The Unlearning Work Podcast

  When It’s Not You: What to Do When Your Role Stops Working Most people think if they keep doing good work, things will move. But at work, effort doesn’t always convert into opportunity. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down what’s actually happening when you feel stuck in a role that used to work for you. The issue isn’t always your performance. It’s how work is set up around you. When you focus only on doing more, you can miss what actually creates movement. And that’s where frustration builds. You’ll learn: Why strong performance doesn’t always lead to opportunity How internal movement is really driven by relationships and sponsorship What it means when your work isn’t getting traction The difference between a stretch role and a misaligned setup A simple way to start creating movement without making a big change Reflection:Where am I putting in more effort… instead of looking at whether this setup can actually move my work?   📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

Why Your Team Isn’t Moving at the Same Speed (And What to Do About It) Most leaders think misalignment comes from people not trying hard enough—but what’s actually happening is much simpler. People process, decide, and act at different speeds. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down cognitive agility in real terms—why some people move too fast, others move too slow, and how both create friction. When you understand the behavioral patterns underneath it, you stop getting frustrated and start designing how work actually flows. You’ll learn: What cognitive agility is and how it shows up in your team The patterns behind fast action, hesitation, and repeated questions Why rework and delays are often created by the same problem How to adjust your leadership without lowering your standards A simple way to reduce friction and improve execution this week Reflection:Where am I expecting everyone to move at my speed—and what would change if I adjusted how I lead instead?   📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

 The Story Your Brain Is Telling You at Work A lot of the pressure people feel at work doesn’t come from the work itself. It comes from the story our brain creates about what’s happening around us. A short Slack reply, a quiet meeting moment, or a quick hallway interaction can suddenly feel loaded with meaning. But often those interpretations aren’t based on what’s happening now — they’re echoes from past experiences the brain is trying to protect us from repeating. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin explores how these mental stories shape participation at work and how learning to question them can create more clarity, confidence, and steadiness. You’ll hear: Why hesitation in meetings is often the brain managing social risk How past experiences create “meeting echoes” that influence behavior years later Examples of how we misinterpret everyday work interactions — from Slack messages to quick leadership conversations Small ways to participate more comfortably, including micro-connecting in meeting chat How AI can help you pressure-test ideas and prepare for conversations Reflection:What story might your brain be telling you about a recent interaction at work — and what other explanation could also be true? Unlearning Work is about seeing the patterns shaping your work so you can choose how you show up instead of reacting automatically.   📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

The Pause That Changes the Room Have you ever walked into a work conversation already knowing how it would go only to leave frustrated when it didn’t? In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin shares a simple pause that helps interrupt the mental shortcuts we build with familiar people at work. You’ll learn why your brain fills in the story too fast, how that creates tension, and one small exercise that helps you see more, react less, and communicate more clearly. This episode isn’t about being nicer or giving in. It’s about making work conversations feel easier. You’ll learn: Why familiarity reduces curiosity at work What’s happening in your brain during frustrating interactions A simple rating exercise that breaks automatic assumptions How a short pause can change the tone of a conversation Try this:Before your next difficult conversation, rate the other person’s effectiveness (1–10) and ask: Why isn’t this lower? Notice what changes.Try the pause once this week and notice how the conversation changes.  📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

Why does work feel exhausting even when you care and work hard? Often, it’s not burnout or lack of motivation—it’s unclear systems. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin Merideth explores how workplace systems shape behavior, stress, and self-doubt. When expectations are fuzzy, feedback is vague, and priorities keep shifting, people don’t disengage—they start guessing. This conversation helps listeners understand: Why work stress is often a system problem, not a personal failure How learned work habits form in response to unclear environments Why performance reviews create anxiety when success isn’t clearly defined How understanding organizational systems can reduce overthinking and burnout A practical mindset shift that helps work feel lighter—even if nothing changes This episode is ideal for professionals, leaders, and employees who want to reduce work stress, stop overthinking feedback, and understand how workplace systems really work. If work feels heavy, confusing, or personal—this episode will help it make sense.   📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

 Most leaders think their biggest challenge is people: motivation, attitude, or accountability. But in reality, 80% of leadership problems come down to something far simpler—clarity. When expectations are fuzzy, actions are vague, and follow-through is inconsistent, frustration builds on both sides. The good news? You can fix most of it with one formula. Clear Expectations + Actions + Accountability = Desired Results. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down the Leadership Success Formula—a simple behavioral system that helps you align, engage, and activate your team without micromanaging. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, define the three critical actions that create focus, and build a rhythm of accountability that turns effort into results. Because leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about leading with clarity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most leadership breakdowns aren’t about skill or motivation—they’re about clarity. How to set clear expectations that define what success actually looks like. The difference between an expectation and three critical actions—and how they work together. Why three actions is the behavioral “sweet spot” that creates focus without overwhelm. How accountability builds trust, not tension, when handled as partnership, not punishment. Why tracking small wins and communicating progress matters more than chasing perfection. How to make this formula your weekly leadership rhythm—not just a one-time fix. Behavioral Science Highlights: Cognitive Load Theory: Why focusing on three priorities increases execution and memory retention. Commitment & Consistency Principle: How regular accountability check-ins strengthen follow-through. Feedback Loops: The science behind how tracking progress motivates sustained effort. Social Learning Theory: How modeling accountability teaches others to take ownership. Behavioral Clarity: Why ambiguity triggers anxiety—and how clear expectations reduce cognitive friction. Real-Life Examples: A project lead who shifted from vague requests (“Stay on top of this”) to clear expectations (“Send a two-slide summary every Thursday at 3 PM”)—and watched performance skyrocket. A new manager who replaced a ten-item to-do list with three critical actions per week—and cut missed deadlines in half. A leader who used the “freebie rule” to reset expectations without blame—transforming accountability into trust. A team that rated progress weekly, measuring small gains, and boosted engagement by focusing on improvement, not perfection. Erin’s own story of learning to stop over-explaining and start defining what matters most—and how that small shift simplified everything. Try These Unlearning Moves: ✅ Clarify the expectation: What exactly needs to happen, by when, and how success will be measured? ✅ Name three critical actions: The specific, observable steps that will make success most likely. ✅ Apply the “freebie rule”: The first miss is on communication; after that, accountability shifts. ✅ Track progress weekly: Ask, “What’s one thing we improved since last week?” ✅ Use micro-check-ins: 5 minutes to close loops prevent 5 hours of rework. ✅ Model accountability: Let your team see you follow through on your own commitments. ✅ Reinforce progress publicly: Celebrate the behaviors you want repeated. Reflection Prompts: Where am I assuming clarity that might not actually exist? How often do I define success in observable terms? What are my three most critical actions this week—and do my team’s match mine? Where am I rescuing performance instead of reinforcing accountability? What small tracking habit could make progress more visible for my team? How might clarity and consistency reduce emotional tax—for both me and my team? 🎧 Bonus for Listeners Inside the Unlearning Work App, you’ll find the Leadership Success Formula Worksheet from this episode—a one-page tool to help you: ✅ Define one clear expectation and link it to business outcomes ✅ Identify your three critical actions to create focus and alignment ✅ Structure accountability conversations that build trust ✅ Track progress weekly and reinforce small wins Because when you master this formula, you don’t just get better results—you get a calmer, more consistent way to lead. You’ll also unlock the Work Style Quiz, which shows how your natural tendencies (whether you’re an Inspired Starter, System Strategist, Just-in-Time Performer, or Thoughtful Planner) influence how you handle friction—and how to tailor it to your brain. 👉 Download the Unlearning Work App today in the App Store or Google Play, grab the worksheet, and start building friction that works for you, not against you. Join the Conversation ✨ Take the free Work Style Assessment to uncover your natural work style and where your friction points should live.💬 Share your takeaways! Tag @erinmerideth and @unlearningwork and use #UnlearningWork to connect with others learning to work smarter, not faster.🔗 Download the Unlearning Work App to access quizzes, worksheets, and custom behavior tools for your work style. 📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

We’ve all been there: a colleague doesn’t reply to your email, your boss doesn’t give feedback on a presentation, or a friend doesn’t text you back. And almost immediately, the stories begin: “They must not value me. I must have failed. Something’s wrong.” But here’s the thing, those stories aren’t facts. They’re interpretations. They’re the “why” your brain creates to fill the silence. And most of the emotional turmoil we feel comes not from the situation itself, but from attaching meaning too quickly. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin introduces a practice she calls playing detective. It’s a way to separate the evidence, the who, what, when, and where from the “why” that pulls us into emotional quicksand. By pausing to gather facts before writing the story, we can lower the emotional charge, make better decisions, and notice patterns about what really matters most to us. You’ll leave with a framework you can use at work and in your personal life to reduce unnecessary stress, strengthen clarity, and choose where your emotional energy goes. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What it means to “play detective” and separate facts from meaning How work situations like silence after a presentation, conflict in meetings, or unanswered emails—trigger emotional spirals Why personal interactions—like a friend not replying or a partner’s muted reaction can feel bigger than they are How to divide all your work (and even your week) into two columns: Facts vs. Why The power of spotting patterns: noticing which types of “whys” you care most about, and which ones to let go Behavioral Science Highlights: Fundamental Attribution Error — why we assume others’ actions are about us, not their own circumstances Narrative Bias — the brain’s urge to fill uncertainty with stories, often negative ones Cognitive Reappraisal — how reframing situations by listing facts first reduces emotional intensity Negativity Bias — why silence or neutrality feels threatening Real-Life Examples: A manager assuming silence after a presentation meant failure when it was just timing A professional spiraling over email delays that were caused by budgeting season, not disinterest A friend not texting back for days, which triggered worry until the truth came out about a family emergency Social media posts with fewer likes leading to self-doubt, when the real culprit was an algorithm change Try These Unlearning Moves: Write the facts first: Who, what, when, where just the evidence. Delay the why: Give yourself time before attaching meaning. Generate alternatives: List at least three possible explanations. Audit your week: Divide major events into facts vs. why and circle the whys that matter most. Choose your energy: Decide which stories deserve attention and which ones you can let go. Reflection Prompts: Where this week did I jump to a “why” that wasn’t supported by evidence? Which situations consistently trigger me and what do those patterns say about my values? If I chose not to care about certain “whys,” how much lighter would my week feel? 🎧 Bonus for Listeners Inside the Unlearning Work app, you’ll find the Detective Worksheet from this episode a simple two-column tool to help you separate facts from whys and spot your own patterns. You’ll also unlock the Work Style Quiz, which shows you how your natural work style influences which “whys” hit hardest and how to manage them. 👉 Download the Unlearning Work app today in the App Store or Google Play, grab the worksheet, and start your detective practice.   Join the Conversation ✨ Take the free Work Style Assessment to uncover your natural style and the hidden taxes you may be paying. 💬 Share your results! Tag @erinmerideth and @unlearningwork and use #UnlearningWork to connect with others lowering their emotional tax. 🔗 Download the Unlearning Work App to access quizzes, worksheets, and custom tools for each Work Style. 📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for worksheets, behavior tools, and habit tracking 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover this work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for exclusive tools and behind-the-scenes insights 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn for weekly strategies grounded in leadership and behavioral science

 September has always carried a certain energy. Fresh notebooks. New routines. A clean slate. Even if you don’t have kids in school, this time of year feels like a natural reset. But at work, we rarely give ourselves the same permission. Instead, we drag old habits, stale meetings, and unfinished projects into a new season—and wonder why we feel stuck. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin shares how to harness the back-to-school momentum to reset your systems, rituals, and perspective at work. Drawing on personal stories—including her new season as an empty nester and the lessons learned from losing her husband—Erin explores how to use life transitions as an invitation to rethink how you spend your time. You’ll leave this episode with a four-step framework, practical examples, and a challenge to create your own “season reset” so you stop spinning in circles and start moving forward with clarity and intention. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why seasonal resets (like back-to-school) are powerful markers for change Common workplace challenges that need fresh perspective—stale routines, overloaded to-do lists, and team disengagement How personal transitions (like becoming an empty nester) mirror professional ones The four-step reset framework: Identify, Reframe, Ritualize, Anchor Practical ways to use accountability so your reset lasts Behavioral Science Highlights: Temporal Landmarks — why our brains crave “fresh starts” Novelty & Dopamine — how small rituals reignite motivation Accountability Structures — why systems stick better with external support Real-Life Examples: A manufacturing team who rebranded their huddles as “Season 2” and boosted engagement An executive who reframed weekly check-ins as “development dialogues” Erin’s personal story of reclaiming space as an empty nester and redesigning her evenings with intention Try These Unlearning Moves: Identify one heavy area — name what feels stale or draining Reframe it — ask, “If this were a new school year, how would I design it?” Create a ritual — mark the reset with a symbolic action Anchor accountability — set up the support that helps it stick Reflection Prompts: What part of your work feels like “last year’s homework” you’re still carrying? What ritual could signal a fresh start for you this season? Who or what will help keep you accountable to your reset? Join the Conversation  Take the free Work Style Assessment and discover your style today. 💬 Share your results! Tag @erinmerideth and @unlearningwork and use #UnlearningWork to connect with others building brain-friendly systems. 🔗 Download the Unlearning Work App to take the quiz, access your results, and explore custom tools designed for each Work Style. 📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for worksheets, behavior tools, and habit tracking🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated it helps others find this work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for exclusive tools and behind-the-scenes insights📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn for weekly strategies grounded in leadership and behavioral science  

