Five Year You

Five Year You

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Five Year You episodes

  • How To Stop Anxiety Fast

    Apply for Coaching:

    https://fiveyearyou.com

    Feeling anxious and need it to stop… fast?

    In this solo episode, Andrew breaks down exactly what’s happening in your body during anxiety — and gives you simple, practical tools to calm it down in real time.

    No overcomplicated strategies.

    No “just think positive” advice.

    Just real, science-backed ways to regulate your nervous system and feel better quickly.

    If you’ve ever:

    • Felt tightness in your chest, throat, or stomach

    • Experienced racing thoughts you can’t shut off

    • Needed immediate relief from anxiety

    • Tried to “think your way out” and it didn’t work

    This episode will give you a step-by-step reset you can use anytime.

    WHAT WE COVER:

    • Why anxiety feels so intense and urgent

    • The fight-or-flight response explained simply

    • Why you can’t think your way out of anxiety

    • The difference between real danger and perceived threat

    • How your nervous system creates anxiety loops

    • Why awareness is the first step to calming down


    HOW TO CALM ANXIETY FAST OPTIONS:

    1. Breathe (First Always)
    2. Inhale for 4 seconds
    3. Exhale slowly for 6–8 seconds
    4. Repeat for 1–3 minutes
    5. Move Your Body
    6. Walk, shake your hands, jump, or change environments
    7. Release the built-up energy in your system
    8. Ground Yourself
    9. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method or name objects around you
    10. Remind your brain: “I am safe right now”
    11. Reframe Your Thoughts
    12. Ask yourself:
    13. • What actually happened?
    14. • What am I imagining?
    15. • What evidence do I have?

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    You don’t calm anxiety by thinking your way out.

    You calm it by regulating your body first.

    Anxiety is not a sign something is wrong with you.

    It’s your body trying to protect you.

    The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety —

    It’s to learn how to move through it faster.

    TRY THIS:

    Create your own “Anxiety Reset Routine”:

    • Breathe

    • Move

    • Ground

    • Reframe

    Practice it when you’re calm so it’s easier to use when you’re not.

    NEXT EPISODE:

    How to Set Boundaries (Without Triggering Anxiety)

    Because growth and boundaries often go hand in hand.

    Connect With Us:

    Website & Coaching:

    https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram:

    https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    Email:

    [email protected]

    If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs a reset today.

    You’re not broken.

    You’re human.

    And you can bring yourself back to calm. 💛

    21 min
  • How To Stop Spiraling
    How to Stop Spiraling

    We’ve all been there.

    You say something awkward…

    You replay a conversation over and over…

    You start imagining worst-case scenarios…

    And before you know it, your brain is running a full disaster movie.

    In this episode, we’re talking about what spiraling really is, why your brain does it, and how to stop it before it takes over your entire day. how-to-stop-spiraling

    If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in anxiety loops, catastrophizing about small moments, or doubting yourself after an interaction, this episode will give you practical tools to break the cycle.

    In This Episode

    We discuss:

    • What “spiraling” actually is and why it happens

    • How your nervous system searches for threats when you feel unsafe

    • The connection between triggers and anxiety loops

    • Why growth and personal development can make spiraling more likely

    • How spiraling can pull you back into old habits and behaviors

    • Practical ways to calm your nervous system when a spiral starts

    • Questions to ask yourself to separate fear from reality

    What Causes Spiraling

    Spiraling usually starts with a triggering moment.

    Something small happens—an awkward interaction, criticism, or uncertainty—and your brain begins trying to predict every possible threat.

    Your nervous system enters hyper-arousal, and suddenly you may experience:

    • Racing thoughts

    • Catastrophizing

    • Self-doubt

    • Emotional replays of past events

    • Fear of rejection or losing belonging

    Your brain isn’t broken.

    It’s trying to protect you.

    Signs You’re Spiraling

    You might notice yourself:

    • Replaying conversations repeatedly

    • Assuming the worst-case scenario

    • Questioning your identity or decisions

    • Over-analyzing someone else’s reaction

    • Feeling tense or physically activated

    • Doubting your progress or growth

    Spiraling often happens when you’re trying something new or growing, because new behavior creates vulnerability.

    How to Stop a Spiral

    Andrew shares three immediate ways to interrupt a spiral.

    1. Interrupt the Loop Physically

    Change your environment or body state.

