Banner photo by Dixie Dixon.
Kiah Twisselman Burchett’s journey to inspire and encourage others grew out of her agricultural roots.
During her time as director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council, the California FFA alumna and sixth-generation cattle rancher decided to pursue entrepreneurship as a full-time career. Burchett launched Coach Kiah, a personal brand focused on helping others — and herself — live more authentically, joyfully and confidently.
Since making this switch, Burchett has made appearances and shared her story on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, RFD-TV and in People magazine, among other outlets. Leaning on her own experiences, the life coach, motivational speaker and host of the Climbing with Coach Kiah podcast shares these four tips for becoming your best self.
1. Seek self-awareness.
An important part of becoming your best self is exploring your beliefs about yourself, others and the world, and asking three questions: Are these thoughts true? Are they helpful? Are they kind?
“The biggest thing holding us back in our lives is the false narrative that the things we think, believe and hold on to are true,” Burchett says. “My biggest tip is to be open-minded to something different.”
2. Be focused, but flexible.
Although it’s good to have big dreams for your life and set goals to achieve them, Burchett says it’s also essential to be flexible along the way.
“Life is one big journey of self-exploration,” she says. “The more we see, do and experience, the more we learn about ourselves. This could mean the things we once wanted have changed.”
3. Quit comparing.
Instead of looking at the progress others are making and comparing where you are on the path to achieving your goals, Burchett advises adopting the mantra: “my race, my pace.”
“We’re not racing against anyone else,” she says. “You are right on time for your own life.”
4. Find joy in the journey.
Believing you’ll discover happiness once you reach your goals is a lie, Burchett says. Becoming your best self means planning for the future and working toward your goals, while also finding happiness and expressing gratitude along the way.
“The best part of this whole journey is not the destination, but knowing there will be more to come,” she says. “We don’t have to wait to reach our goals to feel proud and joyful about where we’re at right now.”