Codi Chen Executive Officer, And The Co-Creator Of HeartWorks Writing. Helping aspiring authors with editing or ghostwriting. HeartWorks also help you write to heal, through coaching programs.
Codi shares her journey of going from an employee to a boss, to the whole world basically catching on FIRE. She and her wife, Renee, had to step back and decide what was really important. Peace. Peace was an important factor in their life.
Codi shares how she has made a routine to achieve peace in her life.
Routine | Routine of Peace
Codi does not follow a strict routine. Learning how she best can take on the day and adapts a routine to her. However, a few things tend to be a pattern in her daily life.
- Spend time alone to focus on what is important to you and not giving everyone else your best time.
- Connecting with her god/higher being
- Put your phone on do not disturb
Success
Codi defines success as being directly tied to peace. And when you can find peace in your life, you will find success.
Connect With Codi Chen
Website: https://www.heartworksw.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codichen/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14Dkz6FK8alVm-ZVMEbxYSgdF7OJcYap
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartworkswriters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartworkswriting/
Transcript
Hannah Mitrea 0:05
Hello, everyone, this is Hannah, your host, and you are listening to the success is routine podcast. Our show is on a mission to talk to leaders in life and business that have achieved success. And to learn what their routine is, if you’re ready to create your routine to success, you’re in the right place. Now, let’s get started. So excited to be here with Cody 10. On the success is routine podcast, she’s going to be talking about her routine or how he structures her day to make sure that she’s fitting in that success that she’s looking for. But also Cody is the executive officer and the CO creator of heart works writing. And so she’ll also be sharing some tips about writing and how to get started there. And just how to get into the routine of writing with everyone. So thank you so much for joining us, Cody.
Codi Chen 0:54
Thank you. I’m so happy to be here. I love your podcasts, and being on your other one as well. So thank you so much for the invite back and opportunity to speak.
Hannah Mitrea 1:05
Yes, you’re amazing on that one. So I know you’ll be amazing again on this one. And I love seeing stuff like being implemented after the last podcast two CMR coming.
Codi Chen 1:17
I love that I was I was actually looking at all that kind of re listen to the one yesterday or earlier today that we did. And I was like, I’ve implemented a lot of this, like I’m still working on some but like it’s been very helpful.
Hannah Mitrea 1:30
Awesome. Wow, it’s good to hear that feedback. So I don’t usually get to talk to people again after, just because we’re also busy in our life. So I’m super excited to hear that you’ve been implementing it that’s been helpful being able to kind of look back on it. But for everyone that doesn’t know you right now. So share a little bit about Partworks writing what you do and how you got into it a little of your story.
Codi Chen 1:50
Sure, thanks. Okay, so I started this business with my wife, and back in like 2018 is when we went full time with it. Originally, we created the business to be a specialized mental health writing company. And that basically, we worked with residential treatment centers and therapy offices, in child placement agencies a lot in the mental health realm. And we noticed that a lot of people were struggling to get their documentation completed in a appropriate amount of time with enough information and written really well. And these things go to the state go to federal courts, all of that. So they’re very important. And we I helped out at one facility I was working at and then I thought probably about two years before I made it a business. I thought maybe this could be a business since no one else is doing it. But of course we wait, you know, and put the pause and think though that’s ridiculous. Who am I to run a business especially in create an industry that doesn’t actually exist? And so, basically, in the beginning, I was working at a therapy office, and then I was also doing these reports on the side. And my life was a lot about like constant work. And I was listening to different influencers or motivational type people and you know, talking a lot about success and routine and a lot of that message was like work harder, right? Like, hustle, hustle, you’re better off work harder. And
Hannah Mitrea 3:29
Gary Vee is message all the time. Just what work I said Gary Vee talks a lot about hustling and working. And
Codi Chen 3:35
yeah, and I really bought into it. Um, and it got to the point for me that I was like, Well, I work, you know, the majority of the day in the night, and I have no time for myself. And this x. And so I worked, worked, worked, worked, worked, worked, work, tried to do all the things that were supposed to do got the house, you know, my wife’s father was living with us, like, it was the direction that we were trying to head in, right and thought that it would be great. But then, unexpected things happened at work, unexpected things happen in the community that we lived in, and everything went away. As far as like businesses shut down. We lost 80% of our income. The house that we had fought so hard for, like really just stressed me out. You know, just all of these things really piled up and I just thought, What the hell was all of this for? Like, I worked my butt off for what? You know, because it was all just taken away. And I worked so hard. I made no time for myself. I mean, no time for my marriage, like we were struggling. We’re trying to get there, get there, hustle, hustle, do it, do it all for it to be taken away, and you have nothing to show for it. So we worked super hard, but then once that all kind of happened. We We were like, You know what this clearly is not working. And so we decided to branch out and eventually opened up this company for other facilities, not just the couple that we’re doing it for, but really branched out and opened up our services. And we were flooded pretty quickly with a ton of work. And so we did that for a long time until I you know, when you like, pray so hard for something sometimes, and then you get it, and then you’re ready to like, move on a while later, you know, we kind of felt like that where it was really amazing work, really important work, we trained a bunch of people I was in charge of, you know, really got up there quickly. And then just realized, like, I was kind of repeating that same pattern, again, of hustle, hustle, hustle, but I was more intentional, I was feeling better about it. But eventually, I got to the point in about 2021. So just you know, your year and a half ago, where I was like I’m done, done with this, I don’t know what to do with this anymore. It’s such an A good important industry that should exist, it’s really important services. But I’m like, I don’t want to do it anymore. And I’m done. And I learned already from lessons before that, like when I’m done, I it’s time to move on or life will really force you to move on. And I didn’t want to repeat that again. So I spoke with Rene and we were in a mastermind you and I together Hannah that gave me so much courage and ideas and all of that. So basically last summer, we approached our head writer and said, we have had other offers to sell this, this portion of our company, this specialized mental health writing, but we love supporting entrepreneurs, we love supporting women, we love supporting queer women and she you know is married with to another woman has, you know, adopted a child all of these things. And we wanted to give her the opportunity over maybe the more money that might come in from doing it from selling it to someone else. And she was super happy for that opportunity. And so she took that. And then we were like, oh, at the beginning of 2022 is kind of like, I already knew what direction we’re going. So I had been working towards it a little bit. But it was then starting over like once again. But every time we’ve done it, it’s been a little bit happier. So now we focus on copywriting editing, book writing, ghost writing, and we lead different writing groups. And we also do like book coaching and content coaching for entrepreneurs or authors out there who needs support in those areas. So I feel like every time we start over, it’s more starting with different experience pieces a higher priority every time. And it looks different. And it’s exciting. So that’s kind of how I got from starting a business and how that form to where we are now. Yeah,
Hannah Mitrea 8:02
no, I love that, that you’re able to really identify when you’re ready to move on. And like, make that jump. And so it’s kind of interesting, like, have you seen that pattern in your life prior to that to like, so some something that happened when you were younger? And things like that, where you can kind of see like when you’re done with something right and move on? Or was that something new that kind of developed for you? Were you able to really identify that?
Codi Chen 8:25
Yeah, I would say Hindsight is really important. So I can see in my whole life where, when I’m done, I’m done and I need to move on, or I will be forced to move on. I’ve always been a kid where or like, you know, even as a young adult, I used to think, you know, like, gosh, I just wish that I could stick with something and the path is already there for me. Like my mother was a labor and delivery nurse for you know, 45 plus years. And she knew what she wanted, there’s a very clear path to becoming that. And she stuck with it and you know, continued on, but as much as it felt like I wanted that because it seemed just like less work. I actually feel super trapped in it. Or, you know, I need my freedom a lot more. So I learned pretty early on that those things just weren’t going to pan out for me in the end. And I just needed to figure out a way that would work for me.
Hannah Mitrea 9:27
Yeah, no, I love that you found that way that worked for you. And that, you know, kind of goes with the routine that we’re gonna talk about. Because your routine isn’t really set. You found something that works for you. So share with us kind of, you know, how you discovered what works best for you and why it wasn’t maybe a set routine.
Codi Chen 9:46
Yeah, sure. So when you know, when I was super hustle. And I realized that there just wasn’t. I was like, What am I hustling for even You know, if it can all be taken away, we can all be this and that, why am I miserable doing these things. And so basically what I discovered, probably in my 20s, it was that I’m actually a morning person, I really enjoy the morning, I’m not super late owl, or like night owl, I really enjoy waking up. So I tend to wake up between like 530 in the morning and 730, somewhere in there. And I like it, because Renee is on an opposite schedule where she’s more of a night owl. And so we each have our own alone time, which is really important when like owning and running a business together, living together all of that. And so I like to take that time and wake up a little bit early, the whole house is dark, it’s super quiet, everyone’s asleep. And that’s when I get to be like really creative. And just in my own element, like my brain is fastest in the morning. And so I’ve learned to like take advantage of that, back in the hustle days, it was like get right to work, right, like pound out a crazy amount of work, you know, in the first, you know, right before noon, or something like that. And I would be exhausted, but still have a ton more to go. And when I was working for other people, I realized like I needed to take advantage more of that time instead of just work and work and work and work. And that’s it for like six days out of the week. And so I would wake up extra early. And I would at that time I was doing paint by number on canvases, order them online. And I’m not like a painter, you know, like freehand doesn’t. It’s not that beautiful. But when there’s lines and there’s already designated everything in there, I really found it comforting, I could listen to podcasts, I could chat with a friend. And I could listen to audiobooks while I’m painting for like an hour or so before I have to get up and do everything. So that’s really how that started. And then, once I stopped working for other people, I really had to work on not jumping into work right away, because I just learned like, if that’s my best time of day, I deserve to have that for myself, where at least a portion of it for myself, right. So I don’t, I don’t do the painting anymore, just because I don’t stick to one thing consistently, you know. But right now what has been super consistent now that I’m in like a really good place. And kind of the best, you know, place I’ve really been is I wake up still early, I take the dog out, feed the dog and make coffee. And then I stay off of social media for a while because for me, I find like I all of a sudden take in all of this information if my brains already like got its gears going and running and running, putting more information or more opinions or more whatever is just becomes too much for me. So I just stay off of social media for a minute, right now, instead of like the painting, I’m into learning French or kind of relearning French, so I’ve got that Duolingo app. And you know whether it’s five minutes, or like two hours, if I’m feeling it, I just go with it and enjoy that and I feel productive still and something that I really enjoy. And I’m working towards a goal. But I don’t have to sit here and like 30 minutes every day that doesn’t suck in a workout. If I’m not motivated to do it, and I’m not getting paid to do it, then I’m not going to do it like that, you know, an ebb and flow with it. And then kind of the last important thing and my routine in the morning is I’m a spiritual person. And I definitely not religious or anything. But I grew up in the church, I’ve learned a lot of like foundational faith type things I love so many different religions, so many different forms of faith, I believe it’s all the same anyway, personally. And so I spend time connecting with, like, I don’t know, if you want to call it meditation or connecting with God or your higher being or like, whatever. I take some time and I think about okay, today is, you know, to say or it actually is today, Thursday. Today is Thursday, and I’ve got these things going on. And you know, I pick a Oracle Card, I have several different decks and I pick one each morning to help direct my energy in that day. It’s something that I’ve told like God or sourcing This is how I can communicate best and understand you best. And so if you can give me a message through this, I’m all ears no matter what it is. And so I pick a card, or whatever I’m doing that day And it’s it helps really just like ground my energy. And understand that like halfway through the day, if I’m getting anxious or upset or angry or like trying to control something too much I can think back on that card. And remember, like, what is this trying to tell me? You know?
Hannah Mitrea 15:19
Huh, that’s an interesting, just interesting how you the oracle cards and I’m not familiar with them really at all. So it’s really interesting to hear kind of like, how you connect with, you know, with your God, your higher being, because it’s like you said, I don’t think there’s, there’s no right or wrong. There’s no unique like everybody has their own.
Codi Chen 15:39
I think that like even if you’re not into oracle cards, what I’ve done before and what I know other people have done is you pick a favorite book that you really love interest and you flip to any random page and what what do you need to hear right now? You know, sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t click but it’s always clicked with me. So that’s something that I’ve, I’ve stuck to or some version of that to help really like ground myself for the day. Yeah. And then also, those are like the main things that I do. But then I look at my schedule. And I think, Okay, I’ve got, you know, anytime I normally have around 10 projects going, whether it’s one thing or like consistent clients that we just have different things each month, I then sit there and think like, what do I want to do today? Do I feel like hardcore focusing on the, you know, novel where ghost writing? or would I rather like do this editing bit? Or do I rather like, you know, jump in less of a whole book writing process, but maybe, you know, doing someone’s web page or something like that they’re About Me page. So I really just try to go with like what I am feeling in that moment. And that’s when I typically get that best work done. Of course, we have deadlines, of course, we have all these things, but like, I try to give my self enough space, where if I’m just like, I don’t really feel like editing this. But then actually, you know, a couple hours later in the afternoon, I’ll probably feel like doing something editing for me is less intense than, like full on writing. So I really just go with what I’m feeling that day and then honor that, even if it looks like rest.
Hannah Mitrea 17:18
No, no, I love that, like I know, on Tuesday. Yeah, I was just like, so dumb, like, and I knew I had stuff I needed to do. But I was kind of like, none of it was so urgent that needs to be done right that second. So I was like, I turned my computer off. And I went downstairs and we play Catan with the family. That was just so much. That was what I needed in that moment. A break from a screen really all sorts, so not a phone screen, a TV screen, computer screen, no screen, where we can all just get together and take that break. And so I love that, like you found that. But I think a lot of people struggle with that really to like, because, you know, we’re told hustle, hustle, hustle, routine, do this thing, and then do all these things. And so how did you kind of like, I guess, get through that because you dealt with the whole hustle mentality? What were things I like best switch for you where you were like, you know, this is how I function best. And it is not based off of this exact routine everyday for the rest of my life. So how did that help? Like, how did you figure that out? I
Codi Chen 18:22
guess, right. So when, you know I mentioned kind of our whole life fell apart like our business closed. Another thing that happened within like, weeks of something major happening in our community and not not great in us feeling unsafe and all of this then a couple of weeks later, my wife went into for regular routine surgery supposed to be there, you know, in and out 24 hours. She ended up due to medical neglect on life support for a week. And then when we came back, that’s when they closed all the jobs and all of that stuff. We lost all of our money. We lost our insurance. We had a cancer skit, like just went really crazy. And I saw what hustle did. I mean, not necessarily. It’s hustle. Like a hustlers fall. That’s what that got me saying like, my whole life fell apart. I couldn’t afford anything like it. And I was devastated. I was wrecked in I really like Renee and I had to have this conversation where we’re like, We’re married. We’re in this together, this can easily turn nasty on one another because a lot of times you can lash out at the person you’re closest to, and our marriage when survive that like no one’s would. And so we were like we make peace our priority, whatever that looks like is what we’re chasing. And so that looks like constantly for a long time. I had to do daily affirmations right I had to I just No matter if I was feeling it or not, I had to play something and repeat those things over and over and over again to help just like raise my vibration, you know? And then when we switch to opening Yup, our own company. I mean, we’re still in the midst of like crazy struggle. And this was literally like the only option we applied for a billion jobs can get a call back from a Starbucks, either of us, which is insane, couldn’t get teaching jobs. And we were both teachers like it was, it made no sense except to open up our business. And then I would still hustling, right? Because now it’s a new business. And now you have all these things, and it’s all on you. And so I was still trying to do it, but trying to do it a little more consciously. And the biggest thing that the biggest switch for me was, when I started to put my phone on Do Not Disturb. When I was working, the way, I found that I was constantly answering phone calls from facilities or, you know, therapy offices, they were calling for a bunch of different reasons for a bunch of different things. I wasn’t, it’s not necessarily stuff I was getting paid for, but could you know, help out for and like, you know, all of this stuff. And I found that for weeks, I would be working my butt off right for like six hours, then I would realize like, I didn’t actually get done anything that I was supposed to get. Right. So then I’d have to spend another full day, you know, into the night, figuring out in covering all the making up for all that last time. And so once I decided to I don’t remember who I even heard it from first, but like put my phone on Do Not Disturb. And then I told the people that I was working with my phone is on Do Not Disturb. Now, I will totally get back to you when I can. But when I’m in my flow, and I’m doing my work, my phone will be on Do Not Disturb. And I will get back to you within the next couple hours when I you know, look at my phone again or something like that. But it said this press, it ended up being this beautiful power move that I didn’t know it was going to be I was literally just doing it because I would have these horrible breakout of overwhelming breakdowns, I can’t burn out, there we go. That’s where I’m looking for crazy burnout. And so when I did that, I was just like, I’m just trying to avoid that. I’m just trying to get my work done and pay the bills and do what I can. And the rest will come later. But ended up being this really powerful power move where I told everyone and I’ll get back to you. But I’m not going to answer at all. The first time you call, I’m not going to answer your text, just know this, but I will get back to you. And then it became I would check my phone after several hours. And then I would have like a couple of text messages in a row that said, Hey, can you find this? But then 20 minutes later, they text back like oh, you know what, nevermind. I got it. Well, I found letting people do the things for themselves instead of me trying to come to the rescue all the time. Turned out to be crazy beneficial. And then the word became, oh, no, Cody’s busy. You can reach out to her, she’ll get back to you. But she’s busy. She’s in demand. And literally that, you know, that was what it was. And that felt good. But it’s gotten to the point now where it’s so already we’ve I’ve already established this with friends, family, coworkers, like people I work with, you know, colleagues, like it’s already established that I’m not available, like you might want me to be. That’s fine. You don’t need to be and you don’t need to be available to me in that way either. So setting that routine up so like now I don’t even put my phone on Do Not Disturb. Because I already I’ve developed those good boundaries with my phone and with my work over time. That that made a huge difference in my life and the way that other people work with me too.
