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From Comfort Zone to BIG Zone: A Guide to Mindset Mastery and Growth

Stacey St John

by Stacey St. John  - January 22, 2026

I’m gonna get straight to it. Diving into a sea of "how-to" videos, podcasts, and endless Google searches is not going to get you where you want to be. How do I know this? Because I’ve tried it. Before I retired from my six-figure corporate job, I was a leader at a global consulting firm. I had the fancy title and the paycheck, but I was also exhausted, stressed, and craving a change.

When I first started exploring real estate, the learning curve felt like a steep mountain. I knew I wanted to thrive, but I didn't have the years of wisdom required to master short-term rentals overnight. That is when I discovered the power of knowledge hacking for success.

What Exactly is Knowledge Hacking?

I coined the term "knowledge hacking" to describe the process of tapping directly into someone else’s years of experience and expertise. Instead of spending months (or even years) trying to figure everything out through trial and error, you plug into the brain of someone who has already mastered what you’re trying to do.

Think of it like this: If the Duffer Brothers want to create a TV series that takes over the imagination of the world (kinda like Stranger Things) they don’t sit down and try to take on every single aspect of the production - the design, the acting, the costume making. They assemble a team of expert creators, editors, designers…and they use their knowledge to make the entire thing come to life. Knowledge hacking for success is about bringing in the right people to help you reach new heights quickly and efficiently.

Why I Love Knowledge Hacking for Success

In my own journey, knowledge hacking was a game-changer. When I bought my first two vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach, I was hooked, but I was also a "newbie". I didn't have the know-how to maximize revenue or become a Superhost on my own. So, I followed the "Who Not How" approach and hired experts to work in my business.

And, by taking this approach, I was able to turn $50,000 into a $2 million real estate portfolio in just two years.

The Benefits of Hacking Your Way to the Top

When you embrace knowledge hacking for success, you get to:

  • Transform Years Into Days: You condense years of trial and error into just a few days because you have the right people around you.

  • Skip the Heartache: You don't have to make the same costly mistakes that others have already made; you can simply dodge them.

  • Target Your Learning: You get specific, actionable guidance from someone who has already conquered your specific challenge.

Three Ways to Become a Knowledge Hacker

Ready to start hacking your way to success? Here are my three favorite ways to tap into the brains of amazing people:

  1. Hire a Knowledge Powerhouse: Bring an expert directly onto your team to handle the details you don't have time to master.

  2. Join a Coaching Program or Mastermind: This gives you direct access to a leader’s expertise and allows you to learn from others on the same journey.

  3. Bring on a Consultant: If you need a custom roadmap or help with a specific task, an advisor can be your secret weapon.

According to Forbes, mentorship and expert guidance are critical for women entrepreneurs to navigate the unique challenges of the business world.

While knowledge hacking isn't free, the return on investment is massive. The cost of lost opportunities and "YouTube University" overwhelm is much higher. Don't hesitate to find your "Who." When you have the right folks in your corner, you will be amazed at how quickly you can LIVE BIG!

If you’re ready to stop the guesswork and start using every LIVE BIG trick to fast-track your journey to success, grab your copy of LIVE BIG today at https://livebigwithstacey.com/book/ and start turning your biggest dreams into your everyday reality.
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Stacey St John

Stacey St. John

Stacey is living proof that big dreams and bold moves can lead to incredible results. With a successful career in sales and corporate America, Stacey cannonballed into real estate with just $50,000 and turned it into a 7-figure portfolio in just a few years. Whew!

Now, she’s on a mission to show other women (including you!) how they can do the same with any dream, in any industry, or even their personal goals.

Stacey’s passion is all about lifting others up and enabling them with tools to create their best lives. She knows that dreaming big can feel scary, but she’s living proof that with the right guidance, some hard work, and a proven plan, those dreams can turn into reality.

Drawing on her years of not only business experience but a ton of mindset work – which honestly, can be harder to practice – Stacey now mentors women who are ready to take control of their future, break through barriers to finally get un-stuck, and design the life they’ve always dreamed of.

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