For much of my life, I lived in a warrior mindset. I was constantly in survival mode, always protecting myself from being hurt, being betrayed, or being taken advantage of. My identity was rooted in fear survival tactics, self-isolation, chasing external achievements, and proving wrong the people who told me I couldn’t do something. It’s like I needed that fight to feel alive, to feel like I had a purpose. When your whole identity is built around surviving, you end up putting on a mask to protect yourself. This mask hides who you really are, and it often looks like success or strength to the outside world. My achievements became this mask—on the surface, it looked like I was winning, but deep down, I was losing the real battle with myself. The mask is a way to shield yourself from getting hurt, rejected, or judged. Maybe you show the world a version of yourself that seems successful, like you’ve got it all together, when in reality, you’re struggling inside. The achievements or control you project to others might feel good temporarily, but they don’t reflect who you truly are. The problem with wearing this mask is that, over time, it becomes harder and harder to take it off. You lose touch with your real self, and it’s exhausting to keep pretending. On the outside, it looks like you're winning—getting the promotions, hitting the goals—but inside, it feels empty. The more you rely on this facade, the further you drift from the things that really matter to you: your values, your passions, and your true feelings. It becomes a battle within. You might be achieving success in the eyes of others, but if you're disconnected from who you really are, it doesn't feel fulfilling. The mask may have helped you survive tough situations, but eventually, it keeps you from experiencing true peace, joy, or connection. You’re fighting to keep up appearances, but the real fight is with yourself. The only way to truly win is to take off the mask and reconnect with your authentic self. It’s about letting go of the need to prove yourself or protect yourself all the time. When you stop relying on the facade and start living as who you truly are, that’s when you find real peace and fulfillment—not just on the outside, but inside too. Kate Hastings Podcast Mental Health Coach