Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson

Jerry Henderson

You deserve a life that feels as extraordinary on the inside as it looks on the outside—and Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson (formerly The Permission to Love Podcast) will help you build it. I’m Jerry Henderson, creator of the Personal Mastery Framework™, high-performance and trauma-informed coach, Harvard-trained in the psychology of human behavior, researcher, author, and speaker. Every week, I—along with world-renowned experts—share powerful conversations and research-backed insights to help you align with your true self and create sustainable success from the inside out. We cover topics like cultivating a growth mindset, building resilience, healing trauma, overcoming shame, practicing presence, strengthening relationships, developing a healthy relationship with yourself, and living your purpose—real, relatable tools for meaningful transformation. If you’re ready to achieve from a place of full alignment, fulfillment, and lead with authenticity, this podcast is for you. New episodes every Monday. Subscribe now—and start creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Connect with Jerry: https://jerryhenderson.org https://www.instagram.com/jerryahenderson/

  1. How I Overcame Chronic Stress

    11/24/2025

    How I Overcame Chronic Stress

    In this episode I share how I finally overcame decades of chronic stress. You will learn what stress really is on both a biological and psychological level, how your mindset shapes your stress response, and how simple tools can shift you out of fight or flight and into clarity. I also break down the neuroscience of stress, the power of stress mindset theory, and why belief in your capacity to cope matters more than you think. This episode will teach you how to create space between stimulus and response, regulate your nervous system in the moment, and rewire your identity as someone who can handle stress. What You Will Learn How the brain and body respond to stressWhy mindset affects your biologyThe difference between stress as danger and stress as activationHow to regulate your nervous system quicklyA simple three step framework to interrupt chronic stressHow to build belief in your ability to handle challengesHow to lower your overall stress waterline and expand your capacity 🚀 NEW COURSE: OVERCOMING SHAME ACESS COURSE HERE Resources Mentioned Kelly McGonigal and Alia Crum’s research on stress mindsetVictor Frankl, Man’s Search for MeaningStress Mindset Theory (2012 Journal of Health Psychology)Connect with Jerry Website: JerryHenderson.org Free strategy call available for those who want personal support in their stress mastery journey. I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    27 min
  2. A Proven Way to Start Believing in Yourself

    06/30/2025

    A Proven Way to Start Believing in Yourself

    Feeling stuck waiting for confidence to show up before you take action? You’re not alone. But what if the belief you’re waiting for only comes after you act? In this episode of Personal Mastery, Harvard-trained behavior expert Jerry Henderson reveals the only research-backed way to truly develop self-belief — and it's not what most people think. Drawing on self-efficacy theory, self-perception theory, and powerful identity-based change models, Jerry breaks down what it actually takes to believe in yourself, even if you’ve spent years struggling with self-doubt. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why waiting for confidence is a trap — and what to do insteadThe Self-Belief Loop and how action rewires your identityWhat self-perception theory teaches us about real changeHow to use the “As-If Theory” to behave your way into beliefThe identity journaling practice that rewires your inner storyA science-backed method to overcome hesitation: the 5-Second RuleWhy you’re not faking it — you’re training the real you to emergeTry This Today: Ask yourself, "What would someone who believes in themselves do right now?" Then do that — even in the smallest way. I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    17 min
  3. The One Thing Anyone Can Do to Stop Feeling Lonely

    06/23/2025

    The One Thing Anyone Can Do to Stop Feeling Lonely

    Loneliness isn’t just about being alone — it’s about feeling unseen and disconnected. In this powerful episode, Harvard-trained psychology coach Jerry Henderson breaks down the surprising science behind loneliness, why it physically affects your brain and body, and shares the one proven thing anyone can do to start healing loneliness today. You’ll learn: What loneliness really is (it's not what you think)The shocking health risks of chronic lonelinessThe role of emotionally safe relationshipsHow to start building one authentic connection that can change everythingIf you’ve ever struggled with feeling disconnected — even when surrounded by people — this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways Loneliness = gap between the connection you want and the connection you feelChronic loneliness activates the same brain centers as physical painOne emotionally safe relationship can significantly reduce lonelinessYou can’t fully heal chronic loneliness alone — connection is essentialStart small: one person, one honest conversation, one real connection I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    18 min
  4. How to Quickly Stop Ruminating With 4 Proven Tools

