October 16, 2025 • 39 mins
Feeling drained by clutter? In this powerful episode of Hope Unlocked, Kristin Kurtz sits down with professional organizer and coach Tracy Hoth to explore how small, repeatable systems bring big freedom—at home, in business, and in your heart. Tracy shares her simple definition of “organized,” her five-folder method for taming digital chaos, and practical strategies for ADHD. We talk downsizing with dignity, legacy, stewardship, and creating peaceful spaces that fuel purpose. Tracy also opens up about inviting God into daily decisions and finding joy in surrender. Discover how calm can be your competitive advantage and why order unlocks hope.
Tracy's Contact Info:
Website - simplysquaredaway.com
Free Resource:
The Only 5 Digital File Folders You'll Ever Need to Run a Smooth (and Profitable) Coaching Business
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:16):
Welcome to the Hope Unlock Podcast.
I'm your host, Kristen Kurtz,and I'm also the founder of New
Wings Coaching.
I help and empower wild-heartedand adventurous women of faith
feeling caged and stuck, unlocktheir true purpose and
potential, break free fromlimitations, and thrive with
confidence, courage, and hope.
If you're curious to learn moreabout coaching with me, head to
NewWinksCoaching.net and be sureto explore the show notes for
(00:38):
ways to connect with me further.
Get ready to dive in as weuncover empowering keys and
insights in this episode.
So tune in and let's unlock hopetogether.
Welcome to the Hope Unlockedpodcast.
I'm Kristen Kurtz, your host.
I pray this episode is like aholy IV of hope for your soul.
Please help me welcome TracyHoth to the show.
(00:59):
I am so excited to have her heretoday.
We've just actually we've justmet and had a chance to talk
before we got started.
And I know that she's going toshare such a beautiful um story
and what she's doing.
There's so many people out therethat are just doing different
things, pioneering.
She's also a business owner.
And I would love, Tracy, for youto just share a little bit about
(01:19):
yourself before we get started.
SPEAKER_01 (01:22):
This is so fun.
Kristen, thanks for having meon.
SPEAKER_00 (01:49):
That's amazing.
Well, I'm thinking of, you know,just even my own home.
And I would love to know like,is your home super organized?
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
I am down to earth.
So the definition of organizedis just to know what you have
and be able to find it when youneed it.
Okay.
And so I know what I have.
I can find it when I need it,but it's not like pictures you'd
see on Instagram.
SPEAKER_00 (02:16):
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (02:16):
So just down to earth.
I'm, you know, I have areas thatare more challenging.
I can't, it's harder for me tomake decisions in my closet.
And we have this, what we callthe secret room.
It's this an attic space thatour kids used to play in.
So it was cool to call it asecret room.
But we just throw things inthere that we don't want to make
decisions on.
So we have clutter in there.
(02:38):
And every once in a while weclean it out because I know the
steps to get organized.
And it's just a nice place tonot have to make a decision in
the moment.
SPEAKER_00 (02:47):
That's amazing.
I think, I think everybodyprobably has one of those rooms,
if not maybe more than one.
Have you found that for thepeople you've worked with?
SPEAKER_01 (02:56):
Yes, for sure.
Those rooms, well, in thoserooms that have a purpose
because that's what its pointis.
For us, it's we have a lot ofkids in transition.
So we put things in there thatwe might need if they move out
or we're saving for when they doget their own place.
But you know, if it's every roomin your house, then it might be
(03:17):
more of a challenge.
SPEAKER_00 (03:20):
So what like what brought you into doing this line
of business?
SPEAKER_01 (03:26):
I think I've always been someone that likes to think
orderly, maybe.
And when I had little kids, Istayed home.
I have four kids and I stayedhome with them, and I would want
to go to the park and want to dofun things.
And sometimes certain friendswould be like, No, I need to
stay home and clean, and I needto go through some stuff.
(03:48):
And I would be like, Ugh, I justwant to go have fun.
And I had a really good friendwho was more really had an issue
with clutter.
And I just thought to myself, Ican help people go through their
stuff.
Like I could really help peopleget organized to help them
declutter.
(04:08):
And so when my youngest went topreschool, I just decided this
would be a great thing for me todo part-time.
And it was kind of in thebeginning when people like being
an organizer wasn't quite aspopular as it is now.
And so I made a website, startedtelling people, and started
working for people.
(04:29):
My website would come up in asearch pretty well.
And so that was good for melocally.
And then I started speaking onthe topic and building an email
list on, you know, so I had morereferrals and met people from
speaking engagements that I'dhave.
SPEAKER_00 (04:45):
Oh wow.
So you really just werepioneering something in essence,
because you like you said backin the day, there wasn't maybe a
lot of people doing what youdid.
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (04:58):
And when you said pioneering, I'm like, ooh, I
haven't really thought of myselfas a pioneer.
SPEAKER_00 (05:03):
Yes.
But yeah.
So did you have like a grid forlike how did you know like what
your next steps were?
How did you get started?
SPEAKER_01 (05:14):
You know, I just bought the build a website in a
day, and then read a book onorganizing, and was in, it's so
funny.
I was in Barnes and Noble, likeon a coffee date, probably with
my husband or something.
And a lady struck up aconversation, and I think she
(05:34):
was probably building hermulti-level marketing company,
and she was meeting people outand about.
And when we started talking, andI told her that I was a
professional organizer, Iprobably had my business card
with me back then and gave it toher.
She needed somebody, and so shehired me.
And I remember researching sohard before I went to her
(05:57):
office.
And and I kind of developed mymy steps to getting organized
and then just started usingthose.
It's kind of the if you have asystem or steps or a framework,
it works with no matter whatyou're working with.
So that just you know becamesomething I was really good at
teaching someone the steps, andthen it worked with it works
(06:20):
with everything digital,physical, your brain, a project,
your calendar.
SPEAKER_00 (06:26):
Wow.
So you met her.
Like, was she like kind of thecatalyst that was like, okay,
but this is actually happening?
SPEAKER_01 (06:33):
Well, I think I started helping a friend for
free.
Okay.
And got before and afterpictures with her.
Okay.
And then yeah, that lady was thefirst one that paid me.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (06:45):
I don't even remember anything after that.
I just remember somehow I gotclients.
SPEAKER_00 (06:50):
So you in essence, like, did you did you like sense
that the Lord was like leadingyou into this?
Was there kind of a go on it, ordid you just go?
SPEAKER_01 (07:01):
That is such an interesting question.
And I was a believer then, andI, you know, we were very
involved and I led Bible study.
I don't think that I everremember seeking his answer out
with that.
But the doors opened, and I feltfree to do that, and I did it
(07:21):
while my kids were in school,and it just worked great.
So, yes, but that's a reallygood question.
I don't think I ever necessarilyspecifically prayed about should
I start this business or not?
SPEAKER_00 (07:36):
Well, and that's in you know, it's interesting
because you look back and youknow, the years that you've been
doing this, you said it's been17 years now.
Yes, correct?
I mean, 17 represents victory.
So I mean, this is sounds like avictorious um endeavor that he
in essence led you to.
And I it makes me kind of youknow go, huh.
He does he doesn't always haveto give us the whole thing
(08:00):
before we step into something.
I was talking to somebody theother day, and it's like as
we're talking right now, I'm notstopping to pray and ask him
what my next words are.
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (08:12):
Yeah.
And I think it's interestingthat we're having this
conversation because this year,more than ever, I feel like
God's called me to this.
And I've intentionally shiftedmy mindset to like, this is
where he wants me.
This is my calling.
Because I am constantly like,oh, should I go do something
(08:35):
else?
This isn't working.
Should I try this?
Oh, this is amazing.
I love this.
I'm so glad I have this.
Oh man, I should try somethingelse.
You know, yeah.
Should I leave?
Should I get a regular job?
And so I've had those timesthroughout my business over the
years.
And this year, I really feellike this is where he wants me.
(08:57):
He's called me to do this.
He hasn't shown me somethingelse that he wants me to do.
So I've really turned to rely onhim more and really invite him
into all areas of my business,completely surrender it to him,
ask him about each decision, ortry to remember to do that, is
(09:18):
honestly what I'm doing.
And I feel like it's soexciting.
I'm like, I am going to enjoythis walk with him and this
process and yeah, really justinvite him.
And he's, I feel like he'spersonally said, and I am going
to provide for you, and I amgoing to do this, and also I am
(09:40):
going to get the glory for whathappens in your business.
SPEAKER_00 (09:43):
Yes.
No wonder you're here today.
Yes.
So what is it like, you know,somebody's listening in today,
and you know, they they've maybehad a business and they're like,
Yeah, you know, I like what I'mdoing.
I just don't really know if it'smy calling.
I feel like that's really a lotof um it seems to be kind of
elusive to just people ingeneral, right?
(10:04):
But what would you say hasreally solidified for you?
Um, is it like a feeling?
Are you seeing like tangibletangibles that are causing you
to go, wow, this is really likewhat he created me to do?
SPEAKER_01 (10:19):
I think he is has always used my gift.
Like I always thought I wantedto be a teacher, but someone
told me, oh, teachers don't makeenough money.
So then I was like, oh, well, Ithen okay, then I have to be a
business person.
So then I got a business degree.
Okay, but I always felt like mygifts are in teaching.
(10:39):
And so I would lead Bible studyor you know, teach in that way.
And with my business, that'swhat I get to do.
I get to do a lot of teachingand and walking with people
through learning a skill, likethe skill of organizing.
And so I think that's part ofit, but I also think, and so the
(11:01):
question, I'm like, what was I?
I had something so good that Iwanted to say.
The question was, do I feel likehe's called me to it?
Okay, here's what I want to say.
I am super efficient.
I'm a three on the Enneagram.
I'm driven.
I I think about my business andI think I don't want to waste
(11:22):
time doing stuff that isn'tgonna work.
That's been a lot of my mindset.
And recently I'm like, okay, Iam gonna learn something.
I'm gonna walk along withpeople, I'm gonna be God's gonna
put me in the path of otherpeople.
None of that is a waste, and Idon't want to think about it
like that anymore.
(11:43):
So I don't necessarily thinklike I don't necessarily feel
like this is my calling, but Ifeel like in this, he's called
me to enjoy him, to surrender tohim, to turn to him.
SPEAKER_00 (11:57):
Yes.
And you look at, I love what youtalked about, even with um, you
know, the teaching.
Like you thought, you know, youhave that teaching, right?
You have that teaching gift.
And I don't know about you, butI I've often thought about you
know, kids in high school whoare getting ready to graduate,
and at least for me, they wouldhave like this list of different
(12:18):
things you can do and how muchmoney you would make, and the
people would go for the thingsthat made more money.
It didn't necessarily pair withtheir gifts or what would you
know mesh well with even whothey are.
Right.
I love that you said you're nowseeing, you're able to see that
that teaching gift has beenutilized in a way and it has
(12:39):
been redeemed because somebodytried to hijack that from you.
Right?
SPEAKER_01 (12:45):
And yeah, and got to the point where he's still, yes,
exactly like you're saying, he'sstill using that now.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (12:55):
Well, this is amazing.
So as you've been doing this for17 years, um, you're you're
really getting solidified, itsounds like this year.
What what have you had any likeshifts or changes in your
business to um I I know youmentioned a little bit about you
know kind of shifting from likehome.
Like what are you doing now thatum maybe is solidifying that a
(13:19):
little bit more for you?
SPEAKER_01 (13:21):
I think just having more fun.
I do feel like I've had reachedsome goals that I had, but now
I'm really about okay, I'm gonnaconnect with maybe this is
what's brought it all about.
I don't know.
In the beginning of the year, Iwas like, okay, I'm gonna focus
on visibility and I'm going to,you know, start by pitching to
(13:44):
be on podcasts and teaching ingroups.
And that was set with a businessgoal.
But what I've found is like,this is so fun.
I get to connect and meet newpeople and people that I would
never have met if it weren't forthis goal that I have.
And so it's just been fun tomake connections and meet people
(14:05):
and hear their stories and learnabout their businesses and
connect them with other people.
So I think that's just been inthe forefront of relationships.
SPEAKER_00 (14:17):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (14:17):
And so now as I'm thinking about goals and you
know, I'm in a group program formy business and connecting with
these different people and kindof switching goals a little bit,
switching directions in mybusiness.
So to answer that question, youasked me, I have two parts of my
business.
I have organized life academy,which really focuses on probably
(14:39):
50 plus women, age women, thatare focused on downsizing.
Maybe they're wanting to move,they're wanting to prepare so
they leave their kids, theydon't leave their kids a mess,
that kind of thing.
I have a group that I've beendoing for five years doing that.
And then I also, like two, threeyears ago, I switched as I moved
(15:00):
my own business online.
I realized, wow, this is liketakes a lot to keep that
organized on my computer andwith systems and managing your
time and all of that.
So I put all the organizingskills and figured out the most
simple way that you could dothat, that I could do it in my
(15:22):
own business.
And then I started thinkingthere are lots of business
owners who, you know, maybedon't know the skills, don't
know the steps, who are reallychallenged.
Started to talk to a lot ofcoaches in my industry and
started helping coaches andonline small business owners
help them get organized.
So I created a course and I workone-on-one with um different
(15:46):
people in that industry too.
So I have both those sides,which I kept going, oh, should I
do this?
Should I do that?
Should I stop one of them?
Yeah.
And I haven't been led to stopeither one.
But this specific year, I'mdoing some work.
I've been focused on thebusiness side for like two or
three years, and now I'm gonnafocus back on the home side.
So it's just yeah, talkingthrough and working out
(16:09):
strategies, but then also, youknow, excited who God's because
he keeps saying, I am going togive you people, I am going to
introduce you to and bringpeople to you that you can help.
So be thinking about them.
What do they need?
What ways can you help them?
SPEAKER_00 (16:25):
So incredible.
I'm I'm with you.
Like he showed me if we buildit, they will come.
Yes.
Remember Field of Dreams?
Yes, I do.
So I'd love to for you to sharea little bit.
Um, you know, as a businessowner, like I feel like I've
I've been doing business for awhile, but maybe speak to like
some of these newer um businessowners who, yeah, I think a lot
(16:46):
of times it's like putting aplane together with tape when it
comes to systems, right?
It's like I I'm gonna fly, butit's it's kind of duct tape
together.
And like, what would it looklike for somebody to walk with
you um on this journey of, youknow, I'm a brand new business
owner, I don't know what I'mdoing.
Like, what would that look likefor them to walk with you?
SPEAKER_01 (17:06):
To get organized in their business, yes.
I start with our mindset.
So I have the practical skillsof organizing and I also have
life coach certified in 2018.
So I have the mindset blocks andtools that you need.
So to combine those two thingsis my job because a lot of times
people come to me and theythey're they've been a messy
(17:28):
person.
They were always the one thathad piles, or they're
disorganized, or they can't, youknow, manage their time well, or
or more seriously, they haveADHD or they have executive
functions deficits and they needhelp, they need structures and
uh things to look at theirspecific situation and figure
(17:50):
out solutions for them.
So there's parts of it we welook at their mindset.
If they believe that they're amessy person or that it's
impossible for them to getorganized, that has to change.
Like we have to begin to shiftthat in order for it to actually
follow through.
Like we need to prove or toshift our thinking about what is
(18:12):
possible for us.
And then at the same time, weneed to start building some
evidence that it's true.
So I like to focus on thedigital file structure so that
when you download something onyour computer or you're bringing
something in, it has a place togo that's so simple for your
mind to understand.
(18:33):
So I teach people on theircomputer how to have only five
files that they so it's eitherbusiness or home, but in their
business side of it, there'sonly five files that they need.
And now all of a sudden, intheir mind, it's so simple
because it goes into one ofthose five places.
(18:54):
And then I use those same fivefiles in your email because a
lot of people struggle withemail.
So we have those five files.
So your brain is, you know,reducing the the load, the
mental load and the decisionfatigue in order to because you
only have to remember these fivethings.
And then I also use that like alot of us make graphics in Canva
(19:16):
or somewhere, so we use the samefive file structure in there.
So learning that file structure,and then there's sorts of
shortcuts on your computer, onyour um bookmarks bar or your
favorites bar that I teachpeople because a lot of times
I'll see they have you know 150tabs open at once and they can't
(19:38):
remember where the tab is thatthey were working on.
And so I help them just it'slike the stress of losing
something is so high that I canteach them really simple ways to
reduce that stress and to feelsecure and confident they're
gonna be able to find what theyneed.
SPEAKER_00 (19:55):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (19:55):
When they need it.
SPEAKER_00 (19:57):
How many people need this?
Like, have you found that likehow many, how many people have
you worked with to help them getset free in this?
Yeah, there's a lot of people.
SPEAKER_01 (20:09):
Right.
And then people that listen tomy podcast, I keep getting
people messaging me saying, Ohmy gosh, this is so good.
I needed to hear this, I'veimplemented this, and and it's
helped so much.
So yeah, I have a course thatpeople can get that has I'm
getting close to a hundred inthe course, and then I also work
one-on-one, and then people canlisten to the podcast and and
(20:32):
learn a lot of it.
SPEAKER_00 (20:34):
And tell us the name of your podcast so they can go
find you.
It's the organized coachpodcast.
Perfect name.
So not only are you organizinghomes, like desktops, mailbox.
Yes, but you're organizingbrains, brains, which in essence
(20:55):
like affects the heart and itends up affecting like
generational legacy.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (21:04):
Yeah, we were talking about the from a
Christian perspective, like youare stewarding things that God
gives you, or that somehow gotin your house or got into your
computer or whatever.
The things that you bring in,now it's your responsibility to
take care of them and to stewardthem and to be generous, like
(21:28):
thinking about things in homesand stuff.
So, yes, and you're teachingthat to your family and you're
leaving that for your kids.
So, yes, it affects your legacy,your your children's future,
your family's future.
SPEAKER_00 (21:42):
Absolutely.
So, could you share um whetherit's the home, the you know,
organized business or yourbrain?
Maybe one of your favoritetestimonials that you've had
somebody just have a hugetransformation.
SPEAKER_01 (22:00):
Yes, I have this uh amazing client, and this is on
the home side.
She's in my organized lifeacademy, and it and it's so
sweet.
Like her house was just filledwith clutter, and she has just
diligently gone through one areaat a time, and she would tell me
(22:23):
like that her storage room, shewouldn't even go in there.
I think she said it was 15years, she just didn't go in
there.
Whoa, and now just following theorganizing steps, she goes in
there now and is so proud.
Like everything's off the floor,it's all in bins, and now she's
(22:43):
gone through all the paper inher house.
She's uh now she helps otherpeople.
Like she was like, I was helpingsomeone else.
My friend needed help gettingorganized.
She's an inspiration in ourcommunity, like she's made so
much progress.
SPEAKER_00 (23:01):
Oh my goodness, and to think like your yes, this is
your yes.
SPEAKER_01 (23:05):
Yeah, ever think about that.
SPEAKER_00 (23:07):
Like, you know, when I when I think of like the one
that we impact, and it's likeyou just never know sometimes
what the impact is beyond, butyou know, like you've seen the
beyond.
Yes, you've heard of the beyond.
SPEAKER_01 (23:20):
And I think it's so great that we get to be in an
industry where we see that andwe have immediate feedback.
Yes, or I mean, maybe not quiteimmediate, but still like we get
feedback, it's like sorewarding.
SPEAKER_00 (23:35):
It is, and it's like just think, I don't know, just
think of I don't know what wouldyou say like if you're have you
ever thought about if you wereactually like teaching teaching,
like how different that wouldbe, like in a school.
SPEAKER_01 (23:49):
Oh, a hundred percent.
I would enjoy teaching the kidshow to keep their stuff
organized, but yes, that'sprobably what it would be.
SPEAKER_00 (23:58):
Do you have like do you have things for kids that
you've ever um created?
SPEAKER_01 (24:02):
Do you I've worked with kids?
That's an interesting question.
I've worked with kids when Iworked in person.
I I remember helping a girl whoshe could get her ears pierced
if she could keep her roomorganized for up 30 days, I
think it was.
But and she did, she got thempierced.
But oh my goodness, when Ihelped her, there was just so
much stuff.
(24:23):
But what's interesting is we satthere before we started and I
said, Do you think it'spossible?
Immediately she said no.
Wow, and then I thought, okay,well, there's no way it's gonna
be possible if we don't believethat it is even possible.
And so I started asking her, Doyou know anybody that's
organized?
(24:43):
And she could think of hercousin, and then I said, What do
you think her your cousinthinks?
Like, what does she think aboutit?
And so we just right then couldwork on the mindset before we
even began.
SPEAKER_00 (24:56):
Yeah, that's huge.
And especially like, do youknow, like, has she carried that
out?
Is it somebody that you arestill connected to?
SPEAKER_01 (25:05):
I am not.
That was a while back in insomeone from Kansas City, but I
did not know them.
I don't even know how they foundme.
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (25:13):
Those are the best.
Yes, they just show up.
Yeah.
Well, I know that you also havea faith journey as well.
Um, I would love for you toshare like anything that comes
on, you know, that you were ledto.
I know you were we were talkingabout it a little bit.
And I would love for you toshare just a little part of that
story.
Um, because what you're doing ishuge.
(25:34):
And I know that there's alwaysthere's always a story behind,
you know, our our faith journeyis huge.
Um and just continuing on,right?
SPEAKER_01 (25:43):
Yes.
Well, that ties in to when I mysalvation testimony.
Yeah.
I remember I had just graduatedfrom college.
I lived with or I met this girlat the office.
We both just started workingthere, and like within two
months, we're just she was justso amazing.
She was so fun, and we becamesuch good friends in two months.
(26:06):
And then she said, Tracy, I'mmoving to California.
I lived in Texas.
Um, you want to move with me forthe summer?
And I was like, Well, thatsounds amazing.
Just let's be wild and we'refree and we don't have any
reason to stay.
SPEAKER_00 (26:21):
Yes, wild and free.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (26:23):
Aw.
And then so we moved toCalifornia.
We both quit our jobs, which didnot make our boss happy.
I do feel bad for that.
But we moved to California.
We lived with her family, andabout two weeks in, we went to
muffins and coffee on the lakewith her mom's good friend.
And then we went back to thefriend's house, the the adult
(26:44):
mom friend, and she had a bluebook on the counter and she
said, Oh, I've just been prayingabout who I'm gonna disciple.
I didn't even know what thatmeant.
I didn't say anything, and thenlater they left me there.
And guess what we did?
We organized.
I was helping her organize likeher pantry or something.
SPEAKER_00 (27:05):
Oh, wow.
SPEAKER_01 (27:05):
I don't know why.
Like I wasn't.
No, yeah, no, and never eventhought about it, but I was
helping her do that, and thenshe picked that blue book up
again and she said, Tracy, doyou want me to disciple you?
I still had no idea what itmeant, but she was so fun and so
she's like, Of course I'd wantto hang out with her.
(27:26):
And so we started thatdiscipleship book, and I read a
chapter of John every day.
I did a chapter of the book eachweek and memorized two verses a
week.
And I was a good student, so Idid everything I was supposed to
do.
But that first week, I remembersitting on my bed and reading
about salvation and the purposeGod has for me.
(27:49):
And I was like, this is whatit's about.
This is why I'm here.
This is why I came toCalifornia, not to be wild and
free, you know, to meet him.
Like he was my pursuer andbrought me there and introduced
me to this faith.
And since then, I moved, I justknew I was supposed to work with
(28:11):
kids and through connections, Iended up running a girls program
as a girls program coordinatorin Kansas City for inner city
kids.
And so came to Kansas City, metmy husband through Bible study
fellowship, and we got marriedand been involved in our church,
and um just have had such asweet faith journey um leading
(28:38):
Bible studies and just just sogood being involved in the youth
group and awana and so manythings, raising our kids in the
church.
All through what was her name?
SPEAKER_00 (28:52):
Sherry.
Oh, Sherry, like Sherry, Sherrywas bold.
She was bold, really, reallybold.
SPEAKER_01 (29:00):
To ask that, yes, and to be praying about it and
to have a book laying on thecounter.
They probably knew.
Like, I think back, I'm like,did they plan this whole thing?
Because the other family that Imoved with were very strong
Christians, both the parent,like her mom and Sherry, both
were in BSF in California.
That's how I started going to ithere.
(29:22):
They found that there was agroup here, but yeah, they
probably knew I wasn't abeliever.
SPEAKER_00 (29:29):
Yeah.
I mean, incredible.
And just to not even know whatthe word disciple meant.
And then now you you move, andthen you're discipling, you're
you're discipling in massiveways now.
SPEAKER_01 (29:40):
Yes, discipling all those kids that came to know the
Lord through that ministry thatwe were at, and then yeah,
discipleship in in my work.
SPEAKER_00 (29:54):
Yeah, it's like a I like when I've heard the
terminology like a businesstree.
Have you heard that before?
No, it's like Business andministry combined.
SPEAKER_01 (30:02):
Oh, I love that.
It really is, wouldn't you say?
Yes.
And it's so interesting becausemy business isn't outwardly
Christian focused, you know,it's just me as a believer if it
comes up and when it comes up.
SPEAKER_00 (30:17):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (30:18):
Um but yes, that is it is amazing.
And we're putting order.
God is a god of order.
We're putting order and freeingup people's just overwhelm from
clutter to do what they'recalled to do.
SPEAKER_00 (30:37):
Yes.
And it's so important because weneed people off the bench.
Yeah.
Wouldn't you say?
Yes, I love that term too.
Get off the bench, coach.
Put me in.
Yes.
Let's go.
Step up.
And it's scary, but you know,he's going to walk you through
that.
Exactly.
Um, well, this has been reallyfun today.
(31:02):
I would love to hear one morequestion for you.
What is something that he's likereally stretching you into maybe
in the next few months, what youknow you're going to be
stretched into in the comingyear?
Um, really stretching yourfaith, whether business, life,
all of the above.
SPEAKER_01 (31:24):
Yeah, that's a such a good question.
I think for me, uh right now,he's stretching me to hear him
and obey him.
And I'm using this uh book andthis journal to kind of have a
conversation with him.
And that is all new to me.
(31:44):
And already in such a shorttime, he's shown me things that
he wants me to do, and out ofobedience, some of them I've
done immediately.
So I haven't.
And but I think the just thesurrender of my business and
coming to him and asking, yeah,what do you think of this?
(32:07):
What should I do here?
What do you want me to do here?
And not even that I have to hearan answer to all of those
questions, but it's the practiceof me doing that, is what is
yeah, and I forget, I justforget the whole day I could
forget.
SPEAKER_00 (32:25):
So but you're you're putting it into practice, and
there is an essence ofpracticing, right?
Yes, you're building yourmuscles.
SPEAKER_01 (32:35):
Yes, yeah, and it's exciting, it's so exciting.
And two of my uh really goodcoach friends that I got
certified with, we have metevery week since 2018.
Oh my gosh.
And we both all three of us havejust grown in our faith so much,
and we're now bringing, we'rewe're both, we're all of us are
(32:59):
doing this more.
We're bringing our faith intoour conversations and just
really like seeking God and howhe wants to use us in in these
different places that we're at.
And it's it's exciting, it'sreally revival kind of in my
work.
SPEAKER_00 (33:15):
Yes, it's it's truly like, and I feel like um have
you heard of the seven mountainsof influence?
No, okay.
So I know that like I carry likeone of the mountains, so it's
like media, education, business,government.
Um, there's more, right?
But I know like business isdefinitely one of my mountains
for sure.
(33:36):
And you know, we can takerevival.
Like, I know I've heard fromseveral people that revival is
definitely gonna be comingthrough businesses, you know,
and this um, you know, those ofus who are kingdom and you know,
Christians, and it's just gonnabe this beautiful thing.
So you're definitely bringingthis to the table.
You're you're pioneering abeautiful business, and I love
(33:58):
the different facets that youfocus on.
You've got, you know, the home,you have the the body in
essence, and you you have theonline, it's all it's all
encompassing.
So yeah, and the mind of it too.
That's so good.
Exactly.
Because I don't know about you,but I can have a lot of filing
(34:20):
cabinets open in my brain.
Yes.
And I'm like, all right, we needto go through some of these
filing cabinets and shred someof these things that no longer
serve me for this coming season.
SPEAKER_01 (34:32):
Well, I know, and I think people people are like,
Well, I wish I had a filecabinet.
My stuff's just all over in abig pile.
SPEAKER_00 (34:39):
I haven't thought about that.
I guess I'm on I'm on a goodtrack then, right?
Yeah, you have a file cabinet.
And I was thinking, I'm like,oh, I have like all these
folders and I'm I'm prettyorganized.
So I think I'm doing okay, butI'm sure I could learn more from
you.
I love it.
Um this is beautiful.
I'm so thankful for the workthat you do.
And I'm sure some of thelisteners are like, oh my gosh,
(35:01):
I need to hear, how can I findher?
So, what is the best way to geta hold of you?
SPEAKER_01 (35:05):
My website is simply squaredaway.com.
And I have a home side of thatand a business side.
So, whatever you need help with,there's places on that to find
answers and to get help with.
And of course, listen to theOrganized Coach podcast.
SPEAKER_00 (35:23):
Yes.
And you can find the podcastskind of everywhere.
Yes.
Okay.
Cool.
And I will be sure to add yourlinks in the show notes to any
listeners or listening.
You're like, I don't know whereto find it.
You'll find it in the show notesfor sure.
So um, I'm gonna close up fortoday, but as we do close up, I
would love for you to think ofsomeone who's listening in, just
(35:44):
kind of get a picture of thisperson listening in.
Do you have any other thingsthat you'd like to encourage
this in person in, words ofencouragement, any words of
wisdom that you'd want to speakover them?
And then would you mind prayingus out today?
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (35:59):
Yeah, what's coming to my mind right now is that God
is pursuing you.
And I think of how he pursued mein salvation.
We went through a really hardtime with a a child in a car
accident that was paralyzed, andhe pursued me through all of
that, through the struggle withprayer, and not, you know, I
(36:22):
trusted God, but the prayer partof it was challenging.
And he pursues me when I justget sick of everything.
And now he's pursuing me throughmy business, and he's doing the
same for you.
So that would be my biggestencouragement right now is God
is pursuing you.
SPEAKER_00 (36:42):
Yes, beautiful.
Oh my gosh.
Well, I I can't, I would love tohave you back on again another
time if you want to share moreabout you know some of the
things that you've walkedthrough even.
Um, the first season of HopeUnlocked was called Voices of
Hope from the Valley.
So um nice to come share again.
Awesome.
(37:02):
Well, would you pray us outtoday?
SPEAKER_01 (37:04):
Yes, let me pray.
God, we love you so much.
We are so, so grateful that wecan have conversations like this
and realize that you are incharge of all of it.
You are in control of it.
You call us, you work throughus, and you're for us, and you
lead us.
I think about how that and thatultimately you pursue us because
(37:27):
you love us so much.
So we pray for all the detailsof the person listening right
now.
I lift all of them up to you,God.
And I thank you for Kristenhaving me here and for her
listening to your calling andobediently walking in the path
that you have her in.
And we love you so much, and wepray all of this in Jesus' name.
(37:48):
Amen.
SPEAKER_00 (37:49):
Amen.
