It's an Inside Job

Jason Birkevold Liem
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Imagine responding to challenges with quiet strength and living with a clearer sense of direction. It's an Inside Job, hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem, guides you there. This podcast is for anyone who believes cultivating inner resources is the most powerful way to shape their outer reality. We explore practical approaches for fostering resilience, nurturing well-being, and embedding intentionality into your daily rhythm. On Mondays, we feature a rerun of the most popular conversations with insightful individuals, uncovering practical wisdom on how your inner world serves as a compass for your outer experiences, shaping everything from your career to your relationships and personal fulfilment. After all,  actual growth is an inside job!

  1. 5d ago

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week, we’re taking on a fear that hides in plain sight—the fear of not being good enough. In this episode, I share Gail’s story, a talented construction engineer working in a high-pressure, fast-paced industry. Despite a strong track record of success, Gail was driven by anxiety, relentless perfectionism, and constant self-doubt. One critical moment on a high-stakes project became a turning point—not just in her work, but in how she saw herself. We explore how Gail shifted from chasing perfection to embracing progress, using tools from the Contrarian Playbook to build real confidence from the inside out. Gail applied several contrarian strategies to reframe her thinking: Focus on progress, not perfectionChallenge unrealistic standardsReframe how feedback is received and processedDocument achievements to shift self-narrativesUse mindfulness to manage stress and negative self-talkBroaden identity beyond professional successAdopt a growth mindset rooted in curiosity and developmentGail’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be flawless to be worthy. It’s not about proving yourself—it’s about knowing your worth, even when the stakes are high. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  2. Aug 24

    The best of "Its an Inside Job"- The Contrarian Mindset: Moving Through Imposter Syndrome.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week on BiteSize Fridays, we unpack something that touches nearly everyone—imposter syndrome. Whether you're stepping into a new role, leading a team, or just pushing yourself into uncharted territory, that quiet inner voice questioning your competence can creep in. In this episode, I share Joseph’s story—a talented graphic designer whose outward success masked a constant fear of being “found out.” Despite praise and achievement, he struggled to see his own value. We walk through how Joseph learned to challenge this deeply ingrained mindset and gradually replace it with something stronger—a contrarian mindset rooted in self-worth, reality, and resilience. Joseph applied several contrarian strategies to rewire his thinking: Practicing self-worthFocusing on reality, not emotional distortionChallenging unrealistic standardsLetting go of fixed outcomesPracticing courage and vulnerabilityEmbracing obstacles as opportunitiesUsing mindfulness and reflection to build awarenessJoseph’s journey reminds us that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about faking confidence—it’s about reconnecting with the truth of our capabilities, learning to trust ourselves, and shifting how we respond to fear and doubt. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  3. Aug 17

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Breaking Free from Perfectionism.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Perfectionism often hides behind ambition, high standards, and pride in our work. But left unchecked, it can drain our energy, paralyze progress, and chip away at our confidence. In this episode, I share Hunter’s story—a software engineer who tied his self-worth to flawless outcomes until a moment of failure forced him to rethink everything. We walk through the transformation he made by adopting a contrarian mindset—learning to value progress over perfection, creativity over control, and flexibility over rigidity. In this episode, I cover contrarian strategies that helped Hunter shift his thinking: Focus on progress, not perfectionChallenge unrealistic standardsEmbrace obstacles as opportunitiesAccept imperfection as naturalPractice self-worth independent of outcomesCultivate equanimity in the face of pressure and uncertaintyHunter’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting, learning, and growing through the messiness of real life. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  4. Aug 10

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Freedom From The Fear of Vulnerability.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this episode of our Contrarian Mindset series, I explore a fear that silently influences many of our decisions—the fear of vulnerability. I share the stories of Henning, a driven executive, and Laura, a dedicated healthcare professional. On the surface, they had it all together. But underneath, they were each grappling with a deeply rooted discomfort around emotional openness. Like many of us, they were shaped by early experiences and work cultures that equated vulnerability with weakness. This episode is about turning that narrative on its head. I walk you through how they applied specific strategies from The Contrarian Playbook—like practicing courage, challenging unrealistic standards, and letting go of fixed outcomes—to shift vulnerability from a perceived liability to a genuine strength. Key Contrarian Plays Covered in This Episode: Practicing self-worthEmbracing courageGrounding in reality over emotional distortionLetting go of fixed outcomesCountering rumination through journalingChallenging unrealistic standardsEmbracing obstacles as opportunitiesPracticing equanimityIf we want to build real resilience and psychological strength, we need to stop working around our fears and start moving through them. That’s what the contrarian mindset is all about. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  5. Aug 3

