Doing it Right vs Doing it Real: Amanda Selmser's Sister Science Story

Doing it Right vs Doing it Real: Amanda Selmser's Sister Science Story

From Sister Science Stories by Jill Novak

May 24, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

Amanda Selmser shares her journey of unlearning perfectionism and reconnecting with her body in a conversation with Jill Novak.

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right  - eating well, exercising, prioritizing sleep - and still feeling disconnected, heavy, and overwhelmed? You're not alone, and this episode is for you. Amanda came to the Year of YOU program stuck. She was experiencing unexplained physical pain, caught in cycles of negative self-talk, and carrying the weight of a lifetime of "shoulds." What she discovered was an unlearning. It was permission to feel, to do things imperfectly, to trust the process, and to let go. In this conversation, Amanda and Jill explore what it really means to listen to the body speaking, and stop listening with our heads. They talk about perfectionism, emotional stagnation, the powerful connection between physical symptoms and unprocessed feelings, and why community might be the most underrated wellness practice of all. If you've ever checked every box and still felt heavy, this one's for you. Amanda Selmser - 

People in this episode

Host: Jill Novak

Guest: Amanda Selmser

Topics covered

  • self-improvement
  • emotional health
  • physical wellness
  • perfectionism
  • community support

Keywords

  • self-care
  • negative self-talk
  • unprocessed feelings
  • wellness practices
  • physical pain

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