Hannah Mitrea 23:55
Yeah. Have you read the Book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People?
Codi Chen 23:59
No, but I’ve read that boundaries fine piece by Madrid’s?
Hannah Mitrea 24:05
Okay, I have to look that one up. The reason I mentioned that one is because one thing they talked about and it’s pretty early on is how like, this quadrant of like things that are urgent and important and then like not urgent, not important. Phone calls wonder that urgent but not important, like emails on to that and so we, a lot of times get stuck in this urgent but not important thing. So that we’re we seem like we’re busy. We seem like we’re being productive. But like you said, like you weren’t getting the things you actually needed done because you’re answering phone calls from the hospitals or insurance and helping so you’re doing all these things that feel very urgent but not important. I love that you recognize that and you’re like, shut that down
Codi Chen 24:47
to a couple years there.
Hannah Mitrea 24:51
We actually have a client who every email that goes to him has an auto responder on they’ll let you know out. I don’t respond to emails until the next day. So anything you get Don’t like it was urgent message to this person. But it was not I’ll be back. I love that. Also, you mentioned how like 20 minutes later they would find their own solution, again to my team hates me sometimes because, like, we’ll just tell them like, Hey, I’m not your Google. Yeah. Have you tried to figure it out first?
Codi Chen 25:19
Did you search for your own email?
Hannah Mitrea 25:25
I was so bad. Like, I’ll have friends on message me like, Hey, can you send me the address? Again, I’m like, I already sent you the address, like, sure, I guess I can send it again. But you could also just scroll a little bit, and or I’ll take a screenshot of this text I sent them like, it’s right here, guys. But it’s so important, I think for people to, to not rely on everybody else to do the job for them. Yeah, because that is only cluttering everybody’s mind for it. So I love that you set that boundary to do that work. And so let’s have a talk about so you have your routine, or your the system that works best for you. But you also have and like I wrote down like, you know, used to do the painting my number, so you’re really into like creativity. But then you switch to French. And it’s still kind of, I think it’s the right side of the brain, like you’re leaving your left side of the brain away in the morning, and kind of tapping into something new, something that you don’t already know, like light at that fire. So I think that’s really cool that you’re doing that and you’re implementing that into your into your routine.
Codi Chen 26:28
I didn’t think about that. I like that.
