You ever wake up and just feel like, “I’m not doing this again today”? Maybe it’s the job, the boss, or even the overall vibe of your day-to-day life. That’s how I felt before jumping into the entrepreneurial world, and it’s how so many people feel right now.
During a conversation with Molly Tschang on Never Been Promoted, it became pretty clear that choosing happiness and finding your voice aren’t just nice ideas—they’re real, actionable decisions you can make today. Molly’s story didn’t just inspire me; it hit home in a way that I think will resonate with anyone trying to break out of that cycle of just ‘getting through the day.’
Here’s what I learned from our chat.
Wake Up with a Purpose: Stop Letting the Day Control You
Molly shared something simple but incredibly effective: “I fly out of bed happy.” She just decided that one day. Not because life was suddenly perfect but because she took control over how she approached each day. And honestly, that hit hard. How many of us just roll out of bed, already dreading the day ahead?
What she said reminded me of the days when I felt stuck in a rut, letting work and stress dictate how I felt from the moment I woke up. Molly turned that on its head. “Someone told me you can’t just decide to be happy, but I disagree. Why can’t I?” she shared. And she’s right. Deciding to embrace the day and take on its challenges is something we all have the power to do, but most of us never do it.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Happiness is a decision you make. Stop waiting for something outside of you to bring it. Take control.
- You set the tone. If you wake up determined to be miserable, guess what? That’s how your day’s gonna go. Start with a better intention.
- Embrace your own journey. Your highs and lows, even the embarrassing ones, are part of your story. Don’t run from them; learn from them.
Speak Up: The World Isn’t Waiting for Your Silence
Molly didn’t always have this bold, confident persona. In fact, she told me, “I didn’t speak English until I was five, and I was painfully shy.” Today, she’s all about speaking up and helping others do the same. She’s even got a podcast, Say It Skillfully, where she teaches people how to voice their thoughts clearly and effectively in tough situations.
What stood out to me was her focus on being real. How many times do we hold back from saying what we think, just because we’re afraid of rocking the boat? Molly made me rethink that. “The ability to communicate positively and productively is something anyone can learn,” she told me. And she’s proof of that.
What really clicked for me was when she said, “So many people go to work every day, but don’t speak up because they’re afraid it’s not what others want to hear.” I’ve been there, working jobs where I felt like I had to say the ‘right thing’ instead of the real thing. But that doesn’t get you anywhere. Molly’s message is simple: You have a voice, use it. Don’t wait for someone to ask for it. Just put it out there.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Speak your mind, even when it’s uncomfortable. Your voice matters. Don’t let fear keep you quiet.
- Don’t let your past define your limits. Molly overcame being shy and non-verbal as a kid. That’s a reminder that communication is something we can all get better at.
- Saying what needs to be said helps you grow. Being honest—even when it’s hard—pushes you to be stronger and more confident.
Reflections from the Interview
Molly didn’t just bring a bunch of nice ideas to the table. She’s living proof that you can shift your mindset and own your voice—two things that can completely change how you navigate life and work. What hit me most was how relatable her journey is. She wasn’t born this confident or this grounded; she decided to be. And that’s something all of us can do, right now.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- You’re in control of your own happiness. No one’s going to hand it to you, so stop waiting.
- Your voice is your power. Speak up, especially when it’s hard. If you’re quiet, you’re missing out on shaping the world around you.
- Being grounded is the key to everything. If you’re not solid in who you are, it’s hard to navigate anything else successfully.
- Challenges are part of the growth process. Don’t shy away from the hard stuff. It’s where the real learning happens.
- You don’t need anyone’s permission to thrive. Whether in life or business, you get to choose how you show up.
Final Thoughts
Molly’s journey serves as a reminder that we don’t have to stay stuck. Whether you’re frustrated with your job, tired of feeling like a cog in the machine, or just looking for something more, you can change things. You can choose happiness. You can decide to speak up. And, more than anything, you can give yourself permission to live the life you’ve always wanted.
If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start doing things differently, let me save you the suspense—it’s not coming. The perfect moment is now, today. Get out of bed and decide, like Molly did, that you’re going to be happy and you’re going to use your voice.
CONNECT WITH MOLLY TSCHANG:
Website: https://www.sayitskillfully.com/