Stronger Standards

Shannon Beer

What if the pressure to 'be better' is the very thing holding you back? On Higher Standards, we challenge the myth that self-compassion means lowering the bar — and show you how caring more, not less, is the secret to becoming the person you want to be.Hosted by Shannon, registered nutritionist studying a diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy, this podcast is your space for honest conversations about self-worth, emotional eating, body image, and doing meaningful work without burning out. Whether you’re a coach, creative, or self-critical high-achiever, you’ll learn how to quiet your inner critic, commit with care, and finally feel like you're living a life that reflects your real values — not your fears.Because the highest standard isn’t perfection. It’s treating yourself like someone who matters.New episodes every week.

  1. EPISODE 1

    End of year reflection

    In this episode of Stronger Standards, I explore how to reflect on the past year in a way that supports growth rather than self-criticism. Looking back can bring pride, pressure, frustration — or all of it at once. This episode offers a more compassionate approach to reflection that helps you learn from the year without getting stuck in shame or defeat. I cover: The difference between healthy self-critique and self-attackingWhy reflection needs compassion, and how avoidance or frustration can be useful informationWhy focusing on experiences (not just achievements) helps us access contentment and fulfilmentWhat experiences stood out for me this year and what I learned from themHow to carry those lessons forward into the new year Keep an eye out for more Stronger Standards episodes, focused on small, meaningful changes that support a more fulfilling life. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 00:43 – Why reflection matters 01:26 – The difference between healthy self-critique and self-criticism 03:20 – A new approach: focusing on experiences, not achievements 05:08 – Experience 1: Greece trip and lessons in kindness 08:19 – Experience 2: The power of live music for well-being 11:55 – Experience 3: Recognizing and overcoming self-minimization 14:52 – Encouragement for your own reflection 15:23 – Final thoughts and what’s next More Resources: Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details hereJoin Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here

    16 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    Courage to try again

    In this episode of Stronger Standards, I break down why change feels so hard—especially when part of you wants to grow and another part is scared to try again. I explain how our brains and nervous systems are wired for safety, how old coping strategies can keep us stuck, and what actually helps change become sustainable. I also share personal reflections, practical exercises, and an invitation to think differently about the year ahead.   I cover: Why change feels scary even when you want itHow the brain’s need for safety keeps us stuckThe role of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overthinkingWhy forcing change doesn’t lastHow sustainable change comes from safety, not pressureA reflection on how you want to feel in one yearPracticing new beliefs with compassion, not force  Keep an eye out for more Stronger Standards episodes, focused on small, meaningful changes that support a more fulfilling life.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: overcoming the fear of change 01:24 - Understanding the brain's role in change 02:49 - Social threats and safety behaviors 03:50 - Implicit learnings and emotional regulation 04:55 - Safety strategies and their impact 07:09 - Challenges in making changes 09:14 - Building capacity for change 12:28 - Reflecting on future goals 15:22 - Practical tips for cultivating change 22:42 - Conclusion: embracing change with compassion More Resources: Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details hereJoin Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here

    24 min
  3. EPISODE 3

    Recalibration over reinvention

    In this episode of Stronger Standards, I talk about why the pressure to reinvent yourself at the start of a new year can actually keep you stuck — especially if you struggle with all-or-nothing patterns. Instead, I share why recalibration is a more compassionate, sustainable way to create real change by working with your mind and body, not against them.   I cover: Why New Year reinvention often keeps us stuckRecalibration vs. starting overThe 'Fresh Start Effect' and self-pressureWhere safety behaviors (perfectionism, overworking, people-pleasing) come fromWhy “just stop” goals don’t workUsing awareness instead of force to create changeNoticing thoughts, feelings, and body cues in real timeCompassion as the foundation for sustainable growth  If you’re tired of starting over every January, this episode is your invitation to slow down, get curious, and build change that actually sticks.   Timestamps: 00:00 - New year, new you? 01:00 - The fresh start effect 01:47 - The problem with wiping the slate clean 03:47 - Recalibration over reinvention 04:33 - Practical steps for recalibration 06:20 - Understanding safety behaviors 08:15 - Building awareness and compassion 11:48 - Final thoughts and next steps More Resources: Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details hereJoin Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here

    13 min
  4. EPISODE 5

    Embodying your steady self

    We all have patterns that once kept us safe but now keep us stuck. In this episode of Stronger Standards, I explore how compassion isn’t about being “soft,” but about building the inner strength and steadiness needed to work with those patterns—without being driven by them.   I talk about: Why old safety strategies keep us stuckCompassion as a trainable brain stateReflection vs. rumination (and venting)Why self-compassion creates stronger boundariesKey compassionate qualities: wisdom, strength, commitmentThe role of play, posture, and embodimentUsing the body to support mindset changeChoosing small, daily actions that create lasting change  This episode is about becoming the version of yourself who can meet challenges with steadiness, intention, and aliveness—one small, embodied choice at a time.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Understanding Patterns and Compassion 00:42 - The Role of Compassion in Change 01:30 - Journaling and Self-Reflection 02:30 - Misconceptions About Compassion 03:05 - Qualities of Compassionate Minds 06:00 - Embodying Compassionate Qualities 10:30 - Using Body Posture to Support the Mind 13:51 - Starting the Day with Compassion 15:31 - Practical Actions to Embody Qualities 20:16 - Conclusion: Building Capacity to Show Up Differently More Resources: Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details hereJoin Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here

    21 min
  5. EPISODE 6

    Building self trust after setbacks

    You’re intelligent, capable, and deeply self-aware — so why do you keep starting things and not finishing them? In this episode, I’m breaking down self-efficacy, your confidence in your ability to follow through, and why it quietly erodes when you keep letting yourself down. Rather than repeating the same surface-level advice, we look at what actually gets in the way — including self-criticism, unrealistic standards, and emotional barriers that sabotage consistency. In this episode, I cover: What self-efficacy really is — and how low self-efficacy keeps you stuck in stop–start cycles Why setting goals for your “ideal self” backfires (and how to meet yourself where you are) How small, realistic wins build confidence more effectively than big plans The four key facilitators of self-efficacy Why mindset alone isn’t enough — and the emotional skills required to stay consistent How coaching helps you unlearn self-defeating patterns and build real trust in yourself 🔗 Links mentioned: – Motivated Masterclass – Coaching waitlist (NOW OPEN!) I’ll see you in the next episode. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why you start strong but don’t follow through 02:00 - What self-efficacy actually is 04:00 - How low self-efficacy keeps you stuck 06:00 - The mistake of setting goals for your ideal self 08:30 - Building confidence with small, realistic wins 11:00 - What actually facilitates self-efficacy 13:30 - Why reflecting on success matters 15:30 - How self-criticism and comparison undermine progress 17:30 - The emotional skills needed to stay consistent 19:00 - How coaching helps you break self-defeating cycles More Resources: Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details hereJoin Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here

    20 min

About

What if the pressure to 'be better' is the very thing holding you back? On Higher Standards, we challenge the myth that self-compassion means lowering the bar — and show you how caring more, not less, is the secret to becoming the person you want to be.Hosted by Shannon, registered nutritionist studying a diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy, this podcast is your space for honest conversations about self-worth, emotional eating, body image, and doing meaningful work without burning out. Whether you’re a coach, creative, or self-critical high-achiever, you’ll learn how to quiet your inner critic, commit with care, and finally feel like you're living a life that reflects your real values — not your fears.Because the highest standard isn’t perfection. It’s treating yourself like someone who matters.New episodes every week.