In March 2019, Molly Smith found herself at a crossroads. Staring at a closet full of clothes that no longer fit, she realized that years of stress, a sluggish thyroid, and unhealthy habits had caught up with her. The turning point came when she saw a friend's inspiring transformation on social media. This friend's success in making real changes in her life sparked something in Molly. Despite feeling skeptical and overwhelmed, she decided to reach out, and that moment became the catalyst for a dramatic shift in her life. Molly faced a critical challenge: breaking free from her all-or-nothing mindset. But once she started taking small steps, everything changed—not just her body, but her entire perspective on health and well-being.
As Molly began her health journey, she discovered that her own transformation was just the beginning. People around her, drawn to her visible success, began asking for help. It wasn't long before she realized that her journey could become something bigger—a way to empower others. "Why not me?" she thought, and soon, she was helping others experience the breakthroughs she'd undergone. Molly had found her calling as a health coach, a path that aligned with her purpose of guiding people toward lasting change, not just in their health but in their mindset. She was hooked by the possibility of making a real impact on others, and her love for coaching only deepened as she witnessed the transformations in her clients.
Molly’s personal practices reflect the authenticity, grit, and positivity she now champions. At the core of her daily routine is a commitment to starting each day with intention. She begins with reading non-fiction, often personal development books, followed by meditation and journaling—especially focusing on gratitude. For Molly, these practices are non-negotiable; they ground her, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of her key habits is maintaining a mindset that life is happening "for me, not to me." This shift in perspective has been pivotal in keeping her resilient. When faced with challenges, Molly doesn’t see herself as a victim. Instead, she embraces growth, viewing obstacles as opportunities. This mindset has been instrumental in maintaining her authenticity, resilience, and positivity.
The Next Best Step Daily Journal, which Molly created, was born out of her own struggles with doubt and feeling stuck. She recognized that many others face similar challenges, and she wanted to share the tools that had helped her through those difficult moments. The journal is more than just a collection of prompts; it’s a guide to help others express gratitude, identify goals, and take small, actionable steps forward. It’s about creating a sustainable practice to help individuals reconnect with themselves, step by step. Molly hopes that those who use the journal will gain a sense of clarity and momentum, ultimately stepping into a more fulfilled life.
As co-host of The Momentum Podcast, Molly and her co-host Lena Khais share their message with women balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, and other obligations. Each episode is designed to be a heart-to-heart conversation, offering real-life stories, practical advice, and actionable takeaways. The central theme of the podcast is that creating a life by design doesn’t require drastic leaps. It’s about taking small, intentional steps that gradually lead to something bigger. Molly’s broader mission is to help women make progress toward a joyful, purpose-driven life—one step at a time. Whether through mindset shifts, health tips, or strategies for pursuing passions, Molly’s goal is to empower her listeners to reclaim their lives.
Molly’s monthly column for FORCE Magazine further deepens her connection with her audience. The column serves as a platform for sharing insights and lessons learned from personal experience, providing practical advice for women facing a variety of challenges. Topics such as battling self-doubt, navigating career transitions, and overcoming feelings of being stuck resonate deeply with readers. Molly’s goal is to help women avoid the breakdowns that can come from overwhelming situations, offering real talk and actionable tips instead. Through these columns, Molly provides the encouragement and perspective needed to inspire her readers to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Contributing to The Voices of 100 Women Anthology was a significant milestone for Molly. The project gave her the opportunity to connect with incredible women from around the world and share a piece of her story. The moment she learned that the book had hit the international bestseller list remains one of her most memorable experiences. As she stood in a Lowe’s paint aisle, celebrating the news, she realized how powerful it was to be part of a project that amplifies women’s voices globally.
Molly’s upcoming book, What the Funk?!, set to debut in January 2025, represents the culmination of her journey so far. The writing process was not easy; it was messy, emotional, and filled with moments of self-doubt. But through it all, Molly learned to trust the process. The book offers practical tools, relatable stories, and a bit of humor to help readers navigate their own struggles. It’s designed to provide relief for those feeling stuck or out of sync with their lives, offering small, actionable steps to realign their health, mindset, and purpose.
One of Molly's core beliefs is that many of the barriers we face are self-imposed. These invisible limits—rooted in fear, self-doubt, or societal expectations—can hold us back from pursuing our goals. Molly encourages people to begin by recognizing these limits, questioning whether they are based on truth or simply stories we tell ourselves. Once we become aware of these self-imposed restrictions, we can start to push against them, taking small steps outside our comfort zones. The key, she emphasizes, is not perfection but progress.
Looking ahead, Molly is excited about the future of Next Best Step LLC. In 2025, she plans to launch digital courses and group coaching programs that build on the principles in What the Funk?!. These programs will offer actionable steps to help women get unstuck and realign their lives. Molly is also preparing for more speaking engagements, from intimate workshops to large stages, where she can inspire and connect with women on a larger scale. For Molly, the year ahead is focused on impact, growth, and helping others take their next best step toward a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
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