The Happy Stack Podcast

Toxic Positivity Is Holding You Back (Here’s What to Do Instead)

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Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’m fine” when you’re anything but?

In this episode of The Happy Stack Podcast, I dig into the trap of toxic positivity—the pressure to plaster on a smile, power through, and dismiss your real emotions.

I’ll share how this habit shows up for high performers, why it sabotages both mental health and leadership, and what to practice instead: grounded optimism.

We’ll unpack the brain science, the cost of suppressing emotions, and practical strategies to build resilience through truth, not denial.

If you’re tired of pretending everything is “all good,” this one’s for you.

    

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

  • Toxic positivity dismisses real emotions and creates hidden stress

  • Suppressed feelings don’t disappear—they leak out as irritability, anxiety, or burnout

  • Grounded optimism acknowledges pain while still believing in growth

  • Emotional granularity (naming emotions precisely) builds resilience and clarity

  • Leaders who model emotional honesty create psychological safety and trust

  • Four practical shifts:

    • Use and instead of but

    • Ask, “What else is true?”

    • Journal a 3-layer check-in: pretending, actual, and need

    • Drop one fake smile and choose honesty with someone you trust

      •       

      Links and Resources:

      Follow Terri-Ann Richards: https://terriannrichards.com/

      The Happy Stack Newsletter: https://happystack.substack.com/

      Success Takes Courage Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Success-Takes-Courage-Inside-Out-Achievement-ebook/dp/B0BKWNT142

         

      If this episode struck a chord, share it with someone who’s been powering through behind a smile.

      Subscribe, leave a review, and try one of the practices this week.

      Remember—happiness isn’t about ignoring hard things. It’s about meeting the truth and moving forward anyway.

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      The Happy Stack PodcastBy Terri-Ann