Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin

Kate Gladdin
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Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin

Okay, Now What? is a podcast by Speaker, Author and Certified Life Coach, Kate Gladdin, to help adults build the resilience we need to live our best lives regardless of the adversity we face. Kate combines her personal experience with powerful coaching tools to help you stop spinning in overwhelm and better navigate your way through all the big, and often unexpected, changes that happen. On this podcast you'll not only find tonnes of inspiration, but eye-opening advice and useful strategies to reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence so you go after what you want most. After losing her sister at just age 20, Kate knows life is too short not to.

  1. 10 HRS AGO

    Why High Achievers Self Sabotage (And The Science Behind How to Stop)

    In this episode I pull back the curtain on the silent dream-killer that's sabotaging your success – the all-or-nothing mentality. If you've ever abandoned your goals at the first sign of imperfection, this episode might just change everything. What You'll Discover: Why your perfectionism isn't a badge of honor but a scientifically proven trap that's heightened anxiety in women by 33% over the last three decades The neurological reason your brain convinces you that doing nothing is better than doing something imperfectly My personal confessions of how perfectionism nearly derailed my own path until I discovered the "all-or-something" approach Why high-achievers are particularly vulnerable to this mental trap (and the UC Berkeley research proving perfectionists actually accomplish LESS) The "Broken Phone Fallacy" that exposes how irrational our perfectionist thinking truly is Why This Matters Now: In a world that glamorizes hustle culture and Instagram-perfect lives, I'm offering a radical alternative backed by research from Stanford's Behavior Design Lab: consistent imperfection beats sporadic perfection every single time. Dr. Barry Schwartz's groundbreaking work reveals that "satisficers" (those who accept "good enough") report significantly higher happiness levels than "maximizers" who endlessly chase perfection. I break down exactly how to apply this research to your real life – whether you're struggling with fitness goals, career advancement, or simply cleaning out that chaotic closet. You'll walk away with a revolutionary mental framework that liberates you from the perfectionist prison: comparing your "something" option to your "nothing" option instead of your idealized "all" option. This isn't just motivational fluff. It's neuroscience. It's behavioral psychology. And it's the exact mindset shift that's helped me and my clients finally build momentum toward our most meaningful goals.  Because 20% effort is infinitely better than 0% – 100% of the time. Want to get unstuck and finally feel in control again ? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/  Welcome and Introduction (00:00:00)   Kate introduces the podcast episode and expresses gratitude to listeners, sharing her thoughts on contrasting weather in Wyoming. Impromptu Recording (00:01:00)   Kate explains the spur-of-the-moment decision to record due to a guest cancellation and her busy upcoming schedule. The All or Nothing Mentality (00:02:02)   Discussion on how the "all or nothing" mindset affects high achievers, leading to underachievement and self-sabotage. Perfectionism's Impact (00:05:10)   Kate shares research indicating that perfectionism increases anxiety and burnout, countering the belief that it leads to higher achievement. Personal Experience with Progress (00:07:03)   She relates her journey of success, emphasizing that progress comes from letting go of perfectionism. Mindset Shift to All or Something (00:08:00)   Kate introduces the concept of shifting from an "all or nothing" mentality to an "all or something" approach. Realistic Expectations (00:09:16)   Discussion on how successful individuals maintain realistic expectations and embrace imperfect actions. Michael Jordan's Example (00:10:18)   Kate uses Michael Jordan's story of playing through illness to illustrate the importance of showing up despite not being perfect. Procrastination and Perfectionism (00:11:16)   Exploration of how perfectionism leads to procrastination and the need to take action even when conditions aren't ideal. The Phone Analogy (00:14:09)   Kate compares the all or nothing mentality to damaging a phone, illustrating the irrationality of abandoning goals after small setbacks. The What the Hell Effect (00:15:03)   Introduction to a psychological phenomenon where people abandon goals after perceived failures, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset. The Importance of Taking Action (00:16:09)   Kate stresses that taking any action is better than doing nothing, regardless of perfection. Redirecting the Perfectionist Brain (00:17:11)   Advice on consciously comparing options to recognize that something is always better than nothing. Embracing the Something Option (00:18:10)   Encouragement to act on the "something" option, even when faced with imperfections or obstacles. Understanding the "All or Nothing" Mentality (00:19:08)   Kate discusses the impact of perfectionism on progress and personal growth. The Importance of Good Enough Solutions (00:20:29)   She highlights how accepting "good enough" leads to greater happiness and reduced regret. Momentum Over Perfection (00:21:29)   Emphasizes that consistent actions, no matter how small, are key to achieving goals. Perfectionism vs. Progress (00:22:30)   Kate encourages listeners to adopt a mindset that values effort over perfect outcomes. The Shift to an "Always Something" Mindset (00:23:38)   She advocates for prioritizing progress and consistency in daily life. Embracing Imperfection in Life (00:24:53)   Kate concludes by affirming that even minimal effort is valuable in the pursuit of goals.

    26 min
  2. The Biggest Lie About Emotions: What Happiness Costs Us

    6 MAR

    The Biggest Lie About Emotions: What Happiness Costs Us

    In this episode, I dive into what I believe is the biggest lie we've been sold about emotions. I challenge the glossy magazine version of emotional wellness that tells us strong, successful people have mastered positive thinking and banished all those "negative" emotions. What I Explore: Beyond the Happiness Trap: I share why our cultural obsession with being happy all the time is actually making us miserable. Research from 2017 confirms what I've learned the hard way: valuing happiness too highly leads to greater disappointment and unhappiness. A Fundamental Shift: I invite you to stop labeling emotions as "positive" or "negative" (which turns them into a moral issue) and instead ask: Is this emotion helpful or unhelpful right now? Is it driving me toward meaningful action? The Power in Discomfort: After my sister died in a preventable accident overseas, my anger wasn't "negative" – it became the fuel for creating change that might save other families from our pain I discuss how courage exists precisely because we feel fear first I share how grief research (including Brené Brown's work) shows our capacity to feel grief deeply directly correlates with our capacity for joy The 50/50 Principle: I explain what my coach Brooke Castillo taught me about accepting that life will be roughly 50% wonderful and 50% difficult – and how embracing this ratio stops us from "suffering about our suffering." Fulfillment vs. Happiness: I reveal what Harvard's longest-running study on adult development discovered: successful people aren't those who experience less pain, but those who've developed the capacity to feel all human emotions without self-judgment. Want to get unstuck and finally feel in control again ? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/

    28 min

  3. 27 FEB

    The Worry Trap: Why Your Brain Loves Anxiety (And How to Break Free)

    Ever find yourself spiraling into the 'what if' cycle, where your brain is overthinking every worst case scenario? Welcome to being human! Worry is like an uninvited houseguest that overstays its welcome, takes over your couch, and eats all your snacks. And yet, so many of us feel like we need to worry—like it’s somehow productive or protective. But here’s the truth: worrying doesn’t prevent bad things from happening, it just ruins the good things in the present. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: Why your brain is wired to worry (hint: it’s an outdated survival mechanism!) The psychology behind the Worry Paradox—why worry feels useful but actually hurts your problem-solving skills A fascinating study that proves 85% of what we worry about never happens (seriously, read that again!) My favorite science-backed strategies to stop worry from running your life—including the "Worry Window" technique, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, and how to shift from "What if?" to "Even if…" div>div>:is(p,ul,ol)]:pr-4 md:[&>div>div>:is(p,ul,ol)]:pr-8 [&_pre>div]:bg-bg-300 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent"> _*]:min-w-0"> Packed with actionable strategies grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology, this episode offers a transformative approach to breaking free from worry's grip and reclaiming your mental clarity—because your future is yours to imagine, and peace feels infinitely better than fear. Want to get unstuck and finally feel in control again ? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/

    33 min
  4. How to Change Your Reality Using Your Mind (And The Science Behind Why It Works)

