Podcast
The Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
Hosted by Heather Hansen · EN
This is the Elegant Warrior Podcast. It's a podcast about elegance and all of its forms. We're talking about our definitions of elegance and how we maintain it in times of trial. We're also talking about how we can advocate for ourselves with elegance and in a way that makes us most likely to win.
I'm your host, Heather Hansen, author, speaker, consultant, trainer, and self-advocacy expert.
Let's talk Elegance!
15episodes
Episodes
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356: The Real Secret to Ultimate Charisma
Mar 900:13:12Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather shares a powerful and counterintuitive truth about charisma. It is not rooted in self confidence, body language, or perfect delivery. It begins with your belief in the people in front of you. Whether you are leading a team, persuading a jury, navigating a difficult conversation, or presenting on stage, your energy communicates what you truly believe. And people feel it. Drawing on her experience as a trial attorney and leadership coach, Heather explains why setting a high goal and expressing authentic confidence that others can achieve it is one of the most transformational communication shifts you can make. If you want to be more influential, more persuasive, and more magnetic in your leadership, this episode gives you a practical tool you can use immediately. In this episode, you will learn: Why Confidence in Others Creates Charisma How belief in your audience, jury, or team shapes your tone, energy, and results. Two Charismatic Leadership Tactics That Change Everything Why setting a high goal and communicating confidence in others builds influence. Lessons from the Courtroom How believing a jury could understand complex medical evidence transformed both delivery and outcomes. Why Doubt Is Detectable How hesitation and skepticism leak into your communication and undermine trust. The Tool of Playing with Evidence How to intentionally build belief by collecting and creating evidence. Collecting Evidence Why looking at past successes, mentors, and historical examples strengthens conviction. Creating Evidence How breaking big goals into smaller milestones builds momentum and proof. The Reciprocity Principle Why liking, trusting, and believing in people often leads them to respond in kind. Why Charisma Is Not Performance How shifting focus from yourself to others elevates your presence naturally. In this episode: Resources and Links: 📚Learn more about Charismatic Leadership Tactics from Dr. John Antonakis 🎙️Listen to Heather's previous episode featuring Dr. Antonakis Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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355: These 2 Words Help You To Be Understood
Mar 200:16:08Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather shares one of the 12 proven tools for increasing charisma and mastering difficult conversations and it comes down to just two words: it's like. While storytelling has dominated the communication world for years, Heather explains why metaphor can be even more powerful. Stories take time. Metaphors create instant clarity. By comparing something unfamiliar to something your audience already understands, you not only become more charismatic, you become unforgettable. Through courtroom examples, coaching breakthroughs, and practical exercises, Heather shows how metaphor builds connection, increases inspiration, and helps you avoid the number one fear in communication: being misunderstood. If you want to feel more confident, persuasive, and impactful in negotiations, feedback conversations, presentations, or high-stakes moments, this episode gives you a tool you can use immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Metaphor Beats Storytelling in Many Situations How stories require time and structure, but metaphors create immediate understanding. The Two Words That Increase Charisma Why saying "it's like" instantly makes your message clearer and more compelling. How Metaphor Prevents Misunderstanding Why comparing the unknown to the known helps your audience grasp complex ideas quickly. A Courtroom Example That Changed Everything How a surgeon compared knee cartilage to tire tread and helped a jury truly understand. The Coaching Breakthrough Why cleaning cabinets instead of floors perfectly illustrated client expectations and created an aha moment. Two Simple Questions to Generate Metaphors How asking "What's it like?" or "How is it like something my audience understands?" unlocks powerful comparisons. Cultural Awareness in Communication Why metaphors only work when your audience shares the reference point. Why Metaphors Make You Memorable How concise comparisons stick longer than long stories. In this episode: [00:00] Why communication tools create real excitement [01:24] The 12 proven charisma tools and where metaphor fits [03:00] The power of "it's like" [04:00] Simple examples of everyday metaphors [06:07] The surgeon who explained knees like tire tread [08:32] The cleaning floors versus cabinets breakthrough [10:50] Two practical ways to create metaphors [12:00] Cultural awareness and testing your comparisons [13:30] Why metaphor is more memorable than story [15:17] Preview of next week's charisma tool Resources and Links: 📘 Book: I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like A playful collection of metaphors to help you see comparisons everywhere and strengthen your communication. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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354: One Sentence to Help You Face Difficult Conversations
Feb 1600:13:19Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather shares the one sentence that will get you to show up for high-stake conversations, even when you absolutely don't want to. While mindset and emotional management are powerful, some conversations - like receiving tough feedback or facing a dreaded interview - can't be thought or felt out of. Sometimes, the only answer is a simple mantra: Do it anyway. Drawing from her diverse background as a trial attorney, psychology major, and certified hypnotist, Heather explains why acting in spite of dread is the ultimate secret sauce to communication. This episode is a deep dive into the power of evidence and why "doing it anyway" is a win for your personal growth, regardless of the conversation's outcome. Together, we explore how to collect and create evidence that supports your dreams and how to prove to yourself that you are capable of far more than your feelings suggest. In this episode, you'll learn: The Power of "Do It Anyway": Why this simple sentence is the key to breaking through the avoidance of difficult conversations. The Evidence Secret Sauce: How collecting and creating evidence makes you more persuasive, influential, and charismatic. Evidence You Can Do Hard Things: How pushing through a dreaded talk provides lasting proof of your own resilience. Why Feelings Aren't Fatal: A reminder that emotions like embarrassment, fear, or boredom are survivable and don't have to dictate your actions. The Trap of the "Soft Life": Why letting your feelings hold you back can prevent you from achieving your goals in 2026. Dismantling the "Difficult" Myth: How doing the hard thing often reveals that the conversation wasn't as difficult as you imagined. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to High-Stakes Conversations 02:10 Episode Theme: The Mantra "Do It Anyway" 03:55 The Role of Evidence in Personal Growth 05:00 Evidence #1: You Can Do Hard Things 03:26 Evidence #2: Feelings Aren't Fatal 10:01 Evidence #3: It Might Not Be That Hard 11:33 Tool for Today: Use Evidence to Support Your Dreams 12:24 Preview of next week's episode Resources and Links: 📘 Book: Advocate to Win by Heather Hansen – Master the tools of a trial lawyer to advocate for your own goals and dreams. 🎧Podcast Interview: How Heather uses the Evidence Journal to build self-belief 🎥Cindy Brady Freezes on Live Television Heather uses this as an example of how "feelings aren't fatal"-even intense embarrassment like Cindy's can be survived. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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353: 3 Ways to Manage Your Emotions for High-Stakes Conversations
Feb 900:15:50Tap to summarizeEver feel your heart race or your voice shake the moment you need to ask for a raise, set a boundary, or give tough feedback? High-stakes conversations don't have to be high-stress battles. In this episode, communication expert Heather shares three powerful tools to help you master your emotions and handle "difficult" conversations with clarity and calm. You'll learn how to shift your mindset from "combat" to "collaboration" using the BEAR technique - understanding how your beliefs lead to your energy, actions, and results. Heather breaks down how to stop viewing others as enemies and how to use a simple linguistic trick used by top athletes to stay objective under pressure. Whether you are navigating workplace confidence or strengthening personal relationships, these tools will help you advocate for yourself with charisma and ease. ✨ In this video, you'll learn how to: Define what advocating really means. Break down your goals into actionable, strategic steps. Overcome fear and guilt about wanting more at work. Identify the right people to ask for opportunities or resources. Strengthen your confidence by following through on your commitments. 💡 Heather introduces three core tools you can use immediately: Persuade yourself to believe something different: Use the "ladder of beliefs" to shift from fear to opportunity without gaslighting yourself. Be A.G.I.L.E.: Learn to "Assume Good Intentions, Love Everyone" to change your energy and get better results. Practice Illeism: Use the psychological power of speaking about yourself in the third person to remove emotional triggers. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Handling emotions in high-stakes conversations 01:23 The BEAR framework: beliefs, energy, actions, results 02:00 Tool #1: Persuade yourself to believe something different 03:05 Using a ladder of beliefs (without gaslighting yourself) 04:18 Collecting vs. creating evidence for new beliefs 05:31 Tool #2: Be agile - assume good intentions, love everyone 06:28 Seeing others as teammates, not enemies 09:39 Tool #3: Illeism - speaking about yourself in the third person 12:08 Recap: the three tools for emotional control 13:08 What's coming next + listener invitation 📝Related Resources: 📘 Book: Advocate to Win by Heather Hansen https://www.amazon.com/Advocate-Win-Tools-What-Want/dp/1642936634 🧠 Book: Chatter by Ethan Kross https://www.amazon.com/Chatter-Voice-Head-Matters-Harness/dp/0525575235 📗Book: Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross https://www.amazon.com/Shift-Managing-Your-Emotions-So-Manage/dp/B0D5YZ42FL/ 💬 Join the Conversation: Which of these three tools do you need most for your next big meeting? Let us know in the comments! 