SHOW NOTES

Episode 342: The Ghosts That Haunt Your Confidence, and how to let them go!

Guest: (Solo episode with host Laura Cox Kaplan)

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:

Happy Halloween! This special edition of She Said/She Said Podcast takes a seasonal spin as host Laura Cox Kaplan explores the “ghosts” that haunt our confidence and our influence — not the spooky supernatural kind, but the psychological saboteurs that keep us stuck and silent. If you’ve ever wrestled with perfectionism, comparison, or the pressure to appear overconfident, this episode is for you. Laura walks us through three of the most common “influence ghosts” that can sabotage our impact and offers practical, evidence-based tools to help you reclaim your voice and grow your confidence, no matter the season.

Forget the Halloween decorations — these ghosts will follow us all year long unless we learn to name, understand, and finally let them go.

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

THE GHOST OF PERFECTIONISM PAST:

• How perfectionism masquerades as a strength but can become a cage, keeping you from taking action and connecting authentically.
• Learn why iteration and progress, not polish, are the real builders of confidence and momentum.
• MICRO TOOL: Capture small “micro wins” each day to shift your focus from perfection to progress.

THE DARK SHADOW OF COMPARISON:

• How comparison can instantly shrink your sense of accomplishment.
• Why comparison isn’t always negative, if you use it as data to get curious about what you truly value.
• MICRO TOOL: Try the “Curiosity Reframe”: replace “I could never” with “What can I learn?” and tap your unique “experience equity.”

THE MASK OF OVERCONFIDENCE:

• Why projecting certainty can be a self-protective strategy that actually stifles trust and collaboration.
• The powerful impact of admitting you don’t have all the answers and modeling strategic vulnerability.
• MICRO TOOL: Reflect on and share moments when things didn’t go perfectly, and what you learned.

“EXORCISE” YOUR INFLUENCE “GHOSTS” FOR GOOD:

• See perfectionism, comparison, and even overconfidence as outdated strategies that you can thank and then release.
• Learn practical ways to use self-awareness to spot these “ghosts” and choose new patterns that build lasting influence.
• How to use your “experience equity” and micro-wins to create a more authentic version of success—one that aligns with your values and season of life.

There’s power in naming what haunts us—and even more in learning to choose courage, connection, and curiosity over outdated scripts. Laura’s practical advice and personal honesty will help you move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence, whatever ghosts you might be facing this season.

Take a moment this Halloween week (or anytime) to reflect: Which “ghost” is haunting your influence lately? Name it, thank it, and let it go. Your boldest, most authentic self is waiting.

WHAT DID YOU THINK?

Which “ghost” resonated with you most? Do you have your own story of overcoming perfectionism, comparison, or the need to wear a mask? Laura would love to hear your thoughts! You can reach out using the link in the episode notes at shesaidshesaidpodcast.com or email the She Said team directly at [email protected].

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• Instagram: @lauracoxkaplan
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• Email: [email protected]

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Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said She Said Media. Happy Halloween!