Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to get offended when you're tired?

Or when you've given something your absolute BEST... and somebody throws you a curveball?

Yup. ME TOO!

Last week, I was traveling home after an incredible but exhausting week of working with some amazing leaders.

And as a proud introvert... I was officially PEOPLE'D OUT!

But just before boarding my flight, something happened that gave me a pretty good reason to get frustrated.

Fortunately, I remembered a strategy I call PERFECTLY OFFENSIVE.

And that simple shift opened the door to an unexpected opportunity... and one of my favorite travel experiences in a LONG time!

In this DREAM THINK DO deep dive, I'm sharing what happened and three powerful questions that can help YOU stay open to what's possible when life doesn't go according to plan.

Because sometimes the biggest danger of getting offended isn't winding up ticked.

It's missing something incredible that's happening RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!

A RESOURCE FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Have you ever wondered if your stories, strengths, and hard-won experiences might be exactly what someone else needs?

That's something I LOVE helping leaders discover through Authority Bridge.

If you're wondering what's NEXT and how you might make an even bigger impact, let's explore what's possible!

https://authoritybridge.com

RESOURCES & LINKS

Episode 466: The Power of Optionality
https://mitchmatthews.com/466/

Episode 118: The Opposite of Fear is Curiosity with Sam Griffin
https://mitchmatthews.com/opposite-fear-curiosity-sam-griffin/

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why even small frustrations can feel HUGE at the wrong moment.

• How a travel curveball almost got the best of me.

• What it means to be PERFECTLY OFFENSIVE.

• Why getting offended might cost us more than we realize.

• How curiosity can change what we see.

• The three questions that help me get back to my best thinking.

• What unexpected opportunities might be hiding in plain sight.

YOUR DREAM THINK DO CHALLENGE

Think about something that's been frustrating you lately.

What might you be missing because you're focused on what's wrong?

Could there be something happening that you haven't considered?

And what's ONE small step you could take to stay open to what's possible?

Try it this week!

And hey... if someone came to mind while you were listening, SHARE this episode with them. You never know what opportunity might be waiting right in front of them!

Because just because we have a reason to be offended doesn't mean we have to accept the invitation.

Read the full show notes at:
https://mitchmatthews.com/470

What if the reason your message isn't getting through has NOTHING to do with your expertise?

What if becoming a more confident communicator isn't about changing who you are... but becoming more intentional about showing up as YOU?

And what if THAT is more important than ever in an AI world?

In this episode of DREAM THINK DO, I'm talking with Gina London, Emmy-winning former CNN journalist, international communication expert, and author of Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World.

Gina shares practical tools for building confidence, communicating with impact, and connecting more authentically. Whether you're leading a team, stepping into a new chapter, or getting ready to share your ideas with the world... this conversation is for YOU!

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CONNECT WITH GINA

Website: https://ginalondon.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginalondon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheGinaLondon/

Book: Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World https://link.amazon/B026HTF9n

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IN THIS EPISODE

• Why becoming more confident doesn't mean becoming someone else

• How to identify three values that can transform the way you show up

• What Gina learned when her dream career at CNN unexpectedly changed

• The simple A.I.M. strategy for making your message CONNECT

• How small changes in your voice and body language can make a big difference

• What to say when you want to contribute but don't know how to jump in

• Why everyday conversations may be your best communication training ground

• How to strengthen genuine human connection in an AI-powered world

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HERE'S YOUR DREAM THINK DO CHALLENGE!

Where in your life are you holding back your voice?

Is there a conversation you've been avoiding, an idea you've been waiting to share, or an opportunity you've been putting off until you feel more confident?

What if you didn't have to wait?

Here's my challenge: Pick ONE conversation this week and approach it with more intention.

Maybe that means speaking up, listening differently, or making someone feel genuinely seen.

Give it a shot... and see what happens!

And hey, if someone came to mind while listening, share this episode with them. Better yet, talk about what stood out to you!

Read the full show notes at:
https://mitchmatthews.com/469

What are you waiting to feel "ready" to do?

Write the book? Make the career move? Start the project? Finally put something you've created into the world?

And what if you could move forward BEFORE you knew exactly how it was all going to turn out?

