Help! I’m Doing ‘All the Things’; Why Am I Not Creating My Extraordinary Family Life?

Are you exhausted from trying to do all the right things—but still feel like your family life isn’t extraordinary?

You’re not alone. 

Many parents work tirelessly to manage schedules, teach principles, read parenting books, pray, practice gratitude, and still feel burnt out, disconnected, and frustrated.

In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning unpack a heartfelt question from a listener who has been “doing it all” since 2020—yet still feels stuck. Together, they reveal why doing more isn’t the solution and why misaligned priorities, half-hearted effort, and misplaced energy may be keeping you from the extraordinary life you crave.

👉 You’ll learn:

• Why trying is not the same as doing (and why results don’t come from effort alone).

• The secret to shifting from dread and obligation to joy and fulfillment in daily family life.

• How to know when your priorities are out of alignment—even when you think you’re focused on the right things.

• Why gratitude, surrender, and modeling are the most powerful ways to influence your family.

• The “two-sided coin” of success: working hard while also letting go and allowing flow.

  
  

This conversation will challenge you to stop tolerating mediocrity, celebrate your progress, and focus with intention on the things that truly matter most—your health, your marriage, your joy, and your family.

✨ If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I still not living the extraordinary family life I want?”—this episode will give you clarity and courage to finally change.

Key Takeaways

✅  Trying ≠ Doing. Real change only comes when you follow through consistently.

✅  Model first: your kids and spouse will follow your example more than your words.

✅  Gratitude & surrender shift your energy and attract more of what you want.

✅  Your priorities are the proof—if you dread “good” things, something’s off.

✅  Success is holistic: you can’t win at work but lose at home and call it extraordinary.

✅  Do less, but better—focus on the few things that bring real results and joy.

Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “The brain’s like a garden—it doesn’t care what you plant.”

🗣️ “Trying isn’t doing. Results only come from doing.”

🗣️ “If you want your kids to change, you must model the change first.”

🗣️ “Your priorities are out of alignment if you dread the very things that should bring you joy.”

🗣️ “Gratitude and letting go bring more of the good things you want into your life.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Success

03:38 The Struggle for Balance in Life

06:31 The Importance of Prioritizing Relationships

09:30 The Role of Modeling in Family Dynamics

12:08 Navigating Challenges in Parenting

15:09 The Complexity of Emotional Needs

17:54 The Power of Gratitude and Positive Focus

21:05 Recognizing Progress and Direction

23:55 Celebrating Small Wins

26:32 The Journey Towards Extraordinary Family Life

41:32 Prioritizing Pleasure in Relationships

46:54 The Importance of Personal Health and Ownership

53:50 Leading by Example: The Power of Personal Change

59:43 Finding Joy in the Journey

01:06:40 The Balance of Doing and Allowing

01:16:05 Clarity and Intuition in Action

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

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