In this powerful episode of the Upward Spiral podcast, host Michelle O'Brien and empathy expert Joseph Cope, M. Ed (The Empathy Guy!), dive deep into cultivating self-empathy as the foundation for personal transformation.

We explore:

• The true meaning of empathy (it's NOT just sympathy!)

• Why self-empathy is essential for unlocking your potential

• Practical strategies to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion

• Joseph's "Cargo Model" framework for applying empathy intentionally (a MUST-HEAR!)

Key Takeaways You'll Learn:

• How to identify and challenge your inner critic

• The difference between empathy and sympathy (and why it matters)

• Actionable steps to build self-compassion and foster personal growth

• How to transform your values into actionable skills

If you're ready to break free from negative self-talk, create positive momentum, and start living a more fulfilling life, this episode is a game-changer!

Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

• 3:02 Defining Empathy vs Sympathy

• 5:56 The Importance of Creating Space for Others

• 8:59 Empathy in Leadership and Personal Growth

• 11:53 The Role of Connection in Humanity

• 15:13 Behavior Change and Autonomy

• 18:06 Curiosity as a Tool for Empathy

• 21:06 Drawing Out Emotions in Others

• 24:00 Self-Empathy and Authenticity

• 26:55 Reflections on Leadership Styles

• 30:03 Understanding Life's Algorithms

• 35:16 Understanding Empathy and Self-Compassion

• 39:59 The Inner Critic and Its Origins

• 44:01 Empathy with Intention: The Cargo Model

• 50:47 Transforming Values into Skills

• 01:00:09 Fostering Creativity in Parenting

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🎧 Listen to the Upward Spiral Podcast on:

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theupwardspiral

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-upward-spiral-with-michelle-obrien/id1746250079

💬 Let us know in the comments: What's your biggest struggle with self-criticism? What resonated with you most in this episode?

🔗 Connect with us:

Michelle O'Brien/Upward Spiral Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/upwardspiral.podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@upwardspiral.podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/upwardspiralpodcast

Joseph Cope: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/empathyguy/ 

http://empathyguy.com/ https://youtu.be/XcdI_xssK_o  https://www.instagram.com/the.empathy.guy/

Keywords: empathy, self-compassion, inner critic, personal growth, self-empathy, emotional intelligence, behavior change, authenticity, self-improvement, mindset, positive change, Upward Spiral podcast, Michelle O'Brien, Joseph Cope