Can't Be Contained 337: Letting Go of Perfectionism: Energetic Clarity in Life, Love, and Business
Today on Can’t Be Contained, I get to sit down with someone who is not only a dear friend, but one of the most honest, energizing voices I know—John Wang! John is a champion of Big Asian Energy (yes, he literally wrote the book on it!), an advocate for anyone who’s fought to be seen, and a living, breathing example of what happens when you shatter the boxes the world puts you in.
As I recorded this intro, I was literally packing for a Vegas keynote, thinking about how wild life gets when you set your intention and fully claim it. It’s not magic—it’s clarity. And clarity? That is where today’s conversation begins.
From there, John and I roll deep. Like, deep enough to laugh about our inner children, roasting each other about country music (Amy, we love you!), and unpacking what it actually took for both of us—after lifetimes of being the achievers, the pleasers, the strong ones—to let go of old scripts and let ourselves feel. Not just feel, but receive, expand, and own the space we’re meant for.
Listen in as John shares his journey growing up in a culture that taught him to silence his own greatness, how breakdown led to breakthrough (men’s group, what?!), and how being honest about the messiness actually brought more love—and power—into every area of his life.
Inside, we dig into:
➤ How a “burnout breakdown” became the catalyst for John’s true calling
➤ Rewriting the story of worthiness—especially for high achievers and “model minorities”
➤ The step-by-step way to bring your inner child (and all your parts!) back online so you can lead and love from wholeness
➤ Real tools for couples wanting more emotional connection, even if your partner “doesn’t get” inner work yet
➤ Why receiving—compliments, support, rest, JOY—matters just as much as being productive
If you’ve ever felt unseen, like you’re living below your potential, or trapped in patterns that just don’t fit anymore—this episode is your permission slip to break free. We talk relationships, power dynamics, joy over productivity (yes, I quit an $11 million offer that drained my soul!), and why “having it all together” is so last season.
This isn’t just about Asians, or men, or entrepreneurs—it’s about anyone who’s ready to let their light all the way out, even if it gets a little awkward, a little messy, or a LOT real.
Grab John’s new book Big Asian Energy and my free 3-minute breathwork for imposter syndrome, because whether you’re on the edge of a breakthrough or just searching for your voice—trust me, you are SO worthy. And the world needs exactly what only you can bring.
Join us as we laugh, get raw, and remind ourselves (and you!) that your energy cannot—will not—be contained.
About Can’t Be Contained
Can’t Be Contained’ is the unscripted, unedited – fully uncontained journal entries & real-life experiences of those who follow their bliss & intuitive hits, the freedom seekers, the sacred rebels – the ones who are here to disrupt what preceded us & create what is ahead of us. Subscribe now to stay tuned for every episode!
For full show notes, resources, and links: https://www.samanthaskelly.com/episode-337-letting-go-of-perfectionism/
The Pause Breathwork App is the #1 app to clear stress using your breath. Download the app here: https://pause.live/Pause-Breathwork-App