Giving ourselves permission to "fuck it up" is a powerful mindset shift. It breaks down the rigid standards we often impose on ourselves, born from fear of judgment or failure, and reminds us that growth rarely happens without stumbles. 

When we consciously allow ourselves to make mistakes, we invite authenticity, learning, and resilience into our lives.

It can be hard to accept praise sometimes or to fully acknowledge ourselves. 

There’s a whole spectrum from fully embracing it to it feeling toxic for some to only accepting acknowledgement to a certain threshold. The reasons for this can be varied and vast from fear of appearing arrogant to discomfort with attention, past trauma, cultural or familial expectations and more.

Every time you set a boundary and break it, you erode the foundation of self-trust. Your brain quickly learns that the promises you make to yourself are negotiable. The more this pattern repeats, the less credibility your own word holds. You start doubting your ability to stay committed, and soon, other boundaries you’ve set—whether it's around relationships, habits, or self-care—begin to feel more fluid.

Explore the concept of "trap-lining," a foraging behavior observed in animals like sapsuckers and how it relates to modern phone addiction. This article delves into the psychological aspects of compulsive app-checking, drawing parallels to the Buddhist concept of "hungry ghosts." Learn how this behavior can be a manifestation of deeper issues, such as feelings of "not enoughness" or searching for missing emotional connections. Discover practical strategies for breaking this cycle, including mindfulness techniques, self-compassion, and habit-tracking methods. Gain insights into how awareness and journaling can lead to powerful personal changes and improved digital well-being.

When faced with significant challenges, a whirlwind of emotions can overwhelm us. Anxiety manifests as a tightness in the chest, racing thoughts, and a persistent sense of worry. Dread settles in the pit of the stomach, a heavy weight that makes even simple tasks feel insurmountable. 

Overcoming self-doubt is not about eliminating it completely but learning to manage it effectively. Self-doubt is a part of being human, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Start implementing these tips today and watch your confidence and resilience grow.

How do we move forward when we feel stuck? One tool I use is simply to follow the breadcrumbs. And it’s our use of those breadcrumbs that gives them their magic.

As I made my way in a wide circle out around mushroom rock in the direction of Mavericks the enormous man eating waves were coming at me from every angle. Still I struggled onward. There were massive explosions of surf all around me. My head was below the water more than it was above, even when i was still upright!! It seemed as if Poseiden himself were rising from the depths and trying to skewer me with his trident.

Congratulations! You've just experienced a breakthrough. But hold your horses, because that's just the beginning of the journey. How do we bridge the gap between breakthrough and transformation? It's all about showing up differently, even when you don't fully believe in yourself yet.

Have you ever feel a sense of discomfort when trying something new? We've all been there. It can be disconcerting to try new things or to not know how and to risk failure or simply not being proficient. Especially if we will be witnessed in our fallibility or knowledge/skill gap. Who wants to be confronted with a perceived lack?

What I realized is, there was a fear or a sense of dread and discomfort I was creating as a way of protecting myself from feeling things I didn’t want to feel.

By identifying and addressing your self-sabotaging behaviors, you can start to make meaningful changes in your life, overcoming the fears and doubts that hold you back. 

It can take patience and practice. If you notice yourself slipping back into old patterns, celebrate the fact that you are noticing and recommit to your growth.

When faced with a daunting task or an unfamiliar situation, our brain may perceive it as a threat, triggering the amygdala to send out distress signals. This can lead to a surge of adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for danger. However, when the perceived threat is a challenging project at work, a public speaking engagement, or a difficult conversation, this response can be counterproductive, leading to inaction and avoidance.

So often we are sent the messages that it’s not ok to feel uncomfortable feelings. Looking on social media for example, when we compare ourselves to others, it's easy to assume we should always be feeling happy, excited and have it all together. That sends the message that if you aren’t feeling amazing, you are not ok.

What if we could make room for all our feelings, including anxiety? What if we didn’t have to push it away or make it wrong but we also did not have to let our anxiety control us? What might be possible?

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, we often encounter periods of doubt, insecurity, and even regression. These moments, which can feel like significant setbacks, are actually a natural and essential part of the growth process. Embracing the struggle and understanding how contraction fuels growth can transform our perspective, helping us navigate these challenging times with resilience and confidence.

What if embracing your imperfections could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life? Join Gregg Berman on a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and authenticity as he tackles the deeply relatable struggles of anxiety, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. Gregg shares his personal journey, from his ADHD diagnosis to navigating the daunting challenge of decision paralysis. Through candid stories and thoughtful reflections, he underscores the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in overcoming inner fears and embracing the messiness of being human.

You know my goal is to not shy away from the messy truth of our human lives and be all about the "real talk," right? So, here it is: I’ve had a big goal in mind for this year that’s got my stomach in knots. And guess what? You’re an integral part of my journey to achieving this goal.