The BIGG Success Show

Hosted by BIGG Success

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1200

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Jun 2026

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About the show

You are the entrepreneur of your life. BIGG Success is about taking charge of your future by thinking like an entrepreneur—even if you never start a business. We call it personal entrepreneurship: a mindset that empowers you to take control, make better decisions, and reach your goals faster. We help you create the life you want. One that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. A life that’s fulfilling in all three key areas: personal, professional, and financial. Short-term wins. Long-term success. Holistic and intentional. Your co-hosts, George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster, combine business smarts with heart. George, “The Professor,” is a serial entrepreneur and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at the University of Illinois. Mary-Lynn, a veteran radio host turned entrepreneur, brings warmth and wisdom to every episode. Join us for straight talk, smart strategies, and uplifting stories to help you focus, move forward, and create the life you truly want. That’s BIGG Success!

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60 recent

June 12, 20269 min

Micro-Retirements: Don't Spend Your Life Preparing to Live

Micro retirements are the focus of our conversation today, challenging the traditional work-now-live-later mindset that many of us have followed for decades. We dive into why it’s crucial not to postpone living and how taking intentional breaks can lead to a more fulfilling life. With stories about our youthful dreams—like being a Disney tour guide or the “check guy” for rock stars—we illustrate how exploring what truly matters now can enhance your journey. We’ll explore how micro retirements can be tailored to fit your life, emphasizing that it’s not about running away from responsibilities, but rather about moving toward what excites you. Join us as we unpack the hidden costs of delaying your dreams and provide actionable steps to start living more fully today.BIGG Takeaways:Micro retirements are designed to help you intentionally focus on meaningful experiences instead of waiting for traditional retirement.The concept of micro retirement challenges the outdated work now, live later mindset by promoting life experiences now.Don't let life drift you away; instead, design your life intentionally to achieve big success.Asking yourself what you're postponing can help you identify what truly matters to you right now.Micro retirements offer deeper renewal and growth, which can be more fulfilling than regular vacations.Creating a life map helps ensure you don't drift through life but instead land where you want to be.BIGG Chapters:[00:00] Embracing Micro Retirements[01:10] Understanding Micro Retirement[04:47] The Hidden Cost of Delayed Living[05:47] The Concept of Micro Retirements and Intentional Living[09:15] Exploring the Side Effects of SuccessLinks referenced in this episode:LifeMapCourse.com5 Ways to Find Fulfillment and Achieve SuccessBIGGsuccess.com/Join

June 2, 202611 min

How to Know Which Opportunities to Say No To

Have you ever said "yes" to a great opportunity… only to realize later that it pulled you away from what mattered most?The more successful you become, the more opportunities show up. But not every opportunity deserves your time, energy, or attention. In episode #1202, George and Mary-Lynn explore why ambitious people often struggle most with saying no.George shares a personal story about overextending himself early in his entrepreneurial journey and the costly lesson he learned about chasing too many opportunities at once.We introduce a simple three-part Opportunity Filter Framework designed to help you evaluate new opportunities before committing your time, energy, and attention. You'll learn how to align opportunities with your long-term vision, protect your current priorities, and count the real cost of every "yes."BIGG Takeaways:Saying no can be challenging, but it's crucial for maintaining focus on what truly matters.Every opportunity you say yes to comes with a hidden cost that could derail your goals.A clear vision helps filter opportunities, ensuring they align with your long-term aspirations.Prioritizing your current goals is essential; even good opportunities can be bad timing at times.To decide what deserves your yes, use the three-part Opportunity Filter Framework effectively.Clarity and focus are key; they protect your future and help build momentum towards success.BIGG Chapters:[00:15] Starting a New Venture in Real Estate[01:30] The Dangers of Overextension[03:03] Navigating Opportunities: The Challenge of Choice[05:48] The Opportunity Filter Framework[08:37] Saying No to Opportunities[11:10] Challenging the Traditional Work-Life ModelLinks referenced in this episode:Join our newsletterBIGG Success Life Map Course

May 19, 202610 min

The Biggest Lie We Tell Graduates

Graduation can feel exciting, hopeful, and full of possibility. But it often comes with pressure too.In Episode #1201, The Biggest Lie We Tell Graduates, George and Mary-Lynn explore one of the most damaging messages many people believe: that you should already have everything figured out by now.The truth? Meaningful success rarely works that way.In this episode, we'll unpack why many people stay stuck waiting for certainty, and how putting direction over perfection creates forward momentum. We also introduce the Direction Over Decision framework to help BIGG Goal-Getters move from paralysis into progress.BIGG Takeaways:Graduation ceremonies create a magical moment, but they often bring overwhelming pressure afterwards.Every transition can feel like graduation, where uncertainty meets societal expectations for certainty.The biggest cultural lie is that you should have your life figured out by now, which is damaging.Instead of seeking a perfect decision, focus on the direction you're willing to explore next.Many successful people didn't have a perfect plan; they took steps before feeling ready.Life is not a straight line, and most decisions are not permanent; they are directional choices.BIGG Chapters[00:14] Graduation Ceremonies and Their Significance[01:24] The Reality of Life After Graduation[03:38] The Paradox of Choice and Its Impact on Graduates[05:28] Choosing a Direction Over Making Decisions[07:05] Navigating Uncertainty in Career Choices[09:00] Taking Meaningful Steps Towards SuccessLinks referenced in this episode:BIGGsuccess.comLife MapOODA LoopsJoin our newsletter

