Finding Freedom and Joy Through Life’s Challenges with Stacie Shifflett
In our latest episode of The No Half Cakes podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stacie Shifflett, founder of Modern Consciousness, to explore her powerful journey from personal crisis to helping others discover true freedom and joy.
From Pain to Purpose
Stacie’s transformation began in 2011-2012 when her 28-year marriage ended. While she had weathered other significant life challenges—including the loss of her first child in 1990 and caring for both parents through their final days—the divorce shook her differently. “I lost a lot of confidence, which is something that I always had throughout my life,” she shared. “Everything that I thought the future would hold, what I would be doing, where I would be living, all of those things changed like that.”
This radical life change led her to embark on an intensive personal development journey, including a two-year platinum partnership with Tony Robbins, traveling the world to better understand the human condition.
Breaking Free from “Automaton 2.0”
Stacie introduces the concept of “Automaton 2.0″—the state where successful adults operate on autopilot, driven by momentum rather than intentionality. She observes that many high achievers find themselves asking, “Is this really all there is?” despite checking all the boxes society says should make them happy.
“When the momentum of your life, in other words, your schedule is what is pushing you forward versus intentionality, that’s where we get into trouble,” Stacie explains. She uses the example of parents enrolling kids in countless activities while losing sight of the primary outcome—nurturing their relationship with their children.
The Journey to Joy
Through her Modern Consciousness framework, Stacie guides people through what she calls creating “your unique treasure map to joy.” The process involves:
- The Awakening Soul – Recognizing something isn’t aligned and beginning exploration
- Continuous Growth – When personal development starts feeling good, leading to wanting more
- Illuminated Adept – Evolving into a state of deeper understanding
- Transforming Others – Naturally beginning to help others on their journey
Practical Wisdom for Daily Life
What sets Stacie apart is her emphasis on implementation. “I’ve been to so many seminars and trainings… people have big epiphanies, they have big breakthroughs, they’re highly motivated, they learn a lot, and then they get home and they really don’t know what to do with it.”
She shares practical examples, like helping a client navigate retirement tensions with simple communication shifts, or her controversial but effective advice: “Women that want to lose weight… go buy bigger pants.” Her point? Stop reinforcing negative thoughts thousands of times daily through discomfort.
Living Through Challenge with Grace
Stacie’s approach was put to the test when Hurricane Helene flooded her Siesta Key home in September, displacing her for eight months. Rather than despair, she leaned into gratitude—for minimal damage compared to neighbors, for time with her son, for trusted contractors. “I’ve released worry pretty much. It takes a lot of practice… but I stay present.”
Her message is clear: challenges never stop coming, but we can choose how we respond. As she puts it, “The universe is always striving to teach us our next lesson. We evolve through those.”
To learn more about Stacie’s work or download her free “Navigating Your Emotional Triggers” workbook, visit modernconsciousness.com.