Hannah Mitrea 26:30
I’m reading this book called discipline dreaming by Josh liqueur. Listener. Yeah, Li n k er. And that’s actually one thing he talks about, is like, whenever you’re trying to be creative, or do those different things, you need to like, leave your left side of your side of your brain outside and only thinking this creative way. Don’t Don’t say no kind of goes to improv. I do improv too now. And so like staying in that yes, side of it, and just being like, yes, and agreeing with stuff. And that’s what creativity is, too. It’s not going on. That’s not possible. Because all of a sudden, you’re like, the logic side is going oh, yeah, we could totally have purple grass. And the rain could be green from now on. And not disagreeing with the person who says it going, oh, yeah, if we had, you know, purple grass, maybe it wouldn’t grow as fast because the sun is reflecting off of it. Right? And like kind of just going at random with it. Yeah. But it’s like activating my creative side. And that’s what you’re doing right there. With the pain by numbers differential. So I love that you’re activating that first thing in the morning and putting that time to yourself. So yeah, so really neat. So how do you define success them? Like so if we look at routine and success and how they match up? How do those go together for you? Yeah, so
Codi Chen 27:49
um, once kind of we we had that big old crash in life and had to do a giant turnaround and figure out what actually works. We realize that like, the things that we were chasing weren’t actually like what we should be chasing. So as far as like chasing the money, trying to get the house and trying to do all these things. That let me tell you, once we got the house, I was terrified of that house, or hated owning a house so bad. I was so you sold the house? Oh, yeah. Oh, god. Yeah. Yeah. moved out of town, everything like that. We thought that that’s what we want to do some things you just don’t know. I mean, you know, her dad is living with us. And like, we needed the room, and we had these established jobs. And so we’re like, yeah, the house, but like, all of your money goes into the house, you know, and we probably overextended a bit more than we should have. But like, it just felt like that’s what we should be doing. And, you know, hindsight is everything. And so, you know, when we were chasing money, and we were chasing the house, and these things that we thought, like, actually, you know, once you realize you get there, and you’re like, I just it’s not enough money, and I am terrified that something’s gonna go wrong with the house. And the little money I do have is gonna just get flushed into this house that I don’t want to do deal with anymore. Like, we’re travelers like we met abroad, you know, like, that is the kind of life that we liked. And so really, I started to really listen to people like Esther, Esther Hicks, who goes also by Abraham Hicks and Martha Beck, these people who are spiritual and mystical and basically what I learned was, why do you want money? Like why? What is money going to bring you a sense of security, a sense of pleasure, because I can afford things, a sense of peace of mind that I don’t have to worry about the stuff anymore. And then their teachings was really a lot about how can you get those things done? without the money, can you feel peaceful without money? Can you feel secure without money? And how? Right and so I decided to not I mean, there’s only so much you can skip over money because it’s how we can make a living and a life and enjoy things and do things in celebrate people like it’s big part of it, right? But what if I can get the feeling before I get the thing? Right? People don’t, I don’t feel like they’ve talked about that enough. So when I’m talking about, I’m going to do things that are peaceful. That means that I’m no longer doing things or taking projects or doing work that messes with my piece, I have to learn that lesson over and over again, sometimes, but I get better every time that I learn it, right. And so when I spend the mornings, with myself with my, you know, God or, or higher self or whatever, I’m understanding more and more what peace feels like, what what love looks like, what success looks like, to me. And so, really, it’s peace and satisfaction. It’s being healthy, right? And I can do those things without really having to chase that money, or really trying to hustle to chase that money to hopefully get peace, right? Because I tried it, and it failed miserably. And I am infinitely happier now than I ever was if I had more money, you know, I’m sure there was another point where we had a little bit more money than we do now. And I was in I was miserable. I mean, not, you know, like, not an overall miserable person. But like, my happiness, and my peace comes first, like no questions asked. So I don’t take clients. Now just because I need an extra couple grand. If it doesn’t align with me anymore, I made the mistake. And I was like I would rather taking the credit hit than ever have completed this job. You know, like, you know, I was anxious for weeks as I was doing it. And I hated it the whole time. And this was like, you know, several months ago. And I’ve just I really learned from that to where it was like I would have rather taken I would have rather paid a bunch of stuff late and not had, you know, a couple grand, because that project was horrible. And I won’t do it again.
Hannah Mitrea 32:31
I can understand like, as a business owner, I think it is that balance of you know, the income that you need versus that peace of mind. And we have like clients ago because, yeah, but we needed that piece like my husband say, they’re not paying enough money to cover your therapy. It’s fine.
Unknown Speaker 32:53
Yeah.
Hannah Mitrea 32:54
And it’s the truth. Because, you know, money isn’t coming with you when you do money isn’t going to be there later on. But if you can create that sense of peace inside yourself, I think that’s a beautiful thing. And is way more successful than just a number could be you know,
Codi Chen 33:09
actually you even saying that reminds me of something I’m a huge influence on my decision making also has come from two really powerful and impactful times in my life. Both were at separate times. Both were separate people. But people I love very, very much, you know, like consider family or our family. And they were on death’s door. At that point. I’m so like, either in the hospital actively dying right then and have people trying to save them or just gotten a really terrible diagnosis that really cut their life expectancy by like, till now. And the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever heard in my whole life was these people that I desperately loved. Saying that they messed up their whole life, that they thought that they could just hustle hard, and make all the money and buy all the things and then retire early. And then be able to live their life. And here they were before any of that happened. And all they had done is hustle and work and grind. And then and then here they are literally at death’s door. most heartbreaking thing I have ever experienced, really. And it’s made such a big impact on me the fact that like, I won’t put myself in that position. I’m never really put myself in that position. But when I start to think like, oh, I guess we can just pick this up because it’ll be a little extra. No. You know what, no, it’s not going to cover my therapy. I can’t take it when I’m dead. You know, and I’ve already heard the people in these positions who tried to do it and regretted their life. That’s so sad. You know what I’m saying? And thank God they’re all live and they’ve turned some shit around. So like it’s better. But that was really impactful on why I’ve decided to really live the way I live and really solidified anytime I’ve started to question. You know, maybe I should do this, maybe I should do that. And if it doesn’t feel good, I’m not doing it because I won’t be on my deathbed, saying that I messed up my life.