You’re checking boxes, staying busy, and moving fast… but something still feels off. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin unpacks a common trap high performers fall into: doing more—but not doing what matters. We explore how productivity theater, the urgency effect, and avoidance disguised as action are keeping you stuck in motion without momentum. Erin breaks down the real reason burnout is so widespread (hint: it’s not laziness), the neuroscience behind why we chase small wins over deep work, and how hustle culture trains us to value busyness over purpose. If you’ve ever ended a week feeling exhausted but strangely unfulfilled—this episode is for you.  In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why our brains chase shallow tasks for quick dopamine hits How hustle culture rewires your sense of worth and productivity The four major costs of confusing motion with momentum A client case study that shows how “working smarter” actually works Four science-backed unlearning moves to help you shift from busy to purposeful How to recognize and break the false progress loop  Behavioral Science Highlights: Zeigarnik Effect – why unfinished tasks cause tension and small wins feel satisfying Urgency Effect – how time sensitivity hijacks our attention away from what matters Behavioral Activation – why small steps can kickstart motivation more effectively than “thinking about it”  Real-Life Examples: A course creator “working” for weeks without launching A corporate professional avoiding high-impact visibility work Michelle, a nonprofit leader, who transformed her calendar, her confidence, and her outcomes with one simple question: “What moves the mission?” Try These Unlearning Moves: Three Moves That Matter – Prioritize for impact, not output Shrink the First Step – Make big tasks feel small enough to begin Time-Box for Depth – Protect blocks of uninterrupted focus Schedule a “Do Not Work” Hour – Build white space for clarity and recharge Reflection Prompts: What task are you doing just to feel accomplished—but isn’t actually moving you forward? What are you avoiding that feels meaningful but emotionally risky? What would change if you chose depth over volume this week? 🚀 Join the Conversation! 🎯 Ready to ditch the shame and build a system that fits your brain? Take the free Work Style Quiz at Work Style Quiz and discover your style today. 💬 Share your results! Tag @erinmerideth @unlearningwork and use #UnlearningWork to connect with others building systems that support how they actually work. 🔗 Download the Unlearning Work App to take the quiz, access your results, and explore custom tools designed for each Work Style. 📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for worksheets, behavior tools, and habit tracking🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others find this work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for exclusive tools and behind-the-scenes insights📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn for weekly strategies grounded in leadership and behavioral science

