Escaping Mediocrity

Bravo, Sarah! Being “strategically prudent” can crush creativity, soul expression, and growth. I think “escaping mediocrity” is a stronger brand than “maverick mom.” “Maverick Mom” talked about who you are, and gave a bit of an “edgy” flavor, which was great; however, “Escaping Mediocrity” talks about the benefit to the reader, what they can expect, and “what's in it for them.”Hooray for following your heart, your passion, and your inner voice! May your success continue to grow exponentially.

Bravo, Sarah! Being “strategically prudent” can crush creativity, soul expression, and growth. I think “escaping mediocrity” is a stronger brand than “maverick mom.”

“Maverick Mom” talked about who you are, and gave a bit of an “edgy” flavor, which was great; however, “Escaping Mediocrity” talks about the benefit to the reader, what they can expect, and “what's in it for them.”

Hooray for following your heart, your passion, and your inner voice! May your success continue to grow exponentially.

Good for you! I do believe if you are following the energy of the Gut, then your mind will create and figure out what actions to take. People will follow because of your heart in the way you operate. Love the new direction!

RyanOD

Thank you Ava – and I completely agree with you on the message Escaping Mediocrity sends vs. Maverick Mom. So SO glad you get that!!

Thank you Ava – and I completely agree with you on the message Escaping Mediocrity sends vs. Maverick Mom. So SO glad you get that!!

Congratulations Sarah…great name, strategy and journey – enjoying walking the path with you

Colin

Well, if we aren't learning to trust our instincts on this journey, where else are we going to learn to, right?! Glad you are along for the ride.

Well, if we aren't learning to trust our instincts on this journey, where else are we going to learn to, right?! Glad you are along for the ride.

Means more than you know to have you walking with me, Colin.

There are some who say that your instincts are your intuition, a nudge from the Universe, or from God. I follow this belief and, so, when I follow my instincts, wonderful things greater than I could expect happen. Thanks for your post, Sarah!Carolyn Joneshttp://gatesoftheheart.wordpress.com

There are some who say that your instincts are your intuition, a nudge from the Universe, or from God. I follow this belief and, so, when I follow my instincts, wonderful things greater than I could expect happen. Thanks for your post, Sarah!

Carolyn Jones
http://gatesoftheheart.wordpress.com

You're right again…those of us who know you won’t be surprised at all. This is the natural next step in your journey and the more common reaction may be…so, what took her so long?!

LOVE your photo of “The LEAP” – it's so joy-full!!

It's going to be great fun to see what shows up for you now that you've taken this defining step. You don't need to see the whole road ahead – that's not how un-mediocre lives are lived. Keep stepping forward in faith, my friend.

Love and success,
Mollie

I think it's a good choice! Truth is this: those who truly “follow” you will follow you to a new domain name or whatever (the tribe, right?). Those who don't follow? Well they weren't really followers anyway. And those who discover you in the new spot won't know any different! Yep, keep trusting your instincts.

Look at you GO! Such a great choice, such a great adventure, such a smart woman!

I think it's a good choice! Truth is this: those who truly “follow” you will follow you to a new domain name or whatever (the tribe, right?). Those who don't follow? Well they weren't really followers anyway. And those who discover you in the new spot won't know any different! Yep, keep trusting your instincts.

Congratulations, Sarah on making the move. Conventional thinking is just that – conventional. And you and your blog have never been about that; instead, it's been about how we should be moving away from it. Seems to be, then, that this move is not only a smart one, but the right one for you to make.

Looking forward to seeing where this path takes you.

Warmest wishes,

Tanveer.

Look at you GO! Such a great choice, such a great adventure, such a smart woman!

I love the theme and it sure seems like it's a topic that you have a load of passion for. It definitely shows in your writing. I'm totally hooked on your blog and have been completely impressed with your topics. I think this is far from professional suicide. I think it's a brilliant move that will bring more joy and success to you and your readers.When I recently change the name of my blog, the theme, and the target audience it was like starting from scratch. I have a list of 10's of thousands of people in the general fitness niche, but with my new focus on work-at-home-moms and dads, my information is not relevant to that list. It was a risk, but you know what… it was the best decision that I've ever made. I've never had so much fun and business is taking off.This is the beginning of something awesome and I'm really glad to be a part of it. Keep up the great work.Scott Tousignant

Good for you! I embrace change myself. Good luck!!

I love the theme and it sure seems like it's a topic that you have a load of passion for. It definitely shows in your writing. I'm totally hooked on your blog and have been completely impressed with your topics. I think this is far from professional suicide. I think it's a brilliant move that will bring more joy and success to you and your readers.

When I recently change the name of my blog, the theme, and the target audience it was like starting from scratch. I have a list of 10's of thousands of people in the general fitness niche, but with my new focus on work-at-home-moms and dads, my information is not relevant to that list. It was a risk, but you know what… it was the best decision that I've ever made. I've never had so much fun and business is taking off.

This is the beginning of something awesome and I'm really glad to be a part of it. Keep up the great work.

Scott Tousignant

Brava!!! No surprise here — just lots of applause. And very timely post for me. I'll confess that I don't like to follow the rules and go with my gut, but I allow fear or caution or other people's judgments squelch that instinct, only to settle for mediocre outcomes. Lately I've been inspired by people like you who are true to themselves and don't settle for the “norm” to stop waffling on the board and jump in head first to escape my own self-imposed mediocrity. I'm currently working to shift my direction away from design, change my brand and, yes, join the blogosphere very soon. It is a leap of faith but I know with like-minded people like you already doing it (and doing it well), I really need to trust my instincts and not worry about what others think. So, thank YOU for trusting your instincts and taking this leap. You may be that one person who finally pushes me in the pool so I'll swim.

You go girl! And no, you are not alone! I have spent the last year listening to my intuition vs. the outside world too. It can be challenging, but I learned a big lesson last year…that the biggest challenges that I have faced in my life were due to NOT listening to my intuition and making decisions based in fear rather than faith! When I remind myself that “intuition is when God speaks to you” and that “those thoughts” are not my own, how can I not trust them?Thanks for a great post, and “Risk on!”

You go girl! And no, you are not alone! I have spent the last year listening to my intuition vs. the outside world too. It can be challenging, but I learned a big lesson last year…that the biggest challenges that I have faced in my life were due to NOT listening to my intuition and making decisions based in fear rather than faith! When I remind myself that “intuition is when God speaks to you” and that “those thoughts” are not my own, how can I not trust them?
Thanks for a great post, and “Risk on!”

You know what I think about this, but I'll announce it here publicly. BRILLIANT! I love the blog. I love the name. I love the risk. I love the energy. I, for one, don't think you're committing professional suicide in the least.

Hey Sarah,Love how you're letting us openly watch you take your “leap”, follow your instincts, and engage this as a “game”. Very compelling!

Hey Sarah,

Love how you're letting us openly watch you take your “leap”, follow your instincts, and engage this as a “game”. Very compelling!

You're right, this is a big step! Wow. Changing the name is one thing, but changing domains takes a lot of courage. Way to go, Sarah.

Great idea and I like the new name (obviously) Seems way more fitting.

Great idea and I like the new name (obviously) Seems way more fitting.

I agree with your belief – my instincts, when properly honed, are absolutely divinely directed. That's how I know I won't die when I leap.

It took me longer to find the right photo than it did to write the post because I wanted it to express so many things. I've given up any hope of being able to see much more than just a few steps ahead on this road. It's the journey with friends like you that I am focusing on!

It took me longer to find the right photo than it did to write the post because I wanted it to express so many things. I've given up any hope of being able to see much more than just a few steps ahead on this road. It's the journey with friends like you that I am focusing on!

Being who you are is not taking a risk. It's doing the right thing.. You may be the Maverick Mom, that's true – but what you do is explain to the world how they can Escape Mediocrity.

One way to escape mediocrity is to find your voice, to reference last week. Your voice has changed, it may have a while ago, but you are now acknowledging that. You are living what you speak. Amazing!I wish I could do the same as easily as you have (at least publicly, that is)

Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.” Sarah, the direction you are moving inspires us. Our journey with you is like riding in a convertible with the top down, and the wind blowing through our hair. Your new focus is thrilling and full of energy. All of us are encouraged by your daring; it takes much confidence to leap, spread your wings, and take flight, soaring high above the clouds. From here, the view is breathtaking. From where you sit, it must be glorious! Enjoy discovering new worlds, Sarah, and thank you for letting us celebrate this happy moment with you! It's a lovely journey and I am grateful to be a part of it!

Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.” Sarah, the direction you are moving inspires us. Our journey with you is like riding in a convertible with the top down, and the wind blowing through our hair. Your new focus is thrilling and full of energy. All of us are encouraged by your daring; it takes much confidence to leap, spread your wings, and take flight, soaring high above the clouds. From here, the view is breathtaking. From where you sit, it must be glorious! Enjoy discovering new worlds, Sarah, and thank you for letting us celebrate this happy moment with you! It's a lovely journey and I am grateful to be a part of it!

