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Thereâs an awful feeling we all knowâbeing taken advantage of.
You know the one. It hits when you realize youâve been pushed into a decision, and youâre left questioning, Was I just tricked into doing something I didnât want to do?
Itâs the regret that follows, and it makes you question: Am I a sucker?
Iâve felt it, especially when dealing with high-pressure situations, like buying a car. The dealership pushes you to make a decision on the spot, and though Iâve done my research, I still wonder if I was manipulated into a choice I wasnât fully confident in. Itâs a feeling I try to avoid, yet we all experience it in different ways.
This feeling doesnât always come from those obvious, high-stakes situations either. It can happen in quieter moments, tooâwhen friends, family, or even institutions we trust subtly push us into decisions. Maybe itâs a charity asking for more than youâre comfortable with, or an event that makes you feel obligated to give more of your time than you want to.
Even the smartest, most confident people can fall into these traps. Iâve watched as others get scammed through phishing schemes, tricked into believing they were doing the right thing, only to lose money or worse. It happens when weâre vulnerable, when our brains are not fully online and the fear is driving us into decisions we wouldnât normally make.
So what can we do? We already feel like a sucker and now we feel even more vulnerable.
The key to reclaiming our confidence here is simple.
Listen in for my take on how we take our power back, find clarity and build the confidence to trust ourselves so the choices we make feel right, not pressured.
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As someone who's witnessed neurological challenges and success through my own son's journey, the story Iâm sharing in this episode of Real Confidence resonated extremely deeply.
During her senior year as a competitive swimmer at Bryant University, Nicole Salzano experienced a life-altering health event after swimming the 500 freestyle in the Northeast Conference Championship: a massive stroke that doctors believed would permanently disable her. They told her parents she would never walk, talk, or use her right arm again.
Nicole had lost her future opportunities as a competitive swimmer and many other graduation goals, but her response to this was anything but defeated. Her athletic background as a swim team captain became her greatest asset. With incredible determination, she embarked on an intensive recovery journey.
Her recovery wasn't quick or easy. It took three and a half years of rigorous therapy - speech, occupational, physical - with countless repetitive exercises. She experienced burnout, pushed through, and ultimately returned to her passion by becoming a swim coach, teaching children the sport she loves.
What struck me most was Nicole's strength of spirit. She transformed a potentially devastating medical event into a powerful narrative of hope and possibility. Her approach wasn't just about physical recovery, but about redefining her own potential and leaning into her real and unshakable confidence.
Highlights from our conversation include:
The reminder that personal identity isn't defined by medical limitations, but by our individual wills and perspectivesHow confidence emerges not from avoiding obstacles, but from how we choose to respond to themWhy our personal support teams can be as transformative during recovery as our medical teamsThe role the magic combination of persistent, focused effort and neuroplasticity plays in healingNicole tracks her recovery journey on Instagram. You can find and follow her @nicole.salzano.
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Friends, we made itâ100 episodes of Real Confidence! And because I believe in practicing what I preach, Iâm doing something different. No guest. No script. Just me, pulling back the curtain on what real confidence looks like when you hit the big milestones because Iâm hitting one myself.
Iâm turning 60 in two weeks (!) â the age research shows that we human beings reach peak confidence!
Six decades of life, 100 episodes of this podcast, hundreds of confidence coaches certified and countless moments that have shaped what confidence means to me right now.
And guess what? Itâs not what I thought it would mean AT ALL.
You already know from listening to me that confidence isnât a destination. Itâs not something we âarriveâ at just because youâve done the reps or racked up the awards.
Confidence shifts. It deepens. And sometimes it throws you a curveball just when you think youâve got it figured out.
So, what actually matters when you hit the big milestones? What do you keep? What do you leave behind? And how do you push forward when the doubts creep inâbecause, yes, they still do.
This episode isnât about looking back. Itâs about whatâs nextâfor you, for me, and for the confidence we build every single day. Letâs get into it together, including the biggest lessons - from my powerhouse guests to moments that nearly made me quit.