    Try:

    • Standing up and moving rooms

    • Walking outside

    • Splashing cold water on your wrists

    • Cooling the back of your neck

    Your body needs to calm before your mind can.

    2. Slow Your Breathing

    Spiraling causes shallow breathing.

    Reset your nervous system with slower breaths.

    Try:

    • Box breathing

    • A deep inhale through the nose

    • A small “sip” inhale

    • A long, slow exhale

    Longer exhales signal safety to your nervous system.

    3. Name the Spiral

    Simply say:

    “I’m spiraling right now.”

    Labeling the experience reduces emotional intensity and helps your brain step out of the loop.

    Separate Fear From Facts

    Once your body is calmer, ask yourself:

    • What is actually happening?

    • What am I assuming?

    • What evidence do I have?

    • What story am I telling myself?

    Most spirals are built on assumptions, not facts.

    Anti-Spiral Habits

    To prevent spirals long-term:

    • Pause before reacting

    • Give your brain 7 seconds to process

    • Talk to a trusted person for a reality check

    • Journal your thoughts instead of replaying them

    • Protect your boundaries during personal growth

    Remember: every thought you have is not the truth.

    Key Takeaway

    Spiraling doesn’t mean you’re failing.

    It usually means you’re stretching into something new.

    Growth creates vulnerability.

    Vulnerability can trigger anxiety.

    But awareness helps you break the loop.

    You don’t need to eliminate spiraling completely.

    You just need tools to recognize it and move through it faster.

    Glimmers of the Week

    At the end of every episode, we share something bringing us joy.

    Cat’s Glimmer:

    Getting unexpected one-on-one time with her daughter during a week off from swimming.

    Andrew’s Glimmer:

    Going to a Winnipeg Jets game with his dad and son.

    Small moments of joy matter.

    Next Episode

    Next we’re talking about:

    The Boundaries That Protect Your Growth

    Because becoming your future self often requires protecting your energy and your progress.

    28 min
  • How to Grow When No One Supports You
    Episode Overview

    You decided to grow.

    You set goals.

    You changed habits.

    You started becoming the next version of yourself.

    And then… the people around you got uncomfortable.

    In this episode, Andrew and Cat talk about what happens when the people closest to you don’t support your growth — and why this is one of the hardest (and most normal) parts of personal development.

    If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, judged, teased, or quietly pressured to “go back to who you were,” this episode will help you navigate that tension with clarity, compassion, and strength.

    Why Growth Disrupts Relationships

    Growth doesn’t just change you — it changes your dynamics.

    Relationships are built on patterns. When you shift your behavior, identity, or boundaries, the pattern breaks. And breaking patterns requires adjustment from everyone involved.

    Common reasons people resist your growth:

    1. Your change highlights their stagnation
    2. They fear losing the version of you they knew
    3. Your growth forces them to self-reflect
    4. They feel left behind
    5. The relationship feels less predictable

    It’s rarely about malice.

    It’s usually about discomfort.

    What Happens Inside You

    When others resist your growth, you may:

    1. Feel guilty
    2. Want to shrink back
    3. Over-explain your decisions
    4. Protect their feelings at your own expense
    5. Question whether you’re doing the right thing

    You might notice it physically:

    1. Tight chest
    2. Knot in your stomach
    3. Lump in your throat
    4. Urge to justify yourself

    That awareness is growth.

    What NOT to Do❌ Don’t Over-Explain

    You don’t owe anyone a PowerPoint presentation on your life choices.

    ❌ Don’t Argue or Debate

    Your growth doesn’t need to win a courtroom case.

    ❌ Don’t Shrink to Make Others Comfortable

    Dimming your light to keep peace eventually builds resentment.

    ❌ Don’t Force Others to Join You

    You can’t drag someone onto a growth journey. You can only lead by example.

    What TO Do Instead✅ Stay Consistent

    Consistency builds quiet confidence.

    ✅ Let Your Actions Speak

    Embodiment is more powerful than announcements.

    ✅ Expect Discomfort

    Growth without friction isn’t growth.

    ✅ Use Discernment

    Not all pushback is insecurity. Some feedback is care expressed imperfectly.

    ✅ Grieve What Changes

    If relationships shift, it’s okay to feel sad about it.

    Growth sometimes requires release.

    Feedback vs. Resistance

    Not all resistance is negativity.

