Struggling with perfectionism? 

In this episode of TheUPside, we’re tackling the myth of perfection and how it keeps you paralyzed. If you’ve ever delayed starting something because it wasn’t "perfect" yet, this conversation is for you.

I break down the difference between perfectionism and excellence—why one holds you back while the other propels you forward. Plus, I’ll share a fascinating study that proves success comes from taking action, not waiting for the perfect moment.

You'll walk away with three powerful strategies to overcome perfectionism so you can start before you're ready, embrace imperfection, and focus on progress over perfection.

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Keep Living on TheUPside!

Have you ever found yourself caught in the comparison trap? Scrolling, wishing, thinking, "Why don’t I have what they have?"

It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 12, where the hand says, "I'm not an eye, so I don’t belong." And the eye says, "I'm not a hand, so I'm not as important.

The comparison trap results in a few things…

• Your self worth will be on a sliding scale
• You will become a prideful person…because if your self worth is lower because someone seems “better” than that means your self worth will be higher because 

But here are 3 ways to break free from it:

1. Know your gifts.
Just like every part of the body has its own unique function, you were created with gifts that no one else has. Embrace them.

You are not being humble by being self deprecating.  That is actually ego!

2. Learn to value others - like really value them

2. Practice gratitude.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you don’t have to what you do. Count your blessings, and you'll see how rich your life already is.

Genuinely compliment the things you see in others that you desire to have.

3. Focus on growth, not others.
You’re on your own journey. Instead of comparing, commit to growing—one step at a time, in your own lane.

Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides!

So stop comparing, start embracing. When you know your worth, that’s when you can truly live out your purpose.

You are enough, just as you are. Break the comparison trap.

Today, we're diving into a topic I’ve experienced multiple times in my life: BURNOUT. 
 
 1. Am I Focusing on Intensity Over Consistency?
 
 High achievers often go all in on a goal, pushing with maximum intensity. While this approach can yield short-term results, it often leads to burnout. Intensity can be exhausting and unsustainable, whereas consistency is what builds momentum. Success is rarely about big leaps; it’s about small, incremental steps repeated over time.
 
 Momentum—achieved through consistency—is where the magic happens. When you’re in momentum, things flow more easily, and success becomes energizing. However, when we lose momentum by neglecting consistency, it’s hard to restart.
 
 For example, if you’re pursuing health and fitness, instead of extreme dieting or over-exercising for a month, focus on gradual, sustainable changes. Over time, these consistent efforts will create lasting results.
 
 2. Am I Choosing Comfort Over Growth?
 
 Sometimes, what we label as burnout is actually boredom. If you’ve been doing the same thing for too long without challenging yourself, you might feel stuck. Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone, learning something new, and embracing challenges.
 
 Consider shaking things up:
 - Learn a new skill.
 - Approach tasks differently.
 - Take on a project that pushes your boundaries.
 
 Choosing growth over comfort might be the exact remedy you need.
 
 3. Am I Caught in the Drama Drain or Investing in People?
 
 For leaders, one of the quickest paths to burnout is getting entangled in unnecessary drama or spending time with people who drain your energy. Whether it’s challenging clients or unproductive team members, this constant drain can feel overwhelming.
 
 Instead, focus on:
 - Investing your time in people who value your efforts and want to grow with you.
 - Identifying and serving your ideal clients—those who appreciate your work and align with your vision.
 - Shifting your focus to the impact you’re making, which can reignite your passion and energy.
 
 4. Am I Stuck in the Weeds or Building the Vision?
 
 Vision brings energy. It’s what fuels you and your organization. When you lose sight of the bigger picture and get bogged down in day-to-day minutiae, burnout can creep in.
 
 Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule):
 - Focus on the 20% of activities that generate 80% of results.
 - Eliminate or delegate the remaining tasks that don’t significantly contribute to your goals.
 
 Burnout often stems from feeling unproductive. By focusing on high-impact activities, you’ll see results and regain motivation.
 
 5. Am I Just Trying Harder or Being Strategic?
 
 When faced with burnout, it’s tempting to put your head down and work even harder. Instead, pause. Take a deep breath and evaluate your approach. Shifting to a strategic mindset can create renewed energy and clarity.
 
 Here’s how:
 - Take time to reflect. Sit with a blank journal or notepad and brainstorm solutions creatively.
 - Ask yourself, Is this the best way to achieve my goal?
 - Focus on what’s working and do more of it.

 Final Thoughts
 
 Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s a sign you need to pivot. Use these five questions to identify the root causes and regain your energy:
 1. Focus on consistency over intensity.
 2. Pursue growth instead of comfort.
 3. Invest in people and meaningful impact.
 4. Reconnect with your vision.
 5. Think strategically rather than simply trying harder.

Today's Episode: Limiting Beliefs
 
 Limiting beliefs are those little whispers in your mind telling you things like, “You can’t do that,” “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t have what it takes.” These thoughts might cause you to think or dream small, preventing you from seizing opportunities and reaching your full potential. Essentially, they’re mental blocks that hinder growth.
 
 Here’s the truth: having limiting beliefs doesn’t mean they’re true. You’re experiencing them because you’re human. Often, we give these thoughts too much power simply because we believe that if we think something, it must have some truth to it.
 
 Mo Anderson, the first CEO hired by Gary Keller at Keller Williams, shared a valuable insight. She explained that the higher you climb and the more successful you become, the stronger your limiting beliefs may appear. At first, this might sound discouraging, but it makes sense. As we grow, the stakes get higher, and so do the risks. However, we also gain the tools to challenge and manage these beliefs effectively.
 