But before we get into that, thank you for being with me 100 episodes in and 60 years now in the making of who I am and practicing what I preach.
We got this.
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I recently watched a friend die. I was in the room, witnessing the unplugging of her life support while trying to support her family in their decision before and after it was done. It was the hardest day of my own life so far, by far. And as unprepared I was for the event and emotions, I also didnât expect to become more prepared for my own death.
Talking about death has never scared me â Itâs not like we can escape itâ but I get why many of us want to avoid the topic, especially when it comes to our own eventual demise. Talking about death feels heavy, messy, and uncomfortably real. But whatâs more frightening to me, is avoidance. The kind that leaves our loved ones guessing, unsure, and unprepared when everything falls apart.
The hardest part of planning for the inevitable isnât the logisticsâitâs finding the courage to start the conversation. But then I think about the alternative: the questions no one can answer because they didnât ask. And now they have to make critical decisions leaving the weight of uncertainty hanging over the people I care about most. Thatâs what pushes me forward. Not because Iâm fearless, but because I refuse to let fear have the last word.
You see, confidence doesnât come before this type of conversation. It shows up in the middle of it, somewhere between the tears, the uncomfortable pauses, and the sighs of relief when you realize youâre finally saying the things that matter most.
And I want that for you, which is why this episode of the podcast is about The D Word.
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Okay, stop everything and listen to this. I just interviewed the most INCREDIBLE woman on my podcast, and her story is going to blow your mind!
Picture this: A total rockstar Venezuelan electrical engineer with an MIT MBA, killing it at Microsoft, who suddenly decides to become a family photographer after suffering a concussion.
WHAT?
YES.
Andre's story is everything about confidence wrapped up in one wild ride. She went from managing massive corporate budgets to building a photography business that not only feeds her soul but makes MORE money than her corporate job. And get thisâshe did it while being present for her kids and completely redesigning her entire life.
And.. She was terrified. She lost her professional identity. People thought she was CRAZY. Her first clients would literally say things like, "You went to MIT and you're just a photographer?"
Instead of giving up, she was like, "Watch me."
Andreâs story is proof that confidence isn't about having everything figured out. It's about having the guts to completely reinvent yourself when something doesn't feel right.
Key takeaways from our conversation include:
Your career path isn't carved in stone - it's clay you can reshapeSometimes a total life pivot is the most authentic move you can makeIdentity is fluid - your job title doesn't define your worth or potentialYou can choose to believe in yourself, even when others are skepticalBoston-based Andre Toro is a former electrical engineer and MIT MBA grad turned-portrait photographer obsessed with fostering human connections and emotive storytelling through the images she captures. Learn more about her work at andretorophotography.com.
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I canât tell you how many times I hear it - âI could never.â Itâs a phrase that drives me absolutely nuts because itâs such a convenient, self-imposed barrier.
Whether itâs someone telling me they could never write a book, do a TED Talk, or even wear a bold color, itâs the same mindset: shutting down possibility before it even has a chance to breathe.
And I canât help myself; I always have to dig deeper. Do you really want to do the thing youâre dismissing? If not, thatâs fine â own it! But if you do, then letâs stop hiding behind âI could neverâ and start figuring out how you can.
Confidence is a choice. This is a hill I will die on.
Itâs not about being fearlessâitâs about choosing to act in spite of your fears.
If youâve ever felt stuck by fear of failure or rejection, this oneâs for you. Iâll walk you through how to get past those feelings and turn your âI could neverâ into âI canâ (and then celebrate when you do confidence isnât just about youâitâs contagiousâ and when you share your wins, you inspire others to take their own leaps).
So, are you ready to start taking those first steps toward what youâve been avoiding? Tune in now!
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Hey, Confidence Crusaders! Neuro nerds! And dog lovers?
Yup!
This episode of Real Confidence is about to go to the DOGS. Stay with me â itâs not just about teaching Spot to sit. Itâs about how your energy â your confidence â shapes your dogâs behavior (and maybe even your life).
Joining me is Brady Foulk, a pro dog trainer with a gift for turning "chaotic canine" into "calm and collected." But here's the twist: itâs not just about training your pup â itâs about training you.
And because we recently adopted a new puppy, Porter, after we had to say goodbye to our beloved rescue pooch Georgie last summer, I wanted all the tips because itâs been close to two decades since we had a little tail-wagger in the house.
Brady shared pro tips on how to inspire our dogs (no bribery or yelling required), spot when theyâre overwhelmed (hello, frustrated sniffs!) and build their confidence step by step.
Whether you're a proud pet parent or just here for the confidence hacks, this episodeâs got you. Youâll laugh, youâll learn, and youâll totally rethink how you approach leadershipâwith your dog and your life.
Key takeaways you donât want to miss:
Dogs can smell your emotions â yes, literally. If youâre anxious, theyâre anxious. If youâre confident, theyâre confident.Leadership matters â your dog mirrors your energy. Confidence is teachable â for you and your dog. How to read your dogâs body language for signs of overwhelmFun fact: Bradyâs puppy is learning to ride a skateboard. Yes, really!Listen now and letâs sniff out some confidence together.
Brady is a committed dog trainer who loves helping dogs and their humans thrive together at home and out in the world. With extensive experience in canine behavior, obedience, emotional support, and service dog training, he has developed a practical, compassionate approach to building trust and confidence in dogs and their owners. Bradyâs philosophy is simple: a confident, well-trained dog leads to a happier, more harmonious home life. Learn more about Brady and his work at newdirectiondogtraining.com.
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I almost titled this episode âI Want My Bubble Backâ and no, I donât mean the pandemic lockdown days. I mean the good old days.
Or maybe I should say âmy good old daysâ because we all have a version of those, when life seemed simpler, no matter our age. For me it was playing outside all day, coming home after dark, biking everywhere and worrying about little more than which what jeans were currently cool.
Ah, nostalgia.
But thereâs the thing: those memories we cherish? Theyâre not necessarily accurate. Our brains love to soften the hard stuff, filter out the struggles, and create a highlight reel that doesnât tell the whole story.
Our brains also want to tell us that our current challenges and struggles are harder than ever, but the truth is that challenges and struggles have always been part of our lives. Little onesâlike sharing a curly cord, landline with your entire family, to big ones, like learning to navigate life after 9/11.
The thing I want us all to remember is that if we got through those, we have what it takes to do it again. We didnât get through those times because we believed they were somehow easier. We got through them because weâre stronger than we think.
Tune in as I riff on the tricks our brains play on us, how those rose-colored glasses we view the past through are hurting us and how we can use our âgood old daysâ memories instead to supercharge our confidence today.
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It wasnât that long ago that my sons were in their teens and the world has changed so much even since then. Teens face more and different challenges than we could have imagined when we were their age, and those challenges are doing a number on their confidence.
Whatâs one of the biggest confidence crises theyâre facing today?
I had a fascinating conversation with Emily McCavanaghâfitness expert, teen confidence coach, and overall powerhouseâabout that very thing. If youâre a parent, coach, or anyone who cares about the next generation, youâll want to tune in, because we tackled that and so much more because while you might be tempted to point the finger at social media, thatâs only part of it.
Sure, scrolling can lead to that toxic comparison game, but Emily peeled back the layers and got to the heart of it: teens are terrified of failing. And when you're too scared to fail, you never take the risks that build real confidence.
What I love about Emilyâs work is how she flips the script on leadership. Her teen athlete Captainâs Collaborative program isnât about being the toughest or most talentedâitâs about being compassionate, courageous, and consistent. Itâs leadership with heart, and itâs a total game-changer for young athletes who are expected to lead just because theyâre good at their sport.
Spoiler alert: being really good at something doesnât mean youâre inevitably confident at it!
Emily is on a mission to create a new generation of leadersâones who aren't just strong on the field but empathetic, courageous, and ready to lift others up. And come on - who doesnât want more of that in the world?
Highlights from our conversation include:
How the fear of failure cripples teen confidenceWhy theyâand weâshould focus on their unique strengths rather than their âwin-lossâ recordFlipping the script on what leadership means (itâs more than talent, by the way); andA powerful question parents or any adult can ask that sends the subtle message about winning and inspires confidence at the same timehttps://www.facebook.com/emily.mccavanagh/
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Iâm going to call BS on something we probably all heard as kids: sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.
I know we were all taught this rhyme to shut bullies up, but words do matter, and we donât always appreciate how much.
Especially when theyâre coming out of our mouths and we mean well â we truly do â but how they land has the opposite effect.
Iâm as guilty of this as anyone. And it took me a really long time to realize how my good intentions could take someoneâs confidence down instead of building it up, not just because of what I said, but how I said it and in what context.
Iâve been thinking about this a lot and Iâve zeroed in on five phrases that have the ability to kill our confidence when we hear them, and kill someone elseâs when we say them.
These phrases seem benign but even when theyâre offered in the spirit of support or helpfulness, can create fear. Fear of failure, regret or rejection â the three fears that really make us all question our confidence.
Listen in to find out what the phrases are, what you can say instead and/or respond confidently when someone says them to you. That way we can all try and be a little more compassionate to ourselves and to other people who do intend well, but don't always have the right words to tell us.
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You know those conversations that stick with you long after theyâre over? Thatâs exactly how I felt after chatting with Rich Kirkpatrick on my podcast. We dove deep into the relationship between confidence and creativityânot just the surface-level stuff, but how they can fuel each other.
Because creativity is one of those things that makes a lot of us want to shrink into the background so people wonât find out we donât have it or what we create is amateurish or awful.
A musician, Rich talked about how during his early days in the music industry, confidence often felt like a façade and how he learned to separate his self-worth from external validation by reframing his self-talk. Instead of asking himself, âAm I good enough?â he began to ask, âWhat can I learn from this?â
Thatâs a subtle, common-sense shift, but really does change everything. Suddenly, confidence becomes a journey of growth rather than a destination to reach.
Ultimately, confidence and creativity are intertwined, each nurturing the other. When we believe in our abilities and embrace our authentic selves, we unlock the door to endless creative possibilities.
Key takeaways from this powerful conversation include how:
Confidence isnât about being loud or the center of attention; itâs about being grounded in who you are.Creativity isn't just for musicians, artists, or chefsâitâs for everyone. If youâre solving problems, youâre creating. There are two approaches to creativity heâs noticed, and some of us are ârobotsâ while others are âwizardsâ (honestly, I bet most of us are a little bit of both).Authenticity breeds confidence, which you know I firmly believe, because when youâre true to yourself, you naturally project that energy and people can feel it!Rich Kirkpatrick is a native of San Jose, California, studied music at The Phil Mattson School, and earned his bachelorâs and masterâs from Jessup University. He writes, consults, and speaks about the intersection of creativity, faith and leadership. His book, MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic (2022), deconstructs creativity and the creative process. To learn more about Rich, visit RKblog.com.
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We often think confidence comes from trusting our instincts, but what if those gut reactions are actually holding us back?
Sometimes, we make snap judgments about people, situations, or even ourselves, without giving things a real chance. And those assumptions can stop us from experiencing real connection, growth, or opportunities.
Take my recent Portugal trip, for example. I met a couple I thought I had nothing in common withâdifferent backgrounds, beliefs, everything. My initial reaction was to dismiss them. But guess what? They ended up becoming close friends.
That experience taught me that confidence isnât about making fast decisions or sticking to whatâs comfortable. Itâs about being open, curious, and giving yourselfâand othersâa chance.
We all have biases, often based on past experiences or fear of looking foolish. But when we question those assumptions, we find out theyâre often false. Confidence is about stepping beyond those fear walls, giving new things time to settle, and trusting that the discomfort wonât last forever.
True confidence grows when we stop relying on those quick, fear-based decisions and start being more intentional about the opportunities we let in. So next time, instead of saying ânoâ right away, ask yourself why. You might be surprised at what you find on the other side.
