An Episode With Sara’s Life Coach (with Josh Gibson, PCC)
Dec 21, 2023
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Sara Foster interviews her life coach, Josh Gibson, discussing vulnerability in leadership, the importance of personal values, parenting, self-worth, relationship goals, and the power of self-help books.
Building strong connections and prioritizing relationships is key to overall well-being and happiness.
It is important to distinguish between making a mistake and being a mistake when managing shame.
Parents can support their children in navigating shame by having open conversations and modeling vulnerability.
Overcoming insecurity involves challenging negative self-stories and seeking validation from within.
Deep dives
The importance of relationships and connections
Building strong relationships and connections is essential for a fulfilling life. The Harvard study found that people who are connected and have strong relationships experience greater happiness and fulfillment. Success and material possessions do not lead to genuine happiness. Connecting with others, prioritizing relationships, and making efforts to deepen connections is key to overall well-being.
The impact of shame and self-worth
Shame is a natural emotion that everyone experiences. It is a social emotion that helps keep us connected to others. However, shame can be detrimental when we internalize it and believe we are fundamentally flawed. It is important to distinguish between making a mistake and being a mistake. Managing shame involves accepting mistakes, making amends when necessary, and developing a healthy sense of self-worth.
Helping children navigate shame
Parents can support their children in navigating shame by having open and honest conversations. Teaching children that experiencing shame is normal and helping them recognize the difference between making a mistake and being flawed can be valuable. Parents can also model vulnerability and share personal experiences to demonstrate that everyone makes mistakes and that it is possible to repair relationships and move forward.
Overcoming insecurity and seeking external validation
Overcoming insecurity involves recognizing and challenging negative stories we tell ourselves and seeking validation from within rather than relying solely on external sources. Understanding and living according to personal values can help build a healthy sense of self-worth. Prioritizing growth, compassion, and integrity over external markers of success can lead to a stronger self-concept.
Building Confidence in a New City
Moving to a new city for work, the listener is feeling stuck and worried about loneliness and depression. Their goal is to gain the confidence to make new friends and find a new boyfriend. Taking the first step to move cities is a big accomplishment, but they may benefit from focusing on their strengths and finding ways to build connections in their new city.
Addressing Relationship Concerns
One listener is concerned about their partner's resistance to therapy and the feeling that they are the only one with issues. While it can be difficult, the listener's best course of action is to assess whether their partner is sincerely willing to grow and change. It is crucial to be with someone who can accept and evolve along with them.
Managing Anxious Attachment
A listener with anxiously attached tendencies is struggling with projecting their anxieties onto their boyfriend. While hoping for their partner to help alleviate these fears, it is important for the listener to remember that they cannot control their partner's actions. Instead, they can focus on their own responses and seek support from therapy or coaching to better understand and work through their anxieties.
This week, Sara sits down with her life coach, Josh Gibson, PCC. They discuss how to get out of your own way, the importance of human connections, shame, and much more.
Executive Producers: Erin Foster, Sara Foster, and Allison Bresnick