteed: Not everyone will understand. In this episode of The Messy Middle, I'm sharing what I've been learning during one of the biggest transitions of my life, and why other people's reactions don't have to determine your direction. ✨ Why seeking approval and people-pleasing can keep you stuck✨ How fear of judgment quietly holds you back✨ Why the people who love you may still question your decisions✨ The mindset shift that's helping me move forward with confidence If you've ever felt misunderstood, questioned your own decisions because of someone else's opinion, or worried that pursuing your dreams might disappoint the people around you, this episode is for you. Because not everyone has to understand your journey... for it to be the right one. 00:14 Messy Middle Move02:36 Telling Everyone03:28 Excited Reactions05:06 Fear Projectors07:47 The Non Responders09:40 Not Wrong, Just Human11:38 My Own Lesson13:09 Live Your Life14:50 Trust Yourself Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #29: The Messy Middle (#3) - Not Everyone Will Understand
  6. Jul 1

    #28: The Messy Middle (#2) - Why Everything Feels Like Too Much

    Have you ever looked at your to-do list and thought, "There's no way I can do all of this!" Whether you're balancing work, kids, a major life transition, or simply trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities, it's easy to feel like everything needs your attention at once. In this second episode of The Messy Middle series, I'm sharing what I'm learning in real time while navigating one of the busiest seasons of my life, and the surprising realization that's helping me move through overwhelm without letting it take over. ✨ Why everything suddenly feels like "too much"✨ The mindset mistake that makes overwhelm even heavier✨ Why your brain treats everything like an emergency✨ How to stop freezing when your to-do list feels endless✨ Simple ways to regain focus, clarity, and peace of mind✨ The perspective shift that completely changed how I view stressful seasons If you've been feeling mentally exhausted, constantly behind, or like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, this episode is for you. Because sometimes the problem isn't everything that's on your plate... It's believing you have to carry it all at once. 00:14 When Life Gets Crazy04:10 WTF is Overwhelm?06:46 How We Sabotage Ourselves08:07 House Showing Frenzy11:15 Give Your Brain a Break13:49 Practical Steps17:23 Focus And Perspective19:01 Wrap Up And Challenge Music by: https://laceybortvit.com/ Connect with me! https://www.starlitsuccess.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlitSuccess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starlitsuccess/?hl=en

    #28: The Messy Middle (#2) - Why Everything Feels Like Too Much

About

The Starlit Success podcast is a show designed for those feeling unfulfilled with the daily grind of life. Hosted by Certified NLP and Success Coach, Jessica Gaines blends practical self-development tools, mindset shifts and spiritual principles to help you recognize your limitless potential, discover your true purpose and align with your passion to create your ultimate dream life. If you're ready to transcend your current reality, follow what truly lights you up and create success on YOUR terms, this is the show for you.