    Sometimes:

    1. Grandma is worried about your diet because she loves you.
    2. A friend questions your workload because they’re concerned.
    3. A parent warns you because protection is their love language.

    Discernment matters.

    Ask:

    1. Is this coming from care or insecurity?
    2. Is there truth here?
    3. Or is this about their discomfort?

    The Hard Truth

    Your growth may cost you:

    1. Old dynamics
    2. Certain friendships
    3. Predictability
    4. Approval

    But it gives you:

    1. Alignment
    2. Self-respect
    3. Emotional maturity
    4. Space for better relationships

    Rejection can be protection.

    Reflection Questions
    1. Where am I shrinking myself to keep the peace?
    2. Whose opinion do I fear most when I change?
    3. Am I seeking alignment or approval?
    4. What would staying fully grounded look like here?

    Key Reminder From This Episode

    You don’t need everyone to understand you.

    You just need to understand yourself.

    Thrift Find of the Week

    A thrift haul that unexpectedly exploded on Instagram — reminding Andrew and Cat that doing what makes you genuinely happy tends to resonate the most.

    Glimmers of the Week
    1. Growth in their thrift content account (because joy compounds).
    2. Signs of spring arriving in Chicago.
    3. The reminder that authenticity works better than trying to “crack the algorithm.”

    What’s Coming Next

    Next episode:

    How to Stop Spiraling

    Because when people don’t support your growth, it’s easy to get in your head. We’ll talk about how to ground yourself and stop the mental spiral before it takes over.

    Connect With Five Year You

    Website & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice.

    25 min
  • When Growth Hurts: How To Stay Consistent

    You started strong.

    You were motivated.

    You were clear on who you wanted to become.

    And then… it got uncomfortable.

    In this episode, Andrew and Cat walk through what actually happens after the excitement of change fades — when reality hits, resistance shows up, and consistency feels harder than you expected.

    This is the messy middle.

    If you’re building your Five Year You and feel like quitting, this episode will normalize the discomfort, explain what’s happening neurologically, and give you practical strategies to stay the course.

    Why Change Feels So Hard

    When you try to change your habits, you’re not just changing behavior — you’re challenging your identity.

    Your nervous system prefers familiar patterns. Even if your old patterns weren’t ideal, they were predictable. And your brain is wired for safety, not growth.

    So when you:

    1. Wake up earlier
    2. Set new boundaries
    3. Start eating differently
    4. Launch a business
    5. Speak up differently

    Your brain sounds the alarm.

    Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

    It means you’re doing something new.

    The 4 Types of Discomfort
    1. Emotional Discomfort
    2. Guilt, doubt, awkwardness, imposter syndrome.
    3. Social Discomfort
    4. People reacting to your changes. Feeling misunderstood.
    5. Internal Discomfort
    6. The voice that says: “Who do you think you are?”
    7. Physical Discomfort
    8. Fatigue, soreness, brain fog while building new neural pathways.

    All of this is normal.

    Why Most People Quit

    Consistency doesn’t fall apart because you lack discipline.

    It usually happens when:

    1. The excitement fades
    2. Results aren’t immediate
    3. Old habits start calling you back
    4. You hit the “identity dip”

    The identity dip is the space between who you were and who you’re becoming.

    The beginning is exciting.

    The end is rewarding.

    The middle is messy.

    That messy middle is where growth actually happens.

    The Real Key to Consistency

    It’s not intensity.

    It’s not perfection.

    It’s not even discipline.

    It’s emotional tolerance.

    Can you tolerate:

    1. Doubt?
    2. Delay?
    3. Frustration?
    4. Being misunderstood?
    5. Not seeing results yet?

    The people who stay consistent aren’t perfect — they just return faster.

    How to Stay the Course1. Drop the Perfection Standard

    Ask yourself:

    What would 5% consistency look like instead of 100% perfection?2. Increase Your Return Speed

    Missing is normal.

    What matters is:

    1. How quickly you come back
    2. How fast you re-anchor to your identity

    Miss one.

    Try not to miss two.

    Always return.

    3. Expect Resistance

    Anticipate it.

    Prepare for it.

    When resistance shows up, you’ll recognize it instead of panicking.

    4. Anchor to Your Why

    Write it down.

    Revisit it daily.

    Visualize your Five Year You.

    The clearer the vision, the easier the consistency.

    5. Celebrate the “Boring Wins”

    Consistency feels unexciting because it’s repetitive.

