156: Why Fear Shows Up When You’re About to Grow & How to Break Free from Self-Sabotage with Mary Marantz

May 1, 2025

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Fear as Non-Creative Saboteur

Fear is not creative but very productive and busy, showing up only when the work truly matters.
Fear tries to silence creativity by mimicking your own voice and blocking your progress.

INSIGHT

Fear Signals Meaningful Work

Fear's presence signals you're on the right track, attacking fiercely when the work truly impacts.
Use fear's predictability to gauge meaningful progress instead of a stopping point.

ANECDOTE

Inner Critic Named 'Dear John'

Mary named her inner critic 'Dear John' with a humorous visual image to identify its critical voice.
This critic aims to undermine confidence and dreams, embodying the harshest self-judgment.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

What if fear isn’t a warning sign—but a signal you’re stepping into something that matters?

I’m joined by the brilliant and creative Mary Marantz to explore why fear often shows up right before a breakthrough—and how to stop seeing it as a reason to back down.

We also get into:
* How fear hides behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, and procrastination
* The surprising link between fear and creativity
* Why grief is often the first step in learning to trust yourself
* What it means to become the “grown-up in the room” for your own healing
* How naming your inner critic can help disarm its power

Check out Mary’s new book Underestimated!

📞 We want to hear from you! What’s one area of your emotional, mental, or spiritual health where you’d like to grow? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your answer. Your voice may be featured in a future episode!

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:

Episode 10: What are Limiting Beliefs and How Do I Overcome Them with Mary Marantz

Episode 20: Making Peace with Yourself (& Facing Your Fear of Disappointing Other People)

Thanks to our sponsors:

Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and using promo code BESTOFYOU!
Visit GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today and use code BESTOFYOU.
Give your loved ones a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years—StoryWorth! Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestofyou!
For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code BESTOFYOU.

Editing by Giulia Hjort
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound design by Kelly Kramarik
While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices