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My guest for Episode #276 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tabatha Thorell, a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a background in fitness coaching, real estate investing, life coaching, and more. Tabatha, a native of rural Nebraska and mother of five, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success across various industries. With nearly two decades of real estate experience alongside her husband, Tabatha has continually pushed herself to grow, all while helping others achieve their dreams through coaching and her podcast, What Went Wrong?
We discuss Tabatha’s “favorite mistake,” which involved investing in an expensive coaching program that didn’t align with her needs. Despite her initial frustration and the lack of a refund, she turned the experience into a valuable learning opportunity. In the episode, she explains how this mistake helped her develop a stronger sense of self-reliance and taught her the importance of finding value, even in failure.
Tabatha also opens up about the challenges of balancing risk-taking with caution, how she approaches business coaching, and the lessons she's learned across her diverse career path. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a coach, or simply interested in stories of persistence, Tabatha’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for a candid conversation about learning from mistakes and turning setbacks into opportunities.
Questions and Topics:
- What's your favorite mistake from your career journey?
- After your bad coaching experience, was it hard to trust another program?
- Do you ever consider disputing the charge with your credit card company in that situation?
- How do you find the balance between taking risks and not being overly cautious?
- What’s the best thing you've learned from transitioning across different careers?
- When do most people seek business coaching — before or during a crisis?
- How do you respond when people say they can’t afford coaching because of cash flow issues?
- Tell us about the origin and theme of your podcast, What Went Wrong?
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- Video version of the episode
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- Quotes
- Full transcript
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Automated Transcript (May Contain Mistakes)
Mark Graban:
Hi, welcome to my favorite mistake. I'm Mark Graban. Our guest today is Tabitha Thorell. She's a native of rural Nebraska. She's a devoted wife and a mother to five girls with a career spanning over 16 years.
Mark Graban:
She began as a fitness coach, earning a reputation for motivation and persistence. Then alongside her high school sweetheart, she's been a successful real estate investor for nearly two decades. So beyond all that, she's a bestselling co-author, speaker, life coach, and business coach. She's got a diverse skill set and a passion for helping others achieve their dreams. So we'll have a chance to talk about her work and more.
Mark Graban:
She's also the host of a podcast called “What Went Wrong?” Where she shares inspiring stories and insights and adds another dimension to her coaching and helping of others. So, Tabitha, thank you for being here on my podcast.
Tabatha Thorell:
I. Fantastic, Mark, thank you so much for having me.
Mark Graban:
Yeah, thank you for having me on your show. What went wrong? I'll make sure there's a link to that in the show notes. We're kind of continuing our discussion. I wanted to joke like, you had me on your show, what went wrong?
Tabatha Thorell:
Right. I know. You know what's funny? When I do those interviews, there'll be stuff like little blurps. I said, we really need to film these and have just like a blooper section of the what went wrong podcast, because there's always something that goes wrong.
Mark Graban:
So, yeah, there, there certainly is. And, you know, my rule of thumb is unless I botch something in the introduction, I don't hit rewind and try again. So I got through the intro pretty well and I'm happy that we're into the episode. Tabitha, maybe we'll talk about podcast mistakes later on, but for everything that we can cover here, Tabitha, the first question, of course, always from the different things you've done, I'm really curious, what would you say is your favorite mistake?
Tabatha Thorell:
My favorite mistake? You know, I've been really contemplating this question since I met you because it's kind of like, you know, I try to view everything as happening for me. So even, like, viewing it like a mistake, you know what? So I think about, like, what got me to where I am, what kind of, if somebody saw it from the outside, they'd say, that's a negative thing. Why would you?
Tabatha Thorell:
You know, that's kind of how I view your question. And I take two parts of that. So I think kind of my naiveness to business when I first started was definitely like my first mistake because I just jumped in like I was like, this makes sense. I believed what people told me, and so I think my favorite mistake along the line has been believing what people have told me, even if it was just marketers that wanted me to buy a program. And so I'll tell you a specific thing, because I think that's kind of the blanket of my mistakes is just jumping in.
Tabatha Thorell:
But I really do actually view it as a superpower because it allows me to take action even if I have the fear. I'm like, I'm just doing it. Like, I'm gonna believe it, because what's the worst that can happen? It's the opposite. So there was.
Tabatha Thorell:
Right when Covid happened, there was a coaching program out there, and I'm not gonna say any names because it works for some people. It works for great people. And I'm not here to badmouth anybody, but I believed in, you know, the marketing message. I, you know, talked to a sales consultant and all this stuff. And even at the beginning of COVID you know, we didn't know all that was going to happen, right?
Tabatha Thorell:
But I was like, I'm going to do this. I'm going to jump in. My business really wasn't taking off like I wanted it to, and I wanted to attach to this vessel, this lifeline. And I jumped in, and within the first 48 hours, I knew, I was like, this is not for me. Like, just, like, I could tell the vibe.
Tabatha Thorell:
So I contacted them, and I said, I am happy to pay for, because I had, like, already done, like, one coaching call with one of their coaches. That's how I knew we didn't vibe, and I'm happy to pay for that. Like, I'm not here to just get something for nothing. You can check to see, like, I have not downloaded any of the vaults, any of the videos. I couldn't consume all of them even if I wanted to.
Tabatha Thorell:
I've only been in this program 48 hours, right? And I said, I'm willing to, you know, whatever. And they were just like, nope. Like, they were very much like, no. And I was like, dude, I'm not here to take something for nothing.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, I will give you whatever. This was five figures. I. This is not biting you guys. I had shown my concern up front, and they assured me, no, no, no, we're pivoting from.
Tabatha Thorell:
Because they used to coach in one area, and they were pivoting to another, and they assured me, like, no, this and this. And I said, I don't see that. I just don't vibe. And they're like, no. So instantly, you know, as a human being, I'm just like, yeah, like, so mad and like that.
Tabatha Thorell:
I myself, because I invested in this and I felt like I jumped too soon, and then I'm mad at them because I'm like, where's their integrity and all this stuff? But what it taught me was when I. So I said, okay, I can, like, bitch and moan about this and not take anything, or I can go into this, what I call, you know, eat the meat, spit out the bones. Like, I can take something good from this and move on and just eat the cost and do whatever. And so that's what I did.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, I learned what I didn't want to do as a coach. It taught me a lot. Like, no, I don't this. And then it did teach me some things. When I put my pride down and my ego down, I said, I am going to make good of this no matter what.
Tabatha Thorell:
I'm not going to blame them. I'm not going to badmouth them. It was my decision. But I also don't want to go into things with, like, a whole bunch of guards up either, which I did for a while, and I had to learn to, like, break those down. So that was, like, the mistake of, like, I didn't want to join any coaching programs, and so I kind of.
Mark Graban:
That was in the aftermath of this. You're saying it was hard to sign up or trust another? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yep.
Mark Graban:
I appreciate you taking ownership of all that, but, you know, I mean, it's shocking. I mean, I think in my coaching or consulting, I've offered a money back guarantee, no questions asked. I've never had anyone take me up on that, but I feel like that's important. Or trying to do small engagements for someone to test the waters as opposed to having them sign up for something big. I mean, you know, like, there's this practical question.
Mark Graban:
It might be too late now, but, like, do you go to your credit card company and do, is there anything, like, to dispute the charge someone else is in the same situation?
Tabatha Thorell:
I mean, that's what people do. They'll go to their credit card and they'll. They'll do that. At the time, I really wasn't aware that that was a resource, and I'm actually kind of glad, because, again, this was a good thing because I was able to take something where I felt wronged, and I was able to make good of it. Like, literally, like, go in there, take some things, and it lit a fire under me, and I earned that money back in my business in the next six months because I was like, I think if I would have got out of it, it would have, like, it would have caused me to be comfortable, and I then I probably wouldn't stay.
Tabatha Thorell:
So in all actuality, if somebody is trying to do this, stop for a second and just say, how can I have this working for me? Because, yes, I could have called a credit card company. They would have disputed it. It would have, you know, and rightfully so in my right. But I just said, okay, but if I keep this going, this gut wrenching because my husband didn't even know about it.
Tabatha Thorell:
And so I had this on my credit card and I wanted to pay this off. And so it lit a fire under me. If anything else, it just lit a fire under me that I this on this program, and I, I have to make this back. Like, even if I just make just that amount, then it's worth it. And the knowledge and the skills I gained from working with a coach that I wasn't necessarily, you know, and just lowering my pride in my ego and saying, I am not the smartest person in the room.
Tabatha Thorell:
They have had success for other people. They are willing to work with me. Now, our personalities don't vibe, but can I put that aside? Because in the real world, we're not always going to vibe, you know, and can I take good from that? So there were so many good lessons in there.
Tabatha Thorell:
It wasn't like he just took my money and ran and, like, shut the program off. And, you know, that it was just, and I think that's what a lot of people do. Yes, I'm like you. I want a money back guarantee, but sometimes I think that cushion hurts people because then they don't do what it takes to make good of a situation, even if it's wrong, even if it's just learning. Like, oh, I needed to learn some more facts about that or whatever, what I learned not to do.
Tabatha Thorell:
So now every program I go into, no matter what the cost, I'm like, I will find good in it. If I bought it, I will do it. So then that helps me take action faster and get through things faster and move faster. And success loves momentum. So if I want to be successful, even the good, the bad, the ugly, I have to move fast.
Tabatha Thorell:
After that, I move slower. The world moves slower because of COVID and there were waves that I missed because of that. And so I'm like, no, not again. Not. And now, like, with this recession, I refuse to move slowly.
Tabatha Thorell:
I'm not going to do that with, like, the world around me. I'm not going to live in that scarcity. I'm going to move forward.
Mark Graban:
Yeah. And one thing you touched on, I think, is a helpful question. If we can answer it in a realistic way, if we can gauge it is, what's the worst that could happen? There are some decisions where it's worth being cautious, because the answer to that question might be something really bad to a lot of us. Losing a five figure investment would be in that category.
Tabatha Thorell:
Right.
Mark Graban:
Of being really bad. And then there's times where, you know, I think we maybe convince ourselves the answer to what's the worst that could happen? Is worse than realistically possible. Like, we might think. I have a habit I've been trying to break of, you know, kind of jumping to worst case scenarios.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah. Yep.
Mark Graban:
And that's not always helpful. It's certainly not realistic.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah.
Mark Graban:
What are your thoughts around, you know, kind of finding the right balance there between taking risks, not being overly cautious.
Tabatha Thorell:
So I think at the end of the day, you have to say, what is your highest valuable asset? So for me, it's my relationships, like, with my husband and my kids. So if I were to do something that would jeopardize that now, taking this leap with this ten figure jump, definitely for a marriage, could cause, especially if the marriage was on shaky ground. Like, if me and my husband were on shaky ground and, like, finances were so stressful, and anytime we talked about it, it caused fight, I wouldn't have done it.
Mark Graban:
Yeah.
Tabatha Thorell:
But me and my husband have a very mutual respect for each other. And I knew myself enough to. Knew that I could earn the money back, even if it earned me a year. And my husband believed in me enough to know that I didn't just make. That.
Tabatha Thorell:
I didn't just go buy a Louis Vuitton bag and put our house, you know, and, like, our. Our kids food in jeopardy. Right. So, like, I weighed that and said, okay, now some people, their marriages are struggling, so don't do that. Don't do something that's going to.
Tabatha Thorell:
We knew we had that, you know? Yes. If I brought it to him at that moment, would it have overly stressed him out? Yes. So I was able to compensate that and move things and, like, make it so it wasn't stressful.
Tabatha Thorell:
So we always have to ask that, like, is it causing my stress? You know, so my health is, like, way overboard, you know, and unhealthy. Is this going to cause death? But I really look at things like, is this going to cause a divorce? Where's my divorce death?
Tabatha Thorell:
Or, like, a big wedge in, like, my kids and I relationship, you know, like, if it's not those three things, even money, like, honestly, like, if I go out and take out a loan for a hundred thousand dollars on a property because we're investors and that property is like, you know, what we call money suck. Like, it's just taking all this. I can get rid of it. I mean, at the end of the day, I would hate to do this. We've never had to do this, but at the end of the day, that's why there are bankruptcy laws to help protect people who are risk takers.
Tabatha Thorell:
And the government likes real estate investors. And they know when you take a property and you make it ugly and make it pretty, they like that because they want pretty things in their, in their, in their cities, in their states, it attracts people, right? So, like, money and stuff like that, that's not scarce. It really isn't. And I think people are limited on that because of past experiences.
Tabatha Thorell:
So I just always say, like, unless this is gonna cause, like, a true riff in my marriage and my relationship with my kids or, you know, death or, like, a hell thing. Like a big hell thing, right. Nothing else matter. Even if it causes a riff in, like, my relationship with, like, my parents or my siblings. Like, they don't have to understand me.
Tabatha Thorell:
They're not married to me, right? So, like, they don't have to understand it. But if this taking this leap is gonna bless. And then I look at the outcome. So you look at, like, what's the worst that can happen?
Tabatha Thorell:
I always look at the stuff of, if I do this and I do it at the level of my capability and growing and openness and humility, what could happen? And that's what excites me, and that's what pull the trigger. And the backside is just more of an insurance policy. Like, as long as it's not causing me to die or divorce, we're good.
Mark Graban:
And what I hear you saying is, the question I should ask myself more often is the opposite of the, what's the worst that could happen?
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah. Yeah.
Mark Graban:
What. What's the best outcome? What's the possibility? Does that make. Yes.
Tabatha Thorell:
The other makes you anxious. It's the same emotion. Anxiety and excitement are the same emotion. People don't realize that it's the outcome that you look at. When you look at positive, it's excitement.
Mark Graban:
Yeah.
Tabatha Thorell:
You look at negative, it's anxiety because.
Mark Graban:
There'S uncertainty either way. But.
Tabatha Thorell:
Exactly. You don't know. Nobody knows, you know, we're not in control.
Mark Graban:
Well, so, I mean, it sounds like you've been in control of your career. So, you know, Tabitha, I was going to ask you to talk a little bit about the progression and what you've learned from different aspects of your career, from fitness coaching to real estate into coaching. I'm just curious to hear some of that high level story of how do you kind of add those other things on or move on to different things.
Tabatha Thorell:
So, for me, it's always about, how can I help serve? I mean, that's just bottom line. I've always had this heart for helping people and breaking these limitations that people put in front of themselves to block their potential. Because I look at humans like, I grew up very. I don't want to say poor, but I was the youngest of five.
Tabatha Thorell:
My dad was a blue collar worker working 16 hours, sometimes 19 hours days. Like, crazy hours, right? My mom had an autoimmune disease, so she was bedridden a lot. And so I would look at this, and I'd be like, you know, so and so has this, and we have this. And, you know, the people around me would be like, oh, yeah, they're.
Tabatha Thorell:
They're in debt, and they're showing off their money. You know, just all these negative things with money and, oh, only the rich people in this. And so I had a lot of limiting beliefs when it came to money. But what I did know is I wanted to help people. So I went into pre counseling, wanted to be a marriage and family counselor.
Tabatha Thorell:
And when I met with my advisor when I was graduating, I was like, what's the next step? Like, do I get my master's? Do I get my doctorate? And she's like, oh, I'm so excited for you. But I just want to let you know now, by the time they come to us, because she was also a counselor, she's like, by the time marriages come to us, most of them fail.
Tabatha Thorell:
And I was like, what? Like, I do something where the results are, you know? So, like, I don't like that. I had this passion, this hobby for fitness, but I never saw it as, like, you know, a path of income. So I just did it as a hobby for a lot of years, and I worked for other people, and I joined this network marketing company, and they're what opened me up to, like, these incomes that were crazy for, like, an average person.
Tabatha Thorell:
So that was the first, like, veil that was lifted for me. And I'm like, oh, my gosh. And then along the way, I've just put myself in rooms where the veil has been lifted even further. Like, incomes and integrity, because I didn't think those two went hand in hand. I just always thought, like, the person who had all the money was greedy and they stepped on people and they were stockbrokers and, you know, high stress.
Tabatha Thorell:
I always thought it was just super high stress, and I was like, I don't want to live a high stress life. Like, I want to love my kids and, like, live in joy and peace and giving and. But I learned things along the way that just opened my mind to say, money isn't the stressor here. It's not the variable. And you need to, like, challenge my thinking.
Tabatha Thorell:
So I like to put myself in rooms where I am not the smartest person in the room. And that has probably been my best asset, is I can go in there with humility, taking notes like a little mouse, like, okay, you know, I have a big voice, but I also love to just listen and learn from other people who have done it and then take that, do it myself and teach other people who are maybe along the journey where I was, you know, five years ago.
Mark Graban:
Yeah. And then I imagine your ability to help people in different ways is. I'm trying to think. I got stuck on how I was going to frame that as a question. There's, what went wrong asking that question, help me get that contract.
Tabatha Thorell:
So my ability to get this out of people, is that kind of what you like?
Mark Graban:
Well, it's just thinking about shifting into ways where you can help people before it's too late. That really struck me. The thing you were saying about there's an opportunity for somebody to figure out, how do you, if the goal is to save marriages, how do you intervene sooner? I guess that's a trillion dollar problem and a problem for the ages. But thinking of different types of business coaching, even perhaps this is where I was trying to go with it as a question.
Mark Graban:
Do you find it's different in business where people reach out for coaching or you find yourself? It sounds like reaching out for coaching before you're in some sort of impossible situation. What do you see with your clients in terms of their timing to reach out? There's a question.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah. So I think people reach out for business coaching when the. They need cash flow. I mean, like, when they. There's something.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's like, I need leads, I need money. Like, that is the oxygen of their business. And in relationships, a lot of times it's, hey, we are about to get a divorce. The problem with that, it's like telling somebody on a plane crash to put their oxygen mask on after the plane has already been crashing for ten minutes, you know, trying to find it, and you're over here, and you're stumbling over people, and things are screaming. It's almost impossible to do that.
Tabatha Thorell:
So it's, like, get ahead of it. I've always been someone, and I think this was because my mom had an autoimmune disease. I mean, I'm just guessing, but, like, I've always been someone of prevention. Like, how can we prevent it? Like, why would we try to stop something that's already been happening if we can prevent it?
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, why would you stop a train running into cars? Why wouldn't you do it beforehand? Right? Like, stop a train wreck before it happens? So that maintenance, that is being aware of things every day and your business, it's a financial literacy.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's how money's coming in, how money's going out, how to have time working for you, not against you, how you manage it, what the vision is, what's the true goal? What's driving you? All of those things entrepreneurs don't want to do, because it takes time, and there's so much on the hamster wheel in it that they don't take the time. And in a marriage, you have kids, you have obligations, responsibilities, bills, work. So you're in it.
Tabatha Thorell:
And you might, you know, have intimate relations with your wife once a week. Then it's once a month, then it's every other month, and you're separated and your needs, and then you're both feeling and adequate, and you're both feeling like that person doesn't love and respect me, so I'm just gonna guard myself. That's a human nature. That's a survival, because I don't want to be hurt. So then we put up these walls with the one person that's supposed to be vulnerable with them.
Tabatha Thorell:
How do we prevent that? We communicate. And I know that men are, like, rolling their eyes like, oh, my gosh, tab. Like, if I have to have another talk in my life. But it's more than just talking.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's communicating with their love language. It's communicating with your actions. It's communicating with. Even with the kids. And how do you put your kids above your husband?
Tabatha Thorell:
There's a lot of women that do that, and that's wrong, in my opinion. This is my opinion. But if your marriage is not strong, your family's gonna diminish like it is. So if you put your kids above your husband, he's gonna feel inadequate. And when he feels inadequate, then he's gonna work more, because work makes him feel adequate, and the woman is not gonna feel loved.
Tabatha Thorell:
And if she doesn't feel loved, she's gonna close off and be more unloving and more disrespectful. And then that cycle continues.
Mark Graban:
Right. So how can you turn that into. Can you. Can you. Can you get that cycle reversed into something that becomes more of a positive?
Mark Graban:
Sometimes people call this, you know, a flywheel effect, and you start getting a positive cycle that. That builds momentum, and it's hard to stop now and, you know, stop that momentum.
Tabatha Thorell:
So I think it's always working on yourself, whether you're working on yourself as a leader at being an effective leader or if you're a wife or a mom, it always starts with you, because if you have been wounded in the past, if you have trauma anytime, your spouse, who is the closest person to you, the most vulnerable, that's how it's supposed to be that way anyway. So, like, that person who's most vulnerable with hurts you, we go back to that. So you have to figure out, what are those triggers? Like, for me, it was, my dad worked a lot of hours. He was away from home a lot.
Tabatha Thorell:
So when my husband works a lot, it triggers that in me. So I show anger to him, and I'm like. And I tell him, hey, it's not about you right now. Like, I'm mad at you. And I may have even said some stuff that I didn't.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's not about you. It's like, I'm lonely, and I feel like I'm doing this alone. And I didn't sign up to be a parent alone. I didn't sign up in this world alone. But that causes me to be more vulnerable.
Tabatha Thorell:
And then my husband is one. He is not a very vocal communicator, so then he just won't say anything. And when he doesn't say anything, sometimes that says a lot of. Right.
Mark Graban:
So, yeah, you're. You fill in the silence with right, whatever.
Tabatha Thorell:
Exactly. Whatever story, like, the. What went wrong? Like. Or what's the worst?
Tabatha Thorell:
You know, that he's thinking. Right. So, like, I think for people, even for him, I always tell him, like, you need to work on yourself. Like, if you're feeling some anxiety in our relationship, like, what's that bringing about a new. And can I bring myself to this relationship?
Tabatha Thorell:
Truly? I don't want to say servant in a way, like, a servant and a master. That's not the way. But can I just serve this person on a level where I might not get anything back?
Mark Graban:
Sure.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, we do this a lot. My husband and I, like, we'll give each other massages and he'll be like, well, I'll give you one. If you give me one, I'm like, I'll just give you one. Like, you don't. I mean, you can let me just do.
Tabatha Thorell:
And I'll send him this all the time. I'll say, how can I make your day easier?
Mark Graban:
Yeah.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, what can I do to take one thing off of your plate, you know, just to show that. And, and in the beginning, it's hard because if you're wounded by your spouse, if you're wounded by your employees, if they burned you, if you've had these things, if you've had this negative stuff in the beginning, it's hard because you have to learn to forgive. And it's hard. You have to forgive yourself, you have to forgive the person, and then you have to truly say, what is my outcome? I don't want to be divorced.
Tabatha Thorell:
I don't want my kids to go through that. I do love this person. I married them for a reason. I know that love is still there, but there's all this junk on top. Can we work through this junk?
Tabatha Thorell:
But not in the blaming? Even if your spouse cheated on you, I'm not saying it's your fault. Why they cheated on you because that's between them, but they have to work on them. And you work on you and healing you and then you come together. The only time this really doesn't work is if there is like, you know, addiction, abuse, because of course that has to.
Tabatha Thorell:
But even in those situations, there is redemption if both parties are willing to work on themselves. Because usually in that situation, there is a codependent relationship. And so we both have to take ownership of that, of myself, of why am I attracted to this person and they're the alcoholic or they're this. I didn't drive them there. But I am me in taking ownership in that because that gives me control, Mark.
Tabatha Thorell:
That's the only thing is I say, how could I have handled the situation differently and I better myself? So if this situation happens again, I can bring a better version of me into the situation.
Mark Graban:
Yeah. Well, one other thing I wanted to ask, and you're noticing or listeners are noticed, I'm going to be far more comfortable asking questions about business stuff than relationships and intimacy and all. I appreciate you talking through all that. But one thing I was going to ask, maybe this is in that gray area between work and life you mentioned, you know, you work together with your husband on the real estate investing. Is that on top of he's got a full time job and career?
Mark Graban:
Yes, on top of that. So you're not working together full time?
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes, we would, we would work together full time. That is the goal of, like, us working like in tandem and is anytime I can even help him on the farm, like, which I hate farm work, but like anytime I can go ride with him in the tractor, help pipe, do anything like that, I am, because I like to be with him. He's my best friend. Like, we joke around, we laugh, we, you know, even with the kids, when it's high stress, we know each other. We can, we can eliminate that stress a little bit or de stress a little bit with just each other because we've taken the time.
Tabatha Thorell:
Because every day it's like I have to learn more about him. He is literally my best friend. Like someone I want to hang out with. Now, I know everybody's end goal of marriage is different, but for me, I want a passionate, loving friendship because I know this face is going to get wrinkly, this body is going to get old. Like, it just is.
Tabatha Thorell:
We all are. And I plan on, I don't know when I'm going to die, but we plan on being old together. And so you don't learn to have a friendship that goes deeper than just lust and a passion for each other that goes between just surface physical characteristics. Our kids are going to leave the nest and we're going to look at each other and be like, what the heck? And it won't matter how much money we made because that will fix it.
Tabatha Thorell:
It won't matter how fit and healthy I am if my relationship is dead because I'm a very passionate person. So I'm like, that would definitely derail me. So if we could work every day, and that is the goal, to make our real estate an actual business. It's been very passive for the last 20 years. Make it the business of real estate.
Tabatha Thorell:
Bring him in. We have an office to get, like an office building together where we both have offices and we joke. We should just put our desks in the same room because we end up in each other's office. You know, it can be a distraction, but it also brings us so much joy. And the thing that we do most hours of the day.
Tabatha Thorell:
Why wouldn't we want that? You know? Why wouldn't we want to do that?
Mark Graban:
Yeah. Well, I'm hearing the passion and the persistence that applies to both work and family and marriage. You mentioned five kids and you've been married. How long now?
Tabatha Thorell:
Almost 17 years. This actually, this week will be. We've been together 24 years.
Mark Graban:
Okay. Wow. That's a long. That's a good long time. It's about the same total as me and my wife.
Mark Graban:
We have our 23rd anniversary.
Tabatha Thorell:
Oh, congratulations.
Mark Graban:
Later this year. But, you know, like, you know. Yeah. Any. Any long career or long relationship at all, it all takes work and persistence, and it's worth it.
Mark Graban:
So.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes, absolutely.
Mark Graban:
I wanted to ask one other question. I mean, we're talking about your podcast and follow up question about coaching work and the timing of when people reach out. And you said when people are having cash flow problems and they're looking for help, and then you have talked to other coaches who come up against this objection, and I'm curious how you handle it or how you talk somebody through it. They say, well, yeah, I need the help. I'm having cash flow issues, but because of that, I can't really afford.
Mark Graban:
I'm struggling to think through how do I afford the help that can help me get out of the situation? It's like this catch 22.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yep.
Mark Graban:
I'm sure you run across that. How do you think through that with people?
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah. I mean, any coach on this planet knows that's like, the number one thing. I don't. Or I got to talk to my spouse that's aka, I don't have the money. I'm embarrassed.
Tabatha Thorell:
I don't want, like, I don't, you know, you even bringing up, you know, a credit card because people are so emotional about money because it's scarce, and that's a lot of times why they come, because they're like, I need more of it. Right. And so it's like, if you can show people, if I can show people a way that they can make the money, if I can show somebody even before they come in and work on a program, and I've always worked with people, like, with payments and stuff just because I have a heart for helping people. And so if they come to me, it's like, I want to help you, you know? And sometimes I want it more for themselves than me.
Tabatha Thorell:
And that is actually not a good thing for coaches because it wears you out one on one coaching, but just getting people to look at it like an investment and there's actually tax breaks to it. There's a lot of things with that people don't even realize, wake, with coaching programs that you can be a benefit, you know, looking at it like a business, especially if the person, like, I'm a. I'm a coaching consultant. So, like, I'm business. So, like, if someone sees that on their tat, like their taxes, they're like, okay, that was for their business.
Tabatha Thorell:
And so it could be a tax break. You can, you know, business line of credit or personal credit. That's, you can use, know, pull out a credit card just for that to get funding. 0% finance for a whole year. Well, if you have not gotten results with my program in a year, I would gladly give your money back anyway, you know, or whatever.
Tabatha Thorell:
So you work with people, you give them resources. That was the thing. Like, I didn't even know that there was, like, these lines of credit for coaches that would give you four coaching programs. You know, I didn't even know that existed. And when that did, I didn't know that either.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. There's. There's specific companies that work directly with coaches for lines of credit for coaching programs or marketing. A lot of times people want to pay for ads and stuff, and that's like their, their avatar is online entrepreneurs or online coaches. So a lot of times I just like to show people resources and that's like, well, I just don't know then I know it's not about the money.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's about them taking action on what it is. And that, I say, is why you definitely need coaching. But I can't coach through that until you come into the program, you know, and so getting people, just showing them if it truly is money, like, if that's the only thing, like, I would do this, I would go for it. And that's how I am in a program. I'm like, sometimes the money flow just isn't there, you know?
Tabatha Thorell:
And it's like, then I know I can help them because there's lines of credit, there's resources, there's different things you can do, payment plans, all that stuff. And they're like, okay, yes, go, yeah, if I give them those options, then they still say, well, I got to talk to my spouse about it. It has nothing to do with money because I guarantee any entrepreneur on the planet, you give them capital, you give them money to do the thing, they're going to do it. Yeah, you give them capital and they're still hesitant. It has nothing to do with the capital.
Tabatha Thorell:
Always about the mindset, like, I'm not sure I can do this. I'm not sure I'm going to follow through with this. It sounds too much, too overwhelming. I can't do it. And there's usually other things behind the scenes, marital issues, kid issues, something that is pulling them away from the business that they can't balance.
Tabatha Thorell:
And it's that intimacy on the other side with the relationships that's usually pulling it. And so if I can get them to see that. But a lot of times, that's just time, and I can just welcome them into my world. Like, hey, check out my podcast. Still stay engaged.
Tabatha Thorell:
Any free resources. And when you're ready, we're here for you. And we have that money. And I. And actually, like, we're myself, I'm becoming the bank.
Tabatha Thorell:
I'm lending money people in real estate portfolios to help them get started, like earnest money, down payment, money development money, stuff like that, because I want them to take the leap. And money's always the stronghold, and there is money out there, and there's resources out there. It's just about being creative and resourceful with those resources.
Mark Graban:
Interesting.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yeah.
Mark Graban:
Our guest again today, Tabitha Thorel, of all the different things she does, she is again host of a podcast called what went wrong? I'd love to hear a little bit about the podcast. And I was like, to hear the origin story, like, how and why did you start this podcast on this theme and tell us what that theme and those topics are?
Tabatha Thorell:
Well, the podcast came because for about a year, a friend of mine said, hey, you're building up these relationships. I was building relationships with people, and he said, you have nowhere to. To plug them in. Like, you're building these high level relationships. You need to invite.
Tabatha Thorell:
You need to have podcasts to invite them on, you know, to, like, build that relationship. Because if anybody in business knows networking, like, you can network with people, but then there's kind of, like the end of the road, right? Like, you're kind of like, okay, well, if I have a platform for you to come and, like, give to an audience and promote yourself and share your book or your vision or whatever, like, that would be awesome. So I kept dragging my feet because in 2018, I did start a podcast, but I think as, like, eight episodes, it was too hard for me to keep up with. I couldn't do all the editing, so I stopped and I told my friend, I said, hey, chris, like, I just.
