The Unstuck High Performer Podcast - Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching for High-Performers

Paul Salter

The Unstuck High Performer Podcast is for successful people who know they're capable of more but feel stuck underperforming relative to their potential. Hosted by high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter, this show helps CEOs, founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and ambitious professionals identify and eliminate the invisible resistance keeping them trapped in hesitation, overthinking, inconsistency, burnout, and quiet self-sabotage. If you know what to do but aren't doing it consistently, this show will help you get unstuck, out of your own way, and perform at the level you know you're capable of.

  1. 2d ago

    178. Why Successful People Are Afraid to Slow Down (And What They're Really Running From)

    What if the reason you can't slow down has nothing to do with your workload... And everything to do with what happens when life gets quiet? In this episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked struggles among ambitious entrepreneurs, executives, founders, and high performers: the inability to simply be. Using my recent vacation as the backdrop, I explore why so many successful people feel restless, anxious, or even emotionally exhausted when they finally stop working.  We discuss the subconscious beliefs that make productivity feel safe, why vacations often fail to recharge you, how constant busyness becomes emotional avoidance, and why your greatest clarity, creativity, and breakthroughs emerge only when you create space for them. In this episode, you'll learn: Why high performers struggle to slow down The subconscious beliefs that make productivity feel safe How busyness becomes a form of emotional avoidance Why vacations often leave successful people feeling exhausted instead of restored How stillness unlocks creativity, clarity, and better decision-making Why your subconscious does its best work when your conscious mind steps aside Practical ways to become more comfortable with silence and stillness How to recharge without feeling guilty If slowing down feels uncomfortable, vacations leave you feeling more drained than refreshed, or you constantly feel the need to stay productive, this episode will challenge the way you think about rest, presence, and high performance. Listen now. Time Stamps: 00:00: The uncomfortable question that exposes what you're really afraid of 4:09: The hidden reason successful people can't stop doing 10:07: Why freedom feels terrifying after you've built a successful business 17:59: Your greatest ideas don't happen while you're working—here's why 19:35: The CEO analogy that explains how your subconscious solves your biggest problems 23:13: The weekly habit that dramatically improves clarity, creativity, and peace 26:24: The surprising truth behind why slowing down feels so threatening I help founders and CEOs overcome the hidden psychological and emotional costs of success so they build a life that feels as successful as it looks. Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you.

  2. 6d ago

    177. Retired SEAL and 8-Figure Entrepreneur Reveals What Ambitious Men Get Wrong About Mental Toughness

    Most ambitious men think mental toughness means suppressing emotions, pushing harder, and refusing to slow down. But what if that definition is actually holding you back? In this episode, I sit down with retired Navy SEAL, entrepreneur, real estate developer, leader, and investor James Lascara to discuss mental toughness, emotional awareness, leadership, entrepreneurship, self-awareness, and the hidden trade-offs that come with pursuing extraordinary goals. James shares how his military experience shaped his approach to leadership, why emotional awareness is often misunderstood, how elite entrepreneurs process setbacks differently, and why success frequently comes with sacrifices most people never see. We also dive into the challenge many high performers face: building an exceptional life on paper while quietly struggling to slow down, unwind, and separate their identity from achievement. In this episode, you'll learn: What ambitious men misunderstand about mental toughness Why emotional awareness is a sign of strength—not weakness How successful entrepreneurs process setbacks differently The role self-awareness plays in leadership and growth Why high performers often struggle to slow down How elite entrepreneurs make decisions faster and more effectively The trade-offs required to pursue extraordinary goals What separates successful entrepreneurs from those who stay stuck If you've ever wondered whether your drive is helping you or quietly costing you more than you realize, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, leadership, and fulfillment. Time Stamps: 00:00: The biggest lie ambitious men believe about mental toughness 3:48: Why emotional people consistently make worse business decisions 5:07: The mistake most entrepreneurs make when they're frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck 7:18: The surprising feedback that forced James to completely rethink his leadership style 9:41: The fastest way to become dramatically more self-aware 14:04: Why some entrepreneurs literally don't know how to relax 15:26: The uncomfortable trade-offs required for extraordinary success 16:26: "Winning is more fun than fun"—the mindset that drives elite performers 18:58: The relationship cost of pursuing ambitious goals 22:09: James' three-step framework for navigating difficult seasons 23:58: Why success becomes increasingly lonely as your goals get bigger 28:12: What successful people understand about failure that struggling entrepreneurs don't 31:45: The subtle form of self-sabotage James sees in high-level CEOs 37:29: The personality trait that secretly helps James solve complex problems 43:42: What to do when you're successful on paper but feel disconnected internally I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you. More About James Lascara James Lascara is a real estate sales associate, investor, developer, and business leader based in the Tampa Bay area. He specializes in residential & commercial value-add opportunities, land acquisition & entitlement, multifamily properties, and has a seasoned background working with investment-focused buyers and sellers, conventional and VA buyers acquiring multiple units, and multi 8-figures of new construction and development projects. Since 2022, James has facilitated over $50 million in sales volume in Tampa Bay off-market and on-market transactions. He has directed more than $20 million of development across land development and development involving vertical construction, managed the execution of over $6 million in privately real estate financing, and successfully scaled a $400k assets under management portfolio to a $19M portfolio within 6 years.  He is also the founder of The Elite Investor®, widely renowned as the Center of Excellence for collaboration among serious Tampa real estate investors, focused on real estate investing & development, high-level collaboration, entrepreneurship, and empowering business leaders in the industry for sustainable growth. James is a U.S. military veteran following a 15 year career as a Navy officer and Navy SEAL. He is an active member of the National Association of Realtors®, Greater Tampa Realtors®, and the Tampa Bay Builders Association, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Learn more about working with James at his website here.  Connect with James on Instagram here (@jplinvest)

