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. 3h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jul 6

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 8: Focus on Progress Not Perfection

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Progress celebrates movement, even messy, because it values the process of becoming over the illusion of already being." In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, I continue the Contrarian Mindset series by exploring the fourth skill under "Mastering Perspective"—Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection. This essential mindset shift replaces the rigidity of perfectionism with the dynamic, adaptable power of progress. I share actionable strategies to overcome perfectionism, celebrate incremental improvements, and build a life of resilience, adaptability, and fulfilment. Key Takeaways: Perfectionism vs. Progress:Perfectionism fosters anxiety, paralysis, and dissatisfaction by chasing unattainable ideals.Progress celebrates action, learning, and adaptability, prioritizing growth over flawlessness.Why Progress Matters:Perfection demands you arrive fully formed; progress allows you to grow into your potential.Studies show that progress-oriented thinking promotes creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.Overcoming Barriers to Progress:Reframe failure as feedback: Analyze setbacks for lessons instead of personal flaws.Normalize feedback and mistakes as part of the learning process.Replace impatience with a focus on incremental, achievable steps.Progress-Oriented Thinking for Teams:Leaders who prioritize progress create environments of trust, innovation, and engagement.Case studies and retrospective analyses transform failures into stepping stones for future success.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. Jun 29

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 7: Accepting Imperfections as Natural

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Your imperfections are not just natural—they’re extraordinary. Embrace them as a testament to your resilience and growth." In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, Jason dives into the third skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Accepting Imperfection as Natural. Drawing inspiration from Japanese philosophy, personal stories, and practical insights, this episode unpacks how embracing imperfections strengthens resilience and fosters authentic connections. Jason explores the idea that imperfections aren't flaws to fix but gifts to cherish, offering lessons and a chance to grow. Through examples like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, anecdotes about overcoming fears, and reframing mistakes, Jason inspires listeners to see the beauty in imperfection and adopt a more liberating mindset. Key Takeaways: Reframe Imperfections as Strengths:Imperfections are not weaknesses but markers of growth, resilience, and individuality.Drawing from Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi philosophy, embrace cracks and flaws as part of your unique story.The Courage to Be Vulnerable:Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Sharing your struggles or asking for help deepens connections and builds trust.As Brene Brown states, vulnerability means showing up as your authentic self, even without control over the outcome.Practice "Good Enough" Thinking:Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on effort and process over outcomes.Sometimes delivering 80% is not just sufficient but liberating.Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:Mistakes are not failures but stepping stones to wisdom and growth.Reflect on what you learned from each challenge to build a stronger sense of resilience.Embrace Self-Compassion:Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.Acknowledge small wins and affirm your worth, even in moments of struggle.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. Jun 22

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 6: Embracing Obstacles as Opportunities

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Obstacles aren’t barriers; they are the stepping stones to becoming your best self." In this BiteSize Fridays episode, Jason explores the second skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Embracing Obstacles as Opportunities. He unpacks the psychology behind challenges, the natural human aversion to failure, and how adopting a contrarian mindset can reframe obstacles as stepping stones for personal growth, resilience, and creativity. Jason shares personal insights, psychological strategies, and practical tools to help listeners approach life's challenges with grace, courage, and adaptability. Key Takeaways: Reframing Obstacles as Growth Opportunities:Challenges often feel overwhelming, but they hold hidden opportunities for learning, adaptability, and self-discovery.The Contrarian Mindset encourages viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as catalysts for personal growth.Psychological Flexibility and Resilience:Psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—is key to overcoming challenges.Resilience is built through confronting obstacles and learning from setbacks.Learning from Failure:Failure is not an endpoint but a teacher. It fosters humility, creativity, and resilience.A growth mindset, as coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, sees failure as a natural step in the learning journey.The Role of Creativity in Problem-Solving:Creativity unlocks unconventional solutions to challenges.Drawing inspiration from other fields (e.g., biomimicry) or reframing perspectives can lead to innovative answers.Practical Strategies for Embracing Challenges:Break Problems Down: Deconstruct challenges into manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.Celebrate Incremental Wins: Recognize progress, no matter how small, to build confidence.Set Realistic Goals: Focus on what can be influenced, and let go of factors beyond control.Learn from Feedback: View feedback as an opportunity to grow, not as a personal attack.Explore Alternative Solutions: Seek inspiration from diverse perspectives or knowledge fields.Quotes to Reflect On: "Obstacles are inevitable, but how we approach them defines our growth and resilience.""Failure is a mirror—it shows us our limitations, strengths, and areas for growth. Embrace it as a teacher.""Resilience isn't about avoiding storms; it's about finding the calm within the eye of the storm."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. Jun 15

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 5: Challenging Unrealistic Standards

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "By letting go of unrealistic standards, we reclaim our autonomy and align our actions with what truly matters, creating a life of authenticity and fulfillment." In this Bite Size Fridays episode, Jason explores the second cluster of skills in the Contrarian Mindset series: Mastering Perspective. Specifically, he delves into the importance of identifying, challenging, and reshaping unrealistic standards that often hinder personal growth and well-being. Jason discusses how these unattainable expectations, driven by societal norms, inner critics, or external pressures, can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and self-doubt. Through rational examination, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring, Jason introduces practical strategies for breaking free from perfectionist mindsets and cultivating authenticity. Key Takeaways: The Perils of Unrealistic Standards:Many of us set unattainable expectations in our careers, relationships, health, and personal goals.These ideals are often shaped by societal pressures, family dynamics, or our own inner critics.Unrealistic standards create cycles of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear of failure.The Power of Rational Examination:Reflect on whether your standards align with your values or are driven by external influences.Challenge unattainable goals by questioning their origins, feasibility, and purpose.Shift focus from perfectionism to self-compassion, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategies for Redefining Standards:Cognitive Restructuring: Re-engineer thought patterns by questioning distorted beliefs like all-or-nothing thinking or magnification.Mindfulness Practices: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts without judgment, fostering a more flexible and grounded mindset.Daily Reflection: Begin each day by identifying what is within your control and practicing acceptance for external outcomes.Leveraging Modern Psychological Approaches:Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help dismantle distorted thinking and foster a value-driven approach to life.These therapies emphasize emotional regulation, self-compassion, and taking purposeful actions aligned with your values.Living Authentically:Moving away from unattainable standards allows for a life aligned with personal values and aspirations.By embracing imperfection, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of fulfillment and resilience.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. Jun 8

    The best of Its an Inside Job: The Contrarian Mindset Skill 4: Embracing Uncertainty

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "By challenging established fears and mindsets, we unlock the door to greater resilience, clarity, and the ability to thrive in life’s uncertainties." In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, Jason Liem dives into the fourth and final skill in the Mastering Self cluster of the contrarian mindset: embracing uncertainty. Jason explores why humans have an inherent drive for certainty and how the contrarian mindset equips us to face life’s unpredictability with resilience and strength. This episode provides practical steps to overcome our fears of the unknown, helping listeners build a life marked by courage, adaptability, and a sense of inner peace. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Need for Certainty: Jason explains the evolutionary roots of our need for certainty and how, while no longer essential for survival, this drive affects our modern lives. By redefining our relationship with uncertainty, we open ourselves up to growth and resilience.Embracing Uncertainty as a Pathway to Growth: Success often requires venturing into the unknown. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a barrier, Jason reframes it as an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and self-discovery.Practical Steps to Cultivate Comfort with Uncertainty: Jason provides actionable strategies such as setting flexible goals, practicing mindfulness, seeking diverse experiences, and building a supportive network. These steps help us move forward even when the outcome is unclear, reinforcing the contrarian principle of mastering self.Episode Highlights: The Paradox of Certainty in Modern Life: Jason discusses how, despite providing comfort, an over-reliance on certainty can stifle personal growth. He encourages listeners to find a balance between routine and the courage to explore beyond the “castle walls.”Developing Resilience through a Learning Mindset: Facing uncertainty activates creativity, adaptability, and resilience. By viewing challenges as learning opportunities, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.Practical Tools for Embracing Uncertainty: Jason shares techniques to help listeners face uncertainty more comfortably, such as focusing on effort over outcome, practicing mindfulness, and seeking diverse experiences that push them out of their comfort zones.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
    274
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 It's an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    It's an Inside Job