In this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m diving into a topic that sparked a surprising amount of interest—my decision to go sugar-free for September!

A brief mention in my newsletter about losing 2 kilos while doing it led to an influx of questions: Why did I do it? How did I stay on track? And was it difficult? But this episode isn’t about sugar itself—it’s about the mindset and strategy behind successfully making any significant change in your life, especially through a 30-day challenge.

Whether you’re looking to add a new habit or eliminate an old one, I’m sharing the 5 exact steps I use to make any 30-day challenge successful.

Tune in to hear me share:

- The power of keeping it simple - why overcomplicating your goals leads to failure

- How giving your change a catchy name (like "Sugar-Free September") makes it stick

- The importance of telling others, and the 3 benefits that can come from going public on your plans

- Why preparation is key to sticking with a new habit - or breaking an old one

- How adopting the identity of someone who has already succeeded helps you stay motivated

These strategies have helped me navigate not just sugar-free months, but also caffeine-free stretches, daily yoga, personal development practices, consistently marketing my business and more. If you’ve been thinking about making a change, especially with the New Year on the horizon, this episode will give you a roadmap for success!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Podcast Interview with Sarah Elisabeth

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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If you’re an introvert who feels hesitant about showing up on camera, this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast is for you. I’m joined by Shirlee Engel, a former TV correspondent turned entrepreneur and coach, who now helps business owners and professionals develop a magnetic on-camera presence.

Shirlee shares how introverts can develop the confidence needed to shine on camera—whether you’re using video for your business, career, or personal brand. She breaks down how the skills needed for camera confidence extend far beyond the screen, helping clients to present themselves with authority in all areas of life.

Tune in to hear Shirlee and I discuss:

- Why camera confidence is a learnable skill, and how introverts can excel with just a few of the right techniques

- The power of body language, voice, and mindset in improving your on-camera presence

- How to engage your audience by combining strategic messaging and delivery skills

- Shirlee’s advice for overcoming camera anxiety (spoiler alert - preparation and consistent practice are key!)

- The role video plays in building trust, visibility, and credibility—no matter your career or industry

If you’ve ever felt nervous or uncertain about putting yourself out there on video, this episode will give you practical tools and insights to help you show up confidently and authentically.

CONNECT WITH SHIRLEE

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@be.camera.confident
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlee-engel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.camera.confident
Website: cameraconfident.ca

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Are you feeling drained, unfocused, or constantly reaching for your phone? In today’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m looking into how our love of a quick dopamine hit could be impacting our mental health and energy levels.

As introverts, we need deeper, more meaningful experiences, yet the lure of instant gratification can pull us into unhealthy habits (hello doom scrolling and late night screen time). I’m sharing how to reclaim your focus, balance your energy, and break free from the dopamine trap, so you can perform at your absolute best.

In this episode, I cover:

- What dopamine is, and why it’s essential for motivation and energy.

- How our instant gratification society and social media are disrupting our natural dopamine levels.

- Why seeking constant dopamine hits is NOT the same as building true self-worth.

- Key questions to ask yourself to reflect on your relationship with dopamine and instant gratification.

- Tips for creating a healthier balance between fulfilling, meaningful activities and dopamine-driven habits.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Jessica Lorimer - Selling To Corporate

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.