  3. Jul 6

    176. Will Doing the Inner Work Cost Me My Edge?

    In this episode, I tackle one of the most common fears I hear from entrepreneurs, executives, and high achievers considering deep personal work: "If I stop using anxiety, anger, insecurity, pressure, or the need to prove myself as fuel... will I lose my edge?" Using a powerful client story, relatable metaphors, and hard-earned lessons from years of coaching, I unpack why so many successful people become emotionally dependent on unsustainable fuel sources—and why they're terrified to let them go. You'll learn the difference between pain and power, why emotional avoidance creates hidden costs in your marriage, parenting, health, and business, and how the highest performers eventually transition from chaotic fuel sources to something far more sustainable. In this episode, you'll learn: Why anxiety, anger, and pressure often become addictive fuel sources The hidden emotional costs of success Why high performers fear vulnerability and emotional work The difference between pain-driven performance and purpose-driven performance How emotional repression creates burnout and disconnection Why what got you here won't get you there The shift from chaotic fuel to sustainable fuel How to stop paying for success with your health, relationships, and peace of mind If you've built a successful life but feel exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or trapped by the very habits that helped you get here, this episode may completely change how you think about your edge—and what it's really costing you. Listen now. Time Stamps: 00:00: The fear that keeps successful people trapped in burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion 2:39: He transformed a failing company—but nearly destroyed himself in the process 4:46: What if the emotion you think is your edge is actually your biggest liability? 13:29: The terrifying question high performers secretly ask before doing the inner work 17:30: The real price you're paying for using anger, anxiety, or insecurity as fuel 21:20: The parking brake analogy that explains why success feels harder than it should 25:52: The mindset shift that changes everything: your edge was never the anger I help founders and CEOs overcome the hidden psychological and emotional costs of success so they build a life that feels as successful as it looks. Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you.

  4. Jul 2

    175. The Cost of Chasing Someone Else's Blueprint of Success

    What if the reason you feel stuck isn't because you need a better strategy... But because you've become disconnected from yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Renee Marie Lowney, speaker, mentor, and creator of the Iconic Woman Blueprint, to discuss why so many ambitious people spend years chasing success using someone else's roadmap—only to discover they've drifted further away from who they truly are. We explore nervous system capacity, authenticity, self-worth, burnout, masculine and feminine energy, and the powerful process of returning to your own internal blueprint. Renee shares her journey from building a successful business through hustle, pressure, and performance to creating a life and business rooted in alignment, peace, and fulfillment. In this episode, you'll learn: Why more strategy isn't always the answer What nervous system capacity actually means How successful entrepreneurs lose touch with their authentic selves The hidden costs of hustle culture and constant urgency Why self-worth cannot be built on achievement How to develop safety in slowing down The role masculine and feminine energy play in high performance How to find your personal blueprint for success and fulfillment If you've ever felt successful on paper but disconnected from yourself, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth, achievement, and fulfillment. Listen now. Time Stamps: 00:00: Why more strategy might be the very thing keeping you stuck 4:16: The success trap that pulls entrepreneurs away from their true selves 6:10: The Italy trip that made Renee walk away from a profitable business model 10:16: The hidden cost of always being "on" and why slowing down feels unsafe 19:22: What happened when Renee stopped tying her worth to her accomplishments 34:02: The leadership skill that allows you to thrive during uncertainty, setbacks, and success 43:08: The one question to ask yourself when you feel lost, stuck, or off track I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you. More About Renee Lowry Renee Marie is a speaker, mentor, and host of the She's Iconic podcast, helping high-achieving women recalibrate the way they lead, grow, and build success. After scaling a multi-six-figure beauty education business and teaching across the country, she realized that true expansion wasn't about doing more—it was about identity, nervous system capacity, and embodied leadership. She is the creator of the Iconic Woman Blueprint and founder of the Iconic Woman movement—a body of work designed to help women build success in a way that is aligned to their unique energy, leadership style, and capacity. Blending somatics, human design, energetics, and strategic precision, Renee helps women break free from burnout, overproving, and performative success so they can lead with clarity, conviction, and sustainable power. Her work is rooted in helping women remember their unique genius, trust themselves fully, and create businesses and lives that feel deeply aligned, expansive, and true to who they are. Learn more about working with Renee at her website here.  Connect with Renee on Instagram here (@xoreneemarie).

