

Pause Purpose Play
Michaela Thomas
Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you.
In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships.
The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work.
My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships.
The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work.
My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 1, 2023 • 18min
Procrastination And Self-Compassion For Avoiding Fear
In this episode, I want to talk about procrastination and how you can feel compassion for yourself for your own avoidance.
So let me ask you, have you recently procrastinated again? Have you wasted time scrolling on your phone? Maybe you've gotten down a rabbit hole on Instagram.
I share my tips on how to end procrastination and become more productive.
Here are the highlights:
(3:51) All art is unfinished.
(7:51) Systems processes and focus tools.
(10:06) Boom and bust cycle.
(11:47) Why perfectionism can feed procrastination.
(13:23) The seven steps to breaking procrastination.

May 24, 2023 • 10min
Tolerating Fear of Failure and Making Mistakes
Today we’re looking at fear of failure and making mistakes.
This is a big one.
We all hate it. We all try to avoid it.
Recently, failure has become more discussed and socially accepted.
We see podcasts and books on the topic, yet we don't feel less cringy when we mess up.
So, join me for this episode as I outline my tips on tolerating the fear of failure and making mistakes.
Here are the highlights:
(2:05) What is the problem?
(4:13) Get comfortable with the uncomfortable
(5:53) Self-worth
(7:36) Forgiving yourself
(8:51) Human brains are tricky
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-thomas/

May 18, 2023 • 11min
Sustainable Productivity
Today we’re thinking about performance, pacing, permission and pressure.
Lots of P words.
I like P words.
Ask yourself, why does your productivity and performance fluctuate?
Why do you procrastinate?
Well, join me for today’s episode because I'm bringing you my three tips on sustainable productivity.
Here are the highlights:
(1:57) Pressure doesn’t equal productive
(4:37) Pacing before burnout
(7:39) Consistency is key
(9:19) Meditation goals
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

May 17, 2023 • 8min
My WHY And Purpose Is My Vulnerability
This is the story of my why and my vulnerability.
Purpose often comes from a story of pain and today I want to tell you about mine.
I hope that the experiences I’ve gone through will remind you that you are not alone!
You too can start to live your purpose and start to feel free!
Here are the highlights:
(02:21) Purposeful work
(03:22) The worried well!
(03:39) Vitality and joy
(03:59) Good girl conditioning
(04:54) I couldn't do it anymore!
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

May 17, 2023 • 12min
The Negative Self-Talk From Your Inner Critic
If you have a strong inner critical voice, then this episode is for you!
Sometimes, your inner critic can be full of fear and doubt. It can be angry or subtle, driving a commentary in the back of your mind.
In whatever form it takes, the inner critic is difficult to ignore.
Today, we'll talk about the forms it takes, why you have it, how it protects you, and what to do about this voice.
Here are the highlights:
(05:00) Mantras of meanness
(05:55) What shape does it take?
(06:27) Why do we do it?
(07:48) Fear!
(08:22) The punishment doesn’t fit the crime
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

May 17, 2023 • 2min
Trailer
Welcome to the Pause Purpose Play podcast.
This podcast is for you if you're a high-striving, ambitious working woman.
If you want to burn bright without the stress of juggling work with life.
It’s about stepping out of overthinking and embracing imperfection for more fun and freedom.
So, join me to hear my tips on navigating this tricky life using pause, purpose and play.
Here are the highlights:
(00:28) Burning bright
(00:49) Pause Purpose Play
(1:00) What to expect
(1:20) Taking the leap
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

May 10, 2023 • 10min
The Stories In Your Mind Holding You Back
What gets in your way when it comes to implementing change?
How does your inner critical voice stop you from improving your life and being kinder to yourself?
Today, we're exploring the stories that show up in our minds.
Here are the highlights:
(02:35) All-or-nothing patterns.
(03:27) These stories can be rewritten.
(04:17) Compassion
(05:31) Action taking!
(09:25) Long lasting change

May 3, 2023 • 34min
Setting Boundaries - with Louisa Clarke
Today we're talking about difficult conversations in the workplace.
Lots of us have people-pleasing tendencies, and we may not like conflict.
This can make it difficult to set boundaries or say no to things.
Our nervous system can kick in and freak us out.
So today, I'm talking to Louisa Clarke.
She’s guiding us in setting boundaries whilst acting in line with our values.
Here are the highlights:
(2:50) Meet Louisa
(5:08) Power dynamics
(12:38) How to say no
(17:19) Not a people pleaser?
(23:25) Trapped in resentment
(29:52) Giving permission
You can find out more about Louisa via her website HERE.
You can connect with Louisa on LinkedIn HERE.

Apr 5, 2023 • 14min
From overthinking to taking action
Why is that you overthink your every decision? You consider every angle, so you end up not taking action? Or you take action only when you have to, to meet a deadline? Maybe you want to dot all the i's and cross all the t's, until it's perfect?
What is overthinking costing you, in terms of energy levels and productivity? Could you be spending that time more wisely?
Last episode, I mentioned that I will be talking about procrastination today. And this is such a big topic, that I decided to make it a series. Overthinking is definitely part of procrastination, so let’s start there.
In this short episode, you’ll learn:
- a way of noticing that you are stuck in overthinking
- a simple tool to interrupt overthinking and indecisiveness
- an easy step to take to get you started on an action
Please rate and review this podcast - to help others discover it!
Download my FREE guide to calm the overwhelm:
www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection

Mar 30, 2023 • 9min
Being kind, caring and compassionate to others
Do you know anyone in your life that you think could do with being a bit kinder to themselves? Someone who could do with slowing down a bit or maybe not working so hard?
Responding to others with compassion can not only help them to feel better, but it also helps us feels better - as doing good, feels good. It can also help us to be more compassionate to ourselves.
In this short solo episode, I look at what treating others with kindness, care and compassion does to our brains, and I invite you to try it too.
Find out more about my book, The Lasting Connection at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/thelastingconnection
Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection