Podcast Summary: The Ed Mylett Show Episode: Life Changing Steps To Conquer Self-Doubt & Unlock Your Confidence
Release Date: June 7, 2025
Host: Ed Mylett
Guest: Michael Chandler, Layla Hermozi, Stephen A. Smith

Introduction to Self-Doubt and Confidence

In this empowering episode of The Ed Mylett Show, host Ed Mylett delves deep into the pervasive issue of self-doubt and explores actionable strategies to build unwavering self-confidence. Drawing from personal experiences and insights shared by high-achievers like mixed martial artist Michael Chandler, entrepreneur Layla Hermozi, and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, the discussion provides listeners with a comprehensive roadmap to overcoming internal barriers and unlocking their true potential.

Understanding Self-Doubt and Its Origins

Michael Chandler opens the conversation by addressing the widespread struggle with self-doubt, emphasizing that it's a common hurdle faced across various life domains—from sports and business to personal relationships. He notes:

“[00:02:04] Michael Chandler: Am I enough? Am I good enough? Do I deserve this?”

Chandler explains that self-doubt often stems from external sources, such as childhood criticisms or societal pressures, which implant negative beliefs about oneself. These inherited doubts are not intrinsic but are learned, making it crucial to recognize their origins to effectively combat them.

Building Self-Confidence through Self-Trust

Central to the discussion is the concept that self-confidence is fundamentally about self-trust. Chandler articulates:

“[00:05:15] Michael Chandler: Self confidence is self trust. Self confidence is building a reputation with yourself that you keep your word to you, that you keep the promises you make to you.”

Ed Mylett reinforces this by highlighting that maintaining consistency in fulfilling personal commitments fosters a strong internal foundation of confidence. This self-reliance diminishes the influence of external validation and reinforces one's belief in their own abilities.

Strategies to Eliminate Negative Thoughts

A significant portion of the episode focuses on practical techniques to eradicate self-doubt:

1. Recognizing External Origins: Understanding that negative self-talk is often external helps in distancing oneself from these harmful beliefs.

2. Scratching Negative Thoughts: Chandler introduces a powerful visualization technique where he imagines "scratching" a CD or DVD every time a negative thought arises, symbolizing the rejection of these doubts.

   “[00:09:00] Michael Chandler: I scratch the negative thoughts like scratching a CD. Over time, those thoughts lose their power over me.”

3. Challenging Flawed Beliefs: Identifying and debunking four common flawed beliefs:

   • I am my possessions.
   • I am my accomplishments.
   • I am what others say I am.
   • I am what I look like.

   Both Chandler and Mylett emphasize the importance of dissociating self-worth from external factors, advocating for an internal locus of confidence.

The Role of Physicality in Confidence

The interplay between physical well-being and confidence is another key theme. Chandler discusses how maintaining physical fitness not only enhances one's appearance but also significantly boosts internal confidence levels.

“[00:16:00] Michael Chandler: Moving our body is a gateway to self confidence.”

Ed Mylett adds that physical readiness, such as proper hydration and bodywork, can preempt feelings of self-doubt by ensuring that one feels strong and capable in their body.

Overcoming Perfectionism

Both guests touch upon the detrimental effects of striving for perfection. Chandler shares his personal battle with the need to be flawless, which often led to diminished self-confidence when perfection was unattainable.

“[00:43:56] Michael Chandler: I had to be perfect, and when I’m not perfect, I wasn’t worthy of loving myself.”

The solution proposed is to shift focus from perfection to consistent excellence, allowing oneself grace to grow and learn from imperfections.

The Importance of Intention and Faith

Faith and purposeful intention emerge as foundational elements in building self-confidence. Layla Hermozi, an entrepreneur, shares how her faith anchors her confidence, providing a sense of purpose and gratitude that transcends material achievements.

“[01:00:34] Layla Hermozi: All of that ties back to my faith and my intentions.”

Ed Mylett echoes this sentiment, suggesting that aligning one’s actions with positive intentions and a higher purpose fosters deep-seated confidence.

Insights from High-Achievers

Stephen A. Smith contributes to the conversation by drawing parallels between physical resilience in sports and mental fortitude in life. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and the ability to bounce back from setbacks as critical to maintaining confidence.

“[01:73:19] Stephen A. Smith: Confidence and persistence are the cornerstones of success.”

Michael Chandler adds that overcoming failures and learning from them is essential for long-term confidence and success.

Practical Steps and Takeaways

The episode culminates with actionable steps for listeners to implement:

1. Keep Promises to Yourself: Start by making small commitments and consistently fulfilling them to build self-trust.

2. Acknowledge and Scratch Negative Thoughts: Use visualization techniques to reject and diminish the power of self-doubt.

3. Physical Well-being: Maintain a regular fitness routine and incorporate bodywork to enhance physical and mental strength.

4. Shift Focus from Perfection to Excellence: Embrace imperfections as opportunities for growth rather than as failures.

5. Align Actions with Positive Intentions and Faith: Ground confidence in a higher purpose and maintain gratitude for what you have.

6. Surround Yourself with High-Performers: Build a supportive environment that fosters growth and reinforces positive beliefs.

Conclusion

The Ed Mylett Show episode on conquering self-doubt and unlocking confidence provides a profound exploration of the internal mechanisms that govern self-belief. Through the shared experiences of Michael Chandler, Layla Hermozi, and Stephen A. Smith, listeners gain valuable insights into transforming negative self-perceptions into a robust foundation of self-confidence. The combination of self-trust, physical fitness, intentionality, and supportive surroundings emerges as a powerful strategy to overcome self-doubt and achieve personal excellence.

Notable Quotes

• Michael Chandler [00:05:15]: "Self confidence is self trust. Self confidence is building a reputation with yourself that you keep your word to you, that you keep the promises you make to you."

• Michael Chandler [00:09:00]: "I scratch the negative thoughts like scratching a CD. Over time, those thoughts lose their power over me."

• Michael Chandler [00:16:00]: "Moving our body is a gateway to self confidence."

• Michael Chandler [00:43:56]: "I had to be perfect, and when I’m not perfect, I wasn’t worthy of loving myself."

• Layla Hermozi [01:00:34]: "All of that ties back to my faith and my intentions."

• Stephen A. Smith [01:73:19]: "Confidence and persistence are the cornerstones of success."

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their self-confidence and overcome limiting beliefs. By integrating the discussed strategies into daily life, listeners can embark on a transformative journey toward realizing their fullest potential.