In this episode, Mitch sits down with actor, author, podcaster and his son, Alex Matthews, for a funny, honest conversation about creativity, rejection, uncertainty and continuing to show up when you can't control the outcome.

Alex shares what he's learned while building an acting career in Los Angeles, becoming a SAG actor, writing three novels and launching his own podcast.

But this isn't just an episode for actors or creatives.

It's for anyone pursuing something that matters... especially when the finish line keeps moving.

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Maybe you've spent years building expertise and people keep telling you, "You should coach," "You should speak," or "You should write a book."

You don't have to blow up your current life to explore what's next.

Authority Bridge helps accomplished leaders turn their hard-won experience into greater impact through small steps of faith that add up.

authoritybridge.com

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RESOURCES & LINKS

Alex's Podcast:
Met by Coincidence - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/met-by-coincidence/id1871001479

Alex's Books: https://link.amazon/B06JD6zKE

Instagram - www.instagram.com/alexander.matthews

Amazon's Countdown: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DJ9MKHTZ?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_r

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IN THIS EPISODE

• Why pursuing a dream gets complicated when you can't control the outcome

• How Alex learned to keep showing up through auditions and rejection

• The surprising way to make difficult work more enjoyable

• Why waiting until something is "perfect" can keep your best ideas hidden

• How genuine curiosity can create connection with people who see the world differently

• What Alex has learned from asking people how they want to be remembered

• Why looking back and cringing at old creative work might actually be GOOD news

• What Alex would tell his 12-year-old self about pursuing big, weird dreams

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YOUR TURN

What's something you've been waiting to feel ready for?

What part of the outcome are you trying to control that simply isn't yours to control?

And what might happen if you focused on taking one small step instead?

Choose ONE action this week.

Write the page. Send the email. Start the conversation. Create the first version.

And if someone came to mind while listening, send them this episode and ask them what THEY are ready to start.

Read the full show notes at:
https://mitchmatthews.com/468

What if you got invited to speak in front of 2,000 people tomorrow?

Would you say YES?

Or would your heart start racing as you tried to figure out a gracious way to say, "Thanks... but NO THANKS!"

Here's the good news: being nervous about speaking doesn't mean you shouldn't speak. It might just mean you're human... AND you have something important to say.

In Episode 467, Mitch shares 5 simple, practical strategies he uses himself.

These are concepts he's learned from more than 20 years as a professional speaker. They're designed to help you work WITH nervous energy, become more present and connect with the people in the room.

Whether you're speaking to 2 people, 20 or 2,000, these ideas can help.

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AUTHORITY BRIDGE

Have you been thinking about using what you've learned to speak, coach or mentor more?

You don't have to quit your career or start from scratch.

Authority Bridge helps accomplished leaders build from the experience and wisdom they already have, so speaking or coaching can become part of their next chapter.

Learn more:
https://authoritybridge.com

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IN THIS EPISODE

• Why nervousness doesn't mean you're not ready to speak

• How one surprisingly simple physical strategy can calm you minutes before you take the stage

• Why visualizing CONNECTION works better than chasing perfection

• The simple thing Mitch starts doing an hour before every talk

• How high achievers can actually OVER-prepare for a presentation (and how to avoid it)

• Why you need a "map" for your talk instead of a memorized script

• What ripped pants taught Mitch about connecting with an audience

• How remembering your WHY can shift your focus from performance to purpose

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YOUR DREAM THINK DO CHALLENGE

What do you know today that you wish you'd known 10 years ago?

What stories have taught you something worth sharing?

And what do people already come to YOU for advice about?

Take 10 minutes and write down 3 answers to each question.

Don't worry about creating a keynote or becoming a professional speaker. Just start noticing the wisdom you've already earned.

Then share this episode with someone who has something important to say but might need a little encouragement to step up and say it.

Read the full show notes at:
https://mitchmatthews.com/467

In episode 466 of DREAM THINK DO, we're diving into one of my new favorite words and a concept that's been a game changer for me and my coaching clients:

OPTIONALITY.

Optionality is the intentional creation of more options.

Not waiting to get picked.

Not waiting for permission.

Not blowing up a perfectly good life just because you're ready for something new.

It's intentionally creating more possibilities so you have greater freedom to choose what comes next.

And here's the really important part:

You don't create optionality because you're expecting something to go wrong.

