How Eliminating One Word Can Shift Your Mindset (& Unlock Sustainable Success) | Carla Ondrasik (EP408)

If you’re struggling to meet your goals, the problem may not be effort—it’s that you’re still trying. In this episode, author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik joins me to share insights from her new book, Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. Drawing from her unconventional childhood, career in music publishing, and experience as a mother, Carla challenges the way we use the word “try” and makes the case for a powerful mindset shift: replacing trying with doing. We dive into the psychology of language, the difference between half-hearted attempts and decisive action, and why accountability and small, achievable steps are key to lasting change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “trying” without results, this conversation will give you the tools and encouragement to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward with confidence.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Diane's Resource: The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher
• Previous Episode: I Respectfully Disagree: The Lost Art of Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu (EP43)
• Connect with Carla:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More

About Carla |

Carla Ondrasik is the creator of the No Try philosophy and author of Stop Trying! The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. She has spent over two decades sharing her message through research, speaking engagements, mentoring, and writing. A former VP of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music, Carla placed hit songs with legends like Barbra Streisand, Cher, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and many others contributing to millions of records sold worldwide. She continues to mentor aspiring musicians while promoting her philosophy to businesses, women’s leadership groups, and schools. Carla has two adult children and lives in Southern California with her husband, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) and is an avid swimmer.

Episode Sponsors |

The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!

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Questions |

• You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.

• If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!

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