Passion Struck with John R. Miles – Episode 613: Joseph Nguyen on Why You Must Fight for Your Inner Peace
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 613 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles engages in a profound conversation with Joseph Nguyen, a New York Times bestselling author of Don't Believe Everything You Think. This episode delves deep into the struggles of overthinking, the quest for inner peace, and the journey toward authentic fulfillment. Both John and Joseph share their personal experiences, offering listeners invaluable insights into breaking free from societal conditioning and embracing an intentional, meaningful life.
The Impact of Parental Conditioning on Self-Worth
[00:51 – 07:39]
Joseph Nguyen opens the discussion by highlighting how parents' feelings of inadequacy can inadvertently teach their children to seek external validation. He states:
"As soon as the parents don't feel enough worth, they're going to make their kids feel like that too. To make them work for approval, for praise, for love." (00:51)
John relates this to his own experience, describing his relentless pursuit of success within a Fortune 50 company, only to feel an enduring sense of emptiness:
"I was caught in what I now call chasing the mirage." (06:11)
The Quest for Inner Peace: Overcoming Overthinking
[07:39 – 15:54]
Both hosts discuss the numerous approaches they've taken to address their inner turmoil, including therapy, breathwork, and various personal growth strategies. However, these methods provided only temporary relief. Joseph shares his pivotal realization:
"It was more so rooted in my mind than anything else." (14:05)
He emphasizes that true peace comes from changing one's relationship with their thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them entirely.
Balancing Logic and Intuition in Life Decisions
[15:54 – 32:15]
The conversation shifts to the interplay between logic and intuition. Joseph explains that intuition often guides us toward fulfilling life choices that logic alone cannot predict:
"That's where logic and intuition will look like they are opposing forces." (25:37)
He advocates for listening to the "quiet, small voice" within, which he believes leads to a more joyful and authentic life, even if it defies conventional logic.
Parenting the Next Generation: Breaking the Cycle
[32:15 – 50:44]
John and Joseph explore the profound influence parents have on their children’s perception of self-worth and success. Joseph asserts that to positively impact the next generation, parents must first transform themselves:
"The best way to help the next generation is actually to help the parents." (38:39)
They discuss creating an environment of unconditional love and allowing children the freedom to explore and express themselves without the fear of judgment or failure.
Introducing the P.A.U.S.E Framework: A Tool for Managing Overthinking
[50:43 – 57:47]
Joseph introduces the P.A.U.S.E framework—a practical tool designed to help individuals overcome overthinking and cultivate inner peace:
- P – Pause and Take Deep Breaths: Ground yourself in the present moment.
- A – Ask Yourself, "Is This Thinking Useful?": Evaluate the necessity and impact of your thoughts.
- U – Understand That You Can Let It Go: Acknowledge your ability to release unhelpful thoughts.
- S – Say and Repeat a Mantra: Use a positive affirmation to anchor your mindset.
- E – Experience Your Emotions Fully, Without Resistance: Allow yourself to feel emotions without judgment.
"The mind is like a projector and the world is the screen." (25:01)
Practical Advice for Overcoming Job Loss and Toxic Relationships
[57:47 – 60:26]
Responding to a listener's dilemma about losing a beloved job due to a toxic relationship, Joseph advises:
- Examine Predominant Thoughts: Identify the main negative thoughts affecting your perception.
- Question Their Origin: Understand where these thoughts are coming from and their validity.
- Suspend Judgment: Allow yourself to momentarily let go of these judgments to see the situation more clearly.
- Cultivate Curiosity: Approach the situation with curiosity rather than fear or resentment.
"Be curious than fearful or resentful." (59:17)
Final Thoughts: Redefining Self-Worth and Embracing Compassion
[60:26 – End]
As the conversation concludes, Joseph emphasizes the importance of recognizing that many of our self-judgments are not our own but are inherited from external influences. He encourages listeners to:
- Be Skeptical of Their Own Judgments: Understand which thoughts are truly yours.
- Let Go of Unnecessary Beliefs: Release thoughts that no longer serve your well-being.
- Cultivate Compassion: Develop kindness toward yourself to facilitate personal transformation.
"We don't have to believe everything we think anymore." (60:37)
John echoes this sentiment, highlighting the liberating power of shifting from external validation to internal fulfillment.
Key Takeaways
- Create Meaning from Within: Fulfillment and worth are self-generated, not externally validated.
- Manage Overthinking with P.A.U.S.E: Utilize the framework to navigate and reduce unproductive mental chatter.
- Parent with Compassion: Transforming oneself as a parent can break the cycle of seeking external approval in children.
- Balance Logic and Intuition: Trusting your inner voice can lead to more authentic and joyful life choices.
- Let Go of Limiting Beliefs: Recognize and release inherited judgments to achieve inner peace.
Conclusion
Episode 613 of Passion Struck offers a transformative dialogue on overcoming overthinking, redefining success, and fostering inner peace. Joseph Nguyen's insights, coupled with John R. Miles' relatable experiences, provide listeners with practical tools and profound wisdom to create a life that truly matters. By shifting the focus from proving self-worth to embodying it, this episode serves as a powerful wake-up call to stop waiting and start living intentionally.
Resources Mentioned
- Joseph Nguyen's Book: Don't Believe Everything You Think
- Workshop/Product: Healing Anxiety and Overthinking Workbook
For more resources and to join the Passion Struck community, visit theignitedlife.net.
Passion Struck with John R. Miles is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Follow now to stay inspired and empowered on your journey to intentional living.