Letting Goals Develop, Trusting the Unknown, and Building Self-Trust
Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to let things develop,” emphasizing that the mind relies on the past to predict the future, which can limit growth when pursuing new goals. Brandon explains that uncertainty is part of leveling up, and that trying to lock in outcomes too early can “sell ourselves short,” while presence, patience, and allowing energy and opportunities to unfold can lead to better-than-expected results. In the question of the week, they talk about how hormones can affect emotions and mindset, linking chronic stress responses (like elevated cortisol) to emotional states and beliefs, referencing Joe Dispenza’s work, and encouraging people to get in tune with emotional cycles rather than overriding or suppressing feelings. The episode explores how trauma can create a need for certainty and excessive planning, and how building self-trust increases one’s capacity for uncertainty, regulates stress, and strengthens intuition. They cover practical challenges like timelines, discomfort during change, integrating logic and emotion, and removing resistance by addressing limiting beliefs, victim mindsets, and unprocessed emotions. Brandon shares career examples about pivoting away from familiar lanes (like only working with baseball players), using skill sets creatively, and reframing trial-and-error as part of the path. They also address visibility and self-promotion as common uncomfortable next steps, encouraging listeners to find an authentic version of sharing their work without chasing a “famous” archetype. Brandon notes that vision and imagination are useful to start momentum but should be continually edited as new feedback and experience refine what someone truly wants. The episode closes with advice to leave room for the unknown, stay playful to reduce resistance, and focus on the process rather than the finish line, followed by a CTA to book a free 30-minute strategy session at thielk.com, sign up for the Monday “Lightning Report” newsletter, and follow Brandon on YouTube/Instagram (@brandonth) and TikTok (@bth); he also mentions upcoming travel to Tucson for a cycling camp.
00:00 Welcome + Theme: Give Yourself Permission to Let Things Develop
02:32 Question of the Week: How Hormones Affect Anxiety, Fear & Mindset
09:30 Uncertainty, Trauma & Self-Trust: Why Forecasting Feels Hard
18:16 Change, Emotions vs Logic, and Why Resisting Life Creates Stagnation
23:12 Practical Patience: Timelines, Discomfort, and Clearing Resistance
32:25 Real-Life Pivots: Career Paths, Trial-and-Error, and Following What Fits
37:51 The Next Uncomfortable Step: Visibility, Self-Promotion & Authentic Sharing
43:31 Vision Without Attachment: Let Your Imagination Evolve as You Go
47:19 Closing Takeaways: Playfulness, Space for the Unknown, and Your Version of Success
49:30 Where to Find Brandon + Newsletter, Coaching, and What’s Next
50:52 Wrap-Up & Sign-Off
🔗 LINKS:
Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/
Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620
https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn
https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/