  5. Jun 29

    174. The Hidden Reason Success Still Doesn't Feel Like Enough

    What if the reason you feel stressed, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled isn't because you're failing... But because you're succeeding? In this episode, I challenge one of the most dangerous assumptions ambitious entrepreneurs, executives, and high performers make: that success is a destination. Using a powerful ladder metaphor, personal stories, and real client examples, I reveal how many successful people spend years chasing goals created by a younger version of themselves—without ever stopping to ask whether those goals still align with who they've become. We explore the hidden costs of outdated definitions of success, why achievement often fails to create fulfillment, and how continuing to pursue the wrong goals can quietly damage your health, marriage, family, and well-being. In this episode, you'll learn: Why success is a definition, not a destination How outdated goals quietly create stress and dissatisfaction The hidden emotional cost of chasing more, more, more Why achievement rarely feels the way you expect it will How success can pull you away from what matters most The importance of updating your definition of success as you evolve Why many entrepreneurs are still operating from decades-old conditioning The questions that can help you redefine success on your own terms If you've achieved a level of success but still find yourself feeling restless, anxious, disconnected, or constantly moving the goalposts, this conversation may be exactly the wake-up call you need. Time Stamps: 00:00: The ladder analogy that exposes why so many successful people feel empty 2:32: The trap high performers fall into once they become good at winning 4:37: Why achievement often feels far less satisfying than you expected 13:10: The financial advisor who realized his definition of success was costing him everything 20:16: How becoming a father completely changed my definition of success 27:36: The luxury real estate agent who spent years chasing someone else's version of success 33:02: The one question that will instantly reveal whether you're climbing the right ladder I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you.

  6. Jun 25

    173. 20 Years and $2.1 Billion Dollars Later, He Learned the Hard Truth About Happiness

    What happens when you achieve the success you've been chasing for decades... and realize it still isn't enough? In this episode, I sit down with top-producing real estate leader, coach, and entrepreneur Mike Wood for a candid conversation about comparison, burnout, ego, fulfillment, discipline, and the hidden emotional costs of success. Mike shares the lessons he's learned after more than 20 years in real estate, including the moment he realized success wasn't delivering the fulfillment he expected, how burnout forced him to reevaluate everything, and why helping others win has become far more meaningful than chasing bigger numbers.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why comparison quietly steals joy and confidence How successful people accidentally become trapped by their own achievements The surprising feeling that comes after reaching major financial goals Why burnout often signals a deeper misalignment How ego can sabotage relationships and decision-making Why discipline is actually a form of self-love The role solitude plays in clarity, growth, and transformation How to create a compelling vision for your future If you've achieved success but still find yourself chasing the next milestone, wondering when you'll finally feel satisfied, this conversation will challenge how you define success, fulfillment, and what truly matters. Listen now. Time Stamps: 00:00: The mindset shift that instantly destroys the comparison trap 7:39: Why choosing the wrong competitor can quietly ruin your life 12:59: He hit his financial goal years early—and nothing happened 18:03: The year success gave him everything he wanted... and burned him out 23:25: The $200,000 decision that exposed a painful truth about his ego 26:33: The unexpected definition of discipline that changed everything 55:38: The simple exercise that helps you create a future you actually want to live I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you. More About Mike Wood Mike Wood is a Reno-based real estate entrepreneur, team leader, coach, and podcast host known for blending high-level real estate execution with a strong focus on personal growth, leadership, and consistency. With over 20 years of experience, he's closed more than $2.1 billion dollars in transactions. He leads The Mike Wood Team at RE/MAX Professionals in Reno, Nevada, where he and his team have built a reputation around creating "raving fans," strong client relationships, and high-volume production. In addition to his success in real estate, Mike hosts the "Be. What Works Weekly" podcast, where he interviews business owners and professionals about practical strategies, habits, leadership, and mindset. His work appears heavily rooted in execution, service, discipline, coaching, and helping professionals become more intentional in both business and life. Learn more about working with Mike on his website here.  Connect with Mike on Instagram here (@mikewoodteam)