    20 FEB

    How to Change Your Reality Using Your Mind (And The Science Behind Why It Works)

    Have you ever wondered why you can't find something that's right in front of you, only to have someone else spot it instantly? Or why, after deciding to move downtown, you suddenly notice "For Rent" signs everywhere? This isn't coincidence – it's your brain's fascinating filtering system at work, and understanding it could completely transform how you experience life. Tune into this episode to learn eye-opening insights about: How our brains create self-fulfilling prophecies through neural filtering The science behind why "seeing is believing" actually works in reverse A practical 63-day challenge for rewiring your neural pathways Why discomfort during belief change is actually a sign of progress Evidence-based strategies for harnessing confirmation bias to work in your favor Whether you're navigating career challenges, processing grief, or simply seeking to understand why your reality seems stuck in certain patterns, this episode offers both hope and concrete tools for change. It's not about becoming someone new – it's about rewiring your perception to see what's been possible all along. Because your confirmation bias is already running in the background, shaping your reality – the question is, are you ready to take control? Want to get unstuck and finally feel in control again ? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/

    34 min
  5. Breaking the Fight Cycle: A Therapist's Guide to Emotional Intimacy With Your Partner

    13 FEB

    Breaking the Fight Cycle: A Therapist's Guide to Emotional Intimacy With Your Partner

    Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same argument on repeat—frustrated that your partner, friend, or loved one just doesn’t get it? Or maybe you’ve felt unheard, unseen, or like your emotions are being dismissed? You’re not alone. Most of us were never taught how to truly communicate in a way that builds connection instead of conflict. In this episode, I sit down with family therapist and parenting expert Kerry Stutzman, who shares an eye-opening approach to navigating tough conversations—so you can feel heard, understood, and closer to the people who matter most. Kerry reveals how our default emotional responses - whether it's anger, sadness, anxiety, or guilt - shape our relationship conflicts and shares a game-changing technique called "flow of feelings" that can transform heated arguments into meaningful connections. In this episode, you'll discover: Why we get stuck in repetitive argument patterns with our partners How childhood experiences shape our emotional responses in relationships A step-by-step communication tool to express difficult feelings without triggering defensiveness The art of truly listening to your partner (and why it's harder than you think) How to introduce therapeutic tools to a reluctant partner Through a candid role-play demonstration with Kerry, she shows exactly how to put this technique into practice, making it accessible for any couple looking to deepen their connection and break free from destructive communication patterns. Whether you're struggling with relationship conflicts or simply want to build stronger emotional intimacy with your partner, this episode offers practical tools for more authentic and connecting conversations. Featured Guest: Kerry Stutzman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Website: www.kerrystutzman.com Resources: Flow of Feelings tool available at https://kerrystutzman.com/flow-of-feelings/  Like what you hear but struggling to put it into practice? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/

    45 min
  6. Imposter Syndrome Isn’t the Problem - Here's What Is..

    6 FEB

    Imposter Syndrome Isn’t the Problem - Here's What Is..

    Ever felt like you’re just one step away from being “found out”? That no matter how much you achieve, there’s still that nagging voice whispering, “You don’t really belong here”? That, my friend, is imposter syndrome—and you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re busting three major myths that actually make it worse and diving into the brain science behind why it happens. Spoiler alert: It’s not just in your head—it’s wired into your brain! ✨ Tune in to learn: ✔ Why feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re growing. ✔ How your brain’s fear center (the amygdala) fuels self-doubt—and how to shut it down. ✔ Why achieving more won’t make imposter syndrome disappear (and what actually will). ✔ The three-step mindset shift to stop imposter thoughts from running the show. If imposter syndrome has ever held you back from speaking up, going for that promotion, or owning your success, this episode will change the way you see yourself—for good. 🎧 Listen now to stop letting Imposter Syndrome hold you back! Want to break free from imposter syndrome and live more confidence? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn more about how my 1:1 life coaching program can help you! CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. To hire me to speak at your organization or next event, visit https://www.kategladdin.com/

    39 min
  7. How to Deal With Negative People Who Drain Your Energy

    30 JAN

    How to Deal With Negative People Who Drain Your Energy

    We've all got that someone - whether a parent, friend, teacher, boss, colleague - who absolutely sucks the life out of us with their negativity, right? They're constantly complaining, stressing and dwelling on everything that has or could go wrong. It can be a huge cause of frustration that's draining to be around - especially for someone like you who's working on growing a positive mindset, it's like ''Really? That's how you're choosing to think about it?!'' Being around these kind of people can often leave you seething beneath the surface and wanting to cut them out of your life completely - but sometimes you can't, and what if you didn't have to? What if you could be around a Negative Ned or Nancy, and feel completely at peace? What if they could rant and complain all day long and you didn't have to be dragged down at all by them? Yes, it really is possible - and today's episode will teach you how! Want to build the skills to better your mindset and take control of your actions? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn how my personalised coaching can help you have the breakthroughs you need to make the progress you're craving CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE.

    20 min
  8. Brain Boundaries: Stop Your Thoughts from Spiraling

    23 JAN

    Brain Boundaries: Stop Your Thoughts from Spiraling

    Today's episode is diving into a new concept I've created call "brain boundaries" that I think we all need to put into practice more often because of how easy it is to start to spiral into thoughts or habits that are nothing more than a waste of energy. Whether it's constantly weighing yourself, overthinking what you said in the meeting yesterday or re-checking your shares portfolio over and over, brain boundaries will help you re-gain the much needed mental energy to show up as your best for the other areas of your life that REALLY matter.  Want to build the skills to better your mindset and take control of your actions? Schedule your FREE consult call with me here to learn how my personalised coaching can help you have the breakthroughs you need to make the progress you're craving CLICK HERE to ORDER my book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. Looking for a motivational speaker for your event or workplace? Visit https:https://www.kategladdin.com/ Podcast Episode Timestamps Introduction and Welcome (00:00:03)   Kate Gladdin welcomes listeners and shares her recent speaking experiences in Minnesota. Concept of Mental Energy (00:01:15)   Discussion on the importance of managing mental energy and avoiding unnecessary overthinking. Brain Boundaries Explained (00:03:24)   Introduction of the concept of "brain boundaries" to manage thoughts and mental energy. The Toddler Analogy (00:04:26)   Comparison of managing our brains to parenting a toddler, emphasizing self-control. Recognizing Unhelpful Thought Patterns (00:05:16)   Understanding how our brain's instincts can lead to unproductive thoughts and habits. Setting Brain Boundaries (00:06:08)   Strategies for establishing boundaries with our thoughts to conserve mental energy. Investing in Mental Energy (00:07:47)   Discussion on the inefficiency of obsessively checking investments or social media. Redirecting Mental Energy (00:09:31)   Encouragement to focus mental energy on productive activities instead of spiraling thoughts. Breaking Unhelpful Habits (00:10:20)   Advice on recognizing and redirecting compulsive thought patterns. Practical Tips for Mindfulness (00:12:02)   Suggestions for grounding techniques to bring awareness back to the present moment. Managing News Consumption (00:14:41)   Recommendations for limiting exposure to negative news to preserve mental well-being. Conclusion and Encouragement (00:15:31)   Kate wraps up with encouragement to respect and implement brain boundaries in daily life.

    17 min
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4.9
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

Okay, Now What? is a podcast by Speaker, Author and Certified Life Coach, Kate Gladdin, to help adults build the resilience we need to live our best lives regardless of the adversity we face. Kate combines her personal experience with powerful coaching tools to help you stop spinning in overwhelm and better navigate your way through all the big, and often unexpected, changes that happen. On this podcast you'll not only find tonnes of inspiration, but eye-opening advice and useful strategies to reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence so you go after what you want most. After losing her sister at just age 20, Kate knows life is too short not to.

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