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 12: Practice Building Social Bridges.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Healthy relationships thrive on balance, not scorekeeping. Reciprocity is about fostering mutual respect and support, not tallying who did what.” In this episode, I talk about the final skill for Mastering Resilience: Building Social Bridges. I share how relationships play a vital role in resilience, helping us not just survive life’s storms but thrive through them. While resilience often starts as an internal journey, it reaches its full potential when we create and nurture meaningful connections with others. I reflect on my own experiences, and how my family and close friends gave me the perspective and strength I needed to keep fighting. Through this process, I learned that reaching out to others isn’t a burden—it’s a vital part of resilience. I also dive into common myths about relationships, discuss key skills like active listening, empathy, and reciprocity, and share actionable strategies for strengthening personal and professional connections. Key Takeaways Misconceptions About Relationships:Myth 1: Relationships are optional. We are wired for connection. Resilience thrives within a community of people who care for and support us.Myth 2: Strong relationships are effortless. Building meaningful connections requires time, effort, and a willingness to navigate challenges.Myth 3: Vulnerability is weakness. Being open with others requires courage and fosters deeper bonds. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a pathway to strength.Core Skills for Building Social Bridges:Active Listening: I focus on being fully present, validating others’ experiences, and creating safe spaces where people feel valued.Empathy: I remind myself to step into others’ shoes, understanding their perspective while staying grounded in my own emotions.Reciprocity: Relationships thrive on balance, not keeping score. When I focus on mutual respect and shared support, my connections grow stronger.Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  6. Jul 27

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 11: Practice Equanimity.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “True resilience comes not from controlling the world around us but mastering the world within.” In this Bite Size Friday episode of It’s an Inside Job, I explore the powerful concept of equanimity as part of my series on building a contrarian mindset. Equanimity goes beyond just staying calm under pressure—it’s about building an inner harmony amidst life’s chaos, whether it’s a personal health challenge, workplace crisis, or emotional turmoil. I share actionable strategies to develop equanimity by harnessing cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of mastering our internal world rather than trying to control external circumstances. Drawing from my personal experiences, I provide practical tools to help you respond to life’s inevitable storms with clarity, composure, and resilience. Key Topics Discussed: What Is Equanimity? Moving beyond conventional notions of “staying calm.”Embracing challenges without suppressing emotions or seeking total control.Finding clarity and steadiness amid chaos, like the calm eye of a storm.The Contrarian Approach to Resilience: Shifting focus from controlling external circumstances to mastering internal responses.Viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.Building Equanimity with Foundational Skills: Cognitive Flexibility:Adaptability in thought, like a sapling bending in the wind.Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.Examples include professional setbacks, health issues, or financial difficulties.Emotional Regulation:Understanding and channeling emotions constructively rather than suppressing them.Practicing a pause to reflect and respond thoughtfully in high-pressure situations.Practical Strategies for Cultivating Equanimity: Pause and Reflect: Ask yourself questions like “What am I feeling?” and “How do I want to respond?” to foster deliberate reactions.Reframe Challenges: Train your mind to view obstacles as lessons or stepping stones for personal growth.Mindfulness Practice: Dedicate time to sensory awareness to anchor yourself in the present moment.Emotional Agility: Journal to identify triggers and develop emotional intelligence.Letting Go of Control: Focus on influencing thoughts, actions, and attitudes rather than trying to control outcomes.Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  7. Jul 20

