This U.S. Congressman Gives His Anxiety A Job To Do with Adam Smith

This U.S. Congressman Gives His Anxiety A Job To Do with Adam Smith

June 11, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 328

About this episode

Congressman Adam Smith discusses the relationship between anxiety, achievement, and self-worth, exploring healthier paths to high achievement.

What if achievement doesn't have to come from suffering? I sit down with Congressman Adam Smith to talk about the complicated relationship between anxiety, achievement, and self-worth. Adam shares his journey through panic attacks, psychotherapy, chronic pain recovery, and the difficult work of building self-worth that isn't tied to performance. We also dive into why so many high achievers believe anxiety is the price of success, how trauma and stress shape the way we lead, and what happens when you stop using fear and self-criticism as your primary source of motivation. Get ready to discover a healthier path to high achievement. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today In this Episode…

People in this episode

Host: Morra Aarons-Mele

Guest: Adam Smith

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Sponsors

Shopify, Chime, Monarch, Physician’s Choice, Whatnot, Pebl

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