You are not the economy
I gave the same speech twice in one day this week. When that happens, I pay attention, because it usually means everybody needs to hear it.
So here it is.
Right now the whole world wants you to believe you're screwed. AI is coming for your job. The market's going down. The art market, the housing market, the dating market, pick one. And everyone agrees, which makes it feel true.
I love these moments. I mean it. When the whole world wants to go left, you get to prove to yourself that the headlines never ran your life.
You are not the economy. You're one person selling twenty paintings. You're one person who needs one great job. If you're dating, you're looking for one person, not a whole market.
Meet your Lower Self
Everybody has a Lower Self. It's the voice that says you're too old, you missed your shot, nothing ever works out for you anyway.
You didn't decide to think that this morning. It runs on autopilot, the way you blink. And when something hard happens, like a death, debt or a breakup, that voice gets louder and starts to sound like wisdom.
It isn't wisdom. It's a recording. You don't argue with your Lower Self and you don't analyze it. You delete it. If it helps, ask whether it sounds more like your mom or your dad. (Mine sounds like my mom.) Then delete.
Your homework this week
- Walk. It's a good opportunity to hear your thoughts. Go long enough that your mind lets go. I walk three hours most mornings, and it still saves my life.
And hold your dreams like they're already happening. If it isn't this one, it's the next one.
If you want people holding you to your promises and fighting for your dreams with you every week, come work with Kimberly Cabot and me in Small Group Coaching. The next group meets on Tuesdays at 11am ET, and there are only 2 spots left, so grab your spot now if you want it!
This is our last group starting in 2026!
Not sure a group is right for you? [Book a free consult] and we'll figure out what fits.
End 2026 Powerfully with clarity and pride.
Love,
Lauren Handel Zander
