Afraid to Be Seen? | The Healthy High Achiever Series

Permission to Love with Jerry Henderson

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In this episode we dive into the exhausting trap of image management—a struggle many high achievers face.
We explores why this behavior develops, its detrimental impact on mental, emotional, and relational health, and how it stems from a need for safety and external validation.
We also discuss practical steps to release the burden of image management, embrace authenticity, and build healthier relationships with oneself and others.

Key Takeaways:

• Image Management Defined: Efforts to control how others perceive us often create isolation and exhaustion.
• Root Causes: Early childhood experiences, perfectionism, and the desire for external validation fuel the cycle.
• Steps to Overcome: Identify triggers, shift focus from approval to authenticity, practice vulnerability, redefine self-worth beyond accomplishments, and set social media boundaries.
• Benefits of Letting Go: Greater mental freedom, authentic relationships, reduced exhaustion, enhanced self-worth, and inner peace.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and gratitude to listeners
02:00 - Quote from Dr. Brené Brown on authenticity
03:23 - What is image management, and why is it a trap?
05:24 - The emotional toll of image management: anxiety, depression, and burnout
06:52 - Why high achievers are especially prone to image management
07:51 - Client story: Sarah’s journey from burnout to authenticity
11:44 - Practical steps to release image management
12:53 - Identifying triggers and understanding their origins
14:30 - Shifting focus from approval to authenticity
16:16 - Practicing vulnerability with trusted individuals
19:21 - Redefining self-worth beyond accomplishments
20:48 - Setting boundaries with social media
22:07 - Benefits of letting go of image management: mental freedom, authentic relationships, reduced exhaustion, and inner peace
24:40 - Encouragement to embrace the journey of letting go

Connect with Jerry:

• Website: jerryhenderson.org
• Instagram: @jerryahenderson
• Email: [e-mail]

Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning to let go of image management and live more authentically.

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry
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