You create optionality because you want more ways for things to go RIGHT.

So if you've been successful but you're starting to wonder, "What's next?"...

Or maybe you're simply ready to feel a little more FIRE about your future...

Let's get after it.

If the IMPACT, INCOME, or IDENTITY pieces of this conversation got your wheels turning, I've got a specific experiment for you.

Maybe you've spent the last 15, 20, or 25 years getting really good at what you do.

Maybe people have told you:

• "You should teach that."

• "You'd be a great coach."

• "You should write a book."

• "Have you ever thought about speaking?"

Maybe you've wondered the same thing.

Not necessarily because you want to leave what you're doing...

but because you'd love to explore what ELSE might be possible with everything you've learned.

That's exactly why I created the masterclass:

OPTIONALITY IS THE NEW JOB SECURITY

It's designed for accomplished leaders who want to explore how their experience, wisdom, perspective, and reputation can become assets for creating greater impact, income, and optionality through things like coaching, speaking, consulting, and online training.

Normally the masterclass is $27.

But since you're a DREAM THINK DOer, I want you to have it for FREE.

Go to: mitchmatthews.com/options

And use the code: DTDGIFT

We're talking about:

• Why success can surprisingly make your options feel smaller
• The three "Success Paradoxes" that can quietly keep high achievers stuck
• Why you may have stopped exploring possibilities and started evaluating vacancies
• How the gravity of success can make trying something new feel increasingly expensive
• Why you don't need to leave what's working to start creating something new
• The difference between having more choices and having greater freedom to chooseFive areas where creating ONE new option could change your future
• Simple 30-day experiments that can help you start creating optionality immediatelyWhy your title is something you do, but doesn't contain everything you areThe mysterious "X Factor" that starts showing up when you intentionally create new possibilities
• Why your title is something you do, but doesn't contain everything you are

The mysterious "X Factor" that starts showing up when you intentionally create new possibilities

And most importantly...

We'll help you identify ONE small but significant experiment you can start this week that future you might thank you for.

Now I want to hear from YOU.

Where would you love to create more optionality?

And what's one experiment you're going to try?

Leave a comment at:

https://mitchmatthews.com/466

Kurt Avery didn't set out to solve the global water crisis.

He simply wanted to build great outdoor products.

But over time, the founder of Sawyer Products realized the same water filtration technology trusted by backpackers could also transform entire communities around the world.

Today, Sawyer partners with more than 140 nonprofits across 80 countries, helping provide clean water to millions of people while proving that business can truly be a force for good.

But here's what makes Kurt's story even more remarkable...

Sawyer spent 23 years becoming an "overnight success."

In this conversation, Kurt shares the mindset that kept him going, why he refuses to build "me-too" products, how faith shapes his leadership, and why every entrepreneur already has the ability to create meaningful impact.

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply wondering how your work can make a bigger difference... this episode will encourage and challenge you.

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Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen?

The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season.

Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6

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• Why it took 23 years for Sawyer to become an "overnight success"
• The incredible story of how clean water is transforming communities around the world
• Why Sawyer calls itself a "behavior change company"
• Kurt's approach to innovation—and why he refuses to create "me-too" products
• How faith and practical decision-making work together in leadership
• Why hiring people smarter than yourself is one of the best business strategies you'll ever use
• How your unique gifts and skill set can become a force for good

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Get Kurt's book Sawyer Think: https://amzn.to/4rYLPvS

Check out Sawyer Products here: https://amzn.to/4usz3aM

Connect with Sawyer Products on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawyerproducts/

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What's one gift, skill, or opportunity you've been given that could make a bigger impact than you realize?

Drop a comment below - we'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from this conversation.

And if this episode encouraged you, share it with another entrepreneur, leader, or dreamer who could use the reminder that business - and your work - can truly change the world.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything looked good... but something just felt off?

You were getting things done. The calendar was full. The projects were moving. From the outside, everything looked fine.

But underneath the surface?

Your patience was wearing thin.

Your peace was harder to find.

Your joy had quietly been replaced by pressure.

If you've ever been there... you're not alone.

In this special solo episode, Mitch shares a fresh insight from one of the Bible's most familiar passages, Galatians 5, that completely changed how he thinks about spiritual growth.

