Episode Description
What's keeping you from making that big change you've been dreaming about? In this thought-provoking Freaky Friday episode, Scott Smith dives into the psychology behind why we stay in our comfort zones even when we desperately want something more.
After a conversation with his adventure-seeking friend April, Scott explores the counterintuitive truth that the very foundation that allows us to dream is often what we're afraid to risk. He unpacks why we become more risk-averse as we accumulate success and how this creates an internal conflict between our desire for growth and our fear of loss.
Discover why criminals often "age out" of crime after 40, why empty-nesters suddenly feel ready to pursue new dreams, and most importantly, how to build a "peaceful foundation" that allows you to pursue change without sacrificing what you've worked so hard to build. This episode provides practical wisdom for anyone feeling stuck between the safety of what is and the allure of what could be.
Featured Story
Scott shares a conversation with his friend April, a hang glider pilot and dog trainer who works with animals in the film industry. During their "solving the world's problems" discussion, she poses the question of why people don't take big chances and stay in their comfort zones for their entire lives. This leads to insights about how people get comfortable with what they've built and fear losing it, with April noting that criminals tend to stop breaking the law after 40 because they finally have something to lose—mirroring how our relationship with risk changes as we acquire more in life.
Key Takeaways
The foundation that provides our security is often what prevents us from pursuing our dreams
People become more risk-averse as they acquire assets, relationships, and responsibilities
The "empty nest" phase often coincides with renewed willingness to take risks as there's less to lose
Having a growth mindset and believing anything is possible is essential for making big changes
Holding too tightly to what you have sends the wrong energetic message to the universe
Fear will always be present when beginning a new adventure, but knowledge is the cure
Building a "peaceful base" in your current life creates the security needed to pursue change
Dreams continue to whisper to us until they either manifest or get snuffed out by inaction
Memorable Quotes
"When you have a growth mindset and believe that anything is possible, you can do anything."
"As a human, you will never be comfortable gambling on the very thing that allows you to dream."
"Anything is possible when you protect that foundation and respect the challenge and honor the dreams that are whispering in your soul."
Scott's Three-Step Approach
Embrace a growth mindset: Recognize that holding too tightly to what you have sends the wrong energetic message. Be willing to expand your horizons while appreciating what you've built.
Strengthen your foundation: Understand that your solid foundation is what allows you to dream bigger—don't gamble it away, but don't let it become your prison either. Make sure your basic needs remain secure.
Acquire knowledge to overcome fear: Fear is inevitable with any new adventure, but the cure is knowledge. When you fully understand what you have and prepare as much as possible for your journey, you'll find yourself willing to go for it.
Connect With Scott
Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Email: support@motivationtomove.com
Main Site: https://motivationtomove.com
Face Your Passion: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/
9-Minute Clarity Code: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/
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