Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life? 

I grew up in Newton, MA, right outside of Boston in the mecca of education and some of the best universities in the world. My public high school was similar in its education, teaching, and opportunities to a high-end private school, which in many ways was fantastic and in other ways ended up being the breeding ground for extreme academic competition, comparison, and elitism, i.e. never feeling good enough. As a recovering over-achiever and people pleaser, I ended up being involved in every activity available, my favorites being the psychology club, eating disorder support group, broadcast manager of the weekly news in the journalism department, and ‘Sisters’, the women’s a cappella group with dancing (think solid gold dancers from the ’80s with singing). I know, quite the variety. All have shaped so much of who I am; in my career and life today. 

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

To stay in my own lane and not compare myself to anyone else, to fully trust my intuition regardless of the logic or lack of logic involved, and to treat myself the way I treat others.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

That the coaching arena is oversaturated and that you need to have a huge email list to succeed. 

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it? 

Passing out at Target due to the incredible stress of getting divorced, leaving my full-time job to start a business, and finishing my master’s degree. I believe that these stressors and years of not speaking my voice lead to both adrenal fatigue and a full shut down of my thyroid. I was in my mid-30’s, a fitness instructor on the side, and couldn’t understand what happened. I thought I was very healthy and managing everything just fine. I learned a powerful lesson that self-care, meditation, and mindful living and self-compassion is the most important job I have. I turned my entire life around to incorporate this kind of lifestyle, which lead me to The Miracle Morning and Hal Elrod, who has now become a kindred friend and mentor, and many other self-care practices that have helped me keep my thyroid condition (Hashimoto’s) at bay. 

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far? 

In addition to writing a book truly from my heart and wanting to help others, I feel my coaching certification program, my Life Designer® Coaching Academy has allowed me to teach, guide, and help big-hearted high achiever bright light individuals learn how to help others transform and design their best life. It’s the most incredible feeling to watch my Life Designer® graduates change their own lives and that of those they’re coaching. I have two children and a stepdaughter, and this is my 4th child. All info is at juliereisler.com/certification.

What is your morning routine?

I am not a super early riser, but I do get up at 6:30 am and start with self-reiki. There are 8 hand positions involved and it’s all about giving high powered and loving energy to myself first. I then do TM meditation for 20 minutes, read something inspirational, get into a child’s pose with my forehead to the floor and ask for the Divine to guide me, my business, and life, I often write down my gratitude list and go for an hour walk. I always end with a smoothie, supplements, and leaving encouraging messages to different friends. 

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life? 

Meditation. No question, this habit, along with getting enough sleep, eating mainly earth foods (being vegan), and moving every day has most improved my life. 

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently? 

I have a week at a glance calendar and everything color-coded and assigned in my google calendar. I also have help and found an amazing assistant to help with booking appointments and keeping me on track. I believe in getting support whenever you can. I am highly motivated as I’m very clear on my why and wanting to serve and help as many individuals as humanly possible, so I don’t struggle with being productive. I have to watch working too many hours and making sure to schedule time off to be.  

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

There are too many to list here, but a few of my top favorites are Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsh, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Conversations with God has helped me to blow open my thinking, beliefs, and understanding of the Divine in a way that is both profound and life-changing. I listen to this book every year. The Four Agreements is such a simple yet powerful book on how to live a life that is joyful, authentic, in alignment and abundant, on all levels. My favorite agreement is, “Don’t Take Anything Personally”. Easy to say, not always easy to implement. The Artist’s Way changed my life when I got myself into recovery from addiction over 18 years ago. I started to excavate and follow my deepest desires, which lead to a brand-new life perspective and shift that is still paying cosmic dividends today. The Year of Yes reminded me to show up for life, to say yes to my gifts and talents, and not to let fear or self-doubt get in the way. For me, it would be The Year of No. 

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often? 

I have many quotes that guide me, a few that I live by daily: “The Universe will pay you back for taking risks on its behalf” Shakti Gawain, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the next step” Martin Luther King, Jr., “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Eleanor Roosevelt and “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”, Wayne Gretzky