Permission to Dream: What If This Is the Year You Go After It?

Have you ever had a dream that felt completely out of reach? One of those “impractical” or “too big” goals you pushed aside because life got in the way, or because the steps to get there seemed impossible?

I know exactly what that feels like.

I remember standing outside the ER doors, staring at the hustle and movement on the other side, and wanting so desperately to be a part of it. At the time, I was a nurse working in Med/Surg, but the ER was a more skilled nursing position, and I wanted in. I was someone who dreamed of being one but didn’t know if it was possible. The fear of failure, the logistics, the “what if I can’t do it?” thoughts—they all felt bigger than the dream itself.

But the thing about dreams is that they don’t go away. They sit quietly in the background, waiting for you to notice them again. And when you do, they’re there, asking: What if this time is different?

The Year to Revisit Your Dreams

What if 2025 is the year you finally go after it? That dream you set aside—whether it’s going back to school, starting a side hustle, transitioning to a new role, or creating and living a life you love—what if you decided it was possible?

One thing I’ve learned from my own journey and from coaching others is that possibility starts with a thought. You don’t have to believe 100% that it will happen right away. You just need to practice the thought: Maybe it’s possible.

When I started to shift my thinking, I found proof that I could do hard things. I looked back at other times in my life when I achieved something that once felt impossible—like becoming a nurse in the first place. I realized that the same determination and small, consistent actions that worked before could work again. And they did.

Directing Your Brain Toward Possibility

Your brain loves to focus on what feels safe, predictable, and comfortable. That’s its job—to keep you alive. But achieving your dreams requires you to redirect your brain toward possibility. It’s like gently nudging it out of its default mode and asking it to consider something new.

Here’s how you can start:

  1. Practice the Thought: Each time your brain says, “This is too hard” or “I can’t do this,” counter it with, “I’ve overcome challenges before—I can handle this.” Over time, this practice builds self-trust and opens the door to possibility.
  2. Find Proof from Your Past: Think of a time when you accomplished something that felt impossible. Maybe it was finishing nursing school, raising a family while working, or navigating a tough situation at work. What strengths did you use? What steps worked for you then?
  3. Borrow Strategies That Worked: Look at what helped you succeed before. Did you break the goal into smaller steps? Did you rely on support from others? Use those same strategies to start moving toward your dream now.
  4. Take One Small Step: You don’t need a perfectly detailed plan to begin. Start with one small, manageable action that moves you closer. Every step builds momentum.

You Are Closer Than You Think

Dreams don’t require perfection; they require persistence.

One of my clients, a nurse who dreamed of becoming a nurse educator, felt stuck for years thinking it was too late. With a few mindset shifts and small, consistent steps, she not only achieved her dream but discovered a newfound passion and influence in her career. Whether it’s becoming a nurse, finding a new career path, or designing a life that feels extraordinary, the key is to start. Just start.

When I finally stepped through those ER doors, everything changed. That one decision to believe it was possible led me to where I am today—not just as a nurse but as someone who helps others achieve their own extraordinary lives.

Ready to Go After It?

If you’re ready to stop setting your dreams aside and start creating a life you love, I can help you turn those dreams into actionable goals and make them your reality. Logan Health Whitefish employees have coaching included in their benefits package—this is your opportunity to take advantage of personalized support to how nurses achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one dream you’re ready to revisit this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This is your year. What if you decided to go after it?


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

Accepting Feedback

Have you ever walked away from feedback—no matter how “constructive” it was—feeling like you got punched in the gut?

You’re not alone.

Negative feedback has a way of getting under our skin. We take it personally.
We spiral.
We make it mean so much more than it needs to.

We tell ourselves:
“I’m so dumb.”
“I’ll never be successful.”
“This isn’t working.”
“They don’t get me.”

And while the words themselves might sting, we’re the ones beating ourselves up in the aftermath.