    If motivation were enough, you'd already be doing it. Episode Number: 13Host: Erin MeridethWebsite: unlearningwork.com   🔍 What this episode is about: In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin exposes the myth of motivation and unpacks what actually drives behavior change—simple, repeatable systems. Backed by insights from BJ Fogg (Tiny Habits) and James Clear (Atomic Habits), this episode reveals how to stop waiting for motivation to strike and instead design systems that support consistency, clarity, and progress—especially on the days when you’re tired, busy, or overwhelmed. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why motivation is a mood—not a method✅ The behavior formula from BJ Fogg (B = MAP) and how to apply it✅ How your environment and system design beat willpower every time✅ 3 science-backed ways to build systems that stick✅ How a site leader redesigned his overwhelmed Mondays into a repeatable routine 🧠 Key Insights: You don’t have to feel motivated—you need a system Small wins build momentum more than big goals Shrinking the task and tying it to a trigger boosts follow-through Systems protect your progress when energy runs low 🛠️ Featured Tools + Tactics: Shrink the behavior to reduce friction Attach it to a trigger (habit stacking) Design for your environment—not your ideal self Use “If-Then Planning” to prevent failure spirals Real-life system design examples (calendar blocking, Slack habits, dashboards) 🧰 Real-life examples covered: How “Alex,” a site leader, shifted from overwhelmed Mondays to proactive leadership using a 15-minute checklist, pre-set dashboards, and a Friday prep ritual. 🔄 Take Action: 📥 Download the fillable worksheet that pairs with this episode🧩 Walks you through shrinking the task, building a habit trigger, and designing for success📲 Available now in the Unlearning Work App ✨ Final Thought: “You don’t need more motivation. You need a system that still works when you don’t feel like it.” 💬 Join the Conversation: 🎯 This month inside the Unlearning Work Community: Design Smarter, Not Harder📸 Show us your system in action—whether it’s a post-it, dashboard, or habit tracker🪪 Tag @erinmeridethcoaching and use #UnlearningWork 📲 Subscribe + Stay Connected: ✅ Download the Unlearning Work App for worksheets, habit tools & coaching prompts🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app⭐ Leave a review if this episode helped you shift your mindset📬 Sign up for the Work Reimagined newsletter for tools you can use immediately📱 Follow Erin on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook  

From Reality TV to Real-World Leadership: Lessons in Drama, Conflict, and Performance 🎙 Episode Title: From Reality TV to Real-World Leadership: Lessons in Drama, Conflict, and Performance 📅 Episode Number: 11 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com Episode Summary In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth takes a surprising look at how the world of reality TV can teach us to rethink leadership, teamwork, and performance. By unpacking what drama and conflict really do in a high-stakes environment, Erin shows how leaders—and anyone at work—can use healthy tension and narrative to fuel engagement and innovation. Explore the science of why drama hooks us in, why healthy conflict is essential for creativity, and how you can invite these insights into your work—no matter your title. Key Topics Covered ✅ Drama as Fuel, Not Distraction How reality TV uses conflict to engage and energize audiences The Arousal Theory of Motivation—why heightened emotion grabs attention and drives focus ✅ Conflict as a Catalyst for Innovation The difference between affective conflict (personal drama) and cognitive conflict (idea-based tension) Behavioral research by Charlan Nemeth and Kathleen Eisenhardt on why healthy dissent leads to better outcomes ✅ Performance Beyond the Numbers The power of narrative framing—how sharing the real story builds trust and meaning Tapping into self-determination theory to make work feel personal and purposeful ✅ Bringing It to Your Role—No Leadership Title Required Why informal influence matters: how anyone can use curiosity and openness to invite healthy conflict Action steps for creating safety and energy around new ideas, even if you’re not “the boss” ✅ Balancing Drama and Psychological Safety How to create a space where people feel safe to speak up and challenge ideas The role of psychological safety in turning drama into innovation Episode Takeaways 🔹 Conflict isn’t something to fear—it’s often a sign of real engagement and creativity. 🔹 Sharing the true story of the work—tension, emotion, and all—creates belonging and motivation. 🔹 Whether you’re in charge or not, you can spark curiosity and deeper conversations. Join the Conversation! 🎯 Ready to let bring the drama”? Join the Unlearning Work Community for our June Challenge: Drama as Fuel – Turning Tension into Creativity 💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.   Subscribe & Stay Connected 📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.  

Should Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-Sabotage Episode Title: Should Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-SabotageEpisode Number: 9Host: Erin MeridethWebsite: unlearningwork.com Episode Summary In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth breaks down how one simple word—“should”—shapes our work, limits our leadership, and sabotages our side hustles. Drawing on behavioral science and client stories, Erin explores how “should” statements often mask fear, judgment, or unmet needs. Whether you're saying “They should know better” at work or “I should be further along” in your business, the language we use creates the pressure we feel—and the patterns we repeat. This episode is your guide to spotting those “should” traps and replacing them with clarity, compassion, and aligned action. Key Topics Covered ✅ What “Should” Really MeansThe psychology behind the word and how it reflects hidden beliefs, expectations, and unspoken rulebooks ✅ The Four Types of “Shoulds” Moral & Ethical Judgment Cultural or Generational Norms Emotional Needs in Disguise Personal Thinking & Projection ✅ Why “Should” Shows Up Differently at Work vs. In Your Side HustleHow workplace structure and team dynamics shape “should” languageWhy entrepreneurial spaces trigger different forms of self-pressure ✅ Behavioral Science InsightsHow “should” activates the brain’s threat responseWhy vague, internalized expectations lead to avoidance, burnout, or overwork ✅ Real Client ExamplesFrom “I should be charging more” to “They should just figure it out”—what’s really going on beneath the surface ✅ Reframes that WorkPractical shifts to turn judgment into clarity, and shame into strategic action ✅ Leadership Self-Check FrameworkHow to spot hidden “shoulds” in your team culture and communication—and what to say instead Episode Takeaways 🔹 “Should” language creates invisible pressure—and often unrealistic expectations🔹 Self-awareness is the first step to shifting your inner dialogue🔹 Clear, values-aligned language fuels better leadership and less self-sabotage🔹 You don’t have to drop all your “shoulds”—just start noticing and reframing them Final Thought Most of the time, no one agreed to the rulebook you’re following.Pause. Ask. Reframe. You get to choose what story shapes your next step.   Join the Conversation! 🎯 Ready to let go of your “shoulds”? Join the Unlearning Work Community for our May Challenge: Stop ‘Shoulding’ and Start Leading Clearly. 💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.   Subscribe & Stay Connected 📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.

 The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business Episode Title: The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business 📅 Episode Number: 7 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com   Episode Summary In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores a surprising paradox: why are so many professionals reliable and consistent at their 9-to-5 jobs—but struggle with accountability when it comes to their own projects, businesses, or creative goals? Through the lens of behavioral science, Erin uncovers the hidden psychological barriers that stall momentum outside of structured work environments. From emotional risk to decision overload, you’ll learn why unlearning old patterns is essential—and how to build new systems that set you up for sustainable success. We’ll walk through actionable strategies, favorite tools, and real-world tips to help you stay consistent, motivated, and resilient as you pursue your personal goals.   Key Topics Covered ✅ The Psychology Behind the Accountability Gap Why external structure at work keeps you on track—and how to recreate it for personal projects How unclear identity ("Am I a real business owner yet?") can sap your energy and focus The emotional risk of showing up authentically—and why perfectionism leads to procrastination ✅ Common Challenges When Working for Yourself Decision overload and cognitive fatigue Delayed rewards and dips in motivation Lack of feedback loops that fuel progress ✅ 5 Practical Strategies to Build Real Accountability Create Systems and Rituals → Build external structure even when no one is "watching" Anchor Yourself in Your Identity → Step fully into the role of creator, entrepreneur, or innovator Simplify Your Decision-Making → Use templates, checklists, and routines to protect your mental energy Design Emotional Safety Into Your Workflow → Reduce the fear of judgment and failure with small, low-risk actions Build Fast Feedback Loops and Micro-Rewards → Celebrate small wins regularly to maintain momentum ✅ Tools & Resources Recommended Favorite productivity tools: ClickUp, Notion, Focusmate Custom worksheets and mini-courses inside the Unlearning Work App   Episode Takeaways 🔹 Accountability gaps aren't about discipline—they’re about environment, identity, and emotional design. 🔹 Building simple structures, emotional safety, and micro-rewards helps bridge the gap between goals and action. 🔹 You don't have to wait for motivation—small, consistent systems create it.   Featured Resource: The Unlearning Work App If you’re ready to actually apply what you’ve learned today…Download the Unlearning Work App—your personal accountability system designed to help you make progress every week. Inside the app: 📄 Downloadable worksheets for every podcast episode 🎯 A mini course to master habits, self-awareness, and feedback 🔄 Weekly nudges and updates to keep you in momentum 👉 Search “Unlearning Work” in the App Store or click here to get started.   Join the Conversation! 🎯 What work habit are you ready to unlearn? Let us know and join the discussion in the Unlearning Work Community!💬 Share your reflections with us on social media or in the Unlearning Work Community.🔗 Visit unlearningwork.com to dive deeper into tools and resources that support effective feedback.   Subscribe & Stay Connected 📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for easy access to leadership tools, habit trackers, and new episodes.📥 Get Exclusive Insights via the Work Reimagined Newsletter.🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app.⭐ Leave a Review if you found this episode valuable—it helps others find the show!📲 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIN for more practical tips on leadership and behavioral change.