May 5, 20269 min

5 Ways to Achieve Success and Fulfillment

Ever hit a big goal and wonder why it didn’t feel as good as you expected?In episode #1200, “Why Success Feels Empty,” we unpack the surprising gap between achievement and fulfillment.We explore five real reasons success can leave you feeling flat, and the trap of chasing bigger goals to fix the feeling. Along with that five practical strategies to help you feel fulfilled again.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Success and fulfillment are not the same; achieving a goal doesn't guarantee lasting happiness.The Arrival Fallacy is the belief that reaching a goal will bring lasting joy, but fulfillment comes from a way of living.Five reasons you might feel empty after achieving a goal include losing your sense of purpose and achieving goals that aren't truly yours.To feel fulfilled again, redefine success beyond just goals; consider personal growth and relationships as part of your journey.Fall in love with the process of achieving goals rather than fixating solely on the end result for greater joy.Creating a life map can help connect your values and goals, making each achievement more meaningful and aligned with your true self.BIGG Chapters:00:16 - Achieving Success: Setting and Reaching Your Goals01:08 - The Illusion of Success and Fulfillment01:57 - Understanding the Arrival Fallacy05:21 - Redefining Success and Finding Fulfillment07:01 - Building a Life Map for Fulfillment08:43 - Aligning Your Goals for SuccessLinks referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseBIGG SuccessArrival Fallacy reference

April 21, 202612 min

Clear Your Mind: 5 Steps to Cut Mental Clutter

Mental clutter is weighing you down, and in episode #1199, George and Mary-Lynn break down why it's one of the biggest hidden barriers to success, and how to eliminate it.From constant information overload to unfinished tasks and emotional strain, they reveal the five key sources of clutter that drain your focus and stall your progress. More importantly, they share simple, practical ways to clear each one so you can think with clarity and act with purpose.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Mental clutter is the enemy of productivity, making everything feel harder and overwhelming.To overcome decision paralysis, prioritize your top three goals and set aside others for later.Your environment shapes your thinking, so start decluttering your workspace for increased focus.Emotional clutter, like fear of failure and self-doubt, can drain your mental energy significantly.BIGG Chapters:00:04 - Cutting Mental Clutter02:44 - Understanding Mental Clutter04:17 - Sources of Mental Clutter07:56 - The Impact of Clutter on Mental Clarity11:32 - The Journey to Clarity and FocusLinks referenced in this episode:Ben Franklin's 13 VirtuesEpisode 1195 - How Fear of Failure Holds You BackEpisode 1196 - 5 Steps to Overcome the Fear of SuccessLife Map CourseJoin our newsletterFollow our podcast

March 24, 202612 min

Why Smart People Overthink Decisions

Smart people often find themselves trapped in a cycle of overthinking decisions, and in episode #1198, we dive into why this happens and how to break free. Overthinking can feel productive, but it rarely leads to results, as we all know too well. We explore two types of overthinking: rumination, which keeps us stuck in the past, and worry, which drags us into an uncertain future. It's a double whammy that generates more doubt instead of clarity, leaving us frozen when it comes time to make a choice. But don't worry! We share seven practical strategies to help you stop overthinking and start making decisions with confidence and direction.BIGG Takeaways:Overthinking can trap smart people in decision-making paralysis, making it crucial to learn when to act.Successful individuals don't just think more; they develop the ability to act decisively when needed.Understanding the two types of overthinking, rumination and worry, can help you break free from negative thought loops.Setting clear goals and priorities simplifies decision-making and reduces the mental burden of overthinking.Using strategies like the 40-70 rule can help you make timely decisions without getting bogged down in excessive analysis.Creating a Life Map clarifies your priorities, making it easier to decide which actions move you forward.BIGG Chapters[00:18] The Challenge of Decision Making[01:47] Understanding Overthinking[05:48] Strategies to Stop Overthinking[11:17] Transitioning from Overthinking to ActionLinks referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseJoin our newsletterFollow our podcast

