The “right to exist” is a common myth states use to justify aggression, destruction, and death. But states aren’t people. Structures rise and fall all the time. And using this argument to rationalize the actions of a state is misleading at best, and downright evil at worst.
And yet… people make a similar faulty argument in their own lives all the time. This is especially true if you have a leadership position:
A founder clings to a vision that no longer works. A CEO resists a restructuring that could save the company. A parent refuses to see their child’s independence as growth and not betrayal.

The trickiest part about healing your inner world is learning to figure out the difference between self-help schticks and true healing. They are often confused with each other – especially by high achievers.
And the cost you pay for mixing them up is hefty.
Like, for example:
* Striving for more and more success even when it feels empty
* Sabotaging your relationships at home and at work
* Developing a severe case of burnout, numbness, and depression
And worst of all:
* Tricking yourself into thinking you’re growing when you’re really building more emotional armor that will forever keep deep fulfillment from your grasp.
Here’s the truth: More productivity hacks, more pressure, and more control won’t help you integrate. It’s a form of suffocation for parts you label as bad or weak or needy. But they don’t disappear, they wait until you’re at your most vulnerable, then they attack.

Many high achievers treat vulnerability as if it’s a four-letter word. And it’s easy to understand why: they’ve been told leaders must keep their emotions in check, and be level-headed and strong in the face of challenges.
But the misunderstandings about vulnerability aren’t just unfortunate, they’re devastating. Because they lead to people going numb to their feelings and relationships, all while convincing themselves they’re doing the right thing.
In this episode I’m going to cut through the fog and show you what vulnerability really looks like. I’ll explain how vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the missing piece that can restore your ability to lead at work, love at home, and actually live your life instead of watching it go by.