Permission with Dr. Sherry Walling

Sherry discusses three common negative stories that entrepreneurs frequently grapple with. She identifies these stories and offers valuable strategies to reframe them. Negative stories extend beyond mere negative thoughts; they are more intricate, recurrent, and significantly impact our behavior and interactions over time.

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together

The Vagus Nerve serves as a notable illustration of the integral relationship between mental health and the entire body. It profoundly influences our thoughts, physical sensations, and emotional experiences. Recognizing the significance of the Vagus Nerve, Sherry emphasizes the importance of having a fundamental understanding of its functions and learning strategies to effectively engage with it. By harnessing the power of the Vagus Nerve, individuals can cultivate the ability to remain composed in moments of heightened stress or anxiety. Sherry offers valuable insights and techniques to "hack" the Vagus Nerve, empowering individuals to navigate challenging situations with a sense of calm and control.

Touching Two Worlds

In this latest podcast episode, Sherry delves into three lesser-known aspects of grief that often remain unspoken. While grief is a part of the human experience, those navigating the entrepreneurial path encounter a unique set of challenges. Enduring numerous losses and facing uncertainties beyond the typical 9-5 population, they grapple with a distinct form of grief. Drawing from her book "Touching Two Worlds," Sherry sheds light on this subject, providing valuable insights and understanding.

Touching Two Worlds

In this week's podcast episode, Sherry delves into the topic of high-functioning depression and sheds light on why entrepreneurs may be particularly susceptible to it. She explores the symptoms associated with this condition and highlights the potential challenges healthcare professionals face in identifying it among entrepreneurs, as the diagnosis of depression traditionally revolves around functional impairment. Furthermore, Sherry's expertise extends beyond the podcast, as she has also contributed an insightful article on this subject to Fortune magazine.

Fortune Magazine Article

Sherry’s YouTube Channel

Inspired by an off the grid trip in northern Minnesota, Sherry explores the concept of presence, highlighting its significance in fostering meaningful connections and engaging in genuine interactions. Whether it involves focusing on a single objective, engaging in relational exchanges, or capturing undivided attention while performing tasks, presence holds a profound value.

Sherry, cognizant of the entrepreneurial landscape, acknowledges the practicality of multitasking as a valuable skill. However, she also raises awareness about the potential challenges it poses in our personal relationships. To address this, she imparts practical tips on cultivating and practicing presence, enabling individuals to navigate the delicate balance between multitasking efficiency and fostering authentic connections.

Sherry argues that "should" is an unhelpful word because it lacks specificity and carries connotations of shame and obligation. When we replace phrases like "I want to" or "I feel like it would be helpful," with “should”, we allow external influences to shape our decision-making instead of relying on our own intrinsic motivation. The word "should" is associated with guilt stemming from societal beliefs that are indirectly imposed and rooted in desires, ethics, and personal growth. Sherry challenges the notion that there is any valid use for the word "should." Drawing from the words of therapists that have come before her, do not “should” yourself and instead advocate for embracing personal choices and inner guidance.

Inspired by the profound words of Annie Dillard: "How we spent our days, is of course how we spend our lives." Sherry, enlightens us on the importance of taking time for self-reflection and the dangers of becoming too immersed in work. We explore how the changing seasons can serve as a reminder to reassess how we spend our days and ensure they align with our deepest desires.

In today's episode, join Sherry as she delves into the topic of transitions and highlights their significance in our adult lives. She emphasizes the importance of approaching transitions with thoughtfulness, as they impact both our personal well-being and our businesses. Sherry sheds light on the potential risks of neglecting transitions, such as failing to allocate time to honor them, skipping the necessary steps to internalize their effects, and overlooking the exploration of profound questions. She encourages us to prioritize transitions by carving out space for them in our calendars, recognizing their value in fostering growth and fulfillment.

Rob Walling hosts the podcast this week, the focus is on entrepreneurial blind spots and the crucial role of self-awareness. The episode highlights the negative consequences of being unaware of one's strengths and weaknesses, and stresses the importance of recognizing when to delegate, seek assistance, or devote extra attention to a task. Listeners will also gain insights into effective strategies for identifying and addressing blind spots in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

In this episode of the podcast, Sherry reflects on the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur after returning from a spring vacation. Balancing a busy calendar and a full inbox has led her to contemplate the factors that affect our presence for those around us. As entrepreneurs, our emotional availability and presence are crucial for our teams, co-founders, and employees. It's about being able to truly listen, read between the lines, exercise patience, and show up authentically. Sherry dives into the topic of decision fatigue and how it can impact our primary relationships in today's episode.