We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Norland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Though forming good habits can be challenging at first, they shape the future you’ll live in effortlessly—either leading to your success or your struggles. I’m going to share five habits with you found in my book, “You Are Worthy: Stop Building Other People’s Dreams and Sabotaging Your Own So You Can Step into Your Calling and Live Your Purpose with Confidence.”

1. Knowing I Was Made on Purpose for a Purpose

This is the foundation of everything I do. Understanding that God doesn’t make mistakes, I realized that I wasn’t just here by accident—I was created with a divine purpose. It took years to grasp this fully. But when I did, everything shifted. When you understand that you were handcrafted by the Creator of the universe, it gives you the confidence to push through obstacles because you know your life has meaning. God has plans for you that are bigger than you could ever dream of, and knowing that He made me for something specific empowered me to lean into His guidance. Psalm 139:14 says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” which reminds me daily that my life has value because it was designed by God.

2. Seeing Myself Through the Proper Perspective

In my book, “You Are Worthy,” I have a 5-step formula called “The S.I.G.H.T. Method.”

I use the word sight as an acronym that helps you see yourself as God sees you, trains you how to get rid of the garbage holding you back, and helps you hold on to what’s helpful so that with a renewed mind you can finally see yourself in an empowering light that propels you forward. I struggled with self-worth for a long time. Many people, me included, have had thoughts that they aren’t good enough, that they don’t measure up. But this method forced me to stop measuring myself by the world’s standards. I began to view myself through God’s lens—understanding my value not by what I do or achieve but by who I am in Him. Scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11 remind me that God has a plan for my life, and I’m learning to see myself as someone deserving of that plan. When you start to view your life through God’s truth, you’ll see the lies of insecurity, inadequacy, and fear melt away.

3. Knowing My Worth Isn’t Determined by How I Feel

Feelings are fleeting, but truth is constant. One of the greatest revelations that led to my success was realizing that my worth isn’t tied to my emotions. There were days I didn’t feel worthy, successful, or enough. But I had to remind myself that my worth doesn’t come from my feelings—it comes from God. Feelings can deceive, but God’s word is unchanging. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are His workmanship, created for good works. This was liberating for me because it meant that I no longer had to be ruled by my emotional ups and downs. My value is rooted in God’s love for me, not in my own fluctuating feelings.

4. Cultivating Acceptance

Another habit that helped me succeed was learning the power of acceptance. Believe me this came in handy as an actress in Hollywood when many of the roles I’d audition for, I wouldn’t get. Acceptance is not about giving up, but about understanding that some things are beyond your control. When I stopped trying to control every detail and accepted people (including myself) and circumstances as they were, I found peace. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for our good, even the things we don’t like. When I embraced this truth, my relationships improved, and I was able to move through life with more grace and ease.

For example, I once auditioned for a role in an amazing film project that I really wanted, but I didn’t get it. I remembered the filming dates they had mentioned, and on one of those days, I found myself at home on mommy duty, feeling a bit resentful as I carried my 3-1/2-year-old around the house. He still couldn’t walk—the doctors and therapists had told me he never would because of his cerebral palsy. But that day, as I was home, feeling stuck, Timothy took his first steps without his walker, and I was there to witness it. Had I been on set, I would have missed that miracle.

5. Trusting in God’s Timing

Success isn’t always immediate, and for me, one of the hardest lessons was learning to trust in God’s timing. There were many moments when I felt like giving up because things weren’t happening as quickly as I wanted. I remember getting so annoyed with a particular friend I had because she would always say, “It takes seven to ten years to be an overnight success.” But when I look back on those years when I was impatient and thought I should be further along, I realize I wasn’t actually ready for the next level. I needed to grow my character; I didn’t have the mental fortitude or EQ to take me or keep me where I wanted to go. Proverbs 3:5-6 taught me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. I began to see that what I saw as delays were really God’s preparation for something greater. Trusting in His timing has been key to both my personal and professional growth.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, “It Starts With You Are,” is all about helping people unlock their God-given potential and step confidently into their calling. The reason I gave it that name is that whatever you become and achieve in life all starts with what you think you are. If you think YOU ARE a failure, guess what? You will be. If you think YOU ARE destined for success, guess what? You will be. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” You will never go further in life than you think you are capable of going.

As a faith-based life coach, speaker, and author, my passion lies in showing Christians, faith-based entrepreneurs, and believers how to see themselves the way God sees them—chosen, worthy, and fully capable of fulfilling the dreams He has placed in their hearts. What sets me apart from others is that my work goes beyond just personal development; it’s deeply rooted in faith. I don’t shy away from incorporating God into every aspect of my coaching, books, and courses because I believe true transformation happens when we align with His will and recognize our divine worth.

I’m most proud of creating resources that don’t just inspire but equip believers to live a life of purpose. My “You Are Worthy” book and course have impacted thousands of lives, helping them build unshakeable confidence and embrace their calling with boldness. The best part? I get to watch people break free from self-doubt and step into a life filled with meaning, success, and service to others.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, times when I questioned whether I was truly called to this work. But every challenge was an opportunity for growth, and I overcame them by leaning into my faith and trusting God’s timing. Through perseverance, prayer, and a lot of inner work, I’ve learned that every setback is a setup for something greater. The key lesson I’ve taken away is that we must trust the process, even when it doesn’t make sense. God’s plans for us are often bigger than what we can see in the moment.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am here to serve those who are ready to step into their greatness. My passion is to empower those faith-driven individuals who know they were meant for more, to step boldly into their calling and live their purpose with confidence. I don’t offer quick fixes or band-aid solutions. Instead, I provide a transformational journey for those who are serious about making a lasting impact. If you’re looking for someone who will not only challenge you but also walk with you in faith, helping you discover your true worth in Christ, kick down your doors of insecurity and guide you to ascend to new levels in your faith, life, and business, then you’ve found the right coach. My story is one of overcoming, of trusting in God’s purpose, and I am passionate about helping others do the same.

I’m thrilled to announce something new and exciting: I now offer VIP Days for one-on-one, deeply focused coaching. These VIP Days are designed to help you make powerful shifts in your business and life by working closely with me in a personalized, intensive session. Whether you’re looking to align your faith with your business, scale up while staying true to your values, or break through self-doubt and find your God-given purpose, these VIP Days are tailored to meet your specific needs.

We’ll spend an entire day together, focusing solely on your goals and challenges, and creating a strategic plan to help you achieve success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur who wants to grow your business while staying true to your faith, or someone ready to rediscover your worth and step into your calling with confidence, I’ll help you gain clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward. This is your opportunity to transform your business and life in just one day.

I’m excited to walk alongside you as you take this next step in your journey!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I would want to give them an experience that shows off the heart, creativity, and beauty of this city. Here’s what our week might look like:

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
– Brunch: We’d start with a relaxing brunch at Crossroads Kitchen—their vegan dishes are out of this world, and it’s a perfect spot to ease into the L.A. vibe.
– Afternoon Stroll: Then, we’d head to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city and a peaceful walk through Griffith Park. It’s one of those classic L.A. spots where you can see the entire skyline.
– Evening: For dinner, we’d grab some delicious plant-based sushi at Shojin in Little Tokyo, followed by a chill night with live music at Hotel Café in Hollywood. The lineup always features incredible, undiscovered artists that will blow you away.

Day 2: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems
– Morning: We’d start our day exploring the Getty Center. Its art collection is stunning, and the gardens offer spectacular views of the city.
– Lunch: Lunch would be at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood—an amazing vegan Mexican restaurant.
– Afternoon: We’d check out the quirky shops and street art in Venice Beach, and maybe rent bikes to ride along the boardwalk or we could bring our roller skates!
– Evening: Dinner would be at Cafe Gratitude—a staple for vegan foodies, followed by a night of poetry at an open mic at The Last Bookstore downtown. It’s one of the coolest spaces for LA’s creative community to gather.

Day 3: Nature & Adventure
– Morning Hike: We’d kick off the day with a morning hike at Runyon Canyon—you’ll get some of the best panoramic views of L.A. here. Or Hiking behind the Hollywood sign is always fun.
– Lunch: Afterward, we’d refuel with an organic, plant-based bowl from SunCafe in Studio City. I love their jicama nachos.
– Afternoon: For some adventure, we’d hit the Culver City Stairs for a more challenging climb and take in the sweeping views of the city below.
– Evening: For dinner, we’d head over to Nic’s On Beverly, a vegan restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. Then, we’d wind down with live jazz at The Baked Potato, a cozy venue featuring some of the best musicians in town.

Day 4: Relaxation & Beach Day
– Morning: We’d start with breakfast at Sage Plant Based Bistro in Culver City.
– Beach Day: Then it’s off to Malibu, where we’d hang out at El Matador Beach, known for its stunning rock formations and peaceful vibes. Maybe grab a smoothie at Malibu Farm on the pier afterward.
– Evening: A relaxing dinner at Plant Food + Wine in Venice would cap off the day, with a beautiful garden setting that’s just perfect for unwinding after a beach day.

Day 5: Exploring Hidden Spots
– Morning: We’d explore The Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena for a serene morning among gorgeous landscapes and art.
– Lunch: Lunch would be at Double Zero. This is a great spot if you love vegan pizza. They serve wood-fired, plant-based pizzas that are packed with flavor.
– Afternoon: We’d stroll through Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some boutique shopping (you can usually spot celebs in this area), followed by a visit to Erewhon for some vegan snacks and fresh juices.
– Evening: The evening would be spent having a picnic dinner catching a sunset at Topanga Canyon, a hidden gem where nature meets peace.

Day 6: Live Entertainment & LA Vibes
– Morning: We’d head to Echo Park Lake to rent pedal boats and enjoy the downtown views in the distance.
– Lunch: We’d stop by Pura Vita for an incredible vegan Italian meal (good news, they have gluten-free options).
– Afternoon & Evening: In the evening, we’d go to Largo for a comedy show, though Flappers and the Icehouse are fun options. Or, if my friend is feeling music rather than comedy, The Troubadour for some live music. These venues are iconic for their laid-back vibe and incredible talent.

Day 7: Reflection & Faith
– Morning: We’d finish the week by heading to church. There are so many great houses of worship in Los Angeles that have such a vibrant, welcoming community and will send us off spiritually refreshed.
– Afternoon Brunch: Afterward, we’d have brunch at Real Food Daily—a fantastic vegan spot known for their comforting, feel-good food. Or for something quick and on-the-go, Veggie Grill is always a crowd favorite. My hubby loves their battered and fried cauliflower dipped in hot sauce and vegan ranch.
– Afternoon Farewell: For a peaceful end to our trip, we might spend our final hours soaking in the beauty at The Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro with its stunning ocean views, reflecting on the blessings of the week.
That week would perfectly balance everything I love about L.A.—great vegan food, breathtaking nature, artistic expression, and a strong sense of community. It’s a city full of opportunities to explore, connect, and be inspired.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my journey, I owe so much to those who have walked alongside me, guided me, and lifted me up when I couldn’t see the way forward. First and foremost, I want to thank God—none of this would be possible without His love, grace, and purpose guiding my every step. My husband, Rob, has been a steadfast rock in my life, supporting me through the highs and the lows with unwavering love and patience. My two boys, Timothy and Elijah, who teach me daily what it means to love unconditionally and to see the world through fresh eyes, are constant reminders of what truly matters.

I’d also love to shout out my mentors, spiritual leaders, and friends who poured wisdom into my life. People like Mel Novak, who encouraged me to be bold for Christ and never settle for less than God’s best, and my late friend Marshall, who gave me the courage to dust off my poetry and share it with the world. Their impact is woven throughout my story, and I’m forever grateful.

To everyone who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself—this journey wouldn’t be what it is without you. Every prayer, every word of encouragement, every bit of faith you had in me, I carry with me. You’ve shaped who I am today, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

Website: https://www.KatherineNorland.com

Instagram: @KatherineNorland

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-norland-1b33135/

Twitter: @KatNorland

Facebook: @KatNorland

Youtube: https://Youtube.com/KatherineNorland

Other: https://www.KatherineNorland.net

Image Credits
Photo of me in my office with the books by Ryan Adams
Photo of me Speaking at UCPLA and Photo of me and TJ with his walker by Robert Norland

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