We all say we want ease.

Freedom. Flow. Breakthroughs that feel like alignment, not burnout.

But when those things finally show up—why do so many of us sabotage them?

In this episode of Daily Power Boost, we expose the hidden belief that struggle = worthiness. If you’ve been addicted to proving yourself through pain, today’s message will feel like a mirror you didn’t know you needed.

Because you’re not stuck.

You’re just scared to rise without suffering for it.

In this episode:

* How we unconsciously link effort to value—and block ease in the process

* Why many high-performers sabotage success that comes “too easily”

* How to rewire your identity so ease isn’t a threat—it’s a sign you’re aligned

It’s time to stop worshipping pain as proof.

✦ Reflection Prompts

* Where in my life am I secretly addicted to struggle?

* What forms of ease or help do I resist because they feel “unearned”?

* Have I ever downplayed a win because it came too easily?

* What would it mean to believe that ease could be a form of divine alignment?

✦ Action Steps

Name the Pattern

Write down a recent opportunity, win, or moment of ease that made you uncomfortable. Ask: What story did I tell myself about why I didn’t deserve it?

Reframe the Proof

Finish this prompt five times:

“If I believed ease was earned, I would…”

Let your nervous system catch up to your new belief.

Honor Alignment

Pick one area where things have started to flow with less resistance. Instead of questioning it—lean in. Affirm: “This is what it feels like when I’m aligned.”

✦ Bonus Resource

Book a No-cost Success Blockers Call

If you’re stuck in the grind loop—convinced that only suffering equals progress—it’s time to rewire your leadership story.

This free session will help you identify the subconscious contracts keeping you in survival mode.

✦ On the Next Episode

Success Isn’t a Stretch Goal—It’s a Self-Betrayal

(When Your Identity Is Outdated)

If your self-image is still wired for a former version of you, even the wins you chase will feel hollow.

Tomorrow, we expose how identity misalignment makes progress feel like pressure—and how to define success from the inside out.

✦ If You Loved Today’s Episode…

Here’s how to move deeper:

* Share this episode with someone who’s carrying too much out of pride or fear.

* Subscribe to Daily Power Boost for daily shifts in how you think, lead, and live.

* Join the R.E.A.L. Mastery™ Hub – The home of identity-based leadership and rhythm-based success. realmasteryhub.com

* Want to be coached live? Beyond the Boost is coming, comment or message me if you want to be considered.

✦ Engage With Me Online

* Instagram: @coachshawnmichael

* TikTok: @coachshawnmichael

* YouTube: @coachshawnmichael

* LinkedIn: @coachinguatemala

✦ References & Influences

* Gay Hendricks – The Big LeapOn the “Upper Limit Problem”: how success beyond your old identity triggers self-sabotage and emotional discomfort.

* Steve Andreas – Transforming Your SelfOn self-concept and why internal change often feels unsafe when it conflicts with who you think you are.

* Steve Hardison – The Ultimate CoachOn BEing vs Doing, and how identity-level shifts lead to sustainable transformation—not just behavior tweaks.

* Carol Dweck – MindsetOn fixed vs. growth mindsets, especially how success challenges a fixed view of self-worth.

* Joe Dispenza – Breaking the Habit of Being YourselfOn the neurology of comfort zones and how the body resists unfamiliar ease, even if it’s good for us.

* Michael Gervais – Finding Mastery PodcastOn performance psychology, fear, and how elite performers push past identity-based fear responses.

* Brené Brown – The Gifts of ImperfectionOn vulnerability, worthiness, and how shame drives achievement-oriented avoidance.

Get full access to True North: Your guide to an intentional life at trunorth.substack.com/subscribe