Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of constant achievement, always chasing the next big goal but never truly feeling satisfied or fulfilled?
In this eye-opening episode of “The Story in Your Head” podcast, host Ron Macklin sits down with Krisstina, a former high-achieving entrepreneur who experienced a profound transformation after a health crisis forced her to reevaluate her priorities and identity.
Krisstina shares her journey from being a “super performer” constantly seeking external validation to embracing a life of meaning, connection, and joy. She discusses the cultural narratives that drive us to prioritize achievement over well-being and offers insights on how to break free from these limiting beliefs.
Throughout the conversation, Ron and Krisstina explore topics such as the importance of creating space for gratitude, the power of surrender, and the concept of essentialism in both material possessions and life experiences. They also delve into the significance of human connection and how it relates to our overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.
If you’re ready to reclaim joy and connection in your life while still pursuing your goals, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how you can rewrite your own story and create a life that’s truly meaningful and satisfying.
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Upcoming Workshop
Make 2025 the year of you! A goal without a plan is just a wish. Get these resources from Krisstina’s planning workshop to stop wishing and start planning in 2025.
Top 5 Takeaways From This Conversation:
- How surrendering to the process, rather than forcing outcomes, can lead to more joy and fulfillment!
- Why creating space for gratitude and reflection is crucial for breaking free from the cultural narrative of “more”!
- The surprising truth that less can actually be more when it comes to living a meaningful, joyful life!
- How shifting focus from external validation to self-love and connection can transform your relationships!
- Why asking “What is a good life?” and “How much does it cost to live it?” can revolutionize your approach to money and happiness!
Here Are Five of My Favorite Quotes:
- “I realized that I didn’t have any space. That’s one of those big awarenesses and realizations. But also just, I didn’t have a lot of gratitude. There wasn’t space for gratitude yet I had so much to be grateful for.”
- “We’re either growing or we’re dying one way or another. So that we’re growing towards. It’s less about accomplishment and more about growth.”
- “Money is such a great mirror and such a great learning tool to create more awareness. By asking the question ‘How much money is enough?’ we can create some satisfaction.”
- “We can’t reflect. We can’t create new awareness. We can’t create new consciousness. We’re not conscious when we’re drifting.”
- “Our narrative is in our story. To sum this up, it’s what story are we in? We are the writers, we’re the authors of our own story. We can change. We can write a different chapter.”
Time Stamps:
- [5:13] Transitioning from performer to teacher
- [11:29] Surrendering to the process of life
- [17:29] Essentialism: Simplifying life for meaning
- [23:16] Reflecting on regret and missed experiences
- [34:48] Reversing priorities for fulfillment
- [40:47] Rewriting our personal narratives
MYTH BUSTED: “Success and happiness come from constant achievement and external validation.”
Krisstina, a former high-achieving entrepreneur, believed that her worth and happiness were tied to her accomplishments and external validation. She lived in a constant state of “not good enough,” always pushing for the next achievement, whether it was running the Boston Marathon or reaching new heights in her business.
However, a severe health crisis forced her to confront this myth. As Krisstina shares, “I realized, like, I just missed so much life. I missed the joy, I missed the peace. I missed certain memories.” The breakthrough came when she discovered that true fulfillment comes from being present, cultivating gratitude, and finding meaning in everyday moments.
Krisstina learned that “less is more” and that joy often lies in simple connections and experiences that don’t require money or achievement. The key insight? Happiness and success aren’t about constantly striving for more or seeking external validation—they’re about finding contentment in the present and prioritizing meaningful connections and experiences.
Next Steps:
Upcoming Workshop
Make 2025 the year of you! A goal without a plan is just a wish. Get these resources from Krisstina’s planning workshop to stop wishing and start planning in 2025.