👍 If this video helped you: Like it to support the channel Subscribe for more communication tips and high-stakes conversation strategies Share it with a friend who is preparing for a difficult talk SEO Keywords: self advocacy at work, communication skills, workplace confidence, how to speak up at work, career growth, advocate for yourself, difficult conversations, negotiation skills, personal development, Heather Hansen, Elegant Warrior Podcast. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather https://www.beliefbuilders.com/contact Follow Heather on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anelegantwarrior/ Website https://www.beliefbuilders.com/ Watch Episodes on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Beliefbuildersacademy Heather's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theelegantwarrior?_t=8oq50EMkKPG&_r=1 heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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352: Three Tools for Mastering "Difficult" Conversations
Feb 200:20:55Tap to summarizeIn today's episode of The Elegant Warrior, Heather breaks down why "difficult conversations" are only difficult if you believe they are. Whether you're giving or receiving feedback, negotiating a raise, setting a boundary, or asking for help, Heather shares three practical tools to help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and strategically. Drawing from her experience as a trial attorney, communication expert, and advocate, Heather explains how your beliefs shape your energy, your actions, and ultimately your results. You'll learn how to reframe the story you're telling yourself, calm your nervous system when fight, flight, freeze, or fawn shows up, and recognize when argument helps and when it hurts. This episode is a grounded, actionable guide to approaching high-stakes conversations with more confidence, calm, and clarity. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "difficult" is just a story How your belief about a conversation determines your energy, behavior, and outcome. The BEAR framework How belief leads to energy, energy leads to action, and action leads to results. How to test your story Why changing the narrative in your head can immediately change how your body responds. Mothering the animal of your body How to work with your nervous system instead of fighting it when stress shows up. The three Bs for calming your nervous system Breathing, binding, and bending to signal safety and control. Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn How these instinctive responses show up in conversations like negotiations and feedback. When argument is the wrong tool Why arguing rarely works when the other person is the decision maker. A grounding mantra for high-stakes moments A simple phrase to calm your subconscious and help you choose presence over fear. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction & Evolution of the Podcast 04:00 – Preparing for High-Stakes Conversations 04:30 – Tool 1: Test Your Story 08:24 – Tool 2: Mothering the Animal 09:47 – The Three B's: Breathe, Bind, and Extend 14:28 – Tool 3: Know When to Argue 17:15 – Summary of the Three Tools 18:21 – Tool For Today (TT): Affirmation Mantra 20:12 – Conclusion & Closing Remarks Resources and Links: 📘 Book: Advocate to Win by Heather HansenLearn how to persuade, influence, and communicate effectively in high-stakes situations. 🎧 Grace Smith, Clinical Hypnotherapist Learn more about hypnosis, subconscious calming techniques, and the mantra shared in these videos. Learn more about Grace Smith at her official website: gracesmith.com Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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351: Your Playlist, Your Enneagram, and Your Wisdom with Susan Drumm
Jan 1900:31:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Elegant Warrior, Heather welcomes leadership expert Susan Drumm to explore how music, neuroscience, and the Enneagram can transform your leadership and your life. Susan shares her fascinating journey from Harvard Law School to consulting, television, acting, and ultimately leadership development, showing how following intuition and curiosity can lead to extraordinary growth. Together, Heather and Susan dive into practical tools for recognizing patterns, disrupting limiting behaviors, and building new mental "playlists" that support empowerment, confidence, and personal growth. Whether you're a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to level up your self-awareness, this episode provides actionable strategies grounded in research, neuroscience, and Susan's decades of experience. In this episode, you'll learn: How Susan's background in law, consulting, and acting shaped her approach to leadership development The concept of "old playlists" vs. "new playlists" and how music rewires your brain for growth How to identify your belief statements and practice being in an empowered state What the Enneagram reveals about your blind spots, superpowers, and path to growth Tools to apply both music and the Enneagram for leadership, personal development, and team success In this episode: 00:00 Welcome and Susan's journey from Harvard Law to consulting 02:08 Why the "sweatshop" law firm model didn't fit Susan's personality 06:41 Experiences at NBC: Learning the importance of organizational culture 08:42 Pivoting to acting: Developing empathy and mastering the inner critic 11:41 Pattern recognition and the concept behind The Leader's Playlist 13:46 Neuroscience: How music rewires neural pathways and shifts mental states 17:20 Practical steps: Creating your empowered "I am" playlist 21:19 Introduction to the Enneagram: Nine leadership styles and blind spots 24:45 Why accurate assessments matter and the "Enneagram Applied" program 26:21 Breaking down Enneagram Type 3 (The Achiever) and Type 7 (The Visionary) 30:11 Free quiz: Your Leadership, Superpower, and Roadblocks Resources and Links: 📘 The Leaders Playlist by Susan Drumm – Explore music, neuroscience, and leadership. 