    06/16/2025

    How to Quickly Stop Ruminating With 4 Proven Tools

    How to stop ruminating is something that many of us struggle with.  Do you ever feel like your brain just won’t shut off? Like you’re replaying past conversations, worrying about what’s next, or stuck in a loop of “what ifs”?  That’s rumination—and it’s more than just overthinking. It’s a neurological trap that drains your energy, fuels anxiety, and blocks you from living fully in the present. In this episode, Jerry breaks down the real science behind rumination and gives you 4 proven tools to stop it—starting today.  You’ll learn why your brain gets stuck in loops, how perfectionism and shame feed the cycle, and what to do instead of trying to “think your way out.” These insights are grounded in neuroscience, trauma psychology, and real-life coaching strategies that have helped hundreds of high achievers break free from mental spirals and finally create a calm, focused, and empowered mind. If you’re ready to stop ruminating and start living, this episode is for you. 👉 Learn more about Jerry’s 1-on-1 coaching program: Personal Mastery Coaching 🧠 What You’ll Learn: The neuroscience of why we ruminateWhy high performers are especially prone to mental spiralsThe “default mode network” and how it keeps you stuckHow to reset your nervous system to break the loop4 research-backed tools to interrupt ruminationHow to turn thought spirals into present-moment peace I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    13 min
  5. How to Get Unstuck: 5 Tools That Actually Work

    06/09/2025

    How to Get Unstuck: 5 Tools That Actually Work

    Are you stuck in a rut and can't seem to move forward—no matter how hard you try? You're not lazy. You're not broken. You're just stuck—and in today’s episode of Personal Mastery, Jerry breaks down the 5 most powerful tools (grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and real-life coaching) that will help you move from stagnation into sustainable momentum. You’ll learn: Why action leads to motivation, not the other way aroundHow to leverage behavioral activation to create a breakthroughThe role of identity and mindset in getting unstuckHow to design for dopamine and ignite motivation againHow to heal emotional blocks and rewire your system for clarity and energyHow reconnecting with purpose + play can make life feel meaningful againWhether you're burned out, emotionally overwhelmed, or just frozen in place—this episode will give you the clarity and strategy to move forward today. 🎯 Join the Personal Mastery Coaching Program Work 1-on-1 with Jerry to realign your mindset, heal emotional blocks, and create sustainable forward motion. 👉 Schedule your free strategy call here Chapters: 00:00 – The Truth About Feeling Stuck 02:40 – Tool #1: Take Action Before You Feel Ready 04:00 – The Science of Behavioral Activation 05:24 – Tiny Wins and the Physics of Momentum 06:10 – Tool #2: Shift Your Identity & Perspective 07:08 – The Power of “I Am” Statements + Self-Compassion 08:07 – Tool #3: Design for Dopamine 10:08 – Celebrate Small Wins (It’s a Neuroscience Hack) 11:56 – Novelty, Environment, and Cold Showers 12:45 – Sunlight, Dopamine, and Micro-Motivation 13:53 – Tool #4: Heal Emotional Blocks (Not Just Habits) 14:56 – Trauma, Stress & Motivational Dysfunction 16:04 – Mindfulness, Journaling, & Internal Clarity 18:30 – Tool #5: Reconnect to Purpose with Play 20:40 – Stop Making “Getting Out of the Rut” the Goal 22:20 – This Is Just a Chapter of Your Life I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    24 min
  6. How to Actually Create Happiness - It's Not What You Think