So if youâre ready to look beneath the surface and make better decisions for yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in, challenge your biases, and letâs grow that confidence together!
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Ever catch yourself putting on a brave face or carefully picking which parts of your life to show out of fear of ridicule or rejection? This âhidingâ behavior is something we all do to varying degrees depending on vulnerabilities and the fear that drives it, isnât protecting us as much as we want to believe. In fact, âhidingâ can really mess with our personal growth and stand in the way of forging real connections with others.
So, when I had the chance to talk with Ruth RathblottâTEDx speaker, former CEO, and a powerhouse advocate for inclusionâabout this concept of âunhidingâ, I jumped at the chance because as terrifying as it sounds, you know that self-liberation is waiting for you on the other side.
For Ruth, her âhidingâ came in the form of drawing attention away from having a limb difference that makes navigating a world where disability is often overlooked in conversations a real challenge. For you, it may be choosing to keep any trauma, personal, financial or other emotionally-charged struggles under wraps.
Our caveman brains tell us that âhidingâ protects us, keeps us safe within the tribe, but in the modern world this behavior is a form of self-isolation, which is the opposite of the authentic connect we think weâre trying to protect.
Ruth and I get into all of this more during our conversation. Highlights from our time together include:
The universal nature of hiding and its impact on mental and physical healthHow to take the reins away from your insecurities and own your personal narrativeThe ways vulnerability connect us and lead to deeper, more meaningful interactions; andRuthâs four-step framework for overcoming your own tendency to hideRuth Rathblottâs experiences and advice offer valuable lessons on embracing oneâs full identity and fostering genuine belonging. Iâm excited for you to hear our conversation and learn from Ruthâs journey and insights. For more on Ruth and her work, visit RuthRathblott.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Letâs talk about something that we all grapple with but donât always acknowledgeâcontrol.
Yeah, that word might hit you in different ways depending on how you see it. For some, control sounds like a bad thing, a power trip, or even manipulation. But for others, it's a way to bring order, efficiency, and clarity into their lives.
Iâve spent a lot of time thinking about this, especially after someone once called me a âcontrol freak.â I was offended, and I bet you would be too. But the more I dug into it, the more I realized control isnât all bad. In fact, itâs something we all do, whether we like to admit it or not. And guess what? It can be a force for good, not just for us, but for the people around us.
Imagine walking into a restaurant and being genuinely nice to your server. What happens? Theyâre likely to respond with the same kindness, right? In that moment, you're controlling the interaction in a positive way. Itâs not manipulative; itâs human nature.
The way we act can directly influence how others behave. Thatâs control, but itâs also compassion, connection, and confidence in action.
Control isnât the enemyâitâs a toolâ and in this episode of Real Confidence Iâm going to show you how itâs a force for good. And when you know how to do that, youâll want to let your control freak flag fly!
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Let me tell youâI just had one of the most eye-opening, liberating conversations with the incredible Mervyn Reid-Nelson, founder of You at Yours, Boudoir & BODY CONFIDENCE Photography studio in London. Our conversation was a wild ride through the world of photography, body image, and how stepping in front of the camera can be a powerful journey toward self-love and confidence.
Merv's approach is unlike anything you've ever heard before. It's not just about snapping pretty pictures; it's about creating an experience that helps you tap into the most authentic version of yourself. We took a deep dive into the psychology behind why photos of ourselves can make us feel so vulnerable and how Merv's unique method flips the script, turning a simple photo session into a life-changing rollercoaster of emotions.
Highlights from our chat include:
Why the journey of being photographed can be more empowering than the final image itself.How Merv helps clients, particularly women, regain confidence in their bodiesâsometimes by going completely nude! The reasons your most authentic, unposed moments make the best photos (how to channel your true feelings to light up any image)Why seeing your photos for the first time can be nerve-wracking; andMervâs expert tips on how to prepare for any photo op by tapping into real emotionsâwhether you're in front of a professional lens or just snapping a selfie.This episode left me buzzing with excitementâand maybe even a little nervous energyâbecause it reminded me that confidence isn't about perfection; itâs about embracing who we are in our most raw, real moments.