Well, thank you so much forbeing on, and thank you for
being a brave voice who'ssetting so many free.
I'm gonna close with ouranchoring verse over Hope
Unlocked, and it's may the Godof hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so thatby the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound in hope.
And that's Romans 15, 13.
(38:10):
So thank you, Tracy.
You've been a joy, and I cannotwait to um possibly have you on
again.
I'll be back with anotherepisode next week.
Thanks, listeners.
Welcome to the Hope Unlock Podcast.
I'm your host, Kristen Kurtz,and I'm also the founder of New
Wings Coaching.
I help and empower wild-heartedand adventurous women of faith
feeling caged and stuck, unlocktheir true purpose and
potential, break free fromlimitations, and thrive with
confidence, courage, and hope.
If you're curious to learn moreabout coaching with me, head to
NewWinksCoaching.net and be sureto explore the show notes for
(00:38):
ways to connect with me further.
Get ready to dive in as weuncover empowering keys and
insights in this episode.
So tune in and let's unlock hopetogether.
Welcome to the Hope Unlockedpodcast.
I'm Kristen Kurtz, your host.
I pray this episode is like aholy IV of hope for your soul.
Please help me welcome TracyHoth to the show.
(00:59):
I am so excited to have her heretoday.
We've just actually we've justmet and had a chance to talk
before we got started.
And I know that she's going toshare such a beautiful um story
and what she's doing.
There's so many people out therethat are just doing different
things, pioneering.
She's also a business owner.
And I would love, Tracy, for youto just share a little bit about
(01:19):
yourself before we get started.
SPEAKER_01 (01:22):
This is so fun.
Kristen, thanks for having meon.
SPEAKER_00 (01:49):
That's amazing.
Well, I'm thinking of, you know,just even my own home.
And I would love to know like,is your home super organized?
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
I am down to earth.
So the definition of organizedis just to know what you have
and be able to find it when youneed it.
Okay.
And so I know what I have.
I can find it when I need it,but it's not like pictures you'd
see on Instagram.
SPEAKER_00 (02:16):
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (02:16):
So just down to earth.
I'm, you know, I have areas thatare more challenging.
I can't, it's harder for me tomake decisions in my closet.
And we have this, what we callthe secret room.
It's this an attic space thatour kids used to play in.
So it was cool to call it asecret room.
But we just throw things inthere that we don't want to make
decisions on.
So we have clutter in there.
(02:38):
And every once in a while weclean it out because I know the
steps to get organized.
And it's just a nice place tonot have to make a decision in
the moment.
SPEAKER_00 (02:47):
That's amazing.
I think, I think everybodyprobably has one of those rooms,
if not maybe more than one.
Have you found that for thepeople you've worked with?
SPEAKER_01 (02:56):
Yes, for sure.
Those rooms, well, in thoserooms that have a purpose
because that's what its pointis.
For us, it's we have a lot ofkids in transition.
So we put things in there thatwe might need if they move out
or we're saving for when they doget their own place.
But you know, if it's every roomin your house, then it might be
(03:17):
more of a challenge.
SPEAKER_00 (03:20):
So what like what brought you into doing this line
of business?
SPEAKER_01 (03:26):
I think I've always been someone that likes to think
orderly, maybe.
And when I had little kids, Istayed home.
I have four kids and I stayedhome with them, and I would want
to go to the park and want to dofun things.
And sometimes certain friendswould be like, No, I need to
stay home and clean, and I needto go through some stuff.
(03:48):
And I would be like, Ugh, I justwant to go have fun.
And I had a really good friendwho was more really had an issue
with clutter.
And I just thought to myself, Ican help people go through their
stuff.
Like I could really help peopleget organized to help them
declutter.
(04:08):
And so when my youngest went topreschool, I just decided this
would be a great thing for me todo part-time.
And it was kind of in thebeginning when people like being
an organizer wasn't quite aspopular as it is now.
And so I made a website, startedtelling people, and started
working for people.
(04:29):
My website would come up in asearch pretty well.
And so that was good for melocally.
And then I started speaking onthe topic and building an email
list on, you know, so I had morereferrals and met people from
speaking engagements that I'dhave.
SPEAKER_00 (04:45):
Oh wow.
So you really just werepioneering something in essence,
because you like you said backin the day, there wasn't maybe a
lot of people doing what youdid.
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (04:58):
And when you said pioneering, I'm like, ooh, I
haven't really thought of myselfas a pioneer.
SPEAKER_00 (05:03):
Yes.
But yeah.
So did you have like a grid forlike how did you know like what
your next steps were?
How did you get started?
SPEAKER_01 (05:14):
You know, I just bought the build a website in a
day, and then read a book onorganizing, and was in, it's so
funny.
I was in Barnes and Noble, likeon a coffee date, probably with
my husband or something.
And a lady struck up aconversation, and I think she
(05:34):
was probably building hermulti-level marketing company,
and she was meeting people outand about.
And when we started talking, andI told her that I was a
professional organizer, Iprobably had my business card
with me back then and gave it toher.
She needed somebody, and so shehired me.
And I remember researching sohard before I went to her
(05:57):
office.
And and I kind of developed mymy steps to getting organized
and then just started usingthose.
It's kind of the if you have asystem or steps or a framework,
it works with no matter whatyou're working with.
So that just you know becamesomething I was really good at
teaching someone the steps, andthen it worked with it works
(06:20):
with everything digital,physical, your brain, a project,
your calendar.
SPEAKER_00 (06:26):
Wow.
So you met her.
Like, was she like kind of thecatalyst that was like, okay,
but this is actually happening?
SPEAKER_01 (06:33):
Well, I think I started helping a friend for
free.
Okay.
And got before and afterpictures with her.
Okay.
And then yeah, that lady was thefirst one that paid me.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (06:45):
I don't even remember anything after that.
I just remember somehow I gotclients.
SPEAKER_00 (06:50):
So you in essence, like, did you did you like sense
that the Lord was like leadingyou into this?
Was there kind of a go on it, ordid you just go?
SPEAKER_01 (07:01):
That is such an interesting question.
And I was a believer then, andI, you know, we were very
involved and I led Bible study.
I don't think that I everremember seeking his answer out
with that.
But the doors opened, and I feltfree to do that, and I did it
(07:21):
while my kids were in school,and it just worked great.
So, yes, but that's a reallygood question.
I don't think I ever necessarilyspecifically prayed about should
I start this business or not?
SPEAKER_00 (07:36):
Well, and that's in you know, it's interesting
because you look back and youknow, the years that you've been
doing this, you said it's been17 years now.
Yes, correct?
I mean, 17 represents victory.
So I mean, this is sounds like avictorious um endeavor that he
in essence led you to.
And I it makes me kind of youknow go, huh.
He does he doesn't always haveto give us the whole thing
(08:00):
before we step into something.
I was talking to somebody theother day, and it's like as
we're talking right now, I'm notstopping to pray and ask him
what my next words are.
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (08:12):
Yeah.
And I think it's interestingthat we're having this
conversation because this year,more than ever, I feel like
God's called me to this.
And I've intentionally shiftedmy mindset to like, this is
where he wants me.
This is my calling.
Because I am constantly like,oh, should I go do something
(08:35):
else?
This isn't working.
Should I try this?
Oh, this is amazing.
I love this.
I'm so glad I have this.
Oh man, I should try somethingelse.
You know, yeah.
Should I leave?
Should I get a regular job?
And so I've had those timesthroughout my business over the
years.
And this year, I really feellike this is where he wants me.
(08:57):
He's called me to do this.
He hasn't shown me somethingelse that he wants me to do.
So I've really turned to rely onhim more and really invite him
into all areas of my business,completely surrender it to him,
ask him about each decision, ortry to remember to do that, is
(09:18):
honestly what I'm doing.
And I feel like it's soexciting.
I'm like, I am going to enjoythis walk with him and this
process and yeah, really justinvite him.
And he's, I feel like he'spersonally said, and I am going
to provide for you, and I amgoing to do this, and also I am
(09:40):
going to get the glory for whathappens in your business.
