This week’s episode is a special episode, especially if you’re an achiever (like most of our listeners are). Leon, a long-time fan from South Africa, reached out for a one-time session that doubles as a podcast interview.

While your situation might not be exactly the same as Leon’s, if you’re an achiever or struggle with abandonment issues or neediness, there will likely be several themes that apply to both your life, as well.

I treated this interview like an initial consultation. Listening will give you insights into how you could accept your inner child parts that have been filling you with emotional turmoil (even if you don’t have the same exact problems as Leon does).

Best part?

Well, about a week after we recorded this interview, Leon reached out to give me an update. It blew my mind—and his initial progress will blow your mind too.

If you feel stuck, abandoned, needy, or just can’t get over your desire to achieve (because you’re unconsciously looking for love), this episode will help you get on the right path.

Listen now.

Show Highlights Include:

• How being a “Parentified Child” forces you to take on your parent’s emotional struggles and become a needy adult (and how to break free from this restraint after growing up) (0:29)
• What to do when you feel lonely on your self-development journey and constantly ask yourself when your journey will actually end (8:52)
• How to start opening up and being more vulnerable when you feel like you’ll be ridiculed and judged when you do (13:01)
• Why resisting reality is the most painful thing you can do (and how your life starts to change subtly as soon as you accept reality) (23:04)
• How living in a single closet in a big city as a single man can present you with more exciting opportunities than having a lavish house in a small town (26:53)
• Do you constantly worry that you’re not meeting your potential? Here’s why it’s impossible to fulfill your potential (40:40)
• Why meeting your therapist in person is actually the worst way to leverage the therapeutic process for your self-growth (48:17)
• How to stop being ashamed by your neediness (and how to use it to find the relationship you want) (1:00:09)
• Why learning how to embrace sadness, anger, and fear is one of the best ways to embrace love (1:07:18)

Does your neediness, fear, or insecurity sabotage your success with women? Do you feel you may be unlovable? For more than 17 years, I’ve helped thousands of people find confidence, fulfillment, and loving relationships. And I can help you, too. I’m therapist and life coach David Tian, Ph.D. I invite you to take this quick quiz to access my free Masterclasses on dating and relationships at https://dtphd.com/quiz now.

For more about David Tian, go here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/about/

Emotional Mastery is David Tian’s step-by-step system to transform, regulate, and control your emotions... so that you can master yourself, your interactions with others, and your relationships... and live a life worth living. Learn more here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/emotionalmastery

One problem that haunts every relationship, career, and life is falling into a victim mindset. When you blame others for your problems and fail to acknowledge your role, you remain stuck and helpless in this vicious cycle.

Worst part?

As your relationships start to crumble, you’ll likely experience a heightened sense of anxiety and depression. And if you don’t address this, your life becomes a series of missed opportunities, and unfulfilled dreams, leaving you with a sense of regret and dissatisfaction.

That’s the bad news.

The good news?

While it’s tough to break out of this cycle, it’s possible. And by taking full responsibility, like we discuss in today’s episode, you can improve your relationships, your mental health, and your life’s accomplishments.

It won’t be easy. Learning how to take full responsibility takes time and patience. But tuning into this episode is a good first step.

Listen now.

Show Highlights Include:

• The ONLY way to break free from the stuck, powerless feeling in your relationship (0:34)
• How to transform from a helpless victim into an active creator of your life (1:00)
• Why blaming your partner for every argument you have hijacks your power to improve the relationship (and eventually leads to heartbreak) (2:17)
• The “author of your story” secret that liberates you and enhances your closest relationship (It can even save your marriage from the brink of divorce!) (2:55)
• The “4 Ultimate Concerns” created by a renowned psychotherapist that can help you steer your life in the direction you want (5:45)
• How to stop relying on your girlfriend or best friends to feel complete and whole (8:25)
• Do this the next time you feel lonely and wish you had a partner (it’s a more effective long-term strategy that eliminates your loneliness) (9:06)
• Why asking yourself this question while in a heated argument with your partner allows you to resolve conflicts faster and strengthen your bond (22:51)

Does your neediness, fear, or insecurity sabotage your success with women? Do you feel you may be unlovable? For more than 17 years, I’ve helped thousands of people find confidence, fulfillment, and loving relationships. And I can help you, too. I’m therapist and life coach David Tian, Ph.D. I invite you to take this quick quiz to access my free Masterclasses on dating and relationships at https://dtphd.com/quiz now.

For more about David Tian, go here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/about/

Emotional Mastery is David Tian’s step-by-step system to transform, regulate, and control your emotions... so that you can master yourself, your interactions with others, and your relationships... and live a life worth living. Learn more here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/emotionalmastery

When was the last time you felt true joy and fulfillment in your life?

For many achievers, this is something that they never experience. Each achievement and accomplishment is followed by another pursuit, always keeping happiness just out of your reach.

The worst part?

This relentless pursuit of success makes finding lasting happiness and fulfillment impossible.

But it’s possible to break free from this toxic cycle. In fact, there are 5 simple ways to help you break free from this cycle that I reveal in this episode.

If you’re constantly feeling like something’s missing in your life no matter how much you achieve, listen to this episode now. Your future self will thank you.

Show Highlights Include:

• How chasing achievements leaves you unhappy and unfulfilled (even if it boosts your self-esteem in the short term) (1:04)
• The “Deranged Tree” secret for ignoring societal standards that keep true happiness always out of reach (6:57)
• The cold, hard truth about why your successes feel hollow and isolating (12:16)
• Asking yourself this simple question can help you discover your ultimate purpose in life (15:46)
• The “Karma Yoga” method that forces you to become fully present in the moment (16:49)
• How to deeply understand what brings you true joy and fulfillment with this simple weekly exercise (18:00)
• Why reading books for pleasure is one of the quickest ways to shift out of an anxious state of being and into a calm one (20:54)
• The “dancing with the music” mindset shift that leads to healthier relationships, better mental health, and more joy in your day-to-day life (23:26)

Does your neediness, fear, or insecurity sabotage your success with women? Do you feel you may be unlovable? For more than 17 years, I’ve helped thousands of people find confidence, fulfillment, and loving relationships. And I can help you, too. I’m therapist and life coach David Tian, Ph.D. I invite you to take this quick quiz to access my free Masterclasses on dating and relationships at https://dtphd.com/quiz now.

For more about David Tian, go here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/about/

Emotional Mastery is David Tian’s step-by-step system to transform, regulate, and control your emotions... so that you can master yourself, your interactions with others, and your relationships... and live a life worth living. Learn more here:

https://www.davidtianphd.com/emotionalmastery