Hannah Mitrea 35:20
No, thank you for sharing, I like chill when you’re telling a story. I think there’s so many people that have the same mindset of, you know, I’m gonna keep working out retire early. And I’d be able to do this. And like, it reminded me of one of our really close friends whose father passed away during COVID. And they talked about how, you know, this whole time he had planned on traveling with my mom, his mom, and doing all these things. And now he’s not here. Yeah. So like, he’s the one taking his mom all the places and doing the things with her. Because he’s like, I’m not gonna regret this time, you know, just make more money. And I think it’s so like, so many people, I hope, that are listening to this will be able to take that message. And yes, money, there’s a place for it. And unfortunately, we have to have it. And so we need to find a way to accept it. But you can’t let that hold you back from you know, the vacation, the experience, whether that’s going downtown to your city and exploring it for free, or you know, maxing out a credit card to go to the place you’ve always dreamed of, because it’s going to happen.
Codi Chen 36:24
Honestly, I would, I’ve learned actually when it comes with success, and when it comes with my peace that they are directly tied. I found this now, I was super unpeaceful like grinding, hustling all that and my life crashed and burned and burst into flames. Right? I put peace as a priority and my life has steadily gotten better, just better and better and better and better. Like I am more happy, more peaceful, more abundant, actually. Because I’ve because when I’ve let go of all of that other stuff, and those are the things that we’re conditioned to really believe because I’m I believe money is beautiful money is a tool money is energy. It’s there, sometimes I can get frustrated with it. But that’s my own. Like, I accept my responsibility of my energy and stuff like that. But since I decided to do that, and don’t take on any more things, and don’t do continue the work that I don’t like to do, I have four book contracts. So last time we talked, I had one, I have four now that far congratulate you. For book contracts, you know, I’m working with these amazing like nonprofits and also small businesses. And the money has followed, right and like, maybe not in waves in droves, or you don’t see me out here, you know, spending buku, beaucoup bucks and stuff like that. But like at the same time, I’m getting there. You know what I’m saying? Like, at some point, I’ll be able to help not just with my time, but with like a bunch of money too. But I know that for for me, and I believe a lot of people, the only way I can really get there is when I focus on my peace, because the only reason I’m doing the money thing is for the peace thing in the freedom thing. So get that first and let the rest follow.
Hannah Mitrea 38:07
No, I love that. I think that’s perfect. And I know we’re almost out of time. So I’d have two questions for you. Yes. So the first question is, if somebody is listening to this, and they’re like, Okay, how do I start? In a routine of peace, a routine of writing a routine of your creative activity? What’s that first thing? Or what’s that first steps I need to take to be able to shift that mindset really, out of the hustle, necessarily to that piece?