    But your future self is built in quiet, repeated actions — not dramatic breakthroughs.

    Celebrate:

    1. The workout you didn’t skip
    2. The boundary you held
    3. The sugar you didn’t eat
    4. The sale you made
    5. The morning you showed up

    Every swing at the rock matters.

    Powerful Reminders From This Episode
    1. Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re off path.
    2. The middle is supposed to feel messy.
    3. Your identity is updating.
    4. Consistency is about staying the course.
    5. You are not behind.
    6. You are becoming.

    Thrift Find of the Week

    A $3 Janessa Leoné hat valued around $500 — found in 10 minutes between swim practice and workouts. (Because dopamine doesn’t have to be expensive.)

    Glimmers of the Week
    1. Cat: Watching their daughter win first place at a swim meet after consistent effort.
    2. Andrew: Getting back into the studio and celebrating small progress (and barbecue motivation).

    What’s Coming Next

    Next episode:

    What to Do When Other People Don’t Support the New You

    Because change doesn’t just challenge you — it challenges the people around you.

    Connect With Five Year You

    Website & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice.

    29 min
  • The 5 Habit Categories of Your Future Self

    Most people think they need more discipline to build better habits — but in this episode, Andrew and Cat explain why habits actually work best when they’re aligned with identity, not willpower.

    This conversation breaks habits into five simple, powerful categories that support your nervous system, protect your energy, build self-trust, and reinforce who you’re becoming. Instead of overwhelming routines or perfection-driven checklists, this episode offers a framework for habits that feel sustainable, human, and realistic.

    If you’re building your Five Year You, this episode gives you the structure to do it without burnout or shame.

    the-5-habit-categories-that-ali…

    The 5 Habit Categories Explained1. Self-Trust Habits

    These habits rebuild your relationship with yourself.

    1. Keeping small promises you make to yourself
    2. Starting when you say you’ll start
    3. Choosing habits you can keep even on hard days
    4. Learning to become accountable to you, not just others

    Self-trust is the foundation of every other habit.

    2. Regulation Habits

    These habits stabilize your nervous system so habits can actually stick.

    1. Breathwork and pauses before reacting
    2. Emotional regulation during stress or frustration
    3. Creating calm in a world designed to overwhelm
    4. Reducing emotional reactivity

    You can’t build your future self from a constantly dysregulated body.

    3. Identity-Confirming Habits

    These habits reinforce who you are becoming.

    1. Writers write
    2. Movers move
    3. Healthy people make health-aligned choices

    Even tiny actions count. Every repetition sends your brain the message: This is who I am.

    4. Boundary Habits

    These habits protect your time, energy, and peace.

    1. Saying no without over-explaining
    2. Reducing people-pleasing behaviors
    3. Letting go of habits, relationships, or patterns that drain you
    4. Learning that what you tolerate teaches others how to treat you

    Boundaries are often the hardest habits — and the most transformative.

    5. Reflection Habits

    These habits turn experience into wisdom.

    1. Daily or weekly reflection
    2. Asking why something felt hard or off
    3. Noticing patterns instead of judging them
    4. Course-correcting with compassion

    Reflection keeps you conscious instead of reactive.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Habits are not about perfection — they’re about alignment
    2. Small habits compound faster than dramatic overhauls
    3. Regulation comes before discipline
    4. Boundaries often matter more than adding new habits
    5. Consistency builds identity, not intensity
    6. Reflection turns mistakes into growth

    Quotes from the Episode“You don’t need to overhaul your life — you need habits that gently introduce your future self into the present one.”“You can’t build a future self from a constantly overwhelmed nervous system.”“What you tolerate teaches others how to treat you — and teaches you who you are.”How to Get Started
    1. Choose one habit category
    2. Pick one tiny habit
    3. Let consistency beat intensity
    4. Rebuild self-trust slowly
    5. Begin again without shame

    Glimmers of the Week

    Cat: Walking more, thrifting wins, and seeing their son experience the joy of reselling his first item.

    Andrew: Finding rare thrift treasures — including Brioni and Hermès ties — and the thrill of small, unexpected wins.

    What’s Coming Next

    In the next episode, Andrew and Cat talk about how to stay consistent when change feels uncomfortable — and why most people stop right before things start working.

    Connect with Five Year You

    Website & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20, Tracking ID: 5yy-20).

