The Power of the Choices You Make That Others Don't See
I remember the “light bulb” moment as if it were yesterday, but it happened three months ago: I’m at Mike Ganino’s summer retreat listening to him talk about different business models for speakers. And that’s when an idea takes hold.
One that energized me then — and still has me filled with hope and excitement.
It didn’t take long to sketch out what I wanted to create on the front-end — a masterclass and follow-on mastermind. But when it came to mapping the back-end systems…well, that was a different story.
Especially since I strongly disliked — maybe even resented — one of the software applications I use, which plays a key role in my business. But it was causing me a great deal of stress, because as my business grew and my needs for the data I was capturing and the dashboards I wanted changed — it didn’t change with me.
I’ve been dealing with this frustration for over a year, on the hunt for a replacement.
Enter a post on Threads (by Mike) raving about Ashley Rose, founder of Systems Over Stress. [Sidenote: Mike doesn’t rave about too many people, so I really paid attention.] And down the rabbit hole I went — listening to all of her podcast episodes, watching her YouTube videos, and checking out podcasts where she was the guest.
So, when I learned she was hosting a masterclass, I registered! And, I joined her program the very next day because I knew that an upgrade to the back-end operations of my business was required if it was going to align with the front-end vision I had for the new Pricing Made Human® Experience.
Her promise is that she and her team will help you build AirTable-based systems to operate your business, more efficiently and with less stress.
Two things I was missing from the other software app and sorely wanted.
What I hadn’t anticipated was how much focusing on my operations, in this way, would end up shifting how I think about my offers, the promises I make, and what results I track more deliberately.
I, too, am now an avid fan of Ashley’s and her work (again - she and her team are amazing). And with the hub complete for Pricing Made Human®, I’ve begun building out my coaching hub with the same foundation.
So why do I share what to some may be a boring story about the back-end operations of anyone’s business?
Because looking back, what felt like one big decision was really a series of small, intentional choices stacked together. In fact, if we dissect what I've just shared with you, I made at least seven (7) choices, beginning with attending the retreat.
Some Truths About Choices
And I believe we can benefit from remembering some truths about the choices we make:
Intention
Choosing with intention isn’t always about the glamorous front-end choices (e.g., offers, pricing, marketing, etc.), but often about the behind-the-scenes decisions that others won’t necessarily see, but they may feel it. More often than not, I believe it’s the “bts” choices that set you up to thrive.
Impact
Sometimes the most impactful choices are the ones no one ever sees you weighing and ultimately deciding upon.
Your Why Matters
The why behind your choice matters.
In my case, I didn’t just pick to work with Ashley and use AirTable randomly. I chose this path because I trusted the person who introduced me (even if only via social media), did my research, asked questions, honored my doubts, and chose to sit in the discomfort of a learning curve — all because I saw the potential payoff: less friction, more space for creativity, and greater focus on what matters most. (Yes, I’ll take more of that, please!)
When it comes to the choices you make, sometimes you need to focus on not just what’s urgent, but what’s essential.
And during periods of transitions, sometimes, you need to be even more vigilant about choosing with intention — even if no one else sees it (at the time you make it or the effects of it afterward).
Here are three questions to help you pause and choose with intention, even in the midst of transitions:
What’s one behind-the-scenes choice you could make that would reduce friction and free up energy for the work you care most about?
Are you choosing tools, people, and systems that support where you want to go — or just patching where you are? 🥴
How might investing in invisible infrastructure actually make the visible parts of your work more powerful?
Here’s one more thing about choices during periods of transition: something may go wrong!
So, it’s also important to be okay with an occasional “oopsey” — as those, too, are part of the growth process inherent in all transitions.
If you want to see for yourself why I’m on the Ashley/AirTable bandwagon, she’s hosting a masterclass on Monday, September 29th [click here for the details]
And if you’d like my help with making more intentional choices — whether in business, money, or life. Just click the scheduling link. I’d love to help.
About Jacquette
I love to ask questions and spark aha moments. I love to talk about why success with money is about more than just the numbers, and how the cultural impact on the intersection of money, business, and life matters–A LOT! And, I really hope I help people feel seen, heard, and not judged—especially since money is emotional and personal.
