In this episode of the Five Year You podcast, we dive into the framework we created called The Layers of Life. This model helps you understand the difference between living a life on autopilot and living a life on purpose—from your soul outward.

We’ll walk you through the five layers:

1. Soul – your essence and spiritual center
2. Self – your emotional, mental, and physical well-being
3. Social – your relationships and sense of community
4. Substance – how you spend your time, career, and lifestyle
5. Significance – your environment, achievements, and influence

If you've ever felt like something’s missing—like you’re living from the outside in—this episode will help you re-center and start living from the inside out. We share personal stories, examples, and tiny actions to help you reconnect with your authentic self.

✨ FREE RESOURCE

Download our Layers of Life visual guide:

https://fiveyearu.com/layers-of-life

💌 Stay connected

Email us anytime at: hello@fiveyearyou.com

We’d love to hear what pizza crust you like… or what part of your soul you’re ready to rediscover.

🔗 Other Links

Website: https://fiveyearyou.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YearYou

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/five-year-you

Feeling burnt out or constantly critical of yourself? In this episode, we explore how becoming your own best friend can radically transform your life, mindset, and self-worth. Learn how to talk to yourself with more compassion, set better boundaries, and build a life rooted in inner support—not just external validation.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: A message to the burnt-out overachiever

02:14 - What does it mean to be your own best friend?

04:51 - The difference between self-care and self-respect

07:36 - Why high-achievers often struggle with self-compassion

12:05 - “If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself”

14:22 - Steps to stop being your own worst critic

17:47 - Internal validation vs. external chasing

21:30 - The surprising power of treating yourself kindly

📚 Resources & Mentions:

→ Listen to all episodes of the podcast: https://fiveyearyou.com/podcast

→ Free tool: Create your Five Year You plan: https://fiveyearyou.com/free

→ Our favorite book on inner dialogue: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter

→ Need a reset? Try the Life Reboot Intensive: https://fiveyearyou.com/reboot

📝 Want to Work With Us?

We help high-achieving, purpose-driven people redesign their lives from the inside out.

Book your complimentary mentoring call: https://fiveyearyou.com/call

📩 Let’s Connect

Have a question or want to share a glimmer? Email us: hello@fiveyearyou.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

We’ve all faced money stress — but what if solving financial problems could actually feel… empowering? In this episode, Andrew and Catherine share a simple 3-step framework to help you approach money issues without shame, panic, or overwhelm. Whether you're dealing with debt, budgeting challenges, or cash flow confusion, this episode will help you feel calm, clear, and ready to take action.

• Why shame keeps us stuck in money problems
• A simple 3-step framework: Define the problem, Zoom out, Take the next right step
• How to stay grounded when emotions flare up
• Why solving money problems is rarely about “just making more”
• How your nervous system affects your financial clarity
• The importance of basic needs, especially when money is tight

📌 Feelings Wheel – To name and process emotions related to money

🔗 https://feelingswheel.com

📌 The Wealthy Barber – A storytelling-based book on financial basics

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761513116?tag=5yy-20

📌 Open Path Collective – Affordable therapy when you’re feeling stuck

🔗 https://openpathcollective.org

📌 Five Year You Coaching – Find purpose, peace, and financial clarity

🔗 https://fiveyearyou.com

📬 Email us → hello@fiveyearyou.com

🌐 Website → https://fiveyearyou.com

▶️ YouTube → https://youtube.com/@FiveYearYou

📸 Instagram → https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou

🎧 Podcast Feed → https://fiveyearyou.com/podcast

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some links in this description may be affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases using store ID amp09-20 and tracking ID 5yy-20. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Thank you!