March 01, 2026

Why Positive Thinking Hasn’t Worked (And What Actually Does) | Marisa Peer

42 minutes

What if the reason positive thinking hasn’t worked for you… isn’t because you’re doing it wrong, but because no one ever showed you how your mind actually listens?

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Marisa Peer, and we go far beyond motivation or feel-good affirmations. This is a practical, step-by-step breakdown of how the words you use, especially the ones you say to yourself, directly shape your self-worth, confidence, and the reality you experience.

We talk about why so many people know what they should think, yet still feel stuck… why saying “I’m trying” quietly reinforces failure… and how subtle language patterns can either work with your brain or cause it to push back entirely.

If you’ve ever:

* Felt like you’re “doing the work” but nothing is changing

* Struggled with feeling not enough, even when life looks good on paper

* Tried affirmations that felt fake or forced

* Wondered whether you can really have it all, career, health, relationships, fulfilment

…this conversation will land.

Marisa shares the exact phrases, sentence structures, and mindset shifts that actually create change, including one powerful sentence you can start using today to rebuild self-worth and self-trust.

This is an episode you may want to listen to twice, not because it’s complex, but because it’s precise.

LINKS

💆‍♀️ COZY EARTH - Use code “ERIKA” to get 20% off HERE (I’m currently loving their comforters to enhance deep sleep)!

📸 I⁠nstagram⁠

Marisa Peer's I am Enough Book - ⁠https://marisapeer.com/marisa-peer-books/⁠

Marisa Peer's Free Gifts - ⁠https://marisapeer.com/free-gifts/⁠

TIME STAMPS

(03:17) Can we have it all?

(06:21) Did you always believe you could have it all?

(10:26) How do we actually use our thinking to change our reality

(12:25) Surviving Cancer

(14:02) Crafting your phrases for success

(17:34) How to like yourself more

(24:13) Are you making someone else’s story, yours?

(27:07) Tools for kids to instil skills

(27:15) Is work-life balance a myth?

(35:24) Is AI being used as therapy a bad thing?

(39:51) Start saying this one sentence to yourself TODAY

WHO AM I?

My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 ⁠Connect with me on IG!⁠

RESOURCES

▶︎⁠ 25 Day Self Development Marathon⁠

▶︎ ⁠21 Day Self Growth Challenge⁠

▶︎ ⁠Goal Setting System E-Book⁠

LET’S BE FRIENDS

📸 ⁠Instagram⁠

📱⁠Tiktok⁠

MY FAVOURITE STUFF

💻 Email & Calendar tool - ⁠Sunsama for 1 Month free trial

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By Erika De Pellegrin

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