🎯 Free Quiz: Leadership Superpower & Roadblock Assessment🌐 Susan Drumm - Website Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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350: What is Motivational Interviewing and Why Should I Care? With Kim Bisset
Jan 1200:33:50Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather sits down with Kim Bisset to explore Motivational Interviewing and why it is such a powerful tool for communication, leadership, coaching, and advocacy. Rather than relying on pressure, persuasion, or fixing, Motivational Interviewing focuses on curiosity, collaboration, and helping people uncover their own reasons for change. Drawing from Kim's expertise and Heather's background in law, coaching, and healthcare communication, this conversation breaks down what Motivational Interviewing really is, what it is not, and why it works so well in high stakes conversations. Whether you are leading a team, working with clients, parenting, coaching, or advocating for yourself, this episode shows how changing the way you ask questions can change outcomes. Together, Heather and Kim unpack how Motivational Interviewing builds trust, reduces resistance, and helps people move forward without feeling pushed or judged. In this episode, you'll learn: What Motivational Interviewing Actually Is A clear explanation of the principles behind Motivational Interviewing and why it is more effective than telling people what to do. Why People Resist Change How resistance is often a signal of miscommunication, not stubbornness. The Power of Autonomy Why people are more likely to change when they feel heard, respected, and in control of their choices. Asking Better Questions How open ended questions invite insight, reflection, and ownership. Listening for Change Talk How to recognize the language that signals readiness for growth and how to respond to it. Motivational Interviewing in Real Life How these tools apply in leadership, healthcare, law, coaching, parenting, and everyday conversations. Why This Skill Matters More Than Ever How compassion based communication creates better outcomes in a world full of pressure and noise. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Motivational Interviewing and inner wisdom 02:25 What Motivational Interviewing is and how Kim discovered it 04:15 How MI is used in real-world work with youth and communities 06:05 Why telling people what to do often shuts them down 08:20 When Motivational Interviewing works best and why it's effective 09:55 Understanding ambivalence and mixed motivations 12:10 Finding the reasons behind behavior and change 14:20 Change language, sustain language, and emotional motivation 15:55 The spirit of Motivational Interviewing: belief, compassion, and autonomy 18:20 OARS explained: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries 21:10 Why specificity and affirmations build trust and confidence 24:10 Helping people feel seen, heard, and understood 27:45 Reflections and summaries as powerful communication tools 29:40 Is Motivational Interviewing manipulative? Addressing misconceptions 31:05 Where to find trained Motivational Interviewing practitioners 33:10 Final thoughts on conversations that empower change Resources and Links: 📘 Motivational Interviewing Book: Helping People Change by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick Learn the foundational framework behind Motivational Interviewing and why it works. 🧠 Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Explore training resources, research, and best practices for Motivational Interviewing. 🌐 Connect with Kim Bisset - Website Learn more about Kim's work, training, and approach to compassionate communication. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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349: Does Thought Beat Action? Manifesting, Preparing and Acting for 2026
Jan 500:27:34Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather challenges one of the most popular beliefs in personal development: that mindset alone creates change. While visualization, manifestation, and positive thinking all have value, Heather explains why none of them work without action. Joined by frequent guest Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Heather explores how thinking, dreaming, preparing, and acting each play a role in real transformation and why action is ultimately what creates momentum. Together, they unpack the limits of visualization and manifestation when they are not paired with effort, practice, and follow through. Drawing from personal stories of writing books, building careers, preparing for court, and navigating big life transitions, Heather and Judge Aquilina show how