What is Coate Mindset anyway?
I developed the Coate Mindset to help me stay focused on creating a life with healthier habits that move me toward the goals that I set for myself. It also helps me grow into my most authentic self based on my truth instead of a truth based on other people’s perceptions and expectations of me.
Along with the Coate Mindset, I have created the #coateisagoat tag line. If you are a football fan and watched the Super Bowl, everyone is referring to Tom Brady as the true GOAT. My tagline is a play on this common acronym, the GOAT, used in sports for the Greatest of All Time. For the purposes of this blog and my current life trajectory, it is as follows:
- G = Goals
- O = Outlook
- A = Authentic
- T = Truth
On each blog post, I will start with my tagline and identify which topic the post is showcasing. I hope that you will join me on this journey of self awareness. I don’t know about you, but I can certainly use some support, encouragement, kindness and accountability. So what do you say? Will you join me?
- Put Your Troubles in a HatG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) If you know me at all, you know I’m originally from South Alabama, transplanted to the Florida Panhandle almost 9 years ago. And if you know that much, then you probably also know I’ve got plenty of southern sayings that have followed me over here and become a little bit… Read more: Put Your Troubles in a Hat
- Living in the Space of GratitudeG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Every once in a while, I have a week where I catch myself stepping back and just taking it all in. Just little moments where I pause and think, this is actually a really good season of life. This weekend and the past week felt like one of those times.… Read more: Living in the Space of Gratitude
- Right Here. Right Now. On Purpose.G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) This weekend felt different. Not because anything extravagant happened. Not because there was some big milestone or dramatic moment. It was quieter than that. Simpler. It just felt… right. You know those moments when you pause and think, Right here. Right now. I am exactly where I am meant to… Read more: Right Here. Right Now. On Purpose.
- The Gift of Choice (Even When Life Looks Different)G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Last night, I found myself in one of those conversations that stays with you long after it ends. The kind that doesn’t feel dramatic in the moment, yet somehow keeps echoing in your thoughts. I was talking with my friend Jenn about a beautiful job opportunity she’s stepping into —… Read more: The Gift of Choice (Even When Life Looks Different)
- When the Road Isn’t SmoothG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Life has a way of placing us in situations we never would’ve chosen. The conversations we didn’t want to have. The stress we didn’t see coming. The season that feels heavier than it “should.” Less-than-ideal doesn’t even begin to cover some chapters. And if you’re anything like me, your first… Read more: When the Road Isn’t Smooth
- Being Present Is Where the Joy IsG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) This weekend was short. Like really short. I chose to drive to Eufaula first so I could squeeze every possible moment out of a quick trip just south of Atlanta for a bridal shower. It meant making a stop—slightly out of the way—to spend the night with my mom and… Read more: Being Present Is Where the Joy Is
- Facing What We’ve Been Putting OffG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) This past week was humbling in more ways than one. I had a tooth extracted that I should have taken care of over a year ago. I knew something wasn’t right back then. I felt the warning signs. But I ignored them—hoping it would settle down, telling myself I’d deal with… Read more: Facing What We’ve Been Putting Off
- Learning How to Pray: Moving From Belief to RelationshipG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) I have always been a believer. Faith has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I believe in God, I trust Him, and I know His promises are good. But if I’m being really honest, one area I know I’ve lacked in is building a relationship… Read more: Learning How to Pray: Moving From Belief to Relationship
- Community: The Word I’m Carrying Into 2026G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) As we step into a new year, I chose a word to anchor me in 2026. A word to return to when things feel confusing, heavy, joyful, or uncertain. That word is community. Interestingly, this morning at church, the message centered on the importance of community and how deeply it shapes… Read more: Community: The Word I’m Carrying Into 2026
- Trusting the Work We Cannot SeeG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) There is a difference between praying and trusting. Lately, I’ve been sitting with that truth in a deeper way. When we pray and ask God to move in our lives, we aren’t just making requests—we are stepping into a posture of hope and trust. Trust that He hears us. Trust that… Read more: Trusting the Work We Cannot See
- A Marathon, Not a SprintG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) As I sit here on the first Sunday night of the new year, getting my bag ready and mentally preparing for the workweek ahead, I’m realizing that 2026 didn’t start the way I imagined it would. Instead of feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer the year, I spent the first… Read more: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
- When Traditions Change, We Get to Choose What Comes NextG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Christmas hasn’t felt the same since my grandmother passed away. For as long as I can remember, her house was the place. The gathering point after the Christmas Eve candlelight service at the First United Methodist Church in Jackson. The familiar smell of food in the kitchen, the sound of laughter spilling… Read more: When Traditions Change, We Get to Choose What Comes Next
- Being Seen, Surrounded, and Stepping Into 50 with GratitudeG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Today, my heart is full. This morning started in the best way—church with family. Not rushed. Not distracted. Just present. Worshiping together, sitting side by side, grounded in faith. After that, we shared Sunday brunch to celebrate my 50th birthday, another friend’s birthday, and honestly… just the gift of being together.… Read more: Being Seen, Surrounded, and Stepping Into 50 with Gratitude
- On the Eve of 50G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) As I sit here on the night before my 50th birthday, my mood isn’t my usual one. I’ve been a little down. Maybe a little sad. And I didn’t expect that. Why is it that birthdays—especially the big ones—have a way of making us think about where things have gone wrong… Read more: On the Eve of 50
- Grief, Disappointment, and the Holidays… The Parts We Don’t Say Out LoudG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Sometimes the hardest part of growing is realizing that not everyone is willing—or able—to grow with you. Family included. There’s a version of you that some people cling to because it makes them feel better. It’s familiar. Predictable. Comfortable. But that version of you doesn’t exist anymore… and honestly, that’s something to… Read more: Grief, Disappointment, and the Holidays… The Parts We Don’t Say Out Loud
- Growing Into New Seasons — Gratitude, Awareness, and the Courage to Keep BecomingG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Thanksgiving has a way of slowing me down long enough to see what I might’ve rushed past during the year. The table filled with food, the familiar voices, the laughter that rises without effort—those moments remind me how grateful I am for the people I get to love in this life.… Read more: Growing Into New Seasons — Gratitude, Awareness, and the Courage to Keep Becoming
- The Door That Closed and the Clarity That FollowedG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) This week didn’t unfold the way I expected. I didn’t get a job I truly believed might be my “end goal” — the role I thought would tie together years of work, growth, and passion. When the answer came back as no, it was disappointing. Not dramatic, not earth-shattering… just one of… Read more: The Door That Closed and the Clarity That Followed
- Trusting God… Even When Fear Tries to WinG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) This past week, I found myself in Austin, Texas for a work conference—my first time in the city. And let me tell you, Austin did not disappoint. The energy, the food, the creativity of the city… it was all such a blessing. The conference itself was semi-useful, but the trip as a… Read more: Trusting God… Even When Fear Tries to Win
- Proud of the ClimbG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) I don’t say this often enough — but I’m proud of myself. Not in a boastful way. In a grateful way. Because when I stop and look back at the road that’s led me here, I can see that none of this happened by accident. I’ve worked hard to get where… Read more: Proud of the Climb
- The Good You Can’t See YetG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Today I watched the Little House on the Prairie episodes where Mary goes blind. I’ve seen them before, but this time something different stood out to me—something deeper. When Mary first loses her sight, everything she knew about herself changes. Her independence, her dreams, her sense of purpose—it all feels shattered. And… Read more: The Good You Can’t See Yet
- No Pity Parties — Just PeaceG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Lately, I’ve felt that tug — the one that comes when you’re doing all the things you once prayed for, but you’re too tired to enjoy them. The calendar’s full, the to-do list never ends, and even the blessings start to feel a little heavy. It’s a strange tension — to be grateful… Read more: No Pity Parties — Just Peace
- Learning to Reset After Letting My Emotions LeadG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) This week, I had one of those moments — the kind where you know exactly what you should do, and yet you do the opposite. Instead of pausing and responding from a place of peace, I let my emotions grab the wheel. Before I knew it, my alter ego (we’ll call her Hornetta… Read more: Learning to Reset After Letting My Emotions Lead
- Lessons from Little House on the Prairie: God-Given Gifts and GritG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) This week, I revisited one of my favorite episodes of Little House on the Prairie—the one where Laura Ingalls rides her beloved horse, Bunny, in the township horse race against Nellie Oleson. Nellie’s mother had gone out and bought her a thoroughbred, just so she could beat Laura in the annual Hero Township… Read more: Lessons from Little House on the Prairie: God-Given Gifts and Grit
- All In His TimingG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) There was a day I will never forget. I was standing in the shower, broken after my second divorce, crying out to God for strength because I truly didn’t know how I was going to make it through. In that moment, I surrendered. I admitted I wasn’t in control. And that was the… Read more: All In His Timing
- Week 1 of My Morning Routine JourneyG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) This past week, I officially started my Miracle Morning routine inspired by Hal Elrod’s book. My alarm goes off at 5:20 a.m., and I’ve committed to the SAVERS—Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing—before the rest of the world wakes up. Not going to lie—Monday felt like a win, but by Friday, the… Read more: Week 1 of My Morning Routine Journey
- Back to Simpler TimesG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) This past weekend, I gave myself permission to step away from social media. Instead of scrolling, I finally did something I had been putting off—cleaning out my closet and drawers. Somewhere between sorting clothes and dusting corners, I found myself turning on a show I hadn’t watched in years: Little House on… Read more: Back to Simpler Times
- Finding Purpose in the ExhaustionG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. I know part of it comes from burning the candle at both ends. My exhaustion goes beyond just the physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. And I know I’m not alone. Scrolling through the internet tonight, I was reminded of that. I saw… Read more: Finding Purpose in the Exhaustion
- Grateful for the Small Moments That Leave Big ImpactsG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) Gratitude has been on my heart this week. Not just for the big milestones we all dream about, but for the small, unexpected moments that carry so much meaning. Two days ago, I received the biggest order yet for Blessing Rings. It came from Kristi — someone I met only once at… Read more: Grateful for the Small Moments That Leave Big Impacts
- Becoming a Better StewardG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth(#coateisaGOAT) Part of what Coate Mindset is all about is being real about the ups and downs of growth. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always easy, and sometimes it feels like I’m stumbling more than I’m striding. Where This Started Earlier this week, I saw a reel that really stopped me in… Read more: Becoming a Better Steward
- Endurance, Consistency, and Trusting the ProcessG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand as I’ve gotten older, it’s this: consistency is the key to just about everything. Endurance and consistency may not sound glamorous, but they are the foundation of real growth—whether in business, relationships, or personal development. Right now, I am in a season of learning and… Read more: Endurance, Consistency, and Trusting the Process
- Discover Gua Sha, Hiyo, and the Best Home Planner: A Few of My Favorites LatelyA=Authentic (#coateisaGOAT) The benefits of gua sha have been reaped in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for years and through generations. When using gua sha for facial massage, you could experience several benefits. 1. Promotes lymphatic drainage The scraping motions used in a gua sha massage help to aid lymphatic drainage as you take time to work… Read more: Discover Gua Sha, Hiyo, and the Best Home Planner: A Few of My Favorites Lately
- A Fresh Start: Building Habits That Last This School YearG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) As an educator, I’ve always looked forward to the new school year. It’s like hitting the reset button — a fresh chance to improve, grow, and refocus. Maybe that’s why education is such a perfect career for someone like me who’s not exactly neurotypical and gets bored easily. Each year brings new challenges,… Read more: A Fresh Start: Building Habits That Last This School Year
- Mid-Year Review: A Heart Full of Gratitude and GrowthG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) Six years ago, I started making vision boards. Each year, I get a little better—not just at designing them, but at using them as a visual reminder of what matters most to me. They’re not just filled with pretty pictures; they hold my hopes, my prayers, and the direction I want my year… Read more: Mid-Year Review: A Heart Full of Gratitude and Growth
- Expectant WaitingThe content emphasizes the power of hopeful waiting, as encouraged by scripture. It reflects on the struggle of controlling outcomes due to anxiety and fear, emphasizing the importance of pausing, trusting, and being present. The author shares a personal journey toward faith and endurance during times of uncertainty, promoting patient trust in God’s timing.
- Residual PositivityO=Outlook (#coateisaGOAT) Residual Positivity—I’m not sure that’s even a real term, but it perfectly describes what’s been happening since I launched the Blessing Ring. Has this ever happened to you? You buy a new car, and suddenly you start seeing that same car everywhere. You never noticed them before, but now they’re all you see.… Read more: Residual Positivity
- Done Checking Boxes… Live with IntentionG=Goals A=Authentic (#coateisaGOAT) Recently, I gave a presentation to a group of advisory council members on a topic I wasn’t fully comfortable with—one I didn’t feel fully informed or confident about. It was part of a checklist assignment, a task required to move forward in my journey toward becoming a principal. I delivered it. I… Read more: Done Checking Boxes… Live with Intention
- Fear and AllG=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) A knot in your stomach, tightness in your chest, a flushed face, feeling like you’re going to throw up, everything around you seems more intense than usual…all of these are ways that I experience fear. About five minutes before typing this, I didn’t think my finger could simply click a mouse… Read more: Fear and All
- Make a ChoiceO=Outlook A=Authentic (#coateisaGOAT) Driving into work today, I was reminded that every day is full of choices, some harder than others. Right now, in this season of struggle, I needed this reminder. This morning, I happened to drive a particular stretch of road that, for some reason, always speaks to me. While driving, I recalled a… Read more: Make a Choice
- Living Your Dream or Leaving a LegacyG=Goals O=Outlook (#coateisaGOAT) Lately, I have really been struggling with, “Is this really it? Is this all that my life has to offer? What legacy am I leaving behind?” Maybe it’s my age or maybe we all reach this place in our own time. Anyway, this has really been eating at me this year. (And… Read more: Living Your Dream or Leaving a Legacy
- Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us – Part 2T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) O=Outlook (#coateisaGOAT) Complete honesty here: last week as I wrote my blog, it went in a direction that I never intended. Don’t get me wrong, I stayed true to the topic. My rabbit hole, however, took an entirely different direction than where my original thought regarding – Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us… Read more: Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us – Part 2
- Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us – Part 1T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT) What is the correct response to someone that tells you, “Oh my gosh! You look so good,” after you have been trying to lose weight? Obviously, the appropriate response is, “Thank you so much. I have been working really hard.” This should be an easy exchange, right? So why does it leave me… Read more: Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us – Part 1
- Remember to Have FunO=Outlook (#coateisaGOAT) Today was a good day! I went to eat with my amazing kids at an awesome restaurant, the Casino Beach Bar and Grille in Pensacola. If you have never been there, it’s worth the trip. The view was spectacular. The food was delicious. Our outing was actually a substitute for another engagement that we were… Read more: Remember to Have Fun
- Grant Yourself Some GraceO=Outlook (#coateisaGOAT) What is the definition of grace (in the context of forgiving your shortcomings)? According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: a: approval, favor, b: mercy, pardon, c: a special favor : privilege, d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency, e: a temporary exemption : reprieve. This week I am going to consciously grant myself grace. I have not been… Read more: Grant Yourself Some Grace
- Building/Breaking Habits – Part 2A=Authentic G=Goals (#coateisaGOAT) This week we are continuing our discussion of habits. I hope last week you made your list of habits that you like and see as useful; it’s good to reflect on our current reality. Celebrate all the wins (no matter how insignificant they may seem)! As far as our useless habits are concerned, we are going to get to those. … Read more: Building/Breaking Habits – Part 2
- Building/Breaking Habits – Part 1A=Authentic G=Goals (#coateisaGOAT) Hello, my name is Maggie, and I am a codependent people-pleaser. I open the blog this way because I feel like I really need to be completely honest with you. In reality, that’s why I am here. This blog is a sort of self-acceptance therapy for me. I am not here because… Read more: Building/Breaking Habits – Part 1
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