4 Questions to Ask Before Chasing Your Next Shiny Object with Emily Aborn

In Episode 147 of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Emily Aborn for a conversation that every entrepreneur needs to hear. This episode cuts straight to the strategies, stories, and hard-won lessons that move the needle for real business builders.

In this episode, Emily Aborn shares four key questions creative entrepreneurs should ask themselves before taking on new projects or opportunities, helping them ensure their choices align with their goals, time, and capacity. She emphasizes the importance of making decisions that feel genuinely right, sustainable, and true to oneself.

Episode Overview

MEET US LIVE IN FEBRUARY AT CRE8TIVE CON: This week, the Creative Entrepreneur Pod welcomes a fresh voice! Emily Aborn , host of Small Business Casual and seasoned small business copywriter, takes the mic for Julie and Dom in a value-packed solo episode designed to help creative entrepreneurs simplify their decision-making process. What’s Inside: Meet Emily!

Emily Aborn introduces herself and shares her passion for helping entrepreneurs cut the noise, get focused, and enjoy a thriving business. The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster Feeling overwhelmed by shiny new ideas, opportunities, and endless “shoulds” in business and creativity? You’re not alone!

Emily Aborn opens up about her own journey—from chasing every idea to learning the power of discernment. The Four Questions That Will Change Your YESes (and NOs!) Before saying yes (or no) to that next project, platform, collaboration, or opportunity, Emily Aborn shares her four-question framework: Do I want this? (Not just the task, but the outcome!) Do I have time for this?

The hidden costs you didn’t think about. Can I do this now? Skills, resources, and sometimes, a permission slip. Will I do this? The ultimate gut-check for follow-through. Practical Takeaways How to pause before progressing, say yes from a place of authenticity, and give yourself permission to rest, regroup, and make space for what truly matters.

What You'll Take Away

This 11 min conversation is one of the most actionable episodes we've produced. Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky bring their signature energy and depth to ensure every minute translates into real-world value. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned CEO, the lessons in Episode 147 apply directly to where you are right now.

Why This Episode Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs

Whether you're building your business in Phoenix, Nashville, Austin, or anywhere across the United States, the strategies in Episode 147 are immediately applicable. The entrepreneurial landscape is evolving faster than ever — and the founders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning from people who have already navigated the path.

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — ranked #1 on Apple Podcasts in Business News — exists to give you that edge. Every episode is a masterclass in the real mechanics of building a business that lasts. We learn from CEOs, athletes, attorneys, marketers, and innovators who have made the mistakes so you don't have to. Explore our full blog archive for more episodes on business growth, personal branding, leadership, and creative strategy — each post written by Julie Lokun.

Part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is one pillar of a larger ecosystem built to empower creative entrepreneurs at every stage. We are proud to be part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand, which includes Cre8tive Con — our iconic business conference — as well as online meetups, Amped, and more. Visit cre8tivecon.com/podcast to explore the full community.

Cre8tive Con is where the creative entrepreneur community comes alive — a gathering of founders, marketers, speakers, authors, and innovators building businesses on their own terms. If you're serious about growing your network and your business, Cre8tive Con is where you need to be.

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Have a guest suggestion or show idea? Reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Together, we're proving that business does not have to be boring — and the best is yet to come.