confidence, clarity, and growth are built through doing, not just thinking. This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone entering 2026 feeling stuck in their head, overwhelmed by goals, or unsure which next step to take. Whether you are a planner, a dreamer, or someone who thrives on action, this conversation will help you understand yourself better and move forward with intention. In this episode, you'll learn: Why action creates the evidence that builds confidence and belief How overthinking can quietly block progress even when intentions are good The difference between dreaming as motivation and dreaming as avoidance Why preparation is an action, not just a mental exercise How the WOOP framework helps turn intention into execution Why small actions matter more than perfect plans How creativity and thinking outside the box support meaningful action What it really takes to prepare for high stakes conversations and decisions How patience, consistency, and effort compound over time In this episode: [00:00] Why this conversation matters heading into 2026 [01:16] Action versus thinking and why it is not an either or debate [03:41] The real obstacle most people face when taking action [06:00] Visualizing outcomes versus feeling pride and confidence [07:30] Effort, talent, and the role of grit in achievement [10:42] Manifestation, karma, and why action creates results [13:09] Different paths to success and knowing what works for you [15:34] Impatience, shiny distractions, and staying committed [17:53] Why preparation builds confidence in high pressure situations [20:14] Thinking, planning, and practicing as forms of action [22:34] Using if then planning to stay grounded and consistent [24:49] Creativity in action, leadership, and problem solving [26:40] Final advice for setting goals and moving forward in 2026 Resources and Links: 📖 Book: Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen 📖 Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth 📖 Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield 🧠 WOOP Method 🌐 Follow Judge Rosemarie Aquilina – Website Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com
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348: THIS is Way More Important Than Mindset! Why Action Matters More Than Intention
Dec 2900:19:42Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather challenges one of the most popular ideas in personal development: that mindset alone creates change. While visualization, manifestation, and positive thinking all have value, she explains why none of them work without action. Drawing from her own journey with weight loss, running marathons, writing books, and building a career in advocacy and communication, Heather shows how real transformation only happens when thinking turns into doing. Backed by research, neuroscience, and practical tools, this episode is a powerful reminder that intention without action keeps you stuck, while action creates momentum. Together, we explore why your subconscious rewards necessity, how overthinking can sabotage progress, and how a simple framework can help you turn goals into results. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Action Beats Mindset Alone How visualizing success without acting can actually reduce motivation and delay progress. The Hidden Trap of Positive Thinking What research reveals about why imagining success can trick your brain into believing the work is already done. Action Creates Necessity Why the subconscious mind responds to what feels necessary, not what feels optional. The WOOP Framework How Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan help bridge the gap between intention and execution. Why Inner Obstacles Matter More Than Outer Ones How identifying your own habits and distractions gives you back control. From Thinking to Doing Why preparation, practice, and repetition are the real keys to confidence and performance. Choosing Action as a Way of Life How adopting action as a guiding principle can change the way you approach goals, work, and growth. In this episode: [00:00] Why this is not a rerun and why action matters right now [01:12] Heather's weight loss story and why visualization alone did nothing [03:32] The danger of thinking too much and acting too little [05:57] Research on positive thinking and why it can backfire [07:30] How the subconscious rewards necessity [08:19] Introducing the WOOP method [10:36] Turning obstacles into action plans [12:48] Why communication and confidence require practice, not thought [15:16] Choosing act as a word for the year [17:33] Why 2026 is about momentum and movement [19:40] Action as the foundation of advocacy, growth, and change Resources and Links: 📘 Book: Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele OettingenExplore the research behind why positive thinking alone can hinder success and how to use mental contrasting effectively. 🧠 WOOP Method Learn more about the Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan framework and how to apply it to your goals. 🎥 Heather Hansen TEDx Talk on empathy and perspectiveWatch Heather's TEDx talk on seeing situations differently and why perspective shapes action. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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347: Unfolded - How to Believe in Yourself and Your Ability to Fly
Dec 2200:34:21Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Heather welcomes authors, leadership consