Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

Is it important for you to be liked by everyone? Do you ever hold back on an idea because you’re terrified of what someone else might say? Or have you made a major life decision — like what career to pursue or who to date — based on what others thought you should do, rather than what you actually wanted to do?

If any of this sounds familiar, today’s episode is for you. If your self-worth depends on an opinion poll, you’ll always feel unstable.

Fortunately, you don't have to let other people’s opinions control your life.

Some of the things I talk about are:

Why your brain is wired to fear rejection and how it impacts your self-esteem

The science behind why external validation creates stress and lowers autonomy

How to build self-worth on a foundation you control

A mental trick called "The Permission Slip" that frees you from needing others’ approval

Why setting boundaries feels awkward at first — and how to survive the discomfort

A simple challenge to help you take back control of your life this week

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251 — How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser With Psychotherapist Meg Josephson

120 — How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser and Start Gaining the Confidence to Be Yourself

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Do you ever feel like you're living according to someone else’s rules? How do you find the courage to be yourself when you know not everyone is going to be on board?

My guest is David Archuleta, platinum-selling singer-songwriter, former American Idol runner-up, and author of the new memoir Devout. In this episode, David gets real about the intense pressure to please his family, his church, and his fans—and what it took to finally trust his own voice and make choices that align with who he really is.

Some of the things we discuss are:

How toxic family dynamics and the pressure to please can strip away your self-trust

The terrifying reality of living a double life to meet religious and societal expectations

Why setting boundaries—even with family—is essential for your mental health

The moment David realized he had to stop waiting for permission to be himself

How making mistakes is actually a gift, not a failure

Why breaking free from control can feel lonely at first, but is the only path to true freedom

How to start trusting your own decisions, even when you’re terrified of the outcome

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Related Episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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245 — Christine Brown Woolley on Redefining Strength, Leaving a 25-Year Marriage, and Finding the Courage to Start Over

Links & Resources

Devout

Follow David on Instagram - @DavidArchuleta

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Do you feel like you and your partner have lost a bit of your spark? If so, you might be tempted to plan something big to turn things around. But, it's often the little things in relationships that make a big difference. And weekends are the perfect time to reconnect and deepen your bond.

Today, I’m sharing five simple habits mentally strong couples practice on the weekends. These aren't complicated or time-consuming but they could make a big difference in your ability to grow stronger together.

Some of the things I talk about are:

Why spending intentional time apart can actually bring you closer.

The counterintuitive reason that independence builds security in a relationship.

How creating small, consistent rituals provides stability and a sense of belonging.

The importance of making it safe to talk about your feelings—both good and bad.

The difference between being in the same room and creating true quality time.

One simple, two-second habit that can transform your entire relationship dynamic.

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Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!

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Do you ever feel like life is just a series of to-do lists? Do you sometimes wonder, “Is this all there is?” Or maybe you’ve been told to “find your purpose,” but the idea feels overwhelming or out of reach. If you’ve ever struggled to find meaning in your day-to-day life, this episode is for you.

My guest is Stanford Professor Dave Evans. He's the co-author of How to Have a Meaningful Life. Dave shares his insights on how to create a life filled with meaning—without needing to quit your job, move across the world, or completely reinvent yourself.

Some of the things we discuss are:

Why chasing impact or fulfillment alone can leave you feeling empty

The myth of “finding your one true purpose” and what to do instead

How to experience more meaning in your daily routine without adding more to your plate

The difference between the “transactional world” and the “flow world” and how to access both

How to align who you are, what you believe, and what you do for a more coherent life

The power of asking deeper questions to build formative communities that help you grow

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind or wondered how to make your life feel more meaningful, this episode will give you actionable tools and a fresh perspective to start living fully right now.

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Links & Resources

How to Live a Meaningful Life

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What if your pursuit of happiness is the very thing making you miserable? It sounds counterintuitive, right?

We live in a world obsessed with happiness. But chasing happiness is a trap.

On today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the pursuit of happiness often backfires and what you can do instead to build a life that feels truly fulfilling.

Some of the things I talk about are:

Why treating happiness like a goal sets you up for disappointment

The science behind the "happiness trap" and how it makes you lonelier

How hedonic adaptation keeps you chasing the next thing

Why embracing all your emotions—even the uncomfortable ones—leads to a richer life

Four things you can do to stop chasing happiness and start living meaningfully

Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me.

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