Hey friends! It’s the last week of our Smart Girl Summer series… I sure hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have! I am thrilled to have Annie F. Downs on the show today. I’m absolutely convinced that the world needs more fun and laughter, and Annie brings both wherever she goes!  In this conversation, we talk about business, marketing, podcasting, friendships, failures, and even how to chase the fun in life! You definitely don’t want to miss how we bonded over the importance of having a solid mission statement to keep us focused. Plus, Annie candidly shares how her understanding that God has called her to build something that will bring light keeps her motivated and pushing forward in all seasons.  Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founder of the That Sounds Fun Network—which includes her aptly named flagship show, That Sounds Fun—and author of multiple bestselling books, Annie shoots straight and doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. But she always finds her way back to the truth that God is good and that life is a gift.  Listen in to learn more about: How “knowing your lane” in your business or ministry is the absolute BEST way to manage imposter syndrome and comparison.  Debunking the myth that just because someone has a bit of success, everything magically turned golden for them. 100% not true, by the way! How Annie views failures. Here’s a hint, she believes everything is an experiment and an opportunity to ask, “So, what’s next?!” Favorite quotes: ~It’s a little easier to cheer for everyone who’s in their lane when we are sure of our lane. I need to see my mission statement everyday so I know MY lane and don’t compare myself to other people and I don’t live and die by the applause of the internet. ~The reality is that  nothing is a total flop or a failure. Everything is an experiment that you pivot as you build, so sometimes, you stop building the building if you don’t want to put energy into it anymore; or if the return on the investment is not matching the investment. ~If you don’t know why you are doing what you are doing when you get put in a fire, you will jump out. ~What keeps me doing this is that I really think God put me on the planet to do the thing I’m doing right now.  ~What keeps me motivated is that I believe God’s really called us to bring light to the dark places. ~My biggest piece of advice is to start paying people to help you before you have the money to pay them; if it means giving away a little piece of equity or paying them hourly.  ~We pray for wisdom and the mind of Christ everyday, that’s how you are going to make decisions you do not know how to make. Links to great things we discussed:  Annie F. Downs – author. speaker. podcaster. loud laugher. Concealer Makeup | IL MAKIAGE Buc-ee's Famous Beaver Nuggets Sweet Corn Puff Snacks Texas … Buc-ees: Home That Sounds Fun Book - Annie F. Downs The Old Man (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb Lauryn Hill - Doo- (That Thing) (Official Video) - YouTube Join the Confident Motherhood Community here. Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli