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.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 Can anxiety make you a better leader?

04:30 Why ambitious people often struggle with fear and insecurity.

06:15 How can you give your anxiety a productive job to do?

08:45 What's the difference between feeling anxious and having clinical anxiety?

10:45 How Adam navigated years of panic attacks, chronic pain, and mental health challenges.

12:15 Why a lack of self-worth can fuel anxiety and achievement.

16:30 How ambition can remain strong even after anxiety is no longer the primary motivator.

28:45 Meditation techniques that help stop the cycle of chasing anxious thoughts.

31:15 What does it mean to demystify trauma?

33:30 New approaches that help people reprocess and heal from trauma.

35:30 The leadership skills that create healthier teams and workplaces.

37:15 How mental health struggles can become a source of empathy, patience, and stronger leadership.

Resources + Links

Get a copy of Adam Smith's book, Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety HERE