In today's episode, Heather challenges one of the most popular beliefs in personal development: that mindset alone creates change. While visualization, manifestation, and positive thinking all have value, Heather explains why none of them work without action.

Joined by frequent guest Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Heather explores how thinking, dreaming, preparing, and acting each play a role in real transformation and why action is ultimately what creates momentum.

Together, they unpack the limits of visualization and manifestation when they are not paired with effort, practice, and follow through. Drawing from personal stories of writing books, building careers, preparing for court, and navigating big life transitions, Heather and Judge Aquilina show how confidence, clarity, and growth are built through doing, not just thinking.

This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone entering 2026 feeling stuck in their head, overwhelmed by goals, or unsure which next step to take. Whether you are a planner, a dreamer, or someone who thrives on action, this conversation will help you understand yourself better and move forward with intention.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why action creates the evidence that builds confidence and belief
  
  

• How overthinking can quietly block progress even when intentions are good
  
  

• The difference between dreaming as motivation and dreaming as avoidance
  
  

• Why preparation is an action, not just a mental exercise
  
  

• How the WOOP framework helps turn intention into execution
  
  

• Why small actions matter more than perfect plans
  
  

• How creativity and thinking outside the box support meaningful action
  
  

• What it really takes to prepare for high stakes conversations and decisions
  
  

• How patience, consistency, and effort compound over time

In this episode:

[00:00] Why this conversation matters heading into 2026

[01:16] Action versus thinking and why it is not an either or debate

[03:41] The real obstacle most people face when taking action

[06:00] Visualizing outcomes versus feeling pride and confidence
[07:30] Effort, talent, and the role of grit in achievement

[10:42] Manifestation, karma, and why action creates results

[13:09] Different paths to success and knowing what works for you

[15:34] Impatience, shiny distractions, and staying committed

[17:53] Why preparation builds confidence in high pressure situations

[20:14] Thinking, planning, and practicing as forms of action

[22:34] Using if then planning to stay grounded and consistent

[24:49] Creativity in action, leadership, and problem solving

[26:40] Final advice for setting goals and moving forward in 2026

📖 Book: Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen

📖 Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth

📖 Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

🧠 WOOP Method

🌐 Follow Judge Rosemarie Aquilina – Website

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

• Follow Heather on Instagram

• Follow Heather on Facebook

• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

In today's episode, Heather welcomes authors, leadership consultants, and husband and wife team Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring to explore the deeper meaning of identity, transformation, and trusting your inner map. Together, they discuss their bestselling book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, a powerful allegory that invites readers to rediscover their inner wisdom and reshape how they show up in the world.

Through stories of leadership coaching, personal reflection, and creative collaboration, Heather, Linda, and Brian unpack how uncertainty, change, and self doubt can become catalysts for growth. This conversation is a reminder that your experiences have already shaped the map you need, and that unfolding your potential is both an internal journey and a shared one.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the Map Is Already Inside You
  How your past experiences hold the answers for where you are meant to go next.

• Transformation Is a Choice
  Why the shape you are in today does not have to be the shape you stay in.

• The Power of Community in Growth
  How different voices, including critical ones, help shape who we become.

• Reflection and Action Must Coexist
  Why introspection without action leads to paralysis and action without reflection leads to burnout.

• Creating a Practice That Is Truly Yours
  How journaling, meditation, and reflection work best when tailored to your own needs.

• Navigating Noise and Distraction
  Why stepping away from constant external input helps you reconnect with your inner voice.

• Wisdom Across Generations
  How mentors, inner dialogue, and lived experience guide transformation at every stage of life.

In this episode:
[00:00] Introducing Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring and their book Unfolded
[02:00] The origin story behind the origami crane allegory
[04:18] Anchoring certainty within during times of uncertainty
[06:37] Agency, reshaping identity, and choosing how you show up
[08:57] The role of community, inner voices, and leadership teams
[11:19] Reflection versus action and why both matter
[13:40] Meditation, journaling, and intentional pauses
[18:14] Listening to your inner voice amid constant noise
[22:55] Wisdom, mentors, and being the owl for others
[27:36] Writing together, creative process, and collaboration
[33:31] A closing meditation on trust, courage, and taking flight

Resources and Links:

📘 Book: Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane
Discover a powerful allegory about identity, growth, and transformation.

🌐 Website: Leadership Vision Consulting
Learn more about Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring's leadership and organizational work.

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

• Follow Heather on Instagram

• Follow Heather on Facebook

• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.