With you in my tribe, how can I do anything less?!

It feels really good Tanveer – both personally and professionally. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me, too.

It feels really good Tanveer – both personally and professionally. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me, too.

Congratulations, Sarah on making the move. Conventional thinking is just that – conventional. And you and your blog have never been about that; instead, it’s been about how we should be moving away from it. Seems to be, then, that this move is not only a smart one, but the right one for you to make.

Looking forward to seeing where this path takes you.

Warmest wishes,

Tanveer.

Good for you! I embrace change myself. Good luck!!

Brava!!! No surprise here — just lots of applause. And very timely post for me. I’ll confess that I don’t like to follow the rules and go with my gut, but I allow fear or caution or other people’s judgments squelch that instinct, only to settle for mediocre outcomes. Lately I’ve been inspired by people like you who are true to themselves and don’t settle for the “norm” to stop waffling on the board and jump in head first to escape my own self-imposed mediocrity. I’m currently working to shift my direction away from design, change my brand and, yes, join the blogosphere very soon. It is a leap of faith but I know with like-minded people like you already doing it (and doing it well), I really need to trust my instincts and not worry about what others think. So, thank YOU for trusting your instincts and taking this leap. You may be that one person who finally pushes me in the pool so I’ll swim.

And I am hooked on your comments Scott! You don't shy away from risk-taking either – and in a way you are ahead of me on that journey. Watching your audience and watching how happy you are – those are things that give me the confidence to make BIG leaps. And I am grateful.

And I am hooked on your comments Scott! You don't shy away from risk-taking either – and in a way you are ahead of me on that journey. Watching your audience and watching how happy you are – those are things that give me the confidence to make BIG leaps. And I am grateful.

Bravo Sarah! Yes, toss being strategically prudent out the window! Totally get the vibe of your new space when I see that “Escaping Mediocrity” and it's an urging many of us are feeling and acting on. One of my speakers in the Unleash Your Brilliance Summit talked about the challenge she went through “clawing my way out of my brand” — yet that willingness to give voice to her true passion and heart is what's given her such impact and longevity in the biz. Escaping Mediocrity says — leap now! Don't settle! Take a risk! Follow your Heart! A very exciting conversation that I totally support more people in having. Can't wait to hear more about your ongoing adventures!

There are lots of really good swimmers in this tribe, Lori, and no one is going to let you drown – that I can promise you. How do I know? Because the swim along side me every day to make sure I don't. Here's the biggest lesson I've learned about trusting my instincts – it feels amazing. Even when things don't work out like I wanted them too, it feels amazing. Because I get better and better at honing them, understanding them and ultimately following them every time I practice. Can't wait to see what you unleash on the world!

There are lots of really good swimmers in this tribe, Lori, and no one is going to let you drown – that I can promise you. How do I know? Because the swim along side me every day to make sure I don't. Here's the biggest lesson I've learned about trusting my instincts – it feels amazing. Even when things don't work out like I wanted them too, it feels amazing. Because I get better and better at honing them, understanding them and ultimately following them every time I practice. Can't wait to see what you unleash on the world!

Yay! Here's to lots of adventures guided by our intuition!

You know I respect your opinion about branding – and most everything else – above all others Gini. Now I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm on the right track.

You know I respect your opinion about branding – and most everything else – above all others Gini. Now I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm on the right track.

Thank you Ben. Letting people in to see the real me and what is going on real time is part of what drives me so passionately on this blog. It may be messy and slightly uncomfortable – but I can only play now with all my cards on the table. Glad you are here to engage me.

Thank you Ben. Letting people in to see the real me and what is going on real time is part of what drives me so passionately on this blog. It may be messy and slightly uncomfortable – but I can only play now with all my cards on the table. Glad you are here to engage me.

Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.” Sarah, the direction you are moving inspires us. Our journey with you is like riding in a convertible with the top down, and the wind blowing through our hair. Your new focus is thrilling and full of energy. All of us are encouraged by your daring; it takes much confidence to leap, spread your wings, and take flight, soaring high above the clouds. From here, the view is breathtaking. From where you sit, it must be glorious! Enjoy discovering new worlds, Sarah, and thank you for letting us celebrate this happy moment with you! It’s a lovely journey and I am grateful to be a part of it!

I haven’t really followed your blog (until today) however, I have followed you on twitter and believe that following your gut is the best thing you can – in fact follow (get it?). Anyways, going against the norm always takes courage and although its a risk it is a risk well worth taking if at the end of the day its something you can stand by and be proud of. You clearly have spent some time thinking about it – and if your gut says go for it; I don’t see any reason to argue with your gut. I leave you with a quote on my bedroom wall – “The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.” — Best of luck with the new everything!

Sometimes you have to take a risk to do what you think is best. I think its a good risk that will pay off in the long run. The first time I read your blog, I actually thought wondered why it was called “The Maverick Mom” but I figured it was just what it was called and your focus had shifted from mommy blogger to inspirational blog. Sometimes getting out of your own box and embracing the fear that comes along with risk is the best way to escape mediocrity. Good luck lady!

When I switched from AME to Zena and the Warrior-Preneur it was life changing! Go for it – be that marketing rebel!

Sometimes you have to take a risk to do what you think is best. I think its a good risk that will pay off in the long run. The first time I read your blog, I actually thought wondered why it was called “The Maverick Mom” but I figured it was just what it was called and your focus had shifted from mommy blogger to inspirational blog. Sometimes getting out of your own box and embracing the fear that comes along with risk is the best way to escape mediocrity. Good luck lady!

Hey, Sarah! Much luck with the change…this is exciting! It does make much more sense to change the brand to your central message. Anyway, congratulations on following your instincts. You're still a Mom, and evidently, still a Maverick!

Cool for you, I follow you on twitter BECAUSE your profile said 'escaping mediocrity' and I didn't think I'd have found you if you were being mainly a mom, so congrats — we all need to find our brand and go for it (kinda hard when you're not being ALLOWED to be yourself, but that's my problem!) So glad you're finding the FUN in it all, even when it's scary.

Cool for you, I follow you on twitter BECAUSE your profile said 'escaping mediocrity' and I didn't think I'd have found you if you were being mainly a mom, so congrats — we all need to find our brand and go for it (kinda hard when you're not being ALLOWED to be yourself, but that's my problem!) So glad you're finding the FUN in it all, even when it's scary.

It's never a bad move to gravitate your business closer to your passion. Trusting your instincts is a muscle tha needs to be flexed regularly. Good for you!

I think it's a brilliant move…you have a title befitting your wide appeal…and accessible wisdom…congratulations on the change… it mirrors the values you promote which in turn infinitely inspire your followers…

I think it's a brilliant move…you have a title befitting your wide appeal…and accessible wisdom…congratulations on the change… it mirrors the values you promote which in turn infinitely inspire your followers…

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.” I love that Ross – thank you for sharing it. And I'm glad you found the blog – hope you'll come back often!

YOU are your brand ambassador and the person you are has always remained consistent. That is why this change will only serve to enhance what you've already created and add to its power. 100% here for you, Sarah – no matter what your brand is. ~ Amy

YOU are your brand ambassador and the person you are has always remained consistent. That is why this change will only serve to enhance what you've already created and add to its power. 100% here for you, Sarah – no matter what your brand is. ~ Amy

It feels like a huge internal and external shift Ann. I just can't wait!!

It feels like a huge internal and external shift Ann. I just can't wait!!

Thanks so much Monica. Yes I will always be a maverick mom, but as someone said earlier, Escaping Mediocrity is more about what I do and try to help other people do. I like standing on the strength of that much, much better.

Thanks so much Monica. Yes I will always be a maverick mom, but as someone said earlier, Escaping Mediocrity is more about what I do and try to help other people do. I like standing on the strength of that much, much better.

Well I am glad you found me – and we can find small ways for you to allow yourself to be yourself when “they” aren't looking.

My feelings exactly Lisa. And I like keeping that muscle in shape which means I have to exercise it A LOT!

My feelings exactly Lisa. And I like keeping that muscle in shape which means I have to exercise it A LOT!

Thank you Sarah – for your encouragement and your incredibly kind words. I am so glad you are part of this tribe!

<Big Smile>

<Big Smile>

And that, my friend, is exactly what I admire about you, too.

Congratulations, Sarah. You are totally Escaping Mediocrity by making the moves that feel right to you. Brands evolve. Hey, so do humans! Love, love, love it. Go, Sarah!

Congratulations, Sarah. You are totally Escaping Mediocrity by making the moves that feel right to you. Brands evolve. Hey, so do humans! Love, love, love it. Go, Sarah!

This is so very exciting for you Sarah! I too have learned SO much about myself this past year…one of the biggest being able to trust my intuition and not second guess myself:-) AND not being afraid of putting the wrong foot forward. It's incredibly liberating, exciting and it's amazing how good you feel when you are in alignment with what “feels” right. I am also “rebranding” myself (although I don't know that the word “rebranding” does it justice)…more like polishing the diamond in the rough:-)

Funny, I wrote a post last week about “leaping” into your brilliance, as opposed to stepping into it….which seems so sedate and rather boring actually:-)

I feel like we are on this journey where we are continually shaping and defining who we really are and how we can best express it as we have so many facets~looking forward to getting to know you and your journey better!

Warmly,
Danielle

Congratulations, Sarah. You are totally Escaping Mediocrity by making the moves that feel right to you. Brands evolve. Hey, so do humans! Love, love, love it. Go, Sarah!

I love it! However, I think we all know regardless of domain name, you are the underlying reason that helps inspire us to take our paths of escaping mediocrity to the next level.

I love it! However, I think we all know regardless of domain name, you are the underlying reason that helps inspire us to take our paths of escaping mediocrity to the next level.

You already know what I'm gonna say: go for it, do your thing, and rock the world. You can accomplish far more by doing something you're passionate about than by doing something that's prudent.

You already know what I'm gonna say: go for it, do your thing, and rock the world. You can accomplish far more by doing something you're passionate about than by doing something that's prudent.

Good for you! Cheers for good risks to come my lady.

Good for you! Cheers for good risks to come my lady.

All I have to say is – YOU GO GIRL. I did almost the exact same thing this year, except I completely changed my entire business. Part of me felt like I was risking professional suicide.

But, in May, I made the decision to go from Online Marketing Coach for Holistic Businesses, to finally following my heart (after it's been begging and pleading with me for the last 35 years…) and stepping fully into the fitness and wellness industry.

I've never looked back. I'm at peace, I love what I'm doing, and my new venture is flourishing because of it. Professional suicide? Bunch of hooey. Do what you love. Do what your heart and soul are calling you to do and don't look back.

Congrats, Sarah on taking a huge risk! I love the new pic of you and the YT.

Congrats, Sarah on taking a huge risk! I love the new pic of you and the YT.

All I have to say is – YOU GO GIRL. I did almost the exact same thing this year, except I completely changed my entire business. Part of me felt like I was risking professional suicide.

But, in May, I made the decision to go from Online Marketing Coach for Holistic Businesses, to finally following my heart (after it’s been begging and pleading with me for the last 35 years…) and stepping fully into the fitness and wellness industry.

I’ve never looked back. I’m at peace, I love what I’m doing, and my new venture is flourishing because of it. Professional suicide? Bunch of hooey. Do what you love. Do what your heart and soul are calling you to do and don’t look back.

This is a very timely post as I am just starting out a new endeavor and recently decided that I was going to attempt to go against the grain and against the collective wisdom. The amount of energy I felt when I made this decision was amazing. In the following days I have started to doubt myself and held back from moving forward, so to read your post about going against what other says, is perfect for helping me to move forward in my own unconventional way.

This is a very timely post as I am just starting out a new endeavor and recently decided that I was going to attempt to go against the grain and against the collective wisdom. The amount of energy I felt when I made this decision was amazing. In the following days I have started to doubt myself and held back from moving forward, so to read your post about going against what other says, is perfect for helping me to move forward in my own unconventional way.

CONGRATS and way to go!

Consider me part of your tribe. You’ve got a new subscriber — I’m not a mom, (am a happy auntie) and I am Escaping Mediocrity!

I’m also about to launch a whole new brand and that means moving my blog to a new domain name and starting from scratch a bit. I’ve been so nervous about this for months.

Your post on this topic gives me courage.

Also — I see you have a hyphenated domain. Lot’s of folks advise not to use those, and I was wondering how you came to your decision, as I am wrestling with not getting the .com of my choosing.

Congrats Sarah!
I know you will thrive….Great name!
All the best,
Lindel

I'm late to the party – deadline (survived – yay) – but I think this is AWESOME, congratulations !

I’m late to the party – deadline (survived – yay) – but I think this is AWESOME, congratulations !

I applaud you for trusting your instincts and telling others about it. I enjoy your site.

Mary Goulet
Author; Go With Your Gut

Amazing write-up! This could aid plenty of people find out more about this particular issue. Are you keen to integrate video clips coupled with these? It would absolutely help out. Your conclusion was spot on and thanks to you; I probably won’t have to describe everything to my pals. I can simply direct them here!