 How to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
 
 Let’s explore three actionable steps to overcome limiting beliefs:
 
 1. Identify the Belief
 The first step is to call it out. Acknowledge the belief and bring it into the light. Much like turning on the light to check for a monster under the bed, naming the limiting belief helps strip it of its power. Ask yourself:
 - What is this belief?
 - Where did it come from?
 - Is it even true?
 
 When you question these thoughts, you’ll often find they lose their grip on you.
 
 2. Determine What You Can Control
 Limiting beliefs often make us feel powerless, trapping us in a victim mindset. The key is to distinguish between what’s within your control and what isn’t. Ask yourself:
 - What part of this situation is in my power to change?
 - What steps can I take right now to move forward?
 
 For example, you can’t control how talented someone else is, but you can control how much effort you put into improving yourself. Reframe the thought by focusing on actions you can take, such as working hard, staying coachable, and learning new skills.
 
 3. Reframe with Evidence
 Your brain is wired to find evidence for what you believe. If you focus on negative thoughts, you’ll unconsciously look for proof that supports them. Conversely, when you focus on your strengths and past successes, your brain will align with those positive beliefs.
 
 Start by:
 - Reflecting on past wins and times you’ve overcome challenges.
 - Surrounding yourself with mentors, friends, and supporters who encourage and uplift you.
 - Taking your thoughts captive and redirecting them toward possibilities instead of limitations.
 
 Reframing is not about ignoring reality. It’s about choosing to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. Replace “Why me?” with “Why not me?” or “I can’t” with “How can I?”
 
 A Final Thought
 
 Limiting beliefs don’t mean you’re failing; they mean you’re human. More importantly, they may indicate that you’re on the verge of a major breakthrough. By identifying these beliefs, focusing on what you can control, and reframing them positively, you can align your mindset with your goals.
 
 Take action today: Identify one limiting belief you’ve been holding onto, and take a step to challenge it.
 
 If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might benefit from this message. Remember, when you invest in your growth every day, you’ll see incredible returns in your business and your life.
 
 Thank you for joining me on The Upside Podcast. I’ll see you next time!

If you're tuning in, you probably care about personal growth and are on your own journey. I'd like to share a few thoughts on what it means to embark on an intentional growth journey. I believe there are four key practices that, when implemented purposefully, can help us move from where we are to where we want to be—faster and more intentionally.
 
 The Staircase Illustration
 
One of my favorite illustrations, which I first heard from Smokey Garrett, is the staircase analogy. Picture a staircase in front of you, with "A" at the bottom and "B" at the top. In life and business, we're always striving to move from point A to point B—from where we are to where we want to be. However, achieving goals isn't like riding an escalator; it's about taking the stairs—one challenging step at a time.
 
 Rory Vaden, in his book Take the Stairs, emphasizes this beautifully. But here's what we often overlook: it's not just about reaching the destination (point B); it's about transforming ourselves from who we are to who we need to become. 
 
 Often, when we achieve a goal, we realize it was less about the destination and more about the journey and who we became along the way. The question to ask yourself is, Who are you becoming in the climb?
 
 When I focus on who I’m becoming, the challenges and discomfort of growth feel worthwhile.

Internal Wins Before External Success

Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, teaches that public victories (external successes) are always preceded by private victories (internal growth). Success begins on the inside and manifests outwardly. Similarly, John Maxwell says, "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily." It’s the small, consistent steps—day by day—that shape us into the people we are destined to become.
 
 Four Practices for Intentional Growth
 
 1. Consume Content Consistently  
    You’ve likely heard, You are what you eat. This applies to your mind as well. Feed your mind with content that inspires, challenges, and encourages you to think bigger. The key is not just consuming content but engaging with and applying it.  
    Subscribe to this podcast as part of your weekly routine, and immerse yourself in content that aligns with your growth areas.
 
 2. Teach What You Learn  
Growth accelerates when you teach others what you’ve learned. Teaching helps you internalize lessons at a deeper level and holds you accountable. Whether it's sharing insights with your family or practicing with your pets, teaching reinforces your learning and keeps you aligned with your growth journey.
 
 3. Embrace Change  
Growth is impossible without change. By its very nature, growth requires transformation. Change can feel uncomfortable, but if we aren’t pushing past our comfort zones, we’re not truly growing. Embrace discomfort and view it as a sign of progress.
 
 4. Spend Time Thinking  
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of stillness. Take time to pause, reflect, and ask yourself quality questions. The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions. Use this practice to gain clarity, overcome challenges, and move forward intentionally.
 
 Conclusion
Personal growth is not a destination; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself—one step and one day at a time. If this episode inspired you, please share it with someone who might benefit from joining you on this journey. Remember, investing in your growth every day yields incredible returns in both your business and your life.
 
Until next time, I’m Theresa Flood, and this is The Upside Podcast

Welcome to The Upside Podcast!
Where we help you get unstuck in life by elevating your thinking and provoking meaningful change—from the inside out.
I’m your host, Theresa Flood, and I’m thrilled to have you here! 

Let’s start with the big question: Why a podcast?

Funny enough, this is a question not only others have asked me, but I’ve asked myself too.

By the end of the first episode, I think you’ll have a clear answer—not just about why I’m doing this podcast, but maybe even why you should lean into your own growth journey.

When you invest in your growth every day, you’ll yield great returns in your business and your life.

See you on The UPside!