In this solo episode, host Adam Lewis Walker opens by wishing listeners a happy new year after a month-long break. He immediately announces a pause in the 'Amplify Your Mission' podcast, citing that things have not been working for the last six months of the year. Walker explains the podcast is deeply wrapped into everything he does, and he needs time to reflect. He references his book 'Awaken Your Alpha' and its subtitle about stepping up, mastering identity, and leading an impactful life, but admits he doesn't feel fully stepped up and is questioning his identity. He describes feeling like he's been going through the motions and living life on autopilot towards the end of the year. Walker contrasts the value of action, which alleviates anxiety, with the necessity of pausing when something isn't working to avoid banging your head against a brick wall. He emphasizes that pausing allows for awareness, listening to oneself, and identifying what restores and refreshes, preventing life on autopilot. Walker reveals he has key decisions to make and won't start the year exactly as before. He acknowledges the episode is random but wanted to update listeners. He mentions he is still working with clients on their TEDx talks to amplify their missions. Walker then delves into the core identity of his podcast, stating it is ultimately a mental health and personal leadership podcast focused on pure focus, action, mastery, and legacy. He questions if stepping away from that mental health focus has led to a slight deterioration in his own mental health, as it's no longer a top-of-mind practice. He wonders if he should just talk about tactical, nuts-and-bolts stuff or if the mental side is more inspiring for listeners. Walker confirms the podcast will continue with him at the helm after the pause. He records this in the first week back to normality, acknowledging it's a challenging time for many without clarity. He admits he hasn't done the work to gain that clarity yet and doesn't want to run without it or deliver less than his best work. Walker asks listeners if they relate to lacking clarity or feeling pressure to have everything planned by January 1st. He notes that even as someone who wrote a book on stepping up, if you don't practice it daily or align your life, cracks will show. He concludes by stating if the episode feels unclear, that's the point, and encourages giving oneself permission to pause.