Trust me, after listening to this, you might just find yourself booking a flight to do a shoot with Mervâor at least looking at your next headshot session with a brand-new perspective.
Tune in now, and letâs get you feeling photo-fabulous!
Want to learn more about Mervâs work? Find him on Instagram at or visit his website youatyours.com.
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Weâve all been thereâcaught off guard by the presence of someone we perceive as powerful or important, and suddenly feeling small or unsure. Whether itâs a senior leader at work, a celebrity, or even a family member, that sense of intimidation is real. But hereâs the kicker: no matter how polished or accomplished they appear, theyâre human too. They wake up, get dressed, and face insecurities just like the rest of us. In fact, many of them feel just as nervous in unfamiliar situations as we do. Understanding this can shift your perspective and help you approach these encounters with a bit more confidence.
Often the most accomplished people only within their "zone of competence." Take them out of that comfort zoneâmaybe into a social setting or a new activityâand they can feel just as nervous as anyone else. The difference? Theyâve learned to mask it well. But knowing this can help you realize that confidence isnât a constant stateâit fluctuates based on the situation.
And guess what? Thatâs totally normal.
But adapting to a situation where you feel not-as-good-as isnât just about recognizing that everyone else is human; itâs about how you engage with them, too.
In this episode of Real Confidence I share some simple strategies that work wonders to level the perceived playing field and position yourself as someone whoâs confident and resourceful. Itâs a subtle yet powerful way to build a connection and remind yourselfâand themâthat just like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Youâre unique, just like everyone else."
Iâve seen this approach work time and time again, and Iâm excited to hear how it goes for you. Donât forget to share your experiences, and letâs continue to bring more confidence into the world, one bold move at a time!
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My guest on this episode is Sherianna Boyle, whose work on emotional detox is truly fascinating. Itâs a topic I wasnât super-familiar with before we talked, but her approach â from the spiritual, psychological, and even neurological perspectives â made it easy to understand.
But first off, what exactly is emotional detox?
According to Sherianna, it's all about clearing out the reactions we have to our emotions, kind of like a cleanse for our emotional responses. Instead of removing the emotions themselves, we're focusing on how we react to them.
Patterns of reaction can keep us stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, trapping us in that fight-flight-freeze-freak-out mode.
Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. Not just because weâve all been there, but because working with our brains to respond instead of react to confidence kickers is at the heart of my own work.
But how do we know when we need this detox? Whenever we feel constant overwhelm, stress, or like weâre losing control, itâs a sign that it might be time to hit the reset button on our emotional processing.
The best part: emotional detox isn't just about coping with the momentary stress. It's about processing those emotions in a meaningful way. Sherianna has even developed a seven-step process called CLEANSE to help guide you.
In a world saturated with self-help trends and quick fixes, the true power of emotional detox can sometimes get lost in the noise. Iâm sharing it with you, so it doesnât. Because when you can rid yourself of that static, your path to Real Confidence rings loud and clear.
Sherianna Boyle is the author of ten traditionally published books. She is the founder of Emotional Detox CoachingÂź, creator of the Cleanse MethodÂź, and author of the Emotional Detox book series. Her most recent book, Energy in Action: The Power of Emotions & Intuition to Cultivate Peace and Freedom, is transforming the way we think about and approach manifesting. Her book, The Four Gifts of Anxiety, was endorsed by the National Association of Mental Health. Learn more about Sherianna at sheriannaboyle.com.
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Imagine starting at rock bottomâhomeless, with nothing but the clothes on your backâand rising to become one of the few female senior managers in the male-dominated car sales industry. Thatâs Jess Sudeallâs journey, one fueled by sheer determination, a relentless work ethic, and the refusal to let anyone or anything stand in her way. In this episode of Real Confidence, she shares my story, from sleeping outside in the dead of winter to breaking barriers in an industry â car sales - that still struggles to embrace diversity.