SPEAKER_00 (09:43):
Yes.
No wonder you're here today.
Yes.
So what is it like, you know,somebody's listening in today,
and you know, they they've maybehad a business and they're like,
Yeah, you know, I like what I'mdoing.
I just don't really know if it'smy calling.
I feel like that's really a lotof um it seems to be kind of
elusive to just people ingeneral, right?
(10:04):
But what would you say hasreally solidified for you?
Um, is it like a feeling?
Are you seeing like tangibletangibles that are causing you
to go, wow, this is really likewhat he created me to do?
SPEAKER_01 (10:19):
I think he is has always used my gift.
Like I always thought I wantedto be a teacher, but someone
told me, oh, teachers don't makeenough money.
So then I was like, oh, well, Ithen okay, then I have to be a
business person.
So then I got a business degree.
Okay, but I always felt like mygifts are in teaching.
(10:39):
And so I would lead Bible studyor you know, teach in that way.
And with my business, that'swhat I get to do.
I get to do a lot of teachingand and walking with people
through learning a skill, likethe skill of organizing.
And so I think that's part ofit, but I also think, and so the
(11:01):
question, I'm like, what was I?
I had something so good that Iwanted to say.
The question was, do I feel likehe's called me to it?
Okay, here's what I want to say.
I am super efficient.
I'm a three on the Enneagram.
I'm driven.
I I think about my business andI think I don't want to waste
(11:22):
time doing stuff that isn'tgonna work.
That's been a lot of my mindset.
And recently I'm like, okay, Iam gonna learn something.
I'm gonna walk along withpeople, I'm gonna be God's gonna
put me in the path of otherpeople.
None of that is a waste, and Idon't want to think about it
like that anymore.
(11:43):
So I don't necessarily thinklike I don't necessarily feel
like this is my calling, but Ifeel like in this, he's called
me to enjoy him, to surrender tohim, to turn to him.
SPEAKER_00 (11:57):
Yes.
And you look at, I love what youtalked about, even with um, you
know, the teaching.
Like you thought, you know, youhave that teaching, right?
You have that teaching gift.
And I don't know about you, butI I've often thought about you
know, kids in high school whoare getting ready to graduate,
and at least for me, they wouldhave like this list of different
(12:18):
things you can do and how muchmoney you would make, and the
people would go for the thingsthat made more money.
It didn't necessarily pair withtheir gifts or what would you
know mesh well with even whothey are.
Right.
I love that you said you're nowseeing, you're able to see that
that teaching gift has beenutilized in a way and it has
(12:39):
been redeemed because somebodytried to hijack that from you.
Right?
SPEAKER_01 (12:45):
And yeah, and got to the point where he's still, yes,
exactly like you're saying, he'sstill using that now.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (12:55):
Well, this is amazing.
So as you've been doing this for17 years, um, you're you're
really getting solidified, itsounds like this year.
What what have you had any likeshifts or changes in your
business to um I I know youmentioned a little bit about you
know kind of shifting from likehome.
Like what are you doing now thatum maybe is solidifying that a
(13:19):
little bit more for you?
SPEAKER_01 (13:21):
I think just having more fun.
I do feel like I've had reachedsome goals that I had, but now
I'm really about okay, I'm gonnaconnect with maybe this is
what's brought it all about.
I don't know.
In the beginning of the year, Iwas like, okay, I'm gonna focus
on visibility and I'm going to,you know, start by pitching to
(13:44):
be on podcasts and teaching ingroups.
And that was set with a businessgoal.
But what I've found is like,this is so fun.
I get to connect and meet newpeople and people that I would
never have met if it weren't forthis goal that I have.
And so it's just been fun tomake connections and meet people
(14:05):
and hear their stories and learnabout their businesses and
connect them with other people.
So I think that's just been inthe forefront of relationships.
SPEAKER_00 (14:17):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (14:17):
And so now as I'm thinking about goals and you
know, I'm in a group program formy business and connecting with
these different people and kindof switching goals a little bit,
switching directions in mybusiness.
So to answer that question, youasked me, I have two parts of my
business.
I have organized life academy,which really focuses on probably
(14:39):
50 plus women, age women, thatare focused on downsizing.
Maybe they're wanting to move,they're wanting to prepare so
they leave their kids, theydon't leave their kids a mess,
that kind of thing.
I have a group that I've beendoing for five years doing that.
And then I also, like two, threeyears ago, I switched as I moved
(15:00):
my own business online.
I realized, wow, this is liketakes a lot to keep that
organized on my computer andwith systems and managing your
time and all of that.
So I put all the organizingskills and figured out the most
simple way that you could dothat, that I could do it in my
(15:22):
own business.
And then I started thinkingthere are lots of business
owners who, you know, maybedon't know the skills, don't
know the steps, who are reallychallenged.
Started to talk to a lot ofcoaches in my industry and
started helping coaches andonline small business owners
help them get organized.
So I created a course and I workone-on-one with um different
(15:46):
people in that industry too.
So I have both those sides,which I kept going, oh, should I
do this?
Should I do that?
Should I stop one of them?
Yeah.
And I haven't been led to stopeither one.
But this specific year, I'mdoing some work.
I've been focused on thebusiness side for like two or
three years, and now I'm gonnafocus back on the home side.
So it's just yeah, talkingthrough and working out
(16:09):
strategies, but then also, youknow, excited who God's because
he keeps saying, I am going togive you people, I am going to
introduce you to and bringpeople to you that you can help.
So be thinking about them.
What do they need?
What ways can you help them?
SPEAKER_00 (16:25):
So incredible.
I'm I'm with you.
Like he showed me if we buildit, they will come.
Yes.
Remember Field of Dreams?
Yes, I do.
So I'd love to for you to sharea little bit.
Um, you know, as a businessowner, like I feel like I've
I've been doing business for awhile, but maybe speak to like
some of these newer um businessowners who, yeah, I think a lot
(16:46):
of times it's like putting aplane together with tape when it
comes to systems, right?
It's like I I'm gonna fly, butit's it's kind of duct tape
together.
And like, what would it looklike for somebody to walk with
you um on this journey of, youknow, I'm a brand new business
owner, I don't know what I'mdoing.
Like, what would that look likefor them to walk with you?
SPEAKER_01 (17:06):
To get organized in their business, yes.
I start with our mindset.
So I have the practical skillsof organizing and I also have
life coach certified in 2018.
So I have the mindset blocks andtools that you need.
So to combine those two thingsis my job because a lot of times
people come to me and theythey're they've been a messy
(17:28):
person.
They were always the one thathad piles, or they're
disorganized, or they can't, youknow, manage their time well, or
or more seriously, they haveADHD or they have executive
functions deficits and they needhelp, they need structures and
uh things to look at theirspecific situation and figure
(17:50):
out solutions for them.
So there's parts of it we welook at their mindset.
If they believe that they're amessy person or that it's
impossible for them to getorganized, that has to change.
Like we have to begin to shiftthat in order for it to actually
follow through.
Like we need to prove or toshift our thinking about what is
(18:12):
possible for us.
And then at the same time, weneed to start building some
evidence that it's true.
So I like to focus on thedigital file structure so that
when you download something onyour computer or you're bringing
something in, it has a place togo that's so simple for your
mind to understand.
(18:33):
So I teach people on theircomputer how to have only five
files that they so it's eitherbusiness or home, but in their
business side of it, there'sonly five files that they need.
And now all of a sudden, intheir mind, it's so simple
because it goes into one ofthose five places.
(18:54):
And then I use those same fivefiles in your email because a
lot of people struggle withemail.
So we have those five files.
So your brain is, you know,reducing the the load, the
mental load and the decisionfatigue in order to because you
only have to remember these fivethings.
And then I also use that like alot of us make graphics in Canva
(19:16):
or somewhere, so we use the samefive file structure in there.
So learning that file structure,and then there's sorts of
shortcuts on your computer, onyour um bookmarks bar or your
favorites bar that I teachpeople because a lot of times
I'll see they have you know 150tabs open at once and they can't
(19:38):
remember where the tab is thatthey were working on.
And so I help them just it'slike the stress of losing
something is so high that I canteach them really simple ways to
reduce that stress and to feelsecure and confident they're
gonna be able to find what theyneed.
SPEAKER_00 (19:55):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (19:55):
When they need it.
SPEAKER_00 (19:57):
How many people need this?
Like, have you found that likehow many, how many people have
you worked with to help them getset free in this?
Yeah, there's a lot of people.
SPEAKER_01 (20:09):
Right.
And then people that listen tomy podcast, I keep getting
people messaging me saying, Ohmy gosh, this is so good.
I needed to hear this, I'veimplemented this, and and it's
helped so much.
So yeah, I have a course thatpeople can get that has I'm
getting close to a hundred inthe course, and then I also work
one-on-one, and then people canlisten to the podcast and and
(20:32):
learn a lot of it.
SPEAKER_00 (20:34):
And tell us the name of your podcast so they can go
find you.
It's the organized coachpodcast.
Perfect name.
So not only are you organizinghomes, like desktops, mailbox.
Yes, but you're organizingbrains, brains, which in essence
(20:55):
like affects the heart and itends up affecting like
generational legacy.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (21:04):
Yeah, we were talking about the from a
Christian perspective, like youare stewarding things that God
gives you, or that somehow gotin your house or got into your
computer or whatever.
The things that you bring in,now it's your responsibility to
take care of them and to stewardthem and to be generous, like
(21:28):
thinking about things in homesand stuff.
So, yes, and you're teachingthat to your family and you're
leaving that for your kids.
So, yes, it affects your legacy,your your children's future,
your family's future.
SPEAKER_00 (21:42):
Absolutely.
So, could you share um whetherit's the home, the you know,
organized business or yourbrain?
Maybe one of your favoritetestimonials that you've had
somebody just have a hugetransformation.
SPEAKER_01 (22:00):
Yes, I have this uh amazing client, and this is on
the home side.
She's in my organized lifeacademy, and it and it's so
sweet.
Like her house was just filledwith clutter, and she has just
diligently gone through one areaat a time, and she would tell me
(22:23):
like that her storage room, shewouldn't even go in there.
I think she said it was 15years, she just didn't go in
there.
Whoa, and now just following theorganizing steps, she goes in
there now and is so proud.
Like everything's off the floor,it's all in bins, and now she's
(22:43):
gone through all the paper inher house.
She's uh now she helps otherpeople.
Like she was like, I was helpingsomeone else.
My friend needed help gettingorganized.
She's an inspiration in ourcommunity, like she's made so
much progress.
SPEAKER_00 (23:01):
Oh my goodness, and to think like your yes, this is
your yes.
SPEAKER_01 (23:05):
Yeah, ever think about that.
SPEAKER_00 (23:07):
Like, you know, when I when I think of like the one
that we impact, and it's likeyou just never know sometimes
what the impact is beyond, butyou know, like you've seen the
beyond.
Yes, you've heard of the beyond.
SPEAKER_01 (23:20):
And I think it's so great that we get to be in an
industry where we see that andwe have immediate feedback.
Yes, or I mean, maybe not quiteimmediate, but still like we get
feedback, it's like sorewarding.
SPEAKER_00 (23:35):
It is, and it's like just think, I don't know, just
think of I don't know what wouldyou say like if you're have you
ever thought about if you wereactually like teaching teaching,
like how different that wouldbe, like in a school.
SPEAKER_01 (23:49):
Oh, a hundred percent.
I would enjoy teaching the kidshow to keep their stuff
organized, but yes, that'sprobably what it would be.
SPEAKER_00 (23:58):
Do you have like do you have things for kids that
you've ever um created?
SPEAKER_01 (24:02):
Do you I've worked with kids?
That's an interesting question.
I've worked with kids when Iworked in person.
I I remember helping a girl whoshe could get her ears pierced
if she could keep her roomorganized for up 30 days, I
think it was.
But and she did, she got thempierced.
But oh my goodness, when Ihelped her, there was just so
much stuff.
(24:23):
But what's interesting is we satthere before we started and I
said, Do you think it'spossible?
Immediately she said no.
Wow, and then I thought, okay,well, there's no way it's gonna
be possible if we don't believethat it is even possible.
And so I started asking her, Doyou know anybody that's
organized?
(24:43):
And she could think of hercousin, and then I said, What do
you think her your cousinthinks?
Like, what does she think aboutit?
And so we just right then couldwork on the mindset before we
even began.
SPEAKER_00 (24:56):
Yeah, that's huge.
And especially like, do youknow, like, has she carried that
out?
Is it somebody that you arestill connected to?
SPEAKER_01 (25:05):
I am not.
That was a while back in insomeone from Kansas City, but I
did not know them.
I don't even know how they foundme.
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (25:13):
Those are the best.
Yes, they just show up.
Yeah.
Well, I know that you also havea faith journey as well.
Um, I would love for you toshare like anything that comes
on, you know, that you were ledto.
I know you were we were talkingabout it a little bit.
And I would love for you toshare just a little part of that
story.
Um, because what you're doing ishuge.
(25:34):
And I know that there's alwaysthere's always a story behind,
you know, our our faith journeyis huge.
Um and just continuing on,right?
SPEAKER_01 (25:43):
Yes.
Well, that ties in to when I mysalvation testimony.
Yeah.
I remember I had just graduatedfrom college.
I lived with or I met this girlat the office.
We both just started workingthere, and like within two
months, we're just she was justso amazing.
She was so fun, and we becamesuch good friends in two months.
(26:06):
And then she said, Tracy, I'mmoving to California.
I lived in Texas.
Um, you want to move with me forthe summer?
And I was like, Well, thatsounds amazing.
Just let's be wild and we'refree and we don't have any
reason to stay.
SPEAKER_00 (26:21):
Yes, wild and free.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (26:23):
Aw.
And then so we moved toCalifornia.
We both quit our jobs, which didnot make our boss happy.
I do feel bad for that.
But we moved to California.
We lived with her family, andabout two weeks in, we went to
muffins and coffee on the lakewith her mom's good friend.
And then we went back to thefriend's house, the the adult
(26:44):
mom friend, and she had a bluebook on the counter and she
said, Oh, I've just been prayingabout who I'm gonna disciple.
I didn't even know what thatmeant.
I didn't say anything, and thenlater they left me there.
And guess what we did?
We organized.
I was helping her organize likeher pantry or something.
SPEAKER_00 (27:05):
Oh, wow.
SPEAKER_01 (27:05):
I don't know why.
Like I wasn't.
No, yeah, no, and never eventhought about it, but I was
helping her do that, and thenshe picked that blue book up
again and she said, Tracy, doyou want me to disciple you?
I still had no idea what itmeant, but she was so fun and so
she's like, Of course I'd wantto hang out with her.
(27:26):
And so we started thatdiscipleship book, and I read a
chapter of John every day.
I did a chapter of the book eachweek and memorized two verses a
week.
And I was a good student, so Idid everything I was supposed to
do.
But that first week, I remembersitting on my bed and reading
about salvation and the purposeGod has for me.
(27:49):
And I was like, this is whatit's about.
This is why I'm here.
This is why I came toCalifornia, not to be wild and
free, you know, to meet him.
Like he was my pursuer andbrought me there and introduced
me to this faith.
And since then, I moved, I justknew I was supposed to work with
(28:11):
kids and through connections, Iended up running a girls program
as a girls program coordinatorin Kansas City for inner city
kids.
And so came to Kansas City, metmy husband through Bible study
fellowship, and we got marriedand been involved in our church,
and um just have had such asweet faith journey um leading
(28:38):
Bible studies and just just sogood being involved in the youth
group and awana and so manythings, raising our kids in the
church.
All through what was her name?
SPEAKER_00 (28:52):
Sherry.
Oh, Sherry, like Sherry, Sherrywas bold.
She was bold, really, reallybold.
SPEAKER_01 (29:00):
To ask that, yes, and to be praying about it and
to have a book laying on thecounter.
They probably knew.
Like, I think back, I'm like,did they plan this whole thing?
Because the other family that Imoved with were very strong
Christians, both the parent,like her mom and Sherry, both
were in BSF in California.
That's how I started going to ithere.
(29:22):
They found that there was agroup here, but yeah, they
probably knew I wasn't abeliever.
SPEAKER_00 (29:29):
Yeah.
I mean, incredible.
And just to not even know whatthe word disciple meant.
And then now you you move, andthen you're discipling, you're
you're discipling in massiveways now.
SPEAKER_01 (29:40):
Yes, discipling all those kids that came to know the
Lord through that ministry thatwe were at, and then yeah,
discipleship in in my work.
SPEAKER_00 (29:54):
Yeah, it's like a I like when I've heard the
terminology like a businesstree.
Have you heard that before?
No, it's like Business andministry combined.
SPEAKER_01 (30:02):
Oh, I love that.
It really is, wouldn't you say?
Yes.
And it's so interesting becausemy business isn't outwardly
Christian focused, you know,it's just me as a believer if it
comes up and when it comes up.
SPEAKER_00 (30:17):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (30:18):
Um but yes, that is it is amazing.
And we're putting order.
God is a god of order.
We're putting order and freeingup people's just overwhelm from
clutter to do what they'recalled to do.
SPEAKER_00 (30:37):
Yes.
And it's so important because weneed people off the bench.
Yeah.
Wouldn't you say?
Yes, I love that term too.
Get off the bench, coach.
Put me in.
Yes.
Let's go.
Step up.
And it's scary, but you know,he's going to walk you through
that.
Exactly.
Um, well, this has been reallyfun today.
(31:02):
I would love to hear one morequestion for you.
What is something that he's likereally stretching you into maybe
in the next few months, what youknow you're going to be
stretched into in the comingyear?
Um, really stretching yourfaith, whether business, life,
all of the above.
SPEAKER_01 (31:24):
Yeah, that's a such a good question.
I think for me, uh right now,he's stretching me to hear him
and obey him.
And I'm using this uh book andthis journal to kind of have a
conversation with him.
And that is all new to me.
(31:44):
And already in such a shorttime, he's shown me things that
he wants me to do, and out ofobedience, some of them I've
done immediately.
So I haven't.
And but I think the just thesurrender of my business and
coming to him and asking, yeah,what do you think of this?
(32:07):
What should I do here?
What do you want me to do here?
And not even that I have to hearan answer to all of those
questions, but it's the practiceof me doing that, is what is
yeah, and I forget, I justforget the whole day I could
forget.
SPEAKER_00 (32:25):
So but you're you're putting it into practice, and
there is an essence ofpracticing, right?
Yes, you're building yourmuscles.
SPEAKER_01 (32:35):
Yes, yeah, and it's exciting, it's so exciting.
And two of my uh really goodcoach friends that I got
certified with, we have metevery week since 2018.
Oh my gosh.
And we both all three of us havejust grown in our faith so much,
and we're now bringing, we'rewe're both, we're all of us are
(32:59):
doing this more.
We're bringing our faith intoour conversations and just
really like seeking God and howhe wants to use us in in these
different places that we're at.
And it's it's exciting, it'sreally revival kind of in my
work.
SPEAKER_00 (33:15):
Yes, it's it's truly like, and I feel like um have
you heard of the seven mountainsof influence?
No, okay.
So I know that like I carry likeone of the mountains, so it's
like media, education, business,government.
Um, there's more, right?
But I know like business isdefinitely one of my mountains
for sure.
(33:36):
And you know, we can takerevival.
Like, I know I've heard fromseveral people that revival is
definitely gonna be comingthrough businesses, you know,
and this um, you know, those ofus who are kingdom and you know,
Christians, and it's just gonnabe this beautiful thing.
So you're definitely bringingthis to the table.
You're you're pioneering abeautiful business, and I love
(33:58):
the different facets that youfocus on.
You've got, you know, the home,you have the the body in
essence, and you you have theonline, it's all it's all
encompassing.
So yeah, and the mind of it too.
That's so good.
Exactly.
Because I don't know about you,but I can have a lot of filing
(34:20):
cabinets open in my brain.
Yes.
And I'm like, all right, we needto go through some of these
filing cabinets and shred someof these things that no longer
serve me for this coming season.
SPEAKER_01 (34:32):
Well, I know, and I think people people are like,
Well, I wish I had a filecabinet.
My stuff's just all over in abig pile.
SPEAKER_00 (34:39):
I haven't thought about that.
I guess I'm on I'm on a goodtrack then, right?
Yeah, you have a file cabinet.
And I was thinking, I'm like,oh, I have like all these
folders and I'm I'm prettyorganized.
So I think I'm doing okay, butI'm sure I could learn more from
you.
I love it.
Um this is beautiful.
I'm so thankful for the workthat you do.
And I'm sure some of thelisteners are like, oh my gosh,
(35:01):
I need to hear, how can I findher?
So, what is the best way to geta hold of you?
SPEAKER_01 (35:05):
My website is simply squaredaway.com.
And I have a home side of thatand a business side.
So, whatever you need help with,there's places on that to find
answers and to get help with.
And of course, listen to theOrganized Coach podcast.
SPEAKER_00 (35:23):
Yes.
And you can find the podcastskind of everywhere.
Yes.
Okay.
Cool.
And I will be sure to add yourlinks in the show notes to any
listeners or listening.
You're like, I don't know whereto find it.
You'll find it in the show notesfor sure.
So um, I'm gonna close up fortoday, but as we do close up, I
would love for you to think ofsomeone who's listening in, just
(35:44):
kind of get a picture of thisperson listening in.
Do you have any other thingsthat you'd like to encourage
this in person in, words ofencouragement, any words of
wisdom that you'd want to speakover them?
And then would you mind prayingus out today?
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (35:59):
Yeah, what's coming to my mind right now is that God
is pursuing you.
And I think of how he pursued mein salvation.
We went through a really hardtime with a a child in a car
accident that was paralyzed, andhe pursued me through all of
that, through the struggle withprayer, and not, you know, I
(36:22):
trusted God, but the prayer partof it was challenging.
And he pursues me when I justget sick of everything.
And now he's pursuing me throughmy business, and he's doing the
same for you.
So that would be my biggestencouragement right now is God
is pursuing you.
SPEAKER_00 (36:42):
Yes, beautiful.
Oh my gosh.
Well, I I can't, I would love tohave you back on again another
time if you want to share moreabout you know some of the
things that you've walkedthrough even.
Um, the first season of HopeUnlocked was called Voices of
Hope from the Valley.
So um nice to come share again.
Awesome.
(37:02):
Well, would you pray us outtoday?
SPEAKER_01 (37:04):
Yes, let me pray.
God, we love you so much.
We are so, so grateful that wecan have conversations like this
and realize that you are incharge of all of it.
You are in control of it.
You call us, you work throughus, and you're for us, and you
lead us.
I think about how that and thatultimately you pursue us because
(37:27):
you love us so much.
So we pray for all the detailsof the person listening right
now.
I lift all of them up to you,God.
And I thank you for Kristenhaving me here and for her
listening to your calling andobediently walking in the path
that you have her in.
And we love you so much, and wepray all of this in Jesus' name.
(37:48):
Amen.
SPEAKER_00 (37:49):
Amen.
Well, thank you so much forbeing on, and thank you for
being a brave voice who'ssetting so many free.
I'm gonna close with ouranchoring verse over Hope
Unlocked, and it's may the Godof hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so thatby the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound in hope.
And that's Romans 15, 13.
(38:10):
So thank you, Tracy.
You've been a joy, and I cannotwait to um possibly have you on
again.
I'll be back with anotherepisode next week.
Thanks, listeners.
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