    30 min
  • How Habits Shape Your Identity

    In this episode, Andrew and Cat explore why habits aren’t really about discipline, motivation, or willpower — they’re about identity.

    Instead of white-knuckling routines or beating yourself up when habits don’t stick, this conversation reframes habits as small, daily votes for the person you’re becoming. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep falling off routines you want to maintain, this episode offers a gentler, more sustainable way forward.

    Rather than asking “Why can’t I stick to habits?”, Andrew and Cat invite you to ask a different question:

    “Who am I becoming?”

    the-daily-habits-that-align-you…

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    1. Why habits fail when they’re rooted in pressure instead of identity
    2. How identity change naturally creates behavior change
    3. The difference between motivation and momentum
    4. Why “future you” should be a mentor — not a critic
    5. How small, imperfect habits compound into real transformation
    6. Why consistency matters more than intensity
    7. How to stop labeling yourself as “lazy” or “undisciplined”
    8. Why habits should feel honest, not impressive

    Key Concepts Discussed

    Habits Follow Identity

    You don’t become someone after you do the habits — you become someone by doing them.

    Motivation Comes After Action

    You don’t wait to feel motivated. You act first, and motivation follows.

    Small Habits Build Self-Trust

    Every tiny habit you keep is a vote for the future version of you.

    Future You Is Cheering — Not Judging

    Habits stick when your future self feels like a guide, not a taskmaster.

    Aha Moments & Quotes“You can’t change behavior without changing identity.”“Every habit is a vote for the person you’re becoming.”“Your future self isn’t built on your best days — it’s built on your normal ones.”“Do the habits that feel honest, not the ones that feel impressive.”“Small habits don’t look powerful — until they are.”Practical Takeaways
    1. Stop trying to overhaul your life all at once
    2. Choose habits you can repeat on your worst days
    3. Ask: Would future me appreciate this?
    4. Focus on being someone who moves, not someone who “exercises perfectly”
    5. Let habits be snack-sized and sustainable
    6. When you miss a day, simply begin again — no shame required

    Homework for Listeners
    1. Visualize your Five Year You
    2. Name them if it helps (seriously!)
    3. Ask: What does this version of me do consistently?
    4. Choose one small habit that aligns with that identity
    5. Practice consistency — not perfection

    Glimmers of the Week

    Cat:

    A cozy heated blanket on a cold Chicago day — comfort, warmth, and slowing down.

    Andrew:

    Seeing The Offspring live with his son — connection, nostalgia, and joy through shared experiences.

    What’s Coming Next

    In the next episode, Andrew and Cat break down the five core habit categories that align with your future self — offering a clear framework for choosing habits that actually stick.

    Connect With Five Year You
    1. Website & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com
    2. Instagram: @fiveyearyou
    3. Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or financial advice. Some episodes may reference tools, books, or resources that include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20, Tracking ID: 5yy-20).

    23 min
  • How To Decide Who You Are

    In this episode, Andrew and Catherine dive into one of the most common (and confusing) questions people face during personal growth: Who am I actually becoming?

    If you feel like something needs to change but you can’t quite name what, you’re not broken — you’re lacking clarity, not motivation. This conversation walks through how to identify the quiet clues your future self is already giving you, how to separate who you are from who you were taught to be, and how to decide who you are without pressure, panic, or blowing your life up.

    Key Topics Covered
    1. Why most people don’t change because of lack of clarity, not lack of motivation
    2. The difference between being “lost” and being ready for alignment
    3. How societal expectations shape identity without us realizing it
    4. Why clarity doesn’t come from big decisions — it comes from noticing
    5. Learning to listen to your internal voice instead of outside noise
    6. How your body signals alignment vs. resistance
    7. Why future clarity feels calm, not urgent or euphoric
    8. The danger of confusing clarity with certainty
    9. How opting out of societal scripts creates freedom
    10. What childhood interests reveal about your natural wiring
    11. Following energy instead of forcing ambition
    12. Why discomfort is one of the best sources of information
    13. How to explore identity without needing a full plan
    14. Why this process should feel exciting, not heavy

    Actionable Takeaways
    1. Ask yourself: Who taught me who I should be?
    2. Notice what repeatedly energizes you — that’s data.
    3. Pay attention to what drains you — that’s data too.
    4. Look for patterns, not lightning-bolt realizations.
    5. Revisit what you loved as a child without judgment.
    6. Separate identity from labels and job titles.
    7. Stop waiting for certainty — clarity comes through movement.
    8. Take one small step toward what feels aligned.
    9. Let calm be your compass, not urgency.
    10. Treat this process as exploration, not a test.

