We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Hirst. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.
Jen, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care comes down to CONSISTENCY. Taking care of yourself on a daily basis is the foundation in which I’ve built my business on.
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo.
It comes in these small daily deposits of movement, reading, gratitude, getting outside, drinking water that keep me sane and sober to handle any season of life. When you put in the reps, you are in a much better place mentally to handle tough situations when they arise. It’s about putting in the work in the off-season to bring your entire baseline level of happiness up, one little self-care habit at a time.
I teach this from the get-go in my sober group coaching programs to practice boosting dopamine naturally and on a consistent basis with a habit tracker.
I realized that in the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, that taking 30 min to head outside for a walk dramatically improved my energy and motivation to accomplish needs of the business.
Self care is absolutely necessary for everyone!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely!
Sober for over 10 years, I help women boost their confidence in sobriety by implementing healthy habits from the start. I value the importance of taking care of yourself in all aspects of sobriety: nutrition, sleep, movement, gratitude, etc. Because getting sober isn’t just about not drinking, it’s about setting boundaries. fueling your body with the proper foods to run well, discovering new ways to have fun to name a few!
And it doesn’t have to be this gloomy decision. It’s actually quite exciting! You GET TO experience life in a brand new way! And I hope to create that mindset shift in women to see sobriety as an empowering decision and create a life you never want to escape from.
I went from an anxious perfectionist, workaholic, people-pleaser using alcohol daily to manage stress and social anxiety, to a successful sobriety coach, speaker, and creator of Lighthouse Sobriety.
Her group coaching programs and membership have helped hundreds of women from across the world own their sobriety with a supportive community of women cheering them on.
It’s crazy how your life goals change as YOU change.
A got sober on April 24, 2013 and I came out of the sober closet on Sept. 7, 2017.
That post on social, declaring my sobriety to the world completely changed my life.
And it dawned on me the more I shared bits and pieces of my story… ‘I don’t think I’m supposed to be helping women lose weight or design attractive layouts as a graphic designer, I think I’m supposed to help women get sober’.
The one thing I was so nervous to talk about was now the one thing I LOVED to talk about. I had kept it hidden for so many years that it was bursting out of me at the seams.
I began coaching women privately, which then led to launching my group coaching programs and in April of 2023 came the launch of the Lighthouse Sobriety monthly membership!
Through my programs, I received feedback that women in sobriety WANT a challenge. They want to FEEL better. The SOBER70! Challenge starts Oct. 2nd to encourage everyone to get ahead of the holiday season by practicing these six daily habits NOW.
Why wait until 2024 to feel better?! Start today and just think of how good you will feel around the holidays!
If you would like more information on the challenge or would like to join us, please visit https://joinlighthousesobriety.com/sober70.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Great question.
The three qualities that have been the most impactful as a recovering perfectionist are:
1. Be like Nike and Just Do it. Publish the website, coach your first client, send the proposal and learn along the way.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned, especially from going through analysis paralysis, is that you don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready to start. In fact, waiting for the “perfect” moment may hold you back indefinitely. The key is to take that first step and learn as you go. Embrace the process of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they can be powerful learning opportunities.
My advice for those early in their journey is to start now, even if it feels daunting. The experience gained through action is priceless.
What’ ONE SMALL ACTION you can take right now towards your goal? Success is built with tiny small actions built upon another.
2. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do and are at a higher level:
Being in the company of those who are more experienced and successful not only provides inspiration but also offers incredible knowledge to get you where you’d like to be FASTER.
Seek out mentors, join communities, attend workshops, and network with like-minded individuals in your field. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you admire! Many are willing to share their experiences and insights, me included!
3. Ask for feedback and apply it to your business:
Constructive feedback is incredibly necessary and allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your approach.
Early in your journey, actively seek feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask for honest assessments of your work and services. When you receive feedback, take it to heart and use it to make necessary adjustments.
This commitment to continuous improvement will not only enhance your skills but also delivers what your clients need.
How I adjust and tailor my groups are a direct reflection on the feedback I receive from clients.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“This Naked Mind” by Annie Grace. Hands down.
This book completely changed my mindset towards alcohol four years into sobriety! I had NO IDEA alcohol was a drug. No idea!
It opened my eyes to the science behind addiction, the brainwashing that is fed to us at an early age and how we can live an amazing alcohol-free life.
Annie Grace encourages readers to get curious on their relationship with alcohol and question its place in their lives. This fresh perspective is a breath of fresh air for those who may have struggled with traditional, fear-based approaches to sobriety.
I recommend clients start with this book FIRST because it doesn’t just provide information; it offers practical tools and techniques to help readers change their relationship with alcohol. From mindfulness exercises to strategies for handling cravings and triggers, the book provided the skills they need to succeed in their sober journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: joinlighthousesobriety.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenleehirst/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkampinen
- Other: SOBER70! CHALLENGE: https://joinlighthousesobriety.com/sober70
Image Credits
Lizzie C Photography
