Michael Bernoff breaks down why the phrase "I'm proud of you" actually trains kids to chase external validation — flooding them with serotonin that makes them dependent on your approval. The fix is simple but counterintuitive: say "you should be proud of yourself" instead. He walks through the Joe basketball story to show exactly how this plays out, then applies the same principle to managing real estate teams.

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From the full episode: Why Average Thinking Keeps You Broke | Be Wealthy Podcast #30

Watch the full episode: https://youtube.com/@bewealthybrett

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 The Problem with "I'm Proud of You"

1:30 Serotonin and Approval Addiction

2:45 The Joe Basketball Story

4:15 Give Power Back to Others

5:30 Applying This to Your Team

6:30 The Simple Fix

GUEST INFO

Michael Bernoff - Bestselling Author, Performance Coach, Founder of Human Communications Institute

Website: michaelbernoff.com

Instagram: instagram.com/michael_bernoff

Book: Average Sucks - averagesucks.com

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BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Average Sucks by Michael Bernoff

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The Be Wealthy Podcast brings entrepreneurs the strategies to grow their business — then teaches them how to think about their money. Because wealth is far more than money — it's freedom. Hosted by Brett Tanner & co-pilot Katelyn Mitchell.

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