But what if you could hear feedback—even the tough stuff—and handle it with grace?
No spiraling. No shame. No making it mean you’re somehow not good enough.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Stop & Take a Beat. Then Respond.

You don’t need to react immediately. Give yourself a moment.

Choose a simple phrase (or two) to have in your back pocket:

  • “Thank you. I’ll take that under consideration.”
  • “I see what you’re saying. I’ll think about that for next time.”
  • “OK, thank you.”

That’s it.
You can respond respectfully without over-explaining, defending, or making it awkward.

Example:
Your manager says:
“I think your documentation could be more thorough.”

Instead of panicking or apologizing, you calmly say:
“Thanks for the feedback. I’ll keep that in mind.”

That’s all you need in the moment. You can process it later.

Step 2: Process It—When You’re Ready

When you have some time to think, ask yourself:

  • Is there any truth here?
  • Can I see their perspective, even if I don’t fully agree?
  • Do I want to make any changes based on this feedback?
  • Is there something to learn here?

Sometimes feedback shines a light on a skill or area you want to improve.

Example:
Feedback: “You didn’t seem prepared for that patient handoff.”

Your first reaction might be frustration.
But when you step back, you might realize:

  • Were you as prepared as you wanted to be?
  • What can you learn to feel more confident next time?

Maybe it’s creating a checklist or practicing a quick summary for each patient.
Turning feedback into a learning opportunity puts you back in control.

Learning changes frustration into growth.

Step 3: Break It Down

Here’s where you separate what’s real from what’s drama in your mind.

  1. What are the facts?
    (What exactly was said? What specifically happened?)
  2. What are your emotions about those facts?
    (Upset, ashamed, annoyed, embarrassed?)
  3. What thoughts are causing those emotions?
    (What are you making this mean about you?)

Example:
Feedback: “That IV placement took too long.”

  • Fact: It took a half hour.
  • Emotion: Frustrated, embarrassed.
  • Thought“I’m so bad at this. I’ll never get better.”

Step 4: Challenge the Thought

Is that thought true?
How could the opposite be true?

Find evidence to support it.

Example:
Thought: “I’m terrible at placing IVs.”

Ask:

  • Is it really true? (No. Most of the time, I place them quickly and effectively.)
  • Could the opposite be true? (I’m learning. Everyone has off days. I’ve done this well many times before.)

Final Thoughts: Feedback Doesn’t Define You

Feedback is data. It’s information—not a judgment of your worth.

When you stop taking it personally and start handling it with grace, you stay in control.

  • You decide what’s worth keeping.
  • You decide what to improve.
  • You decide what to let go.

And here’s the magic: Feedback can actually help you grow when you allow it.


Are you ready to start handling feedback differently?
If you’re tired of spiraling every time someone shares a critique, let’s talk.
Book a complimentary consultation, and we’ll work on tools to help you feel confident, calm, and in control—no matter what’s said.


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

How to Live an Extraordinary Life (Yes, Even with Your Busy Schedule)

Does the idea of living an extraordinary life feel out of reach when you’re buried in work and the endless demands of healthcare? You’re not alone if it does. But here’s a little secret: an extraordinary life is not only possible—it’s closer than you think. There’s a process to get there, one step at a time, and it starts with learning how to manage your mind.

Managing your mind is all about how you handle stress, make tough choices, and feel confident about those decisions without second-guessing. It’s not a personality trait or something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. And it’s this skill that can help you live life on your own terms, even within the intense world of healthcare.

Imagine going into each day feeling clear, confident, and ready for whatever comes your way. It’s more than just surviving the day-to-day—it’s a way of actively designing a life you love, even on the busiest days.

So, how can you get started with managing your mind? Here’s one powerful step:

Notice the Little Wins  

When you finish a difficult shift or handle a challenging patient with care and patience, recognize that as a win. Confidence doesn’t come in a flash; it’s built gradually, one brick at a time, through moments like these. Acknowledging these small victories builds your resilience and reminds you that you *are* in control.

By making a habit of celebrating these everyday successes, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and at ease with life’s demands. It might feel small, but the benefits add up. And over time, this mental clarity and confidence become the foundation for a life you love—one you’re designing, not just letting happen.

Living an extraordinary life in healthcare isn’t about changing careers or dropping all your commitments. It’s about taking ownership of your mindset, finding clarity, and building confidence that sticks.

Ready to explore this further?  

Join me on November 13 for an online masterclass on Boundaries, where we’ll dive into strategies to build a life that fits you. Or, if you’re ready to take a deeper dive, stay tuned for a special offer designed to set you up for your best year yet. (Let me know if you want to be one of the first to know.)

Let’s make an extraordinary life your reality. Registration is required, click the link below to sign up.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session

The Solution to Overthinking

Overthinking is a way our brains keep us small, safe, and exactly where we are.

Let’s say you have a career decision to make. Should you stay in your current position or start a new job with a different company?

You don’t know the “right” answer because you don’t fully know what it will be like once you get there.

Will it be easier or harder?
Can you make the same amount of money you make now?
What will the people you work with be like?
What about your new boss?
What will the hours be (not what they say they will be)?
What sort of support will you have?
Will they deliver on their promises?

You can’t tell how this will work out for you until you get there, no matter how much research you do or what questions you ask.

Getting data is undoubtedly helpful, but no one can decide for you.

And you will never have a 100% guarantee, either way.

So, I suggest you simply DECIDE.

Ask yourself: if either way was the “right” decision, what do you WANT to do?

Then go & make that BE the right decision.

Go all in on that decision.

I’m Christine. I’m a RESULTS coach. This means I help my clients have, do, be, or achieve anything they want in life– because life is too short to be so miserable.

I have a few one-on-one coaching spots available, starting in April.

You can check out at my next free monthly masterclass, How to Create More Fun, on March 13. Registration is required; you can do so here.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here

rock star

When I went to my husband’s work Christmas party in December, 

I felt like a rock star & I can’t even tell you how fabulous that was.

I didn’t even really realize how much less stress & anxiety I was feeling until I was in the shower, getting ready. 

(Isn’t all of our best thinking done in the shower?)

I compared my feelings for this Christmas party to one I attended just a year ago.

I was a complete hot mess.

I felt inadequate, insecure, anxious, exposed, & had dread.

I had all the negative self-talk, 

100% of which was untrue, 

but I 100% believed it.

I didn’t have anything “good” to wear, my hair was a mess, & I felt fat. 

I tried to force myself to feel better while feeling like a complete sh*t-show on the inside. 

It didn’t work & instead, I had a meltdown.

After being fully dressed & 80% ready to go, I took off all my clothes to regroup & start over.

I even took another shower– sweaty & wanting to wash the tear stains from my face.

I was more than an hour late to that party.

This year, I Marco Polo’d with some girlfriends to get their input on my outfit.

I felt like I looked amazing. 

I got showered, dressed, & ready with zero drama.

I felt comfortable and confident.

I openly approached & initiated conversations with people.

I felt so good & grateful; words are inadequate to describe it accurately,

but I can feel it in my heart– like my heart aches with goodness & gratitude

for myself,

for my work on me,

for my coaches, 

& for the coaching I do with my clients, too.

So, what changed?

I got coached and learned 

• how to build self-trust

• how to manage my mind

• how to manage my negative emotions & create better feelings 

• how to have fun & so much less anxiety

And you can, too.

If you want to feel like a rock star,

If you want to be able to get ready for an event without a hot mess meltdown,

If you want friends who will give you Marco Polo outfit advice,

I can help you. 

You can join me for a free monthly webinar about How to Build Self-Trust on 1/31/24 at 11 AM MT. Register here

Or, you can book a consultation here

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish employees get free coaching sessions. You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here

what if

You think you can’t, but WHAT IF you could?

You might think, but I don’t know how.

You might think you don’t have the money.

Or the time,

Or you couldn’t possibly do that right now,

It’s too busy, and

There are other things you “should” do.

It feels impossible,

Or selfish,

Or too hard.

And you feel stuck,

Maybe lack,

Definitely frustrated.

You stay right there.

You don’t see how it could be possible.

You remain miserable in your own life.

Instead, consider:

What DO you know?

This is how you get started.

You see possibility.

If you see someone else do it,

Then, know it’s available for you to do, too.

How COULD you create more money?

How COULD you find the time?

How COULD you possibly do that right now?

How COULD you do that now, even when it’s busy?

Who says there are other things you “should” do & do you want to listen to them?

How could it be possible?

How is it selfish NOT to?

How could it be EASY to do?

How could you get UNstuck?

How could there be plenty?

What DO you know?

Start there, 

See possibility, 

Then, decide how you want to move forward, 

In creating and LIVING a life you love.

If you want to be EMPOWERED to create amazing results in your life, 

If you want to learn how to create a clear, specific, actionable & repeatable plan, 

If you want to learn how to implement (even when it’s uncomfortable), 

Book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation where you can tell me what results you would love to create, and I will tell you how I can help.

I don’t know; I’m not sure

How often do you find yourself thinking or saying, “I don’t know,” or “I’m not sure”?

Beware! It’s just a ploy from your brain to keep you in inaction, preventing you from moving toward your goal. 

For example, regarding your career, you might think: 

• I don’t know if this is what I want to do. 

• I don’t know what I would do differently. 

• I don’t know what else I even could do. 

We could substitute “I’m not sure” for any of those examples, but I’ll give you a few more. 

• I’m not sure this is for me. 

• I’m not sure this is the right thing. 

• I’m not sure how I wound up here. 

• I’m not sure if I want to make a change. 

• I’m not even sure where to start. 

You feel confused or stuck, so there you sit in your continued confusion, continued stuckness.

Wash, rinse, repeat this negative cycle, or maybe you even make a few moves, some small changes, but then you get stuck &/or confused again & you’re back in the negative cycle. 

Instead of believing that you don’t know, try answering these questions for yourself,

• “But what if I did know?”

• “What do I think my answer would be?” 

• “What could my answer be?” 

• “What do I think my answer is?” 

Take the pressure off, landing on the “exact right answer right now,”

Just explore & see what comes up for you. 

When I was leaving my nursing supervisor position, every day, I walked past my friend’s office & told her about a new job idea, something different every day. (I was still figuring out what I wanted to do next, and staying in “I don’t know/ I’m not sure” would never lead to a new career.) 

• teaching paddle boarding

• driving people over Going to the Sun Road

• opening a flower shop

• opening a bookstore

• managing AirBnBs

• concierge (medical or personal) 

• leading all women’s tour groups 

It was so much fun.

It made me more creative. 

I brainstormed and paid attention to see how these ideas felt to determine if any truly interested me. 

Usually, we laughed at the ridiculousness, but a few actually stuck. 

Don’t believe the hype!!

Be onto your brain & the BS it’s offering you. 

Don’t believe that you don’t know.

You DO know. 

You just need to look around a bit, don’t judge yourself, create safety, and be willing to get creative (and ridiculous, if that’s what it takes) to see what comes up for you. 

If you’d like help to get unstuck to break the cycle of unknowing, I can help; I’ve truly done this work myself. Believe me– I have been there and can help you, too. 

Do I have all of the answers at all times? For sure, no. 

But I have created a safe & nonjudgemental environment within myself. 

And I do know how to get unstuck. 

I know how to conjure up the courage to try new things. 

I know where to focus my brain,

how to find evidence of beliefs to support me, 

and how to move past my self-limiting beliefs.

