Ever notice how when someone asks you for something, you immediately feel like you should say yes? Whether it's a colleague wanting to pick your brain over coffee or your kid's school asking you to bake for the school fundraiser, there's this instant weight that settles on your shoulders. In this episode, I'm naming something that hasn't been talked about before but affects almost everyone socialized as a woman: Instant Obligation Syndrome.

I'll explain why this happens, how it's rooted in the socialization that teaches women their purpose is to serve others, and why you feel like you need a "good reason" to say no. Most importantly, I'll show you why this pattern is costing you far more than you realize.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: schoolofnewfeministthought.com/456

Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/karaloewentheil/

Mentioned in this episode:

Are You Ready to Live A Confident Life?

Join me for my brand new program, A Confident Life, January 12 – December 8, 2026. Over the course of a year working with me and other smart dynamic women, you will learn how to deploy the four skills of confidence to create any outcome you want in your life.

Click here to learn more and sign up for A Confident Life!

Why is it so easy to doubt ourselves, even when we’ve already proven we’re capable? In this Coaching Hotline episode, I answer a listener's question about feeling unqualified despite a successful career. She’s struggling with thoughts that her associate's degree makes her less than others in her field, even though her work experience speaks for itself.

The second question is about how to manage the flood of self-doubt that comes up when pursuing big goals. A coach is working on expanding her business, but finds herself stuck in a cycle of procrastination and negative thoughts. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts were holding you back, this episode will help you move through them and take consistent action toward your goals.

Submit your own question here and it might get answered on a future episode: unfuckyourbrain.com/coachinghotline

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: schoolofnewfeministthought.com/455

Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/karaloewentheil/

Mentioned in this episode:

Are You Ready to Live A Confident Life?

Join me for my brand new program, A Confident Life, January 12 – December 8, 2026. Over the course of a year working with me and other smart dynamic women, you will learn how to deploy the four skills of confidence to create any outcome you want in your life.

Click here to learn more and sign up for A Confident Life!

Confidence isn’t a magic spell, and it’s not something you’re born with.

Over the course of one year working with me and other smart dynamic women, you will learn how to deploy the four skills of confidence – self-knowledge, self-compassion, self-belief and self-actualization – to create any outcome you want in your life.

From the incredibly concrete (get promoted to VP) to the most ineffable (love myself more), these four skills will get you where you want to go.

Join me for A Confident Life, January 12 – December 8, 2026.

Click here to grab your spot or learn more: https://the-school-of-new-feminist-thought.captivate.fm/life

Mentioned in this episode:

Are You Ready to Live A Confident Life?

Join me for my brand new program, A Confident Life, January 12 – December 8, 2026. Over the course of a year working with me and other smart dynamic women, you will learn how to deploy the four skills of confidence to create any outcome you want in your life.

Click here to learn more and sign up for A Confident Life!