Feeling stuck in a negative mindset?

Learn how to overcome self-sabotaging thought patterns and cultivate lasting happiness from Matt O'Neill. In this vulnerable and insightful episode, Matt shares his personal journey of shifting from a bad mood to a good one, offering a practical blueprint you can apply to transform your own mindset.

Learn how to question limiting beliefs, reframe negative thoughts, and leverage self-inquiry to break free of the funk. Discover the power of gratitude in reclaiming your natural state of joy.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Identifying the root of negative emotions

• Questioning the certainty of limiting beliefs

• Reframing thoughts to find the positive

• Leveraging self-inquiry to break free of funk

• Embracing gratitude for life's blessings

[01:00] From Disappointment to Transformation

Matt's open and honest account of his personal struggle with a bad mood sets the stage for this transformative episode. After disappointing his wife Katie by prioritizing work over a commitment, Matt found himself spiraling into a negative thought pattern. Through self-reflection, he was able to uncover the root causes - fears about his career, doubts in his abilities as a leader, and a general sense of life feeling like a "grind."

[08:03] The Paradox of Mood: Downward Spiral vs. Upward Spiral

When we feel bad, we actually have a subconscious desire to "do bad" in order to prove to ourselves that we are bad. Conversely, when we feel good, we naturally want to make others feel good, creating an "awesome upward spiral." The key takeaway is that our emotions and behaviors are fundamentally shaped by the stories and narratives we tell ourselves. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for breaking free of negative thought patterns and cultivating lasting happiness.

[09:00] Questioning Certainty, Challenging Limiting Beliefs

By applying the process of inquiry championed by author Byron Katie, Matt systematically challenged the validity of his negative thoughts. Rather than accepting them as absolute truths, he questioned whether he could know them with 100% certainty. This simple yet powerful exercise began to chip away at the hold these limiting beliefs had on his mindset and emotions.

[22:54] Overcoming the Damaging Impact of Negative Thinking

When stuck in a negative mindset, systematically challenge the validity of self-defeating beliefs. Question whether you can know them as absolute truths, then look for evidence supporting the opposite, more positive perspective. Recognize that it's ultimately your own negative thought patterns, not external circumstances, that hold you back. By consciously reframing limiting narratives and cultivating a more constructive mindset, you can overcome the damaging impact of negativity and unlock your full potential for joy and fulfillment.

Resources Mentioned:

Loving What Is by Byron Katie

A Mind at Home with Itself by Byron Katie

Download this week’s free resource instantly when you sign up for The Good Mood Show newsletter here!

Or, reach out on our contact page at https://mattoneill.com/contact and we will email you a copy of any free resource you request.

Are you tired of trying to push away your "negative" emotions? What if you knew the truth that no emotion was ever really “bad” or “negative” and that all emotions had usefulness.

In this episode, Matt O’Neill sits down with expert psychotherapist Michelle Maidenberg as she explains why facing our uncomfortable feelings - like anger, sadness, and fear - is essential for authentic happiness and personal growth.

As they dive deep into the topic of emotional avoidance, discover why facing our uncomfortable emotions is essential for authentic happiness and personal growth. Michelle shares practical strategies for building the discipline and self-efficacy needed to make lasting changes in our lives.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• The importance of embracing all emotions, not just the "good" ones

• Reframing guilt and shame as opportunities for self-reflection

• Characteristics of people living empowered, fulfilled lives

• Overcoming the "slip-fall" cycle to sustain positive behavior change

• Developing self-trust through following through on commitments

[02:48] Embracing the Uncomfortable Emotions

Michelle emphasizes the importance of not categorizing emotions as simply "good" or "bad." She explains that even uncomfortable feelings like anger, sadness, and fear serve a vital purpose in connecting us to our values and humanity. Rather than avoiding these emotions, Michelle encourages facing them head-on as opportunities for growth and self-understanding. Recognizing that we all experience a range of emotions as human beings, she stresses the need to approach the uncomfortable ones with self-compassion, using them to better understand ourselves and live more authentic, fulfilling lives.

[13:15] Strategies for Sustained Change

A common struggle Michelle sees in her clients is the inability to sustain positive behavior changes over time. She shares concrete steps and tools to help break the "slip-fall" cycle, addressing the underlying rationalizations and core beliefs that can sabotage our best intentions. By developing self-awareness and self-compassion, we can learn to persist through setbacks and make lasting improvements in our lives.

[14:41] Facing Adversity, Building Confidence

Michelle emphasizes that living an empowered life requires accepting and facing adversity head-on. She explains that quick fixes and easy solutions are rarely the answer - true growth and fulfillment come through consistent effort and practice. By doing the hard things, even when it's challenging, we build self-efficacy and confidence in our ability to follow through on our goals and values.

Resources Mentioned:

www.michellemaidenberg.com

Books mentioned:

• The End of Your World

• I Am That

• The Compound Effect

Pre-order the Good Mood Revolution book on Amazon today!

Download this week’s free resource instantly when you sign up for The Good Mood Show newsletter here!

Or, reach out on our contact page at https://mattoneill.com/contact and we will email you a copy of any free resource you request.

About the Guest

Michelle Maidenberg is a psychotherapist who works with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. She is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of "Thru My Eyes," a nonprofit that offers free clinically-guided videotaping for chronically ill individuals to leave legacies for their loved ones.

Ever deal with feeling like an impostor? You're not alone, and it’s time to shatter that illusion. In this electrifying episode of the Good Mood Revolution, Matt O’Neill and Romy van der Merwe dive into the heart of impostor syndrome, exposing it for the myth it truly is.

Brace yourself as Romy reveals jaw-dropping strategies to crush self-doubt, from creating a "hit list" of your wins to flipping negativity on its head. Discover how to dodge the comparison trap and forge your path with unbreakable confidence. This isn't just about feeling better; it’s about unleashing a new, audacious you. Don't miss this chance to transform your inner dialogue and embrace your authentic power—tune in now and reclaim your confidence!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Embrace authentic confidence in your abilities

• Document your achievements to boost self-belief

• Reframe negatives as opportunities for growth

• Avoid comparing yourself to others' journeys

• Trust the process, learn from setbacks

[02:55] Where and How Impostor Syndrome Shows Up in Life

Impostor syndrome can manifest in various areas of life, not just in the workplace. Even in everyday tasks, the feeling of not being good enough or deserving of success can creep in, undermining one's confidence. Impostor syndrome often manifests as a persistent sense of self-doubt, despite evidence of one's competence and achievements. It can lead to anxiety about being "exposed" as a fraud, reluctance to take on new challenges, and constant comparison to others. When you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, you may attribute your successes to luck or external factors rather than your own abilities.

[12:20] The Power of Documenting Your Achievements

Documenting your achievements, both big and small, is a powerful way to overcome impostor syndrome and cultivate authentic confidence. By creating a "hit list" or "brag book" of your successes, you can counterbalance the self-doubt that often creeps in. Whether it's winning a writing contest, finishing a continuing education course, or simply having a fun tickle fight with your kids, these accomplishments are worth celebrating. Reflecting on your past wins, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can remind you of your capabilities and empower you to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges.

[21:37] Avoiding the Comparison Trap

When facing impostor syndrome, it's important to avoid comparing your current progress to someone else's more advanced stage. Instead, Romy advises comparing yourself to your own past achievements and growth, rather than external benchmarks. This allows you to focus on your unique journey and celebrate the small wins along the way, building momentum and self-belief. By resisting the urge to measure yourself against others who are further ahead, you can embrace the process of learning and improving at your own pace, ultimately unlocking your full potential.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Romy on LinkedIn.

Rapid Transformation by Ben Hardy

Download this week’s free resource instantly when you sign up for The Good Mood Show newsletter here!

Or, reach out on our contact page at https://mattoneill.com/contact and we will email you a copy of any free resource you request.

About the Guest

Romy van der Merwe is a leading expert on overcoming impostor syndrome and cultivating authentic confidence. As a sought-after speaker and coach, Romy is passionate about empowering others to let go of impostor syndrome and unlock their full potential.