If you’d like help, have a little courage, too, to reach out & message me or just go ahead and book a consult. I know the first step isn’t always easy, but if this resonates with you, I assure you that you are in the right place, and I can help you. I’ll teach you some things, we’ll coach & we will get there together.

And this is exactly how you create & live a life you love.

the cure for overwhelm

Vagueness leads to overwhelm.

And the cure for overwhelm is specificity.

What exactly is it that has you feeling overwhelmed?

Be specific.

Then check in- is it true?

(Often, that alone will be sufficient when you see it’s not true.)

Try this:
I don’t have enough time.

Take a step back & take a look at it; get specific & objective.
What does not enough time mean?
How much time do you need?
What, specifically, do you need time for?
How much time do you think that will take?
How much time do you actually have?
Are you using that time to the best of your ability?
Is there somewhere you “wring out” more time?
Can you batch things?
Is everything on your list a priority?
Is there someone you can delegate to?
How might you be able to create more time?

When you’re able to get more specific & objective,
you can more clearly see what you’re working with

And from there, you have more brain space to develop more creative solutions.

Be specific & break it down.

If you feel overwhelmed and struggle with time management, I can help; book a consultation now!

Logan Health Whitefish Employees, book an in-person coaching session here; or a remote coaching session (via phone or Zoom) here.

co-sign

Are you someone who needs others to co-sign on your ideas?

You’re afraid of being judged, criticized, or doing it “wrong.”

This might look like:

You want to write a book but struggle to start writing or sharing this dream with others.

You constantly seek validation from fellow writers & online writing communities.

You do all the research to ensure your idea is worth pursuing and that you know exactly how to do it.

You don’t trust your own creativity & you rely on external validation before taking any concrete steps toward writing. 

Perhaps you want to switch careers and pursue your desire to become a wedding planner.

You constantly seek validation from your friends & family that this is a good idea. 

You don’t attend workshops or start marketing your business until everyone else is onboard, too.

You struggle to trust your own talent & abilities without constant reassurance from others.

You spend time talking to everyone else rather than 

Believing in your ideas, 

Being proactive in your decision-making, 

Taking empowered action, 

(Even if others are skeptical), 

And developing the self-confidence 

To make decisions based on your desires and values, 

Trusting your own judgment,

Embracing your individuality, 

And creating & living a life you love. 

You don’t need others to opt in, co-sign, or agree with what you are doing. 

You only need to believe in yourself, 

Recognizing your own enoughness, 

Just as you are. 

If you’d like help to recognize your own enoughness, I can help.

Click here to take the first step & book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

As a reminder, for LHW employees, coaching is free! Click here to book your in-person coaching session or here for a remote coaching session.

me to my brain

“Good afternoon, thank you so much for coming. We have a couple of things to cover today so I’m going to try and move really quickly. To start off– WHY?! OK? Secondly is how come, how come. Uh-huh. And finally how dare you?”

Me, to my brain, every time she thinks she’s in charge. 

Don’t forget you are in charge, not your brain. 

True, it’s your brain’s job to keep you safe, but it’s YOUR job to see if the thoughts it offers serve you or not. 

Are you afraid of running alone in a dark park late at night? 

Does that fear serve you? 

Yes, it keeps you safe. #NotRecommended

Do you feel afraid of public speaking? 

Does that fear serve you? 

Probably not; #YouWontAcutallyDie from public speaking. 

Remind yourself why you want to do it and do it. 

Are you procrastinating working out? 

Does that serve you? 

You might say yes, but only for the short term. 

Let’s try another way: how do you feel when you don’t work out? 

Guilty. 

How do you feel when you DO work out? 

Maybe it hurts a little at first, but then you feel amazing. 

Which reason (for doing or not doing it) do you like better? 

Obviously, the workout, suck it up for a bit, feel amazing later. 

How about this? 

Which one will create a life you love? 

See how easy that is? 

Don’t let your brain get away with BS. 

Ask it: Why? How come? And how dare you!