    Quotes from the Episode“You’re not lost — you’re just listening inward for the first time.”“Clarity doesn’t feel urgent. It feels calm.”“Your future self is already leaving clues in your life.”“You don’t need a full vision — you just need the next honest step.”Glimmers of the Week

    Catherine: A surprise thrifting connection that turned into an unexpected, generous wardrobe handoff and a reminder of how aligned energy attracts aligned experiences.

    Andrew: Relief from long-term jaw pain after a breakthrough physical therapy session — and the gratitude that comes with living without constant pain.

    What’s Next

    In the next episode of the Five Year You series, Andrew and Catherine explore how to build habits that align with the person you’re becoming — without forcing discipline or burning out.

    Connect with Us

    Website: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links may be affiliate links.

    30 min
  • How To Reinvent Yourself (Without Blowing Everything Up)

    Hosts: Andrew Dewar & Catherine Collins

    Episode Overview

    Reinvention doesn’t have to mean blowing up your life, burning bridges, or starting from zero. In this episode, Andrew and Catherine talk about how real, sustainable change actually happens — slowly, intentionally, and with respect for the life you’ve already built.

    If you’ve ever felt called to become a new version of yourself but feared what it would cost your relationships, career, or sense of safety, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to release old identities gently, navigate fear without letting it run the show, and grow in a way that feels stable instead of chaotic.

    Key Topics Covered
    1. Why reinvention feels so scary (and why that’s normal)
    2. The difference between dramatic change and sustainable growth
    3. How fear and safety keep us attached to old identities
    4. Why “burn it all down” reinvention is mostly a myth
    5. Honoring the version of you that got you here
    6. Separating identity from behavior
    7. How to evolve without erasing yourself
    8. Why small, incremental change is more powerful than radical overhauls
    9. Navigating relationship friction when you start changing
    10. Setting quiet boundaries without over-explaining yourself
    11. Allowing grief and excitement to coexist during growth
    12. How to know if your reinvention is actually aligned

    Actionable Takeaways
    1. Acknowledge your current identity — it helped you survive and get here.
    2. Start with 1% changes, not dramatic life explosions.
    3. Replace control with structure, not rigidity.
    4. Separate who you are from what you do — habits can change without self-rejection.
    5. Expect some discomfort, especially in relationships, and allow time for adjustment.
    6. Let your boundaries be quiet — not everything needs an announcement.
    7. Notice calm as a signal that you’re changing in the right direction.
    8. You’re allowed to grow gently, safely, and on your own timeline.

    Quotes from the Episode“Good is the enemy of great — and most people stay stuck because great feels unsafe.”“You can evolve without erasing yourself.”“Reinvention doesn’t have to be dramatic to be real.”“You don’t have to burn your life down to build something better.”Glimmers of the Week

    Catherine: Snow days, quiet cocoon time, and permission to stay in without guilt.

    Andrew: A solo day, thrifting, and embracing personal growth without rushing it.

    What’s Next

    In the next episode of the Five Year You series, Andrew and Catherine dive into how to get clear on the person you’re becoming — and how to stop guessing your way through change.

    Connect with Us

    Website: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links may be affiliate links.

    28 min
  • Why Starting Over Feels So Scary

    Absolutely — here are podcast-formatted show notes for

    “Why Starting Over Feels So Scary”, using your classic Five Year You podcast format (clean headings, readable sections, perfect for Apple Podcasts / Spotify / website).

    Five Year You Podcast

    Episode Title: Why Starting Over Feels So Scary

    Hosts: Andrew Dewar & Cat Collins

    EPISODE OVERVIEW

    Starting over sounds inspiring… until you actually think about doing it.

    In this episode, Andrew and Cat unpack why the idea of starting over triggers so much fear — even when you knowsomething in your life needs to change. They explore the psychology behind fear, identity attachment, sunk cost, and why staying stuck often feels safer than stepping into the unknown.

    If you’ve ever felt called to a new version of yourself but found yourself frozen, overthinking, or staying where you are out of fear — this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.

    WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

    • Why fear shows up right before growth

    • How fear is designed to keep you safe — not fulfilled

    • The difference between familiar pain and unfamiliar possibility

    • The sunk cost fallacy and why it keeps people stuck

    • Fear of losing your identity when you change

    • Why being a beginner again feels threatening

    • Fear of judgment and disappointing others

    • Why staying stuck has a cost — even if it feels “safe”

    • How time will pass whether you change or not

    • Why curiosity is a more powerful guide than certainty

    • How to explore change without burning your life down

    KEY INSIGHTS

    • Fear doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path — it means you’re at the edge of growth

    • You don’t need clarity to start; clarity comes after movement

    • Nothing you’ve done is wasted — every version of you counts

    • Familiar discomfort often feels safer than unfamiliar freedom

    • You’re allowed to evolve without having all the answers

    PRACTICAL REFRAMES

    • Fear is information, not a stop sign

    • You don’t have to commit to change — you can simply get curious

    • Starting over doesn’t mean erasing your past

    • Small steps are safer for your nervous system than drastic moves

    GLIMMERS OF THE WEEK

    Cat: Enjoying small moments of self-expression and self-care, including makeup and nails that felt playful and grounding.

    Andrew: Finding a pair of Air Jordans while thrifting — a reminder that joy and healing can come from unexpected places.

    WHAT’S NEXT

    In the next episode, Andrew and Cat explore:

    “How to Let Go of Who You Used to Be Without Burning Your Life Down”

    Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

    WORK WITH US

    Learn more about coaching and upcoming programs:

    https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching

    CONNECT WITH US

    Website: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s quietly considering a new beginning.

    Fear doesn’t mean stop — it means something new is trying to emerge.

    29 min
  • Why You Feel Like You’re Outgrowing Your Life

    Have you ever felt an internal pull toward something more—even though your life looks “fine” on the outside?

    In this episode, Andrew and Cat explore the quiet but powerful feeling many people experience when they’re ready for growth: the sense that the current version of yourself no longer fits. This conversation unpacks why this feeling shows up, what it actually means, and how to listen to it without burning your life down.

    This episode is about identity shifts, alignment, and understanding that wanting more doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful—it means you’re evolving.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Why feeling unsettled is often a sign of growth, not failure
    • The difference between wanting to escape and wanting to align
    • Why adults lose permission to explore new versions of themselves
    • How future-self awareness begins before action
    • Why growth can feel uncomfortable even when it’s right
    • How fear shows up when your identity starts to change
    • Why imagining a future version of yourself is meaningful
    • Letting go of outdated goals, habits, and identities
    • Why growth doesn’t require drastic life changes

    Actionable Takeaways
    1. Notice the Nudge – Pay attention to feelings of restlessness or misalignment instead of suppressing them.
    2. Name What’s Changing – Ask yourself what no longer fits instead of what’s “wrong.”
    3. Release the Pressure – Growth doesn’t require immediate action or dramatic decisions.
    4. Honor Both Truths – You can be grateful for your life and still want more.
    5. Think in Small Shifts – Identity change happens through awareness and micro-adjustments over time.

    Key Quotes“You don’t imagine a future version of yourself unless you’re meant to move toward it.”“Wanting more doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re ready.”“This isn’t about starting over. It’s about alignment.”Reflection Questions
    • What feels outdated in my life right now?
    • What part of me is asking for growth or expansion?
    • If I trusted this calling, what might it be pointing me toward?

    Glimmers of the Episode

    Andrew reflects on recognizing subtle internal shifts before big changes.

    Cat shares the relief that comes from realizing growth doesn’t have to be dramatic or destructive.

    Continue the Journey

    This episode begins the Five Year You series.

    Next Episode:

    Why Starting Over Feels So Scary (And What Staying Stuck Is Really Costing You)

    Work With Us

    Coaching and resources available at:

    https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching

    Connect With Five Year You

    Website: https://fiveyearyou.com

    Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou

    Email: [email protected]

    Disclaimer:

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical, mental health, or legal advice. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    26 min

About Five Year You

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to "Five Year You," the podcast that takes you on a transformative journey toward your future self. Join us as we explore the power of self-improvement, tackling challenges, setting goals, and unleashing the potential within you. Our conversations are raw, real, and relatable, offering practical tips and insights to empower you in your growth. Each episode offers useful tips to help you become the person you aspire to be. Tune in, invest in yourself, and let's embark on this adventure together!

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