  7. Jun 22

    172. You Already Know What Needs to Change—So Why Haven't You Done It?

    You know something isn't working. You feel the anxiety. The overwhelm. The frustration. The pressure. You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, consumed the content, and maybe you've even admitted that you need help. So why are you still stuck? In this episode, I break down one of the most common patterns I see among entrepreneurs, executives, CEOs, and ambitious professionals: asking for help—but never actually following through on it. In this episode, you'll learn: The four stages every high performer must move through to get unstuck Why awareness alone never creates change The biggest mistake people make after asking for help How fear disguises itself as logic and procrastination Why successful people don't wait to feel ready The hidden opportunity cost of staying stuck How avoiding action slowly erodes self-trust Why asking for help is one of the fastest accelerators of growth If you've been stuck in the cycle of overthinking, waiting, researching, and telling yourself "not yet," this episode may be exactly what you need to hear. Time Stamps: 00:00: The flat tire analogy that explains exactly why you're still stuck 2:14: The trait successful people have that has nothing to do with confidence 4:40: Why asking for help often makes people less likely to change 7:43: The 4 stages every high performer must move through to get unstuck 9:02: The uncomfortable truth about who is really holding you back 10:23: Why asking for help accelerates success 14:49: The biggest mistake people make after asking for help 17:04: The pattern I see over and over that keeps ambitious people stuck 18:42: The surprising reason not taking action destroys confidence 20:49: Fear isn't the problem—your relationship with it is 23:00: The sneaky way fear disguises itself as logic 28:22: Why your mind becomes an elite attorney the moment growth appears I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you.

  8. Jun 18

    171. Vice President of an 800-Agent Real Estate Brokerage Reveals the Hidden Emotions and Addictions Destroying Successful Entrepreneurs

    Why do so many ambitious people build successful businesses… yet still feel anxious, disconnected, critical of themselves, and emotionally exhausted? In today's conversation, I sit down with DJ Paris—VP of Kale Realty and host of the Keeping It Real Podcast—to unpack the emotional realities of high performance, entrepreneurship, relationships, self-awareness, resistance, and personal growth. DJ shares what he's learned after years of interviewing top-producing real estate agents and entrepreneurs, why so many high performers become addicted to stress and productivity, and how unresolved internal patterns quietly sabotage fulfillment, relationships, and peace. This conversation goes far beyond business. It's about learning how to coexist with challenge, confront resistance, and continue evolving without losing yourself in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: Why success does not eliminate emotional struggle The hidden danger of becoming addicted to stress and urgency How childhood conditioning shapes adult behaviors and relationships Why resistance is required for growth and fulfillment The importance of intentional conversations in relationships How mindfulness helps high performers stop believing every thought they think Why self-awareness is one of the greatest competitive advantages The role coaching plays in helping people get unstuck If you've felt quietly disconnected and exhausted for a long time, this conversation will prove to be the wake-up call you need to take action and make critical changes in both your business and life.  Time Stamps: 00:00: "Problems do not go away": why success never eliminates emotional struggle 07:43: Why fulfillment only comes through resistance and discomfort 11:24: How high performers unconsciously create stress and problems to feel safe 13:22: The dangerous addiction to productivity, urgency, and constant availability 18:20: The weekly marriage practice that transformed DJ's relationship 24:04: Why criticism and fear of failure quietly shape adult behavior 29:26: Anthony Bourdain's quote that perfectly explains resistance and self-sabotage 34:09: "Everybody is locked into their current level of b******t" 38:58: The mindfulness practice DJ uses to stop believing every thought he thinks 46:42: Why getting unstuck almost always requires outside help and coaching I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you. More About DJ Paris D.J. Paris is the vice president of business development at Kale Realty. For over 15 years he's grown Kale from just a few agents to over 800. He hosts the Keeping It Real Podcast, with close to 10M downloads, 800 episodes, and thousands of listeners.  On the podcast, he interviews the top agents in the country to find out how they grew their business so others can follow in their footsteps. D.J. is often asked to speak at industry events and was recently named one of N.A.R.'s 2026 real estate influencers. He lives in Chicago and is studying flamenco guitar in his spare time. Connect with DJ on Instagram here (@delfin.paris) Subscribe to the Keeping it Real Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Follow the podcast on Instagram here (@topagentinterviews)

4.7
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

The Unstuck High Performer Podcast is for successful people who know they're capable of more but feel stuck underperforming relative to their potential. Hosted by high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter, this show helps CEOs, founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and ambitious professionals identify and eliminate the invisible resistance keeping them trapped in hesitation, overthinking, inconsistency, burnout, and quiet self-sabotage. If you know what to do but aren't doing it consistently, this show will help you get unstuck, out of your own way, and perform at the level you know you're capable of.

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