Episode #402: How To Know If You Are About To Level UP

Nobody talks enough about what happens before the breakthrough.

The truth is, leveling up in business often doesn’t feel exciting at first. It feels uncomfortable. Messy. Emotional. Sometimes it even feels like your entire life and business are unraveling.

In this deeply honest solo episode, Lianne Kim opens up about the hidden emotional experience of growth and expansion — the moments where the things that once excited you suddenly feel draining, where your business feels “off,” and where you begin questioning who you even are anymore.

She shares personal stories from her own entrepreneurial journey, including the grief of outgrowing former versions of herself, the discomfort of transitions, and the surprising signs that often appear right before a major up-level.

This episode is both a permission slip and a roadmap for any woman who feels stuck, disconnected, restless, or uncertain about what comes next.

Because sometimes things aren’t falling apart.

Sometimes they’re falling away so something better can emerge.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why major up-levels in business often feel emotionally uncomfortable at first
• The subtle signs that you’re evolving into a new version of yourself
• Why irritation, boredom, and feeling “off” can actually be powerful clues
• The grief that can come with outgrowing old identities and old ways of working
• Why transitions feel so uncomfortable — even when they’re leading somewhere beautiful
• How to create space for clarity and reconnect with your bigger vision
• The power of mini sabbaticals, reflection time, and uninterrupted inner work
• The exact journaling prompts Lianne uses when she’s preparing for a next-level shift
• Why support, mentorship, and guidance matter during seasons of expansion

Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:00 – Why the next level often feels like everything is falling apart

01:00 – The emotional signs you’re about to up-level

03:00 – Why growth can feel like anxiety, burnout, or depression

04:00 – Feeling disconnected from the version of yourself you used to be

05:00 – Irritation, frustration, and protecting your energy differently

07:00 – Why the things that once excited you may no longer feel aligned

08:00 – Grieving former versions of yourself and your business

09:00 – Feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of what comes next

11:00 – Why transitions are deeply uncomfortable (and completely normal)

12:00 – Lianne’s story about her mother’s major life transition at 81

14:00 – The awkward “in-between” phase before your next identity emerges

16:00 – Reflecting on the hustle energy of early entrepreneurship

18:00 – Why discomfort can be a sign that something beautiful is unfolding

19:00 – The importance of creating space to hear yourself think

20:00 – Lianne’s personal mini sabbatical practice and how she resets

22:00 – Why asking for support is not selfish

24:00 – The power of getting out of your normal environment

26:00 – Why retreats and masterminds are different from true inner work

28:00 – The journaling and reflection prompts Lianne uses before every up-level

33:00 – The first powerful question: “If anything were possible…”

37:00 – What’s working, what’s not working, and noticing the clues

41:00 – The final question: “What needs to shift?”

43:00 – Why mentorship can accelerate your growth and clarity

47:00 – The truth about entrepreneurship, discomfort, and expansion

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Links mentioned:

Book a complimentary strategy session: https://www.liannekim.com

10 Powerful Journal Prompts episode

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