Explore every episode of the podcast The Unlearning Work Podcast

 

Episode Title: Should Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-Sabotage

Should Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-Sabotage
Episode Number: 9
Host: Erin Merideth
Website: unlearningwork.com

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth breaks down how one simple word—“should”—shapes our work, limits our leadership, and sabotages our side hustles.

Drawing on behavioral science and client stories, Erin explores how “should” statements often mask fear, judgment, or unmet needs. Whether you're saying “They should know better” at work or “I should be further along” in your business, the language we use creates the pressure we feel—and the patterns we repeat.

This episode is your guide to spotting those “should” traps and replacing them with clarity, compassion, and aligned action.

Key Topics Covered

✅ What “Should” Really Means
The psychology behind the word and how it reflects hidden beliefs, expectations, and unspoken rulebooks

✅ The Four Types of “Shoulds”

1. Moral & Ethical Judgment

2. Cultural or Generational Norms

3. Emotional Needs in Disguise

4. Personal Thinking & Projection

✅ Why “Should” Shows Up Differently at Work vs. In Your Side Hustle
How workplace structure and team dynamics shape “should” language
Why entrepreneurial spaces trigger different forms of self-pressure

✅ Behavioral Science Insights
How “should” activates the brain’s threat response
Why vague, internalized expectations lead to avoidance, burnout, or overwork

✅ Real Client Examples
From “I should be charging more” to “They should just figure it out”—what’s really going on beneath the surface

✅ Reframes that Work
Practical shifts to turn judgment into clarity, and shame into strategic action

✅ Leadership Self-Check Framework
How to spot hidden “shoulds” in your team culture and communication—and what to say instead

Episode Takeaways

🔹 “Should” language creates invisible pressure—and often unrealistic expectations
🔹 Self-awareness is the first step to shifting your inner dialogue
🔹 Clear, values-aligned language fuels better leadership and less self-sabotage
🔹 You don’t have to drop all your “shoulds”—just start noticing and reframing them

Final Thought

Most of the time, no one agreed to the rulebook you’re following.
Pause. Ask. Reframe. You get to choose what story shapes your next step.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 Ready to let go of your “shoulds”? Join the Unlearning Work Community for our May Challenge: Stop ‘Shoulding’ and Start Leading Clearly.

💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

Breaking the Imposter Syndrome Loop: How to Build Confidence Through Action

Episode Title: Breaking the Imposter Syndrome Loop: How to Build Confidence Through Action
Episode Number: 8
Host: Erin Merideth
Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth unpacks a common but rarely discussed challenge for high performers: imposter syndrome. Even when you're excelling at work or building a passion project, that nagging feeling of “I’m not good enough” can creep in and stall your progress.

Using insights from cognitive behavioral science, Erin explores how imposter syndrome is reinforced through thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and, most importantly, how you can break the cycle.

This episode offers a grounded, practical approach to building authentic confidence and making progress, even when self-doubt lingers.

 

Key Topics Covered

✅ What Imposter Syndrome Really Is (and Isn’t)

• Understanding the difference between self-doubt and true imposter syndrome

• Why high achievers are often most affected

✅ Why Imposter Syndrome Shows Up Differently in Your 9-to-5 vs. Your Side Hustle

• How structure, feedback, and external validation impact your confidence

• Why launching personal projects often feels riskier

✅ The Cognitive Triangle: How Your Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors Reinforce Self-Doubt

• How internal stories create emotional and behavioral loops

• The science behind why negative narratives stick

✅ 5 Practical Strategies to Break the Cycle

1. Name the Narrative
   → Your thoughts are not facts—separate yourself from the story.

2. Collect the Data
   → Build a “win file” to train your brain to recognize your strengths.

3. Say It Out Loud
   → Normalize imposter feelings by talking about them openly.

4. Act Anyway
   → Confidence is built through small, brave actions—not waiting until you “feel ready.”

5. Redefine Success
   → Focus on progress, consistency, and honoring your growth over perfection.

✅ Cognitive Diffusion Techniques

• Simple mental exercises to create space between you and your inner critic

• How to challenge negative thought patterns in real time

 

Episode Takeaways

🔹 Confidence doesn’t come first—action does.
🔹 Naming your internal stories creates room for new narratives.
🔹 Progress, not perfection, is the real path to sustainable success.
🔹 You are allowed to show up imperfectly and still succeed.

 

Final Thought

You don’t need to *feel* ready to show up—you just have to start. Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt, it’s the decision to keep going anyway.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 What work habit are you ready to unlearn? Let us know and join the discussion in the Unlearning Work Community!
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business

Episode Title: The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business
📅 Episode Number: 7
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores a surprising paradox: why are so many professionals reliable and consistent at their 9-to-5 jobs—but struggle with accountability when it comes to their own projects, businesses, or creative goals?

Through the lens of behavioral science, Erin uncovers the hidden psychological barriers that stall momentum outside of structured work environments. From emotional risk to decision overload, you’ll learn why unlearning old patterns is essential—and how to build new systems that set you up for sustainable success.

We’ll walk through actionable strategies, favorite tools, and real-world tips to help you stay consistent, motivated, and resilient as you pursue your personal goals.

 

Key Topics Covered

✅ The Psychology Behind the Accountability Gap

• Why external structure at work keeps you on track—and how to recreate it for personal projects

• How unclear identity ("Am I a real business owner yet?") can sap your energy and focus

• The emotional risk of showing up authentically—and why perfectionism leads to procrastination

✅ Common Challenges When Working for Yourself

• Decision overload and cognitive fatigue

• Delayed rewards and dips in motivation

• Lack of feedback loops that fuel progress

✅ 5 Practical Strategies to Build Real Accountability

1. Create Systems and Rituals
   → Build external structure even when no one is "watching"

2. Anchor Yourself in Your Identity
   → Step fully into the role of creator, entrepreneur, or innovator

3. Simplify Your Decision-Making
   → Use templates, checklists, and routines to protect your mental energy

4. Design Emotional Safety Into Your Workflow
   → Reduce the fear of judgment and failure with small, low-risk actions

5. Build Fast Feedback Loops and Micro-Rewards
   → Celebrate small wins regularly to maintain momentum

✅ Tools & Resources Recommended

• Favorite productivity tools: ClickUp, Notion, Focusmate

• Custom worksheets and mini-courses inside the Unlearning Work App

 

Episode Takeaways

🔹 Accountability gaps aren't about discipline—they’re about environment, identity, and emotional design.
🔹 Building simple structures, emotional safety, and micro-rewards helps bridge the gap between goals and action.
🔹 You don't have to wait for motivation—small, consistent systems create it.

 

Featured Resource: The Unlearning Work App

If you’re ready to actually apply what you’ve learned today…
Download the Unlearning Work App—your personal accountability system designed to help you make progress every week.

Inside the app:

• 📄 Downloadable worksheets for every podcast episode

• 🎯 A mini course to master habits, self-awareness, and feedback

• 🔄 Weekly nudges and updates to keep you in momentum

👉 Search “Unlearning Work” in the App Store or click here to get started.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 What work habit are you ready to unlearn? Let us know and join the discussion in the Unlearning Work Community!
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

Breaking Old Habits at Work – A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Different Choice

 

🎙 Episode Title: Breaking Old Habits at Work: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Different Choice
📅 Episode Number: 6
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com 

  Episode Summary In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth walks through an actionable, eight-step guide to help you break free from old, counterproductive work habits. Whether you’re battling procrastination, struggling with constant distractions, or stuck in outdated routines, this episode offers a clear path to building better habits—one small step at a time.

Explore real-life examples, practical tips, and supportive strategies to help you create meaningful, sustainable change in how you show up at work.

