PLAYING-IT-SAFE

85. Embracing self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-exploration

PLAYING-IT-SAFE

Show Notes

We all experience anxiety in some form, in some way, and in some shape. Because anxiety, fears, and worries can be so uncomfortable, we quickly play-it-safe. And when you’re prone to deeply caring for what you do - as high-achievers, strivers, and perfectionists - then the fears of being a failure or not being good enough are amplified.

In this conversation, Annick Seys and I discussed the many layers in which these fears show up and how nourishing your observer-self can shift from self-criticism into self-acceptance, from self-judgment into self-compassion, and from emotional avoidance into curious behaviors.

Cultivating your observer-self isn't just about self-distancing; it is about your well-being and living a purpose-driven life.

Key Takeaways

How to deal with the gap between expectations and reality How to practice self-acceptance How to unpack the fear of being a failure in the moment How to understand the fear of being a failure The problem with toxic positivity Relational Frame Theory of Language How to nourish your observer-self Understanding the observer-self The power of curiosity Self-compassion on-the-go

Show notes with time stamps

00:31 Understanding Fear-Based Reactions 01:00 The Struggles of Time Management 01:07 Dealing with Disappointments and Failures 05:31 Exploring Self-Acceptance 06:01 The Ongoing Exercise of Self-Acceptance 11:45 Unpacking the Fear of Failure 14:12 The Impact of Toxic Positivity 17:47 Tapping into the Observer Self 18:01 Exercises to Connect with the Observer Self 20:50 Understanding the Observer Self 24:03 Experiencing Different Moods 26:11 Relating to Past Experiences 29:59 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

(*) Show notes and resources of this episode

(*) Receive free weekly science-based, compassionate, and actionable skills to stop ineffective playing-it-safe

(*) Figure out your playing-it-safe profile in 5 minutes and identify the key thinking strategies that keep you living in your head

(*) Learn ACT skills for anxious achievers by taking Dr. Z. ACT courses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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