Podcast tip for the go-getters with sky-high expectations of themselves

16d (edited) • Insights, tips & tricks 💡

Following up from our coaching session last week about perfectionism or sky-high standards hindering action-taking; boundary-setting; and breaking free from limiting beliefs about ourselves amongst other things - I wanted to share this podcast tip that offered lots of insights on the same topics.

Listen to the conversation between Emma Grede & Dr. Thema Bryant here.

& then return to this post to check out these KEY INSIGHTS from the episode:

🧩 Healing is foundational, not optional, for a fulfilled and successful life. Without addressing unresolved trauma and limiting beliefs, individuals are likely to remain stuck, running from pain or self-sabotaging. This healing journey is ongoing, requires courage, and often necessitates professional therapy or supportive environments (like the R2T community/coaching). It is not about perfection but about embracing wholeness.

🧠 Unpacking core beliefs and childhood stories reveals self-limiting patterns: Many behaviours that hold people back—eg procrastination, conflict avoidance, low self-esteem... —are rooted in childhood messages absorbed from parents, teachers, and peers. These “lies” or negative stories shape how we see ourselves. Recognising and rewriting these narratives through techniques like narrative therapy can empower individuals to reclaim agency and redefine their identity (as learnt in R2T).

😨 Fear of failure and success often paralyse progress: Fear is a powerful force that manifests in different ways, including perfectionism, procrastination, and controlling behaviours. Dr. Brian recommends visualisation (as learnt in R2T) and exposure techniques to imagine the worst-case scenario and see oneself surviving it, which can desensitize the fear and build resilience. Recognizing fear as a natural response to the unknown allows for more intentional risk-taking.

❤️‍🩹 Trauma influences emotional regulation and trust, impacting relationships and workplace dynamics: Trauma overwhelms coping capacity and can produce hypervigilance, difficulty trusting others, and emotional volatility. In the workplace, trauma or stressors such as layoffs or lack of transparency exacerbate anxiety and reduce psychological safety. Leaders must practice self-compassion, acknowledge mistakes, and foster open communication to create healthier environments.

💪 The power of community and boundaries: Dr. Brian highlights how women are often socialised to erase themselves, hide needs, and prioritise caretaking of others over self-care. Healing involves surrounding oneself with supportive people who encourage authenticity (“women with wings”) and learning to say no without guilt. Healthy boundaries protect energy, promote self-respect, and model well-being for others, including children. As learnt/discussed in R2T.

🙏 Spirituality and self-care nurture the whole person: Regardless of religious background, spiritual practices such as gratitude, prayer, meditation, and engagement with the arts offer profound nourishment for the soul. Learn about gratitude/awe on day 16. Dr. Brian encourages intentional morning and evening rituals to cultivate presence and connection with a higher source or one’s inner self.

💡 Redefining forgiveness for healing and empowerment: Forgiveness is often misunderstood as forgetting or excusing wrongdoing. Dr. Brian reframes it as a process of releasing oneself from being stuck in pain, allowing for healing without necessarily reconciling with the offender. Forgiveness is about SELF-LIBERATIONS and reclaiming peace, not making harm OK or erasing the offender's accountability.

Let us know in the comments if you had a particular "aha" moment when listening to the episode 💞

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