256 - Build Self-Awareness Fast: 3 Tools Therapists Swear By
Self-awareness can help you understand yourself as well as get a clearer picture of how others see you. It can also close the gap between who you think you are and how you actually show up.
Today, I’m sharing science-backed strategies to build real self-awareness—so you can make better decisions, align your behavior with your values, and become the person you mean to be.
Some of the things I share are:
Why self-serving bias and limited data create blind spots
How to build a “personal board of reality” and ask for actionable feedback
A simple script to solicit input without getting defensive
Why turning your values into verbs makes them measurable and real
The 3-column pattern journal to spot triggers and upgrade your responses
The difference between healthy reflection and unhelpful rumination
Mentally Strong App
Get Mental Strength for Free - Episode 254 Exercise
Go Hands-Free with Voice Option — Episode 254 Exercise (subscribers only)
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
AquaTru — Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER
Uncommon Goods — Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
21:45
--------
21:45
255 — Stop Rehashing, Start Healing: Skills to Move On from a Tough Past with Author Anna Runkle
Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life.
In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the effects of childhood trauma. We talk about what actually works (and what doesn’t) and the skills that help you heal—without having to rehash every detail of the past.
Some of the things we talk about are:
How childhood trauma shapes connection, boundaries, and self-worth
Why traditional talk-only approaches don’t work for everyone (and what to try instead)
Daily practices that calm emotional dysregulation
How to spot the survival skills that once saved you but now hold you back
Practical social and connection skills you can learn as an adult
The “Acts of Connection” that build confidence in small steps
Why you might be drawn to unavailable or troubled people—and how to break the pattern
How to tell “Is it me or are they mistreating me?” when your radar is off
The path from isolation to genuine support—and why healing requires other people
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me.
Links & Resources
CrappyChildhoodFairy.com
Connectability
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER
Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
52:43
--------
52:43
254 — Stuck? It’s Not Your Plan—It’s Your Mindset. Here’s How to Fix It Fast
Do you ever feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck? What if the real problem isn’t your plan—it’s your mindset?
On today’s episode, we’re diving into how your mindset shapes your reality, why mindset is at the root of most problems, and how to strengthen it—fast. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to shift the lens you use to see the world so your thoughts, feelings, and actions start working for you instead of against you.
Some of the things I share are:
Why mindset is your biggest asset (or your greatest liability)
The role of the placebo effect and self-efficacy
How your belief changes your performance and the outcome
Three questions to quickly assess your current mindset
How limiting beliefs create self-fulfilling prophecies (and how to break the cycle)
A simple reframe to build a growth mindset
How to train your brain not to give up
How expectations shape results
A quick journaling practice to track mindset shifts over time
Practical strategies to start changing your mindset today
Mentally Strong App
Get Mental Strength for Free
Subscribers Only — Episode 254 Exercise
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
23:49
--------
23:49
253 — How Hypnosis Could Help You Break Bad Habits, Reduce Anxiety, and Relieve Your Pain with Dr. David Spiegel
What if hypnosis could change your life? Hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of psychotherapy, yet it’s often misunderstood and underutilized. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, reduce your pain, or break bad habits, hypnosis is a science-backed strategy that could help you change.
Today's guest is Dr. David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist and world-renowned expert in hypnosis, joins me to discuss the science behind hypnosis. Some of the things we discuss are:
Why hypnosis is misunderstood—and why it works
How hypnosis can help with pain, anxiety, and insomnia
The difference between hypnosis and meditation
How hypnosis changes your brain and body
How to apply self-hypnosis
How to find a qualified hypnotherapist
The surprising ways hypnosis can make you mentally stronger
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me.
Links & Resources
Reveri.com
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
42:18
--------
42:18
252 — Why Quitting Is a Sign of Mental Strength (And Could Be the Best Decision for Your Mental Health)
You've heard people say things like, "Never give up," or "The only way to fail is to quit." But, as a therapist, I see the dangers of adopting these mantras.
Blind persistence is an unhealthy mindset. It's often fed by ego and leads to a variety of mental health issues and practical problems. Sometimes, quitting is actually a sign of strength and the key to living your best life.
Some of the things I talk about today are:
The dangers of unwavering persistence
The benefits of grit and why it needs to be balanced with self-awareness
5 signs quitting might actually be the best decision
How to develop a mindset that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being
How to make a strategic choice to quit
How to find the courage to walk away from the things that no longer suit you
Mentally Strong App
Get mental strength coaching for free — Episode 252 Exercise
Go hands-free (subscribers only) — Episode 252 Voice Exercise
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Acerca de Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin
Growing mentally stronger will change your life and therapist Amy Morin wants to show you how to make it happen.
Whether you want to improve your mental health, boost your resilience, gain emotional intelligence, or gain a competitive edge that will help you reach your greatest potential, this show is for you.
Mentally Stronger provides therapist-approved strategies for tackling the biggest battle we all face--the one in our minds.
Webby Award-Winning Host Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the bestselling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Every episode dives into science-backed strategies for building the mental strength you need to handle whatever life throws this way.
No one understands the importance of having mental strength more than Amy. Her personal journey surrounding grief and loss has led to her to take a deep dive into mental strength. And now, she's sharing what she learned along the way.
Her TEDx talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, is one of the most viewed talks of all time with 25 million views and she's sold over 1 million books. She's a speaker and a consulted who teaches companies like Google, Under Armour, and NBC how to grow mentally stronger.
Unlike other shows, Mentally Stronger provides a unique blend of research-backed tips, stories of mental strength, and therapist-approved strategies that will empower you to thrive.
Join Amy on the transformative journey to mastering your mind. And the fun part is, she records the show from a sailboat in the Florida Keys.
España