 

Key Topics Covered

✅ Why Our Old Habits Stick

• How emotional and environmental triggers reinforce unhelpful behaviors

• The science behind habit loops and why awareness is the first step to change

✅ Real-World Workplace Habits We Need to Unlearn

• Notification overload and constant email checking

• Procrastination disguised as multitasking

• Avoidance of difficult conversations and decision fatigue

✅ A Step-by-Step Framework for Change

• Identify patterns and triggers through journaling and reflection

• Set clear, SMART goals that align with your priorities

• Use simple routines, digital tools, and time-blocking to structure your day

• Involve colleagues for accountability and community support

• Practice resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion when setbacks happen

✅ Transformations in Action

• How one professional reduced stress and improved focus by limiting digital notifications

• The impact of peer support and progress tracking on building new habits

 

Episode Takeaways

🔹 Small changes, when done consistently, lead to big results.
🔹 Awareness, intention, and structure are key to replacing old habits.
🔹 Progress isn’t always linear—resilience and reflection are part of the journey.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 What work habit are you ready to unlearn? Let us know and join the discussion in the Unlearning Work Community!
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore: The Side Hustle Paradox - Why Are You So Accountable at Work—But Not in Your Own Business.

Breaking Old Habits at Work – A Comprehensive Guide to Making Lasting Changes

 

🎙 Episode Title: Breaking Old Habits at Work: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Lasting Changes
📅 Episode Number: 5
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores how old habits shape our professional lives and, more importantly, how we can break them to unlock our full potential. From procrastination to over-reliance on email, we examine why these habits form, their impact on productivity and mental well-being, and practical strategies to replace them with empowering behaviors.

Join us as we take a deep dive into transforming daily work habits for lasting success.

 

Key Topics Covered

✅ The Backbone of Our Work—Our Habits

• How workplace habits form and shape our productivity
• The role of environmental and psychological triggers

✅ Real-World Examples of Counterproductive Habits

• Procrastination – Why we delay and how it impacts performance
• Constant Multitasking – The hidden cost of juggling too much at once
• Avoidance of Difficult Conversations – How hesitation can harm team dynamics
• Over-Reliance on Email – When emails become a productivity roadblock

✅ Why Do These Habits Form?

• Environmental cues that reinforce behaviors
• The comfort of familiar (but unproductive) habits
• How past success can create outdated work routines
• Peer influence and workplace culture shaping behaviors

✅ The Impact of Breaking Old Habits

• Enhanced Productivity – Freeing up time and mental energy
• Improved Mental Health – Reducing stress and anxiety at work
• Career Advancement – How new habits can lead to leadership opportunities
• Better Workplace Relationships – Strengthening communication and collaboration

✅ A Roadmap for Lasting Change

• Why breaking habits is an ongoing process of self-reflection and growth
• Steps to recognize and replace old habits with more effective behaviors

 

Episode Takeaways

🔹 Habits shape how we work—good and bad. Recognizing them is the first step toward change.
🔹 Small, daily shifts can lead to major improvements in productivity and job satisfaction.
🔹 Breaking old habits is a process, not a one-time fix—self-awareness and consistency are key.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 Ready to start unlearning? Share your biggest workplace habit challenge with us!
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore how to implement small but powerful behavioral shifts for long-term workplace success!

Reinforcement Patterns: How Leaders Can Create a Thriving Feedback Culture

 

🎙 Episode Title: Reinforcement Patterns: How Leaders Can Create a Thriving Feedback Culture
📅 Episode Number: 4
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com 

 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth unpacks why feedback is so often avoided, feared, or misunderstood—and what leaders can do to shift that dynamic. Drawing from behavioral psychology, Erin explores how reinforcement patterns, loss aversion, and conditioned responses shape the way we give and receive feedback at work.

From recognizing team contributions to rethinking performance reviews, Erin outlines five key strategies to build a feedback culture rooted in growth, trust, and collaboration.

Whether you’re a manager navigating performance cycles or an employee looking to give better feedback to peers, this episode offers practical tools to make feedback feel less intimidating and more empowering.

 

Key Topics Covered

✅ Why Feedback Feels So Challenging

• How past experiences shape our reactions to feedback

• Why our brains are wired to avoid negative stimuli

• The impact of loss aversion on workplace communication

✅ The Cost of Outdated Feedback Habits

• Why annual reviews alone don’t support growth

• How fear-based cultures discourage open feedback

• The silent effect of ambiguous reinforcement in teams

✅ Five Research-Backed Strategies for Giving Better Feedback

1. Recognize contributions—regardless of outcome

2. Celebrate progress fueled by feedback

3. Encourage peer-to-peer feedback for trust and collaboration

4. Reinforce small wins to create lasting behavior change

5. Avoid feedback that only shows up when something goes wrong

 

Episode Takeaways

🔹 Feedback is a leadership behavior—not a one-time event.
🔹 Reinforcement matters: Recognizing effort builds trust and motivation.
🔹 Creating psychological safety leads to better communication and stronger teams.
🔹 Small feedback habits, when repeated, drive cultural change across an organization.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 What’s one piece of feedback that helped you grow as a leader or teammate?
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore how to Break old habits at work!

The Psychology of Feedback: Why It’s So Hard and How to Make It Easier

🎙 Episode Title: The Psychology of Feedback: Why It’s So Hard and How to Make It Easier
📅 Episode Number: 3
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores the psychological dynamics that make giving and receiving feedback feel so emotionally charged—especially during performance reviews. If you’ve ever left a feedback conversation feeling misunderstood, discouraged, or unsure how to improve, this episode is for you.

Rooted in behavioral psychology, Erin breaks down the hidden triggers—like loss aversion, avoidance behavior, and reinforcement patterns—that often derail well-intentioned feedback. Then, she shares four practical strategies to help reshape feedback into something that builds trust, motivation, and growth at work.

Whether you’re a team leader or an individual contributor, this episode will help you make feedback easier, more effective, and far less stressful.

 

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why Feedback Often Feels So Difficult

• Past experiences condition our responses to feedback

• How loss aversion and emotional memory amplify stress during reviews

• Why even well-meaning feedback can trigger defensiveness

✅ The Feedback Loop That Doesn’t Work

• Ambiguous reinforcement: Saying feedback matters but punishing honesty

• Delayed reviews: Why waiting too long to share feedback creates confusion

• Fear of feedback: How employees disengage when feedback only highlights mistakes

✅ How to Build Better Feedback Habits

1. Reward the Process, Not Just the Outcome
   → Acknowledge effort, progress, and resilience—not just results.

2. Create Psychological Safety
   → Invite input, ask open-ended questions, and reduce the threat of judgment.

3. Provide Immediate & Specific Feedback
   → Give timely, actionable insights while the experience is still fresh.

4. Reframe Feedback as a Growth Opportunity
   → Shift the focus from “what went wrong” to “what’s next.”

 

Episode Takeaways:

🔹 Feedback habits are deeply influenced by past experiences and brain chemistry.
🔹 When we avoid feedback, we miss chances for alignment, clarity, and connection.
🔹 Leaders can create healthier, more productive feedback environments through small shifts in language and timing.
🔹 You don’t need to overhaul your culture—just start by reinforcing feedback as a two-way, future-focused conversation.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 What’s one change you could make to improve the way you give or receive feedback?
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore how leaders can create a thriving feedback culture!

Turning Self-Awareness into Action

 🎙 Episode Title: Turning Self-Awareness Into Action: A Simple Framework for Lasting Change
📅 Episode Number: 2
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores what it really takes to turn self-awareness into sustained behavioral change. While understanding your work habits is an essential first step, the real challenge comes next—rewiring your brain and routines to make better choices every day.

Drawing from behavioral science and real-world examples, Erin breaks down why old habits are so hard to break and how you can use a three-step framework to move from reflection to results. Whether you’re trying to manage your time better, stop overcommitting, or build focus, this episode offers tools to make change stick.

Join us as we dig into the science of habit formation, the brain’s efficiency trap, and the micro shifts that lead to meaningful transformation.

 

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why Self-Awareness Isn’t Enough

• Habits form because our brains crave efficiency

• Even unhelpful routines become automatic without intention

• Awareness without action won’t drive lasting change

✅ The Three-Step Framework to Turn Awareness Into Action

1. Identify Your Why
   → Understand what’s driving your desire to change
   → Example: Want more productivity so you can reclaim your evenings
   → Tip: Write your “why” and keep it visible for daily motivation

2. Create Micro Habits
   → Start with small, doable behaviors that align with your goals
   → Example: 30 minutes of focused work or a two-minute reflection
   → Tip: Use habit stacking—pair a new habit with an existing routine

3. Monitor and Adjust
   → Reflect regularly on your progress and adapt when needed
   → Example: Shift the time or format if you’re struggling to stay consistent
   → Tip: Track your progress in a journal or app for quick feedback

✅ Real-Life Example: Maria’s Story

• Overwhelmed by overcommitment, Maria paused before saying “yes”

• She used check-ins and journaling to prioritize what mattered

• Result: Lower stress, clearer focus, and better work-life balance

 

Episode Takeaways:

🔹 Awareness is just the beginning—action turns reflection into transformation.
🔹 Small habits repeated consistently are more powerful than big changes.
🔹 When you clarify your motivation, start small, and reflect often, meaningful change becomes possible.

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 Ready to start unlearning? What’s one habit you’re ready to shift this month?
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore how to Harness the Power of Feedback at Work!

Unlocking the Power of Self-Awareness

 🎙 Episode Title: Unlocking the Power of Self-Awareness: Your First Step Toward Meaningful Change
📅 Episode Number: 1
🎧 Host: Erin Merideth
🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com

 

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the very first episode of Unlearning Work! As we kick off a new year, many professionals are setting ambitious goals—but why do so many of those goals fizzle out? In this episode, host Erin Merideth unpacks the foundational skill behind sustainable growth and behavior change: self-awareness.

From missed deadlines to misaligned career goals, a lack of self-awareness can quietly sabotage our success. Erin explores what self-awareness actually is, why most people overestimate theirs, and how to build it through feedback, reflection, and small daily habits.

We also share a real-world story of how one professional used self-awareness to transform their leadership style, boost team collaboration, and reignite passion at work.

  

Key Topics Covered:

✅ What Is Self-Awareness and Why It Matters

• Understanding how you think, feel, act—and how others experience you

• Why self-awareness is critical for goal alignment, collaboration, and leadership

• How unexamined habits and assumptions create professional roadblocks

✅ The Awareness Gap

• 95% of people believe they’re self-aware—but only 10–15% truly are

• Consequences of low self-awareness in the workplace: reduced performance, miscommunication, and burnout

• Why understanding your blind spots is essential to real progress

✅ Four Practical Ways to Build Self-Awareness at Work

1. Seek Feedback
   → Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for honest, specific insights
   → Examples: “What’s one thing I should keep doing?” or “What could I do better in meetings?”

2. Reflect Regularly
   → Take 5 minutes at the end of each day or week to assess what worked and what didn’t
   → Track patterns and behaviors that support or hinder your success

3. Use Assessment Tools
   → Leverage tools like CliftonStrengths, MBTI, or PrinciplesYou to identify strengths and blind spots
   → Use insights to set actionable, values-aligned goals

4. Practice Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
   → Tune into your reactions, stress responses, and emotional patterns
   → Incorporate short, daily practices like deep breathing or journaling

✅ How to Navigate Unself-Aware Colleagues

• Lead by example with honest communication and personal accountability

• Set clear boundaries to minimize disruption

• Focus on your response and what’s within your control

✅ Real-World Story: Alex’s Self-Awareness Shift

• A high-performing engineer, Alex felt stuck and disconnected

• Through journaling and feedback, Alex uncovered habits like micromanaging and fear of speaking up

• A shift toward value-driven goal setting reignited motivation and improved team relationships

 

Episode Takeaways:

🔹 Self-awareness is a trainable skill—not a fixed trait
🔹 Most of us have blind spots that impact how we lead, collaborate, and grow
🔹 Regular feedback, reflection, and intention help uncover and shift unproductive patterns
🔹 Building self-awareness is the first step toward better leadership, communication, and fulfillment

 

 

Join the Conversation!

🎯 Ready to start unlearning? What’s one habit you’re ready to examine this year?
💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected

📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.
📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.
🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.
⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!
📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 

📢 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore Turning Self Awareness into Action!