“Growth on purpose” isn’t always easy—as Shawna Rodrigues and Robie Lawrence share in this episode of "The Grit Show." They tease out the highs and lows of their past year: a breast cancer battle, uprooting moves, shifting priorities, and the power of communication exercises to keep love thriving. Are 20 questions enough to set up a year of deeper connection and better communication? Maybe not every answer gets fulfilled, but the process itself delivers plenty of surprises. If you’re looking for authentic relationship stories, practical communication tips, or ways to support a loved one through adversity, you’ll find valuable nuggets here. Consider this your invitation to ask yourself—and your partner—the right questions for a more meaningful year ahead. Don’t miss this episode if personal development, emotional connection, and relationship advice are on your search list.

Interested in the conversations (The Grit Show Episodes) that started it all?

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20 Questions for a Year Well Loved -115

Couple's Questionnaire... continued -116

Download the questions ($20 OFF for listeners- only $7 until the end of January 2026 with coupon code TGS) and start your own journey toward a more connected partnership and a year well loved. - https://bit.ly/YrWellLoved

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

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Is it possible to truly stick to your New Year’s resolutions? This week, The Grit Show spotlights why big changes feel impossible at the start of every year. Shawna Rodrigues and Dr. Kelly Hamilton, a specialist in organizational psychology, reveal the science of the “fresh start effect,” explore hidden competing agreements, and introduce the Positive Intelligence Framework. These tools help listeners identify why their inner perfectionist, people pleaser, or rebel might be running the show—and what realistic steps can be taken to make real change.

Curious about habit formation and how self-compassion fits in? Tune in for motivational tactics, expert insight, and a fresh perspective that could shake up your approach to personal development and goal setting.

Kelly Hamilton, PhD, is an executive coach, consultant, and organizational psychologist who helps leaders deepen self-awareness so they can lead with greater courage, creativity, and resilience. His coaching blends psychological science with real-world experience, giving clients both the insight and the practical tools to navigate growth, transition, and complexity with more confidence. He works with values-driven leaders who want to grow with intention and lead with greater authenticity and impact.

Before becoming an organizational psychologist, Kelly spent 15 years co-founding and leading media and marketing firms—bringing a pragmatic, entrepreneurial edge to his evidence-based consulting. His research on inclusive leadership and the workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

Kelly earned his PhD in industrial-organizational psychology from Portland State University and has completed advanced training in the Co-Active coaching model.

Learn more about Kelly:

Instagram: @kellyhamiltonphd

LinkedIn: Kelly Hamilton, PhD

Substack: @kellyhamiltonphd

Interested in taking an assessment on your saboteurs? Find the link in Dr. Hamilton’s Substack Article

Here's the link to the episodes Shawna mentioned:

Episode 31 - with Gin Stephens Intermittent Fasting

Episode 125- with Will Halpin - IFS

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else:

What if discovering your true strengths meant stepping away from something you love? In this powerful episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues opens up about her decision to close the Authentic Connections Podcast Network, exploring the intersection of passion, burnout, and the search for meaningful impact. She weaves in insights from Patrick Lencioni’s “Six Working Geniuses” framework and shares lessons from her journey with breast cancer. Listeners get a teaser of how aligning your “zone of genius” with your mission can change everything and why self-awareness is crucial.

Thinking about career pivots, purpose, or making tough decisions? Tune in to hear how growth can sometimes mean letting go and and learn more about women’s voices in podcasting. Don’t miss this episode if you crave inspiration, career clarity, or honest conversation about following your calling.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!