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 10: Practice Self Worth

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Self-worth is not something you gain—it’s something you uncover within yourself.” In this episode, I explore the concept of self-worth -  the second skill under Mastering Resilience. Through the window of the contrarian mindset, redefining it as something intrinsic and independent of societal expectations or external validation. I challenge the traditional notions of value and worth, emphasising that self-worth is not something to be earned or granted by others—it’s an unshakable, inherent truth. By adopting the contrarian mindset, you detach from perfectionism, external comparisons, and the relentless need for approval. Instead, I introduce practical strategies for cultivating a stronger, more resilient sense of self-worth, rooted in self-awareness, authenticity, and radical self-acceptance. Key Topics Discussed Myths That Undermine Self-Worth Myth 1: Self-Worth Must Be Earned – I reject the idea that your value is tied to achievements or milestones.Myth 2: Self-Worth Depends on Others’ Opinions – I encourage you to build internal stability that’s immune to shifting external judgments.Myth 3: Self-Worth Equals Perfection – I invite you to embrace imperfection as a natural and valuable part of who you are.The Three Pillars of Self-Worth Radical Self-Acceptance: Embrace your strengths, flaws, and everything in between. Self-worth begins with recognizing you are valuable as you are.Detachment from External Validation: Learn to value external feedback as a tool, not as the foundation of your self-esteem.Authenticity: Align your actions with your values, set boundaries, and live true to yourself—without fear of judgment.Practical Strategies Daily Affirmations: Start each day with affirmations that speak to your challenges, like, “I am enough” or “My worth is not defined by others’ opinions.” Look at yourself in the mirror and say it like you mean it.Reframe Self-Talk: Notice negative self-talk and replace it with more compassionate thoughts. For example: “I made a mistake, but I’m learning and growing.”Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your well-being by saying no to things that drain you and learning to say yes with conditions when necessary.Celebrate Small Wins: Keep a success log of daily accomplishments, no matter how small. Progress builds confidence.Practice Gratitude: At the end of each day, identify three small, unique things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus inward and reinforces your sense of value.Detach from Comparison: Stop measuring your worth against others. Instead, focus on your unique strengths and contributions.Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  8. Jul 13

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 9: Practice Courage

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing to lean into fear, to learn from it, and to act despite it." In this BiteSize Friday episode, Jason explores the concept of contrarian courage—a mindset that challenges conventional thinking about fear and resilience. He dives into the importance of embracing fear as an ally, redefining vulnerability as strength, and practicing courage as an intentional, incremental process. Through the contrarian lens, Jason offers strategies to transform fear into a driving force for personal empowerment and growth. Key Topics Covered: What Is a Contrarian Mindset?It’s about challenging the usual ways of responding to life’s obstacles, choosing thoughtful and unconventional paths for resilience and success.The contrarian mindset is structured into three clusters:Mastering SelfMastering PerspectiveMastering ResiliencePracticing Courage Through the Contrarian Lens:Fear is not an adversary to be defeated but a companion to understand and transform into a motivator.True courage is not about fearlessness but about engaging with and learning from fear to foster growth and self-awareness.The Role of Vulnerability in Courage:Vulnerability is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it’s the foundation of authentic courage.Leaders and individuals alike grow stronger when they embrace vulnerability, fostering trust, connection, and personal development.Three Practical Strategies to Cultivate Contrarian Courage:Fear Reflection:Use introspection or journaling to identify the origins and triggers of fear.Map out fears to diminish their power and track progress over time.Incremental Exposure:Gradually face fears in manageable steps, building tolerance and resilience over time.A technique borrowed from psychology that desensitizes fear’s intensity.Courage Accountability:Partner with a trusted individual or mentor to stay accountable for your growth.Regular check-ins provide motivation, perspective, and constructive feedback.Contrarian Courage in Action:Examples include entrepreneurs and artists who face fear head-on to achieve their goals.Embracing fear as an ally leads to personal empowerment and new opportunities for growth.Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

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About

Imagine responding to challenges with quiet strength and living with a clearer sense of direction. It's an Inside Job, hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem, guides you there. This podcast is for anyone who believes cultivating inner resources is the most powerful way to shape their outer reality. We explore practical approaches for fostering resilience, nurturing well-being, and embedding intentionality into your daily rhythm. On Mondays, we feature a rerun of the most popular conversations with insightful individuals, uncovering practical wisdom on how your inner world serves as a compass for your outer experiences, shaping everything from your career to your relationships and personal fulfilment. After all,  actual growth is an inside job!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Birkevold Liem
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 It's an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    It's an Inside Job