Codi Chen 38:32
Yeah, I would say take the time that you operate best. So whether you’re a morning person, whether you’ve got a lot of energy and great ideas in the afternoon or the evening, intuitively, your body can kind of figure it out. Or you can look back at past projects and see where does where does this work? Where did I really do my best work, and when does that normally fall during the day. And then, you know, for me, I’m a writer, I would start off by making a list of things that you enjoy doing that maybe you haven’t done in a while or make a list of things that you want to learn how to do that, that doesn’t result in money gained. right like so mean painting I’m never expected to be paid for painting was literally just to be creative. And do these things at the same time and enjoy myself. So it wasn’t only about work, it wasn’t only about hustle and grind. It was about love and creativity and something that brought me a little more joy. So start those times where you find that you were at your best and maybe designate start off just with like a cup you know, 15 minutes of do a brain dump where you just like free write all the things that you can think of. And then you’re going to have this list and then carve out you know, a little bit of time and a little bit of time I started off with maybe waking up 30 minutes early, getting to paint listen to my book, and then you know, then starting my day and then I’d wake up a little earlier Oh, sorry, don’t have kids. That was a beautiful choice. I think this brought a lot of peace in my life like love children love all our nieces and nephews, and the ones who call us Auntie but like, No, thank you for the children. Yeah, like major peace. So I under, you know, recognize I met a person who can I can do this I’m in this position, but so is so many other people, right like you have a little bit of time that you can squeeze and figure it out, you know, you don’t have to up end your whole entire life to do it. But I would just start off seeing really where you are best in the day. And then think about what would you like to do that doesn’t equal success doesn’t equal productivity. It doesn’t equal these things. It’s just for enjoyment. And I think that a lot of people will struggle to find what they enjoy doing. At first, especially women, because we are conditioned to say, oh, whatever, we’re accommodating whatever you want. Listen, take some time to really sit and think about what do you actually like to do? What is play for you? What is fun for you? I think that if you haven’t really thought about these before, you might struggle to find them. So making a list is a good place to start.
Hannah Mitrea 41:17
Yeah, one time there was a group and they asked that exact question like how do I find like, what I like and what I’m interested in? And one thing I recommended to them is what did you like when you’re a kid? Like What Did you play with? What did you do? Did you like to play with Barbies, maybe like improv? Did you like to do Legos? Maybe you want to build something? Affection? And I think because you hit the word with play right there. No, we stop having play dates, we stopped doing all these playful things once we get older, because it’s no longer like extended.
Codi Chen 41:47
And you go from playing with Barbies to like, trying on makeup looks.
Hannah Mitrea 41:51
Exactly. And so I think for a lot of people who’ve haven’t bound what they love doing, what did they love doing when they were a child? And I bet you’re gonna find similarities and things that you like doing now as an adult. Definitely a grown up version. So I think that’s a really cool way to, you know, figure out maybe if you’re completely lost on what you like to do. Yeah, back to what you did before. I love the whole way of you know, going after your passion and something that creates peace and enjoyment. And so my last question is a book recommendation. I know you mentioned a couple. But what’s like that one book, if you were to recommend to somebody that like now I can only read one book next year? What should it be?
Codi Chen 42:35
Ask the writer. Okay, I would say if you are struggling to find time you’re struggling boundaries, set boundaries, find peace by Dr. Nedra to wob is a must read it changed my it changed my life. Really. I think that it was I learned that I was codependent with my work. And I didn’t even know that was the thing that could happen. So it really helped a lot of these positive changes in my routine and my decisions. That book helped a crazy amount. Actually, I would definitely recommend that one.
Hannah Mitrea 43:14
Alright, well, I wrote it down. I’m definitely going to check it out too. Because I know, especially working from home, living at home, my husband works from home. Our daughter goes to school online at home.
Codi Chen 43:25
Yeah. You know, she’s togetherness. Yeah, a lot
Hannah Mitrea 43:29
of luckily, we all have our separate spaces.
Codi Chen 43:32
Yeah, yeah.
Hannah Mitrea 43:34
But I think setting boundaries so I’m really interested to read that. But thank you so much for joining me, Cody on this episode.
Codi Chen 43:43
I always love speaking with you. Thank you so much, Hannah. I appreciate all the opportunities you give and love listening to your other podcasts as well. Thank you to all of them. I love hearing all the time. I learned something new every time. So thank you.
Hannah Mitrea 43:56
Thank you for listening to success is routine podcast. If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend episodes go live weekly on Sunday at 8am. Start your week with the right routine, like follow and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music or wherever you’re listening during the success of the game movement and get exclusive downloads and content from the guests go to www dot success is routine.com and follow the conversation there or on social media. Until next time, remember
Codi Chen 44:26
we make peace our priority. Whatever that looks like is what we’re chasing. Biggest thing that biggest switch for me was when I started to put my phone on Do Not Disturb. I’m going to do things that are peaceful. That means that I’m no longer doing things or taking projects or doing work that messes with my piece. It tried it. It failed miserably in I am infinitely happier now than I ever was if I had more money, it doesn’t feel good. I’m not doing lunatics I won’t be on my deathbed saying that I messed up my life