    06/02/2025

    How to Actually Create Happiness - It's Not What You Think

    Most people never feel truly happy—despite success, comfort, or achievement. Why? Because they’re chasing the wrong thing. In this episode of Personal Mastery, Harvard-trained coach and researcher, Jerry Henderson shares the real reason happiness feels elusive—and what to do instead.  You’ll learn why happiness isn’t something you find, but something you create—as a byproduct of a deeply fulfilling life. With powerful neuroscience insights, practical steps, and a research-backed framework, Jerry helps you break free from the dopamine trap and start building a life that feels meaningful, aligned, and emotionally rich. If you’ve ever felt like “there has to be more,” this is the episode that shows you what “more” actually is—and how to create it. 👉 Plus: Stick around until the end for a simple neuroscience-based exercise to shift your emotional state in just a few minutes. Links Mentioned: Book a Free Strategy Call with JerryLearn more about the Personal Mastery Framework at jerryhenderson.org00:00 – Why Most People Are Unhappy   02:21 – Stop Chasing Happiness   03:44 – The Science of Happiness vs. Dopamine   08:29 – The Hedonic Treadmill Trap   09:12 – Fulfillment Is the Real Goal   10:23 – Happiness Is a Byproduct   11:45 – What Makes Life Truly Fulfilling   14:22 – The Personal Mastery Framework   15:39 – Step 1: Pay Attention to What is Fulfilling   17:16 – Step 2: Identify the Meaning of What Fulfills You  18:03 – Step 3: Savor the Moments That Fulfill You 18:53 – Step 4: Prioritize Relationships That Fulfill You 20:07 – Step 5: Build Your Life Around Fulfillment   22:32 – Bonus: Shift Your Mood in Minutes   I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    25 min
  7. How to Achieve Your Goals—The 10/10 Rule

    05/26/2025

    How to Achieve Your Goals—The 10/10 Rule

    In this episode of Personal Mastery,  Jerry Henderson explores why only 8% of people achieve their goals. He also introduces the "10-10 Rule," a principle that involves dedicating level 10 effort to tasks that have the potential to yield level 10 results.  Jerry shares how high achievers like Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Ferriss, and Serena Williams exemplify this rule by focusing intensely on high-impact activities and eliminating low-return tasks.  He also provides a step-by-step guide to applying the 10-10 Rule in your own life to enhance productivity and achieve meaningful goals. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like you’re working hard without getting ahead, this episode will show you the one mindset shift and strategy that the top 8% of achievers use to build sustainable success. Key Takeaways The 10-10 Rule: Allocate maximum effort only to tasks that promise maximum returns.Focus Over Busyness: High achievers prioritize impactful activities over being merely busy.Cognitive Load Theory: Our brains have limited capacity; overloading with low-impact tasks leads to burnout .Goal Dilution Effect: Pursuing too many goals simultaneously can weaken the effectiveness of each .Strategic No: Saying no to low-return tasks creates space for high-impact work. Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Why 92% of people fail to achieve their goals 01:02 The one habit that shows up in the top 8% 02:36 Buffett, Jobs, and the power of ruthless focus 03:32 The dopamine trap and the illusion of busyness 05:07 Cognitive Load Theory and why your brain is overwhelmed 06:33 Giving level 10 effort to level 3 returns 07:35 Burnout, misaligned effort, and the cost of doing too much 08:08 The Pareto Principle and how to use it with the 10-10 Rule 09:06 Learning to say no: Buffett, Jobs, Oprah, and the mindset shift 13:05 How Tim Ferriss, Serena Williams, and top performers guard their energy 13:57 What all top achievers understand about focus and results 15:28 The 4-step framework for applying the 10-10 Rule 21:54 Bonus Tip: Using the 10-10 Rule to evaluate your relationships I am grateful you are here, Jerry FREE COACHING STRATEGY CALL: Schedule Call OVERCOMING SHAME COURSE: ACESS COURSE HERE Watch On Youtube Website: www.jerryhenderson.org How is your relationship with yourself going? Get your free-self assessment guide Pick up your copy of my book: Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing Get Your Free Weekly Tips! Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson Disclaimer

    23 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

You deserve a life that feels as extraordinary on the inside as it looks on the outside—and Personal Mastery with Jerry Henderson (formerly The Permission to Love Podcast) will help you build it. I’m Jerry Henderson, creator of the Personal Mastery Framework™, high-performance and trauma-informed coach, Harvard-trained in the psychology of human behavior, researcher, author, and speaker. Every week, I—along with world-renowned experts—share powerful conversations and research-backed insights to help you align with your true self and create sustainable success from the inside out. We cover topics like cultivating a growth mindset, building resilience, healing trauma, overcoming shame, practicing presence, strengthening relationships, developing a healthy relationship with yourself, and living your purpose—real, relatable tools for meaningful transformation. If you’re ready to achieve from a place of full alignment, fulfillment, and lead with authenticity, this podcast is for you. New episodes every Monday. Subscribe now—and start creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Connect with Jerry: https://jerryhenderson.org https://www.instagram.com/jerryahenderson/

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