March 10, 20267 min

Fear of Not Trying: Your Unexpected Superpower

In “Fear of Not Trying: Your Hidden Superpower,” George and Mary-Lynn explore a surprising truth: not all fear is bad. In fact, one particular fear—the fear of reaching the end of life and wondering “what if?”—can become powerful motivation.In episode #1197 of The BIGG Success Show, we reveal:- The real cost of not trying- 2 fears you must choose between- 4 ways to turn fear into action- The mindset shift that changes everythingYou’ll learn how to shrink risk without shrinking your dreams, build daily courage, and use fear as a signal for clarity rather than a stop sign.By the end of our conversation, you'll be ready to take small, actionable steps that will move you closer to the life you’ve always wanted, proving that success is not about being fearless, but about moving forward despite your fears.BIGG Takeaways:The fear of not trying is a superpower that can propel you towards your dreams.Comfort can be a sneaky barrier that prevents us from taking the risks we need.To overcome the fear of trying, you must first identify what truly matters to you.Taking action, even in small steps, is the key to overcoming fear and achieving success.Regret is a powerful teacher; don't wait until it's too late to take action.Fear can guide you to what matters most in your life and motivate you to pursue it.BIGG Chapters[00:15] Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Success[01:07] Embracing the Fear of Not Trying[02:41] Choosing Between Fears: A Practical Approach[04:24] Turning Fear into Action[06:13] Embracing Fear and Taking ActionLinks referenced in this episode:Episode #1196: Afraid to Win? 5 Steps to Conquer the Fear of SuccessLife Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter

February 24, 202611 min

Afraid to Win? 5 Steps to Conquer the Fear of Success

You say you want success, but what happens when things start going well? In Episode #1196, George and Mary-Lynn explore the hidden fear that sabotages progress right before breakthrough: fear of success.Unlike fear of failure, this fear shows up when life is about to change in a BIGG way. Success brings visibility, responsibility, and identity shifts—and your brain interprets that uncertainty as danger. The result Procrastination, perfectionism, and subtle self-sabotage.In this episode, we share five practical steps to move through fear of success, build confidence, and create structure so growth feels safe.This episode encourages you to break free from the constraints of your comfort zone and embrace the discomfort that comes with growth. After all, if you weren't feeling this tension, you wouldn't be pushing the boundaries of your capabilities!Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:You might not be afraid of failure; you could actually be afraid of success, which is more common than you think.Fear of success often manifests as procrastination at critical moments, blocking your important progress.To overcome fear, first, name it and write down what you're truly afraid of happening if you succeed.Success changes your identity, and your brain loves familiar identities, even if they limit your growth.BIGG Chapters[01:30] Understanding the Fear of Success[04:12] The Fear of Success: Understanding the Mind's Resistance[06:20] Moving Through Fear of Success[10:32] Embracing the Fear of Success BIGG Links referenced in this episodeEpisode #1195: Is the Fear of Failure Holding You Back?Life Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter

February 10, 202611 min

Is the Fear of Failure Holding You Back?

You’ve felt that little twinge of fear at some point, right? We're here to remind you that even the most successful people feel it too, so you’re definitely not alone!Fear of failure stops more progress than almost any external obstacle, and it often disguises itself as procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance.In this episode, #1195, George and Mary-Lynn explore why fear of failure shows up, how it operates beneath the surface, and what to do when it keeps you stuck.You’ll learn the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, why confidence comes after action, and five practical steps to break the fear cycle.BIGG Takeaways:Fear of failure is a common struggle that even the most successful people experience, so you're not alone.A growth mindset can transform your approach to challenges and help you see failures as learning opportunities.By taking small, actionable steps, you can build confidence and break the cycle of fear and procrastination.Tracking what you learn from both successes and failures can lead to faster growth and stronger confidence.BIGG Chapters[00:13] Confronting Fear of Failure[03:08] Understanding Mindsets: Fixed vs Growth[04:35] Breaking the Fear Cycle[07:59] Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence[10:14] Transitioning from Fear to ActionLinks referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter

January 27, 202611 min

Is Life Passing You By?

Episode 1194: Ever feel like life is moving faster than you are? In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn explore:Why this feeling happens and the psychology behind it.How certain life traps keep us stuck.Practical steps to regain a sense of purpose and momentum. You’ll learn how autopilot living, the “someday” mindset, fear of judgment, and loss of purpose slowly disconnect you from what matters most, and how alignment can bring you back into your life.Thanks for listening!Here’s to your BIGG Success,George & Mary-LynnBIGG Takeaways:Life passing you by can feel confusing and painful, but it can also signal a need for change.The sensation of time slipping away often stems from a lack of alignment in your daily life.To regain control, start by defining what a meaningful life looks like for you.Routines are essential, but when they become autopilot, life can start to feel stagnant.Creating new experiences can stretch time and help you feel more engaged in your life.BIGG Chapters[00:13] Feeling Left Behind: When Life Passes You By[02:16] Understanding the Perception of Time[04:11] The Autopilot Life[05:19] Traps of Autopilot Living[07:27] Regaining Control: Practical Steps for Time Management[10:39] Navigating Life with Intention Links referenced in this episode:Life Map CourseFollow our podcastJoin our newsletter