From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion w Diane McDowell
About this episode
Paul Levitin discusses with Diane McDowell the importance of self-compassion and the role of the nervous system in behavior change.
In this episode, Paul talks with Diane about why lasting change requires more than motivation and discipline. They explore how the nervous system influences behavior, why what we call “self-sabotage” is often self-protection, and how identity shapes long-term habits. Topics include: A practical definition of self-awareness Why most of our behavior is habitual The difference between “wanting to want” and true desire How the brain hijack shuts down logic Why affirmations fail without belief The “thought ladder” approach to sustainable mindset shifts Using visualization to build identity A grounded, compassionate framework for anyone struggling to make change stick.
People in this episode
Host: Paul Levitin
Guest: Diane McDowell
Topics covered
- self-compassion
- self-awareness
- behavior change
- identity
- mindset shifts
- nervous system
Keywords
- self-criticism
- self-sabotage
- habits
- affirmations
- visualization
- change
- motivation
More episodes of Change Made Easy
- Why You Resist Change — Even When You Want It w Collin Henderson
- Is It Really As Hard As You Say? What If Things Were Easy? w Wani Iris Manly
- Practical Strategies for Sustainable Healthy Habits w Ramsey Zimmerman
- Trauma-Informed Approaches to Habit Change w Dr Melanie Gray
- Practical Strategies for Long-Term Fitness Success w Dr Mike Ronsisvalle
- Learning & Living Your Core Values w Robert Glazer
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Change Made Easy podcast page.