For years, many of us have unknowingly treated the Fruit of the Spirit like a spiritual report card, believing we're supposed to manufacture more love, more joy, more patience, and more peace through sheer effort.

But what if we've been reading it backwards?

What if those qualities aren't measuring your relationship with God... but inviting you deeper into it?

This simple shift brought Mitch freedom during a week when he needed it most. His hope is that it brings you the same encouragement.

• Why high achievers often mistake pressure for progress

• The surprising reason "trying harder" usually doesn't produce more peace

• How to recognize the "dashboard lights" of your soul before burnout sets in

• Why Paul intentionally uses the singular word "fruit"

• Why the Fruit of the Spirit was never meant to be a spiritual report card

• How walking with God naturally produces what we often try to manufacture ourselves

• Mitch's four favorite "dashboard prayers"

• How simple conversations with God can shift your perspective in the middle of a busy day

• Why functioning from love changes everything

• The richer biblical meaning behind kindness

• Real-life stories where choosing kindness completely changed the outcome

• Why kindness, usefulness, gentleness, and excellence are more connected than most people realize

Many DREAM THINK DO listeners are leading teams, running businesses, raising families, serving their communities, and asking God what their next chapter looks like.

Sometimes the answer isn't to work harder.

Sometimes the invitation is simply to walk closer.

This episode offers a practical, hope-filled reminder that the qualities we long for most aren't manufactured through effort.

They're produced through relationship.

• Galatians 5:22-23

• Psalm 23:6

• Mia Morris' America's Got Talent performance: click here!

This week, don't treat the Fruit of the Spirit like a checklist.

Treat it like a dashboard.

If one of those lights comes on...

Pause.

Take a breath.

Ask God:

• What do You want me to know right now?

• Where do You want to meet me today?

• How can I walk with You in this moment?

Then remember:

You don't have to manufacture the fruit.

You simply stay connected to the source.

Which "dashboard light" has been flashing for you lately?

Joy?

Peace?

Patience?

Kindness?

We'd love to hear what's resonating with you.

Share this episode with a friend, then grab coffee and talk about it together.

Sometimes one honest conversation is exactly what someone needs to remember...

They're not climbing the mountain alone.

How do you stay calm when the conversation gets hard?

Whether you're leading a team, raising kids, serving clients, or navigating conflict with someone you love, your ability to stay calm may be your greatest leadership advantage.

In this powerful return to DREAM THINK DO, bestselling author Bob Burg shares why genuine influence doesn't begin with convincing others. It begins with mastering yourself.

Drawing from The Go-Giver Influencer, Bob reveals practical strategies for responding instead of reacting, creating trust instead of pressure, and leading conversations in a way that inspires commitment instead of compliance.

If you've ever walked away from a conversation wishing you'd handled it differently, this episode will give you tools you can start using today.

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Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen?

The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season.

Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6

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• Bob explains why influence isn't about convincing people

• The difference between compliance and commitment

• Why trust is becoming more valuable than information

• Why emotional intelligence is the foundation of influence

• Bob's "Seatbelt Principle" for handling difficult conversations

• A practical visualization exercise that helps you respond instead of react

• What "setting the frame" actually means

• How to redirect difficult conversations before they become arguments

• Practical examples for business, leadership, and everyday life

• Why most people stop at the first answer

• How asking better questions leads to better decisions

• The hidden layers behind meaningful goals

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Learn more about Bob: https://burg.com

Get The Go-Giver Influencer: https://amzn.to/4eHHF7v

Previous DREAM THINK DO conversations with Bob:

Episode 268 - Where to Focus Now! https://mitchmatthews.com/268/

Episode 78 - The 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success https://mitchmatthews.com/bob-burg-becoming-go-giver-leader-5-laws-stratospheric-success/

Episode 5 - Getting People On Board with Your Big Idea https://mitchmatthews.com/bob-burg/

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As you reflect on this conversation...

• Where do you need to move from pushing to pulling?

• What conversation could benefit from setting a better frame?

• Where might mastering your emotions change the outcome of an important relationship?

Then choose one upcoming conversation this week and intentionally practice one of Bob's principles before you walk into the room.

And if someone came to mind while you were listening, send this episode their way. Great conversations have a way of creating ripple effects.

Read the full show notes at:

https://mitchmatthews.com/463