Tabatha Thorell:
I can't do a podcast right now. Like, I'm trying to launch a new program or real estate investing at five kids. Like, there's just too much. And he said, well, I have a guy that will do all the editing for you. Yeah, just meet with him.
Tabatha Thorell:
And I said, okay. So I met with him and I talked with him, and he was like, literally all you'd have to do is do the interview or speak whatever kind of podcast you want and we'll edit it, we'll do all the reels, we'll do all the promotion for it. And I was like, oh my gosh, that sounds amazing. And I was like, but what's the cost, right? Like, oh my gosh, one more thing.
Tabatha Thorell:
And he told me, and I said, okay, this is how I talk to myself. I'm like, tab, this is the business. Are you willing to invest in this for a year? You have to invest in it for a year. So I looked at the numbers and I said, if you don't make anything on this podcast and this is what it costs you, is it worth it?
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, are you going to go forward with it? And I told myself, yes, I'm going to do this. And then along the way, it's been building relationships, meeting people, skill sets, using it as another platform and doing that thing. So we've been doing it for six months. And that was really the premise the name came from.
Tabatha Thorell:
I wanted to tell people's stories. I didn't want it to just be like a how to podcast. Like, hey, learn how to invest in real estate or learn how to build a business online because they have those. And I know there's podcasts with stories, but I was like, I want to do stories, and can I do stories, like with a unique twist? So originally my whole foundation came from like, you know, like the murder mystery podcast where they're like, story, and it's like leaving you on the edge of your seat.
Tabatha Thorell:
That's what I wanted to do. But how could I do that in an interview setting, you know? And then I was like, well, and then maybe I could tell other people's stories if it is a solo episode. And I could do it like that. I could just storytell, you know, and like a narrator.
Tabatha Thorell:
So that's really where it came from. And then working with my producer, we came up with the name and he wanted me to do a really cutesy photo, you know, with me and, like, the microphone, like kind of cliched photo. Oh, I did. And I was like, this just doesn't go like. So I kept saying, if somebody asked me, if somebody tells me a story of what went wrong and it was like, horrific, you know, like, really, what would my face look like?
Tabatha Thorell:
So if you guys go now, you have to. You're intrigued. I know you're intrigued. Go to Apple Podcasts. And, you know, my face, it's like, it's really much what it would be like if somebody told me this horrific stories and sometimes when people tell me their stories, my face inside looks like that.
Tabatha Thorell:
I don't show it, but I'm kind of like, whoa, what went wrong? So I just like that. And I like the fact of hearing people's struggles because it's always leads to triumph. If you are persistent enough, your struggle will lead to triumph. What happens is people let the struggle overtake them and drag them under instead of just persisting forward in what they know.
Tabatha Thorell:
And these are stories where people persisted forward. And so it's everything from, you know, anxiety to alcoholic to bankruptcy to like, I talked to a mortgage guy and he was like $20 million in the whole, I mean, you know, just crazy stories of perseverance and just, they keep coming back. And I just love hearing that because that's what inspired it still inspires me. But especially in the beginning, that kept me going. The book stickability and 3ft from gold, those were all stories.
Tabatha Thorell:
And I said, that's what has kept me tethered to the entrepreneurial spirit, is hearing other people's stories and that they kept going and there was success at the end of that.
Mark Graban:
Yeah, well, I appreciate, you know, I think three words come to mind from hearing what you've shared today and in our discussion, three P's and whatever particular order, it's all interconnected passion, positivity and persistence.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes, yes.
Mark Graban:
Good summary.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes, absolutely. Yep. That's what you can call this podcast. That's kind of in my life's premise. I was eleven weeks early in the eighties when Remy's were, you know, that wasn't a thing.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like they just died, right? So I would say I was just impatient then, I'm impatient now. And I was persistent to, you know, get into this world and make my marks. So that's kind of been my, kind.
Mark Graban:
Of been my mantra persistent from the beginning. All right. And then maybe this is a fun way to wrap up. I haven't done this in a while, but one thing I like to ask people sometimes is because we've talked about what's the worst that could happen, what's the best that could happen, think about the best thing and the worst thing in whatever order. What's the best thing and the worst thing about living on a farm.
Tabatha Thorell:
Okay, so the worst thing is the smell.
Mark Graban:
I don't ever get used to that.
Tabatha Thorell:
No, I, and it's funny because we don't live on a farm currently. We actually want to live in the country. We want a farm. I don't want the animals I do a horse. I love horses.
Tabatha Thorell:
Like, they're beautiful. I know nothing about them, but they're beautiful creatures. And maybe some chickens because we eat a lot of eggs. But my husband, he wants, like, a whole tiny farm with, like, tiny cows and tiny pigs and, like. Anyway, but it's the smell, even where we live, because there's a lot of, like, feed lots and livestock around where.
Mark Graban:
We'Re at, so you can't. It's Nebraska.
Tabatha Thorell:
It's Nebraska. And it's beautiful, but, like, the smell is the worst. Okay. The best thing is, is that my kids walk to school. They have had their best friends since preschool.
Tabatha Thorell:
I, you know, we feel really connected to the school. So I send them to public school feeling very like, okay, this is a good thing. And our. His family is close by. My family's kind of spread out, but his family's close by.
Tabatha Thorell:
So just being in that small town and ultimately in the small town is community, where, like, if I got cancer tomorrow, I know everybody would rally around me and they do, like, a fundraiser, and they'd be there for my kids. They would, you know, help support us. And so having that community is really important to us and the safety aspect in the world and that family principles and values are really important to the people around us.
Mark Graban:
Well, thank you. And what went wrong? I either misunderstood and. Or made an assumption that rural equals farm.
Tabatha Thorell:
But that's okay. A lot of people, because my husband's a farmer, so it makes sense. And our town is 400 people, so some people would say, well, your town lives on a farm, so it's totally fine. And we actually, our dream home will be in the country someday just for the peace aspect, because nothing beats going outside in the country in the summer and listening to, like, the locusts and watching the fireflies and seeing the starlit sky and just hearing the wind and the corn and the trees like, that is, like, my favorite place because it's just so peaceful.
Mark Graban:
Yeah. So what went right? I think just about everything else with the episode here. So, Tabitha, thank you.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes.
Mark Graban:
Thank you for being a great guest again. Tabitha Thorel. I'll make sure there are links to her website in the show notes. Tabtherell.com is one place you can find her. I'll put social media links and more.
Mark Graban:
So thanks again. This has been fun. Good to continue the conversation here on this podcast.
Tabatha Thorell:
Yes. Thank you so much for having me.
Episode Summary and More
Learning from Mistakes: Insights from Tabitha Thorell
Introduction to Tabitha Thorell
Tabitha Thorell is a dynamic individual hailing from rural Nebraska. A devoted wife and mother of five girls, she has built an extensive career over the past 16 years. Her journey began as a fitness coach, a role that highlighted her motivational prowess and persistence. Alongside her high school sweetheart, she ventured into real estate investment nearly two decades ago, achieving success in this field as well. Beyond these accomplishments, Thorell is also a bestselling co-author, speaker, life coach, and business coach, showcasing a diverse skill set and a passion for helping others realize their dreams.
Diversifying Skills and Ventures
Thorell's ability to diversify her skills is one of her greatest strengths. After establishing herself as a fitness coach, her transition into real estate investing proved her entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore new ventures. This adaptability has enabled her to continually enhance her professional portfolio. Furthermore, as a life and business coach, Thorell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients, guiding them on their paths to success.
In addition to her coaching career, Thorell hosts a podcast titled What Went Wrong?. Through this platform, she shares inspiring stories and insights, further extending her reach and impact. This podcast adds another layer to her coaching, providing valuable lessons and adding depth to her commitment to helping others.
The Power of Making Mistakes
Thorell's perspective on mistakes is both refreshing and insightful. She admits that when she first began her career, her naivety often led her to make hasty decisions. For instance, she once invested in a coaching program based primarily on persuasive marketing. Despite realizing within 48 hours that the program was not a good fit for her, she chose to focus on extracting valuable lessons from the experience rather than dwelling on the mistake.
This approach highlights the importance of viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth. Rather than succumbing to regret, Thorell believes in taking action despite fear and learning from every experience. This mindset has allowed her to transform perceived failures into stepping stones for future success.
Navigating Challenges in Coaching
One of Thorell's notable experiences involved investing in a high-ticket coaching program that did not meet her expectations. Despite feeling misled by the marketing and experiencing a lack of connection with the coaches, she took responsibility for her decision. After a disappointing initial experience, she requested a partial refund, offering to cover the cost of the services she had used. Although the company refused her request, Thorell chose to adapt her approach and find value in the content.
Thorell's ability to turn a challenging situation into a constructive experience is a testament to her resilience and positive outlook. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and using every opportunity to grow, even when faced with difficulties or disappointments.
Taking Risks and Learning from Them
Risk-taking is an inherent part of Thorell's journey. She acknowledges the importance of assessing the potential impact of decisions on her personal life, particularly her relationships with her husband and children. For Thorell, the key is to balance caution with boldness. While she understands the significance of financial stability, she also recognizes that calculated risks can lead to substantial growth.
When confronted with a setback, Thorell chose to learn from the experience rather than let it hinder her progress. By focusing on the positive aspects and applying the lessons learned, she was able to recoup her investment and advance her business. This pragmatic approach underscores the value of resilience and the ability to find silver linings in challenging situations.
Conclusion: The Value of Persistence and Adaptability
Thorell's experiences illustrate the power of persistence and adaptability in achieving success. By embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and remaining flexible in the face of challenges, she has built a multifaceted career that continues to evolve. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how to transform obstacles into catalysts for growth. Whether through real estate, coaching, or her podcast, Thorell's commitment to helping others and her willingness to take risks continue to drive her success.
Embracing Positive Outcomes and Growth
Thorell has always been guided by the question: “What's the best that could happen?” She explains that anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin, differentiated only by one's outlook on the unknown. By focusing on the potential positive outcomes of her actions, Thorell maintains a proactive and optimistic approach to both her personal and professional life.
This mindset has significantly shaped her career trajectory, allowing her to move seamlessly from fitness coaching to real estate investment to coaching. Embracing opportunities with humility and openness, she continually seeks growth and positive impact. “As long as it’s not causing me to die or divorce, we're good,” Thorell reflects, illustrating her balanced approach to risks and rewards.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Growing up with financial constraints and witnessing her father's demanding work schedule, Thorell developed several limiting beliefs about money and success. However, her desire to help others pushed her to confront and overcome these limitations. Initially envisioning a career in marriage and family counseling, she pivoted upon realizing the high failure rates of relationships by the time they sought professional help. This revelation steered her toward fitness and, eventually, network marketing, where she found financial success and a pathway to personal growth.
Through consistent exposure to environments where she wasn't the smartest person in the room, Thorell witnessed the integration of wealth and integrity, fundamentally shifting her perspective on money and business. This approach allowed her to build a life that embodies financial stability, joy, and meaningful relationships.
Coaching with a Vision
Thorell's coaching philosophy prioritizes prevention and self-awareness. She encourages clients to proactively manage their business and personal lives to avoid crises. In business coaching, she emphasizes the need for regular financial assessments, clear vision-setting, and time management to ensure sustained growth and stability.
In her view, the common issues like cash flow problems and lack of leads that prompt entrepreneurs to seek coaching can be mitigated with consistent preventive measures. “Financial literacy, understanding how money flows in and out, and managing time effectively can keep a business from suffocating,” she says.
Cultivating Healthy Relationships
Equating relationship maintenance to business practices, Thorell underscores the importance of proactive communication and mutual respect in marriages. She advocates for daily practices of love and understanding to prevent relational breakdowns. “Maintenance is key. Just as you check finances regularly in a business, you need to check in with your partner,” she notes.
One of her techniques involves asking her husband daily how she can make his life easier, which fosters a cooperative and loving atmosphere. This practice extends to family dynamics as well, where she emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing the marital relationship to cultivate a healthy family environment.
Self-Improvement and Vulnerability
The cornerstone of Thorell's success, both as a coach and in her personal life, has been her commitment to continuous self-improvement. She encourages others to embrace vulnerability as a strength, addressing personal triggers and past traumas to bring their best selves to their relationships and businesses. “Working on yourself is the foundation. Whether it's leadership or intimacy, it starts with personal growth,” she asserts.
By addressing personal insecurities and traumas, Thorell believes individuals can break negative cycles and build positive momentum in their lives. This philosophy not only enhances personal relationships but also fosters a healthier work-life integration.
Working Together with Mutual Goals
Thorell and her husband aspire to eventually work full-time together in their real estate ventures. Despite the challenges of balancing his full-time job and their joint investments, they strive to support each other in every way possible. Thorell’s willingness to assist with farm work or other tasks reflects their shared commitment to mutual goals and a holistic partnership approach.
By integrating her entrepreneurial spirit with a dedication to personal growth and relational health, Thorell exemplifies how aligning personal values with professional aspirations can lead to a fulfilling and successful life. Her journey continues to inspire and guide others to achieve their own holistic success.
Embracing the Unknown in Long-term Partnerships
Thorell's unwavering dedication to her marriage is fueled by the deeper connection she shares with her husband. “I like to be with him. He's my best friend,” she shares, underscoring the importance of finding joy and companionship in one’s partner. This deep friendship forms the cornerstone of their relationship, enabling them to navigate the high stress of raising kids and manage professional commitments together.
Every day, Thorell sees an opportunity to learn more about her husband, strengthening their bond. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing a friendship that transcends physical attraction, especially as they age. “Our kids are going to leave the nest, and we're going to look at each other and be like, what the heck? It won't matter how much money we made if our relationship is dead,” she reflects. This foresight drives their goal of establishing a real estate business together, enhancing their partnership both personally and professionally.
Tackling Financial Constraints in Coaching
One of the biggest challenges Thorell encounters in her coaching practice is helping clients navigate financial constraints. Many potential clients express a desire for coaching but struggle with cash flow issues. Thorell recognizes that the root of their hesitation often extends beyond financial scarcity to emotional and psychological barriers. “People are so emotional about money because it's scarce, and that's a lot of times why they come,” she explains.
To address this, Thorell offers various options such as payment plans and educates clients about leveraging lines of credit specifically designed for coaching services. By framing coaching as an investment that offers tax benefits and long-term gains, she helps clients see beyond the immediate financial burden. Thorell also encourages an entrepreneurial mindset, advocating creative and resourceful solutions to fund coaching programs.
Podcast as a Platform for Connection and Growth
The idea for Thorell's podcast, “What Went Wrong?”, stemmed from a suggestion by a friend who saw the potential of her network. “You're building relationships with people and you have nowhere to plug them in,” her friend advised. Despite initial hesitation due to the demands of editing and managing a podcast, Thorell's commitment to building meaningful connections led her to outsource these tasks.
The podcast, which focuses on stories of struggle and triumph, serves as a platform for guests to share their experiences, highlighting their resilience and positivity. “What went wrong?” explores various adversities, from anxiety to financial ruin, illustrating how persistence and a positive mindset can lead to success. By sharing these narratives, Thorell aims to inspire others to persevere through their challenges.
Managing Entrepreneurial Ventures and Personal Well-being
Thorell’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a balance between professional ambition and personal well-being. She’s keenly aware of the toll that financial and emotional struggles can take on entrepreneurs. For those hesitant to invest in coaching due to financial concerns, Thorell provides practical solutions, such as business loans and lines of credit tailored for online entrepreneurs.
She's also proactive in addressing the underlying issues that distract her clients from their businesses. “Usually, there's something behind the scenes, like marital or kid issues,” she notes. By helping clients recognize and address these distractions, Thorell fosters an environment where they can focus on their business growth and personal development.
The Significance of Passion, Positivity, and Persistence
Thorell's life and career are guided by three core principles: passion, positivity, and persistence. Born prematurely, she embodies a spirit of persistence that has driven her success across various fields. “I was eleven weeks early in the '80s when preemies just didn't make it,” she shares. This early experience instilled a drive within her to make a mark in the world, a mantra she carries into all her endeavors.
Through her coaching, podcasting, and personal life, Thorell exemplifies how these principles intertwine to create a fulfilling and impactful journey. Her story serves as a testament to the power of maintaining a positive outlook, staying passionate about one’s goals, and persisting through challenges.
Embracing Rural Life: The Best and Worst Aspects
Living in Nebraska, Thorell finds herself oscillating between the highs and lows of rural life. One of the most challenging aspects she encounters is the persistent smell of feedlots and livestock. Despite the fact that her family does not currently live on a farm, they are surrounded by agricultural activities, which contribute to a strong and often unpleasant odor in the area. The smell never seems to fade, making it a constant reminder of their rural surroundings.
On a more positive note, Thorell treasures the sense of community and safety that comes with living in a small town. Her children have been able to walk to school and maintain friendships that have lasted since preschool. The close-knit community means that there’s a robust support system in place. The other day she mentioned, “If I got cancer tomorrow, I know everybody would rally around me.” This sense of belonging and mutual care provides immense comfort and security for her family.
Aspirations for a Country Lifestyle
While Thorell and her family currently live in a small town, their dream is to eventually move to the countryside. The desire for a peaceful life drives this ambition. To her, the ideal country life includes minimal livestock – just a horse and some chickens to supply fresh eggs for the family. Her husband, on the other hand, dreams of a tiny farm with miniature cows and pigs. The idea of living in the serene environment surrounded by fields and nature appeals to both of them but in slightly different ways.
The Beauty and Tranquility of Rural Nebraska
Thorell's vision of the countryside extends beyond just the aesthetic of farmhouses and open fields. She paints a picturesque scene of summer nights filled with the sounds of locusts, flickering fireflies, and clear, starlit skies. The tranquility and peace offered by the countryside contribute to a sense of well-being that is hard to find elsewhere. The absence of city noise and the presence of natural beauty provide a perfect backdrop for personal and family growth.
Integrating Family and Community Values
Living in a small town has reinforced Thorell’s appreciation for community values and family ties. Her husband's family is close by, providing an added layer of support and closeness. The communal spirit extends beyond family, encapsulating the entire town. Events like fundraisers and community gatherings are commonplace, emphasizing the shared values of support and cooperation. This environment is particularly favorable for raising children with strong moral principles and a sense of belonging.
Planning for the Future
With a vision to live a peaceful countryside life, Thorell and her husband are also aligning their professional and personal goals to make this dream a reality. Whether it's through their real estate ventures or building their coaching business, every step they take is aimed at bringing them closer to their ideal life. The balance between their entrepreneurial endeavors and personal aspirations stands as a testament to their commitment to long-term happiness and fulfillment.
In summary, Thorell's experiences and aspirations highlight the dichotomy of rural life – the challenges of enduring the less pleasant aspects are balanced by the joy of community, safety, and the promise of a peaceful future. Through their journey, the Thorell family aims to find harmony between professional success and personal well-being, deeply rooted in community values and the beauty of nature.