Chasing Your Now: What It Really Means to Build a Life That Fits

For years, I dreamed of hosting a podcast that would create space for honest, meaningful conversations about how we live, work, and grow. I’m excited to share that Conversations with Erica is now live—and we’re starting with a theme that comes up often in my work: the courage to evolve.

In this first episode, I talk with entrepreneur and creative Chuck Spidell about what it means to build a life that actually reflects who you are. We explore how to stay true to your values, follow creative threads from your past, and give yourself permission to pivot—even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Realigning Your Work with What Matters Most

Realignment often starts with noticing when something no longer fits. It’s not always a dramatic change—it can be a quiet realization that the work you’re doing, or the way you’re doing it, doesn’t fully reflect who you are anymore.

In this episode, Chuck shares how he noticed a shift in what resonated—both with his audience and within himself—and chose to follow that momentum. His story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with listening closely and being willing to evolve.

Our conversation also touches on how I’ve experienced similar moments of realignment throughout my own career. From reconnecting with early interests in communication and advocacy to stepping more fully into coaching and thought leadership, I’ve learned that paying attention to what feels aligned is often the first step toward greater clarity and impact.

This kind of evolution isn’t always about making a leap. Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself permission to take one thoughtful step in a direction that feels more true to who you are now. 

Whether you're navigating a transition, considering a passion project, or simply reflecting on what fulfillment means to you, these insights can offer perspective and encouragement as you shape your own next chapter.

Why Professional Titles Can Hold You Back

What you call yourself matters. Many people hesitate to step fully into a new identity because it doesn’t feel “official” yet. I often see this with clients who are doing powerful work—but hesitate to claim it.

“How we think of ourselves—and what we call ourselves—impacts what we give ourselves permission to pursue.” – Erica Mattison

“I’ve been doing [photography] for so long... I am a professional photographer. I just don’t like to use the title. I would say I’m more of a creative person.” – Chuck Spidell

Reflection prompt

What labels have you taken on—or avoided—that might be limiting your sense of permission or possibility?

How Past Patterns Reveal Your Career Direction

Some of your clearest insights into what fulfills you are already part of your story—you just haven’t named them yet. I encourage clients to reflect on the activities they’ve been drawn to again and again. Those patterns are often the clearest signals of what energizes you.

“When you pay attention to the patterns—the things you’ve been drawn to again and again—you start to understand what energizes you and why.” – Erica Mattison

“When I had downtime, I had my little sketchbook. I would sketch logos and designs. I didn’t even realize I was building a skill set I’d use later.” – Chuck Spidell

In my own journey, I’ve seen this too. From an early interest in communication and advocacy to my current coaching and leadership development work, the through lines were always there.

Try this

Think back to what you loved doing as a kid—or the activities you turned to during quiet moments. What patterns do you notice?

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

When you give yourself permission to define success for yourself, the possibilities open up. Fulfillment can come from learning, experimenting, and doing work that aligns with who you are—not just from traditional markers of success.

“What if success isn’t just about profit, but also about alignment, personal fulfillment, and how much you’re actually enjoying your work?” – Erica Mattison

“If you want to grow, take risks. If you want to grow faster, take more risks.” – Chuck Spidell

This mindset shift can change the way you approach your goals—and reduce the pressure to have it all figured out right away.

Why Income Diversification Supports Stability and Joy

We often hear that multiple income streams are a smart business move. But they also offer personal resilience. Chuck described how having more than one revenue source—like photography, pet care, and potential nursery work—gives him the freedom to shift his focus depending on what feels most aligned.

Instead of relying on one job or business to meet every need, you can create flexibility that protects your energy—and your income—through seasons of growth and change.

Key takeaway

It’s not about doing more. It’s about giving yourself room to respond to what your life is asking of you.

Reflection Questions

This episode—and this blog—invite you to reflect:

• What does success look like for you right now?

• Where might you be holding back because it feels too risky or unconventional?

• What would it look like to chase your now—to follow what energizes you, even if it doesn’t follow a traditional path?

Whether you're a podcast person or not, I hope Chuck’s story and our conversation will help you approach your life with more clarity, confidence, and permission to evolve.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Conversations with Erica: Episode 1
Chasing Your Now: Building a Life That Fits

Keep Exploring

📖 My book: Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career

🌊 Check out Chuck's Pooch and Zen creations