The Inner Work Conversation

Nikki Cross
  • 5.0 (38)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Inner Work Conversation podcast offers straightforward, no-nonsense insights into the inner workings that drive business success. Join me as I delve into the world of personal development and coaching, unlocking the true potential of your inner leadership so you can thrive in both life and business. Get ready for real talk that goes beyond the surface, revealing the essential elements that empower you to reach new heights. nikkicross.substack.com

  1. 325. How to turn comparison into confidence (really)

    2 DAYS AGO

    325. How to turn comparison into confidence (really)

    …But the most damaging comparison isn’t external - it’s internal. It’s you vs the version of you in your head who: * Never struggles * Always feels motivated * Copes better * Finds things easier That version doesn’t ...even ...exist. But we still use it as the benchmark. And then we wonder why everything feels heavier than it needs to. Why do you find it so hard? Ermmm maybe because it’s (objectively) hard... One of the most important reminders from this episode: When you’re wondering “what’s wrong with me ... .Why am I finding it so hard??” Remember: Some things are hard because they are objectively hard. Not because you’re weak. Not because you’re behind. Not because you’re incapable. But when you’re in the messy middle - the discomfort, the part when you don’t know if it’s all working ... your brain will often turn struggle into a personal failing. This episode is about catching that moment ...and choosing not to be another voice in your own head tearing you down. A BETTER way to use comparison (that actually builds confidence) Here’s the realisation that changed everything for me: Instead of comparing yourself to the version of you who never struggles…compare yourself to the version of you who didn’t even show up. The version who: * Didn’t send the proposal in the first place * Didn’t put themselves forward for that thing * Didn’t go to the class / networking event / interview * Didn’t try Suddenly, everything you’re doing becomes bonus effort, not evidence that you’re failing. That’s how comparison starts to build confidence instead of erode it. Because let’s not forget - YOU HAVE A CHOICE... Let your effort count Your 100% won’t look the same every day. Comparing yourself to fantasy standards disconnects you from reality ...and from your own progress. Episode 325 is about: * How to stay grounded when you want to self-doubt-spiral * How to use comparison in a healthier way * How to stop the inner critic mid-effort * How to let your effort count ... not in a ‘toxic positivity’ kind of way, but in a balanced way. ...Especially on days when you feel tired, hormonal, stretched, or off-form. Quotes from episode 325: “Most comparison isn’t to other people. It’s comparing yourself to the perfect version of you that doesn’t even exist.” (~16:20) “There are enough people in the world who will put you down. I don’t need to be another voice in my own head doing that to myself.” (~17:42) “Our brains naturally focus on where we’re behind. But every book I read comes back to the same thing: you’ve got to let your progress count.” (~27:24) Loved this? Here’s more episodes linked to this topic: * Episode 323 – Self Sabotage * Episode 203 – The Costs of Dodging Disapproval in Business * Episode 80 – Unhooking from Praise & Criticism This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    29 min
  2. 324. Not everyone who's watching you is judging you (part 2 to episode 321)

    4 FEB

    324. Not everyone who's watching you is judging you (part 2 to episode 321)

    This episode is a direct follow up to episode 321 linked HERE. Other linked episodes: 280: Powerful assumptions that’ll help you win in business 132: Let’s talk about visibility - are you hiding? 247: “they don’t like me” and other ideas that are screwing you over 212: Building the emotional capacity you need to do business well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    21 min
  3. 323. Self sabotage: 3 sneaky ways capable people hold themselves back

    28 JAN

    323. Self sabotage: 3 sneaky ways capable people hold themselves back

    Join the book club HERE : https://www.theinnerwork.co.uk/bookclub Mentioned episodes: Sarah Nolan’s “the Wellness Brief” podcast - episode 37 linked HERE * Your brain is sabotaging you * Are YOU secretly sabotaging? * Why overcomplicating things is ACTUALLY self sabotage * Self sabotaging? Fix: assume the opposite * Grit, grace, adversity & acceptance * I self sabotage, you self sabotage - we ALL self sabotage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    36 min
  4. 322. You don't need more thinking...you need a place to think

    21 JAN

    322. You don't need more thinking...you need a place to think

    JOIN HERE: https://www.theinnerwork.co.uk/theinnerworkclub - DOORS CLOSE 26th Jan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    28 min
  5. 321. When you let yourself be seen ...and people have opinions (a personal share on visibility, authenticity & judgement)

    19 JAN

    321. When you let yourself be seen ...and people have opinions (a personal share on visibility, authenticity & judgement)

    Join the Inner Work Club here: https://www.theinnerwork.co.uk/theinnerworkclub Linked episodes: 297 - Are you( ready for the Inner Work? 280 - Powerful assumptions that will help you win in business 320 - three things I do to keep myself on track 234 - when you just want to know it’ll all be ok, listen to this 271 - How I got better at handling uncertainty This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    29 min
  6. 320. How I turn doubt to determination

    17 JAN

    320. How I turn doubt to determination

    Join the Inner Work Club here: https://www.theinnerwork.co.uk/theinnerworkclub More episodes on doubt: 280 - Powerful assumptions that will help you win in business 320 - three things I do to keep myself on track 234 - when you just want to know it’ll all be ok, listen to this 271 - How I got better at handling uncertainty This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    22 min
  7. 319. The Messy Middle: Where most people quit (and what to do instead)

    15 JAN

    319. The Messy Middle: Where most people quit (and what to do instead)

    Join the Inner Work Club HERE: https://www.theinnerwork.co.uk/theinnerworkclub Episodes linked: 260 - the power of backing yourself in business 240 - the messy middle we need to normalise 264 - the reason you’re stuck & what to do about it 275 - Handling your inner critic 272 - about your self doubt This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    28 min
  8. 318. If you don't choose a direction, 2026 will choose one for you (+ an announcement)

    8 JAN

    318. If you don't choose a direction, 2026 will choose one for you (+ an announcement)

    Doors open to the Inner Work Foundations Monday 12th Jan (doors close 26th Jan) Mentioned in this episode: * Why you avoid self reflection - ep 82 * Signs you need to get clear & unstuck - ep 300 * Feeling stuck? Here’s where to start - ep 294 * Are you building a business (or career) you’re actually happy in? - ep 274 * Are you ready for the Inner Work? Here’s what I look for in my clients - episode 297 * Three things I do to keep mySELF & my business on track - 286 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nikkicross.substack.com

    40 min
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

The Inner Work Conversation podcast offers straightforward, no-nonsense insights into the inner workings that drive business success. Join me as I delve into the world of personal development and coaching, unlocking the true potential of your inner leadership so you can thrive in both life and business. Get ready for real talk that goes beyond the surface, revealing the essential elements that empower you to reach new heights. nikkicross.substack.com

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