She starts by talking about how she grew up in a family of high achievers, including a sister who went to Yale and Harvard, while she chose a very different path. Not only was her journey difficult, Jess found herself homeless, stubbornly refused help, but was determined to make something of myself. Her first job in sales came when she was still living in a homeless shelter, wearing the same outfit every day. Despite this rocky start, she quickly rose to become the top salesperson at every dealership she worked at.
In our conversation, we dive into what itâs like to navigate the car sales industry as a woman of color, and the constant challenges she faced, from blatant sexism and racism to being underestimated and overlooked. More importantly, we get into how Jess didnât let any of that deter her - she knew her worth, her abilities, and that she could make a difference.
Jess has walked a long, hard road but her story is testament to whatâs possible when you have the confidence NOT to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
If you're struggling to see a way forward in your own life, her message to you is simple: keep going. You have the power to change your circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem. Listen in to hear more about how Jess triumphedâand how you can, too.
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In todayâs look-at-me social media world, itâs incredibly easy to get distracted by what others have and what we think weâre missing out on.
For example, I sometimes catch myself wishing for a nicer car or the newest gadget. But then I pause and think, âWait a minute, I have a pretty great life with what Iâve got.â I remind myself of how lucky I am, especially compared to so many others in the world who have far less.
And there are some things we can be grateful for that we often donât think about but connect to confidence in an important way.
Like pride.
Growing up, I was taught that being proud was a negative thing, that it was selfish and could intimidate others. But wow, what a warped perspective that was!
Pride is not a bad thing. In fact, itâs something we should embrace. Think about it: being proud of who you are and what youâve accomplished is a key component of confidence.
For example, Iâm proud of my kids and their confidence. Iâm proud of the two successful companies Iâve built. Iâm proud of the beautiful home and pool weâve created, and our efforts to be environmentally conscious by installing solar panels. Itâs not just about physical things or achievements, though. Iâm proud of the network Iâve built, the friends I have, and the person Iâve become.
Still, there are days â or weeks â when it feels like everything is wrong. At times like those, I rely on two exercises that we teach at ACI that are designed to remind us of whatâs true and anchor us in our core values, needs, and wants, so if there is a gap, weâre also confident we know where to take action that will bring us back to center.
Theyâre simple, but powerful, almost always lead to profound insights and personal growth and Iâm going to walk you through them in this episode. So get a pen and paper ready, and be proud of yourself.
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A Journey to Real Confidence
In this episode, I'm sitting down with John Lawyer, and let me tell you, his story is one you won't want to miss. We're diving deep into his journey from serving in combat zones to facing the challenges of coming home and finding his way again. It's a rollercoaster ride of courage, uncertainty, and ultimately, self-discovery.
As John opened up about his experiences, I was captivated by the twists and turns of his life. From the adrenaline-fueled days in the army to the quiet moments of introspection back home, his story is as real as it gets. And let me tell you, it's not always easy to hear.
But amidst the struggles, there's a glimmer of hopeâa moment of clarity that sets John on a path of healing and renewal. It's a journey that's as inspiring as it is relatable, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and the power of self-belief.
As we chatted, I found myself pondering some big questions. How do we find our way when the path ahead seems unclear? How do we silence the doubts and fears that hold us back? John's insights offer a fresh perspective on these age-old dilemmas, reminding us that we're all capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges.
But what I love most about John's story is its universal appeal. Sure, his experiences may be unique, but the lessons he's learned along the way are relevant to us all. Whether you're a veteran adjusting to civilian life or simply someone searching for meaning in a chaotic world, John's journey has something to teach each and every one of us.
Listen in to hear Johnâs story for yourself and take notes on the guideposts John offers for embarking or continuing on your own confidence journey.
From desert combat zones to a battle within, John Lawyer transformed from soldier to spiritual seeker. He acts as one of several guides for Kishar, a non-profit online spiritual community. This community is a place for people to share their journeys and explore their own unique spiritual path. John is an omnist and believes in the validity of most spiritual and religious beliefs around the world. He offers individual spiritual guidance and coaching services as part of the Kishar Spiritual Community.
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