Overcoming Self-Doubt, Perfectionism, and the Illusion of Success with JJ DiGeronimo #059

Work from the inside out

Renowned author JJ DiGeronimo introduced the concept of “working from the inside out.” Through candidly sharing her personal journey, she expressed a profound sense of emptiness she once felt. This realization prompted her to shift her focus, prioritizing inner growth and self-awareness over seeking external validations.

At its core, working from the inside out involves a profound shift in mindset. Instead of solely chasing external markers of success like titles and salaries, individuals focus on cultivating inner fulfillment and authenticity. It’s about aligning actions with personal values and beliefs, fostering a sense of purpose in both personal and professional endeavors. JJ’s story underscores the importance of this approach, showcasing how true fulfillment stems from within.

For JJ, embracing this philosophy meant embarking on a journey of self-discovery. By delving deep into her inner self, she uncovered her true passions and values, leading to a more purpose-driven career trajectory. Central to this approach is mindfulness and self-awareness; as a result, individuals can make conscious choices aligned with their innermost values. Ultimately, working from the inside out offers a transformative path to deeper fulfillment and authenticity. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of inner growth in the pursuit of true success.

Be present, find joy within

JJ DiGeronimo shares her journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of joy through living in the present moment. Initially, she recounts her past experiences of relentlessly striving for success and chasing external milestones. Only to realize that true fulfillment eluded her despite her efforts. However, through introspection and the practice of mindfulness, DiGeronimo emphasizes the transformative power of these practices in her quest for happiness. Ultimately, she learned that true joy comes from living in the moment. Fully appreciating its beauty and embracing each experience as it unfolds.

Central to DiGeronimo’s message is the importance of slowing down and engaging in introspective questioning. Consequently, by listening to one’s inner voice and uncovering what truly excites and energizes them, individuals can align their lives with their authentic selves. Moreover, DiGeronimo’s journey underscores the significance of taking the time to connect with one’s passions, interests, and natural talents. Through this process of self-discovery and inner alignment, individuals can lay the foundation for a more fulfilling and purposeful existence, both personally and professionally.

A key takeaway from DiGeronimo’s story is the recognition that happiness cannot be found in external achievements or material possessions. Instead, true joy emanates from within and is cultivated by being fully present in the moment. By cultivating mindfulness and gratitude for the present, individuals can experience a deeper sense of contentment and satisfaction in their lives. DiGeronimo’s journey serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner growth in the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Self-awareness leads to transformation

Self-awareness is key to personal transformation. In the podcast, this point is underscored, urging listeners to embrace the present, know themselves deeply, and appreciate their journey. Through personal anecdotes, the speakers illustrate how self-awareness sparks profound change. Moreover, they emphasize that understanding oneself is pivotal, as it serves as the catalyst for growth and evolution. By delving into one’s inner workings, individuals can uncover hidden potentials and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. Consequently, the journey of self-discovery becomes not only transformative but also enlightening, paving the way for a more fulfilling existence.

They stress living in the moment rather than fixating on an uncertain future. Being self-aware enables understanding of one’s motives, desires, and goals, leading to alignment with authentic values.

The podcast confronts self-doubt as a growth barrier. While acknowledging its universality, speakers encourage pushing past it for growth. Embracing challenges fosters self-discovery and realizing potential.

In sum, the podcast champions self-awareness’s transformative power. By staying present, understanding oneself, and confronting doubts, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling life. JJ DiGeronimo’s story reinforces the significance of aligning life with personal values and passions. Prioritizing mindfulness and self-awareness unlocks a path to profound growth and purpose.

Practice mindfulness to overcome obstacles

In the podcast, the speakers discuss the importance of practicing mindfulness to overcome obstacles such as self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism. Mindfulness is described as a powerful tool that allows individuals to create space between their thoughts and observe their inner dialogue. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become more aware of the stories they tell themselves and the beliefs that drive their actions.


The hosts stress self-awareness, crucial for recognizing and overcoming negative thought patterns like self-doubt and fear. Through mindfulness, people uncover these obstacles’ origins, gaining insights to challenge and change them. It involves a conscious acknowledgment of fears, coupled with a deliberate effort to release harmful self-talk that perpetuates feelings of inadequacy. Instead, individuals are encouraged to consciously shift their focus towards cultivating more positive and empowering narratives that support their growth and well-being.

Furthermore, the hosts highlight the connection between self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism, suggesting that these obstacles often work together to hinder personal growth and success. Perfectionism, in particular, is described as a hiding mechanism that stems from a fear of failure and a desire to avoid vulnerability. Embracing imperfection liberates from perfectionism, unlocking new opportunities beyond unrealistic expectations.

Overall, the podcast underscores the transformative power of mindfulness in overcoming obstacles and cultivating a more authentic and fulfilling life. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and compassion towards themselves, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. The journey towards self-awareness and personal transformation requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront and challenge limiting beliefs. Through mindfulness, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, ultimately creating a life that is aligned with their values and passions.

Let me see what I can do

“Let me see what I can do”. It’s about embracing uncertainty, that feeling of not knowing what lies ahead. Shifting from the relentless pursuit of perfectionism to taking action, one step at a time. It’s liberating, really, not needing to have everything figured out before you begin. This mindset encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, to dare to try new things, to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process. After all, isn’t it through failures that we learn some of life’s most valuable lessons?

When adopting the “Let me see what I can do” mindset, individuals are encouraged to let go of limiting beliefs and rewrite the stories they tell themselves. By reframing their thoughts and focusing on what they can do in the present moment, rather than worrying about the outcome, individuals can overcome self-doubt and perfectionism. This shift in perspective allows them to take small, manageable steps towards their goals, without being overwhelmed by fear of failure.

Failure, in this context, is not seen as a setback but as a valuable learning opportunity. By embracing failure and using it as motivation to continue moving forward, individuals can cultivate resilience and perseverance. Failure becomes a stepping stone towards growth and self-improvement, rather than a reason to give up or retreat into self-doubt.

In conclusion, the “Let me see what I can do” mindset empowers individuals to take action, embrace uncertainty, and use failure as a fuel for personal growth. By practicing mindfulness and reframing their thoughts, individuals can break free from the constraints of self-doubt and perfectionism, and create a more fulfilling and authentic life. This mindset encourages individuals to step into their power, trust in their abilities, and take bold steps towards realizing their dreams and aspirations.

Collect your no’s, pave your path

Embrace rejection as an essential part of your journey; it’s the foundation of resilience and perseverance. Instead of seeing ‘no’s as roadblocks, view them as valuable lessons that propel you forward. By reframing rejection as an opportunity for personal growth, you can refine your approach and gain invaluable insights. Through this mindset shift, you’ll carve a unique path towards your goals, navigating obstacles with determination and self-belief.


The host encountered book rejection. Nevertheless, they turned setbacks into opportunities, finding fulfillment. Beyond work, embracing rejection impacts all aspects of life. Each rejection fosters self-discovery, guiding toward purpose. Authenticity breaks norms, inspiring creativity and others.

Lean into the whispers

“Lean into the whispers” encourages listening to intuition, as exemplified in a podcast where a message to “bring the women outside” led to a successful retreat for professional women. Trusting oneself, embracing vulnerability, and taking inspired action are key. It’s about letting go of self-doubt and fear, stepping into the unknown with courage. By being present, practicing mindfulness, and seeking spiritual support, individuals connect with their true purpose.

The speaker’s journey highlights simplicity, self-care, and trusting the process. Shifting from fear of failure to focusing on joy and fulfillment manifested a successful retreat. “Lean into the whispers” urges following inner guidance, trusting instincts, and pursuing heart-centered work. Welcome the unknown, listen to cosmic messages, and honor intuition for a purposeful life and positive impact.

Listen to your natural gifts

The podcast strongly emphasizes the significance of recognizing and nurturing one’s innate gifts and talents. The hosts fervently urge listeners to remain attuned to their surroundings, emphasizing the importance of staying present in the moment. They advocate for embracing the messages, insights, and wisdom that arise organically. Emphasizing that doing so can profoundly impact one’s journey toward fulfillment. To truly thrive, they emphasize the necessity of slowing down, taking the time to notice and appreciate the opportunities and experiences that resonate with one’s unique talents and aspirations.

Taking a mindfulness class or investing time in oneself is worth it. Additionally, it can lead to amazing opportunities and growth. By listening to the whispers and following the steps that feel right, individuals can blossom into something amazing. Ultimately, the test is not about achieving external accomplishments. Rather, it’s about listening to what is calling you and aligning yourself with your natural gifts.

Audible is a crucial resource for sustaining high energy and staying focused. Its vast library of inspirational books and insights helps individuals maintain motivation and clarity of vision. Additionally, investing regularly in personal growth through books, podcasts, and videos further amplifies their impact and effectiveness in their endeavors.

Overall, the message of the podcast is clear: listen to your natural gifts, pay attention to what is calling you, and lean into things that align with your talents and passions. By doing so, individuals can unlock their full potential, create a life of purpose and passion, and make a positive impact on the world around them. It is a reminder to trust in oneself, embrace vulnerability, and take inspired action towards a life that feels true and fulfilling.

Hosts Bio

headshot of coach John

John Marshall

The Founder of Humessence, International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC), National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), co-host of The Present Professional Podcast, and experienced Yoga and meditation teacher with a highly developed business acumen. John’s ex-corporate career of nearly a decade with ExxonMobil and brief experiences with three other Fortune 100 companies enable him to combine transformational coaching practice with his global enterprise background. He has 5+ years of experience teaching Yoga and meditation and continues to teach weekly, fueling his passion for and commitment to nurturing the mind-body connection.

Tony Holmes

Tony Holmes is a leadership development and diversity professional from Houston, TX. He has managed change and scaled impact across multiple sectors as a consultant, coach, and leader. At the United Way of Greater
Houston, he designs talent programming and leads the organization’s strategy to center equity across all operations and programs. Tony is an Intellectual Contributor and Guest Facilitator for Humessence in the space of Diversity and Inclusion, and a co-host of the Present Professional Podcast. 

JJ DiGeronimo

Three-time award-winning author JJ DiGeronimo helps women raise their frequencies and empower their future impact through tried-and-tested strategies, mindfulness, and energetic practices. Formerly a leading woman in the tech industry, she now passionately strives to help women gain more seats at more tables by sharing the key findings that have helped her and countless others illuminate a path forward. Featured in publications such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Thrive Global, DiGeronimo is regularly an invited speaker for events and conferences. Her work includes three books, two podcasts, two global online communities, and in-person experiences. Discover her work at www.JJDiGeronimo.com.

Learn more about JJ DiGeronimo

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