Welcome to Issue 90 of Clearly YOU. Every second Wednesday, I serve up ideas that help you build success (and enjoy your work) using the magic combo of Clarity + Realness. Not a subscriber? Sign up now.
Do you ADD easier than you SUBTRACT?
Seriously. It’s a HUGE question. Because you can’t just do more, be more, dream more. At some point, you become so diluted that you’re just a pale version of yourself.
We live in a world of endless options: podcasts, webinars, social media, lead magnets, courses, quizzes… and AI. Dear God, all the things we can do with AI. 🤯
But when you try to be everything, everywhere, all at once, something has to give.
Your energy. Your creativity. Your joy for doing what you do.
You keep up everywhere but you don’t excel anywhere. You’re hanging in, but you’re not standing out.
And eventually, the fog rolls in: what were you even trying to accomplish? Clients? Followers? Subscribers?
I get it.
We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re there right now.
In this issue, I’m sharing the things I let go of in 2025 - not because they were bad, but because they didn’t serve me. They were exhausting. So I bid them adieu.
And guess what?
Nothing exploded. The sky didn’t collapse. I kept right on keeping on - lighter, brighter, and more me than ever. 🥰
Cool Quote
"When determining the size or complexity of a new habit ask yourself: What can I stick to - even on my worst day? Start there."
James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits
What I Subtracted In 2025
Never say never - but I can’t imagine going back to these things:
Mastodon + Bluesky
I gave them both a fair shot, but finding your people in decentralized spaces feels like yelling into a wind tunnel full of tech bros and tumbleweeds.
Medium
Sharing your expertise and insights is a timeless way to build relationships - but when it comes to where you do it, I think the clock is winding down on Medium. Too much effort for way too little visibility.
Memberships + Networking Groups
There was a time I joined every women-in-business and small-biz network that promised “connection.” Lovely people, great intentions… but it all started to sound the same. I don’t need more organizations to list on my LinkedIn profile - I need more meaningful conversations.
Playing the SEO Game
Once upon a time, search engine optimization felt strategic - and do-able. There was logic to the algorithms, even if they twirled with the speed of Cirque de Soleil acrobats. But right now, it's the Wild Wild West. A hungry AI spits out summaries, the Google Gods favour Sponsored options, and no one (including the experts and the gurus) really knows how to rig this game. The juice is not worth the squeeze.
That’s my short list for 2025. Nothing dramatic. No doors slammed. Just a quiet no thanks to the things that don’t fit anymore.
Try This: What's Exhausting You?
Question 1: What are you doing right now that feels purposeful and aligned with your goals? Maybe you even like doing it? For me, writing this newsletter fits that bill. It builds connections with real people (like you!) AND it brings me joy.
Question 2: What are you doing because "everyone else is doing it"? Maybe you don't get it? Maybe it feels completely off for you. Mastadon made zero sense to me. I couldn't find my people. I felt adrift.
I’m not saying don’t try new things or don’t stretch. And I’m definitely not suggesting you wallow in your comfort zone.
But I am saying it’s okay to ditch the stuff that drains you - and use that extra energy to lean into what feels more you.
| 💭 What's dead to YOU in 2025? |
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📬 Polls are cool, but honestly, I LOVE hearing the juicy details more than compiling data. So pop me an email and tell me what's working for you - and what isn't: kim@kimscaravelli.com
Stuff Worth Sharing
I’m leaning hard into simplicity. Easy processes and quick results. That’s my jam.
And I’m applying it across the board: how I run my business, how I show up online, and how I create things for others.
This week, I launched How To Use AI and Still Sound Like YOU. But instead of building it as an online course - with logins, dashboards, and an endless parade of videos - I set it up as five short lessons, delivered straight to your inbox.
In about ten minutes a day, you’ll learn how to use prompts and templates to tame AI, so it doesn’t stir your beautiful, unique voice into the cauldron of sameness.
If you like simple, 🥳 this one’s for you: https://kimscaravelli.com/make-ai-sound-like-you/
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One simple lesson sent to your inbox each morning - for 5 days.
You’ll get prompts, templates, and practical tips to keep AI working for you without flattening your voice.
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For the Word Nerds
Ever heard of cognitive ease? It’s a psychology term that basically means your brain works better when things feel simple, familiar, and clear.
🧠 When you lower the mental clutter - ditch a few social platforms, stop trying to master a dozen new things at once - your brain relaxes. Ideas connect faster. Decisions come easier. Creativity flows.
In other words, simplicity isn’t about having less; it’s about creating a path toward more.
💌 Enjoying Clearly YOU?
Share it with a friend who craves a little more clarity (and a little less noise).
🛠️ Feeling that do-it-yourself vibe?
I've got DIY options for folks who like to learn at their own pace.
🚀 Ready to fly?
Let’s lift your professional voice above the noise. Together. Me and You.
👋 And hey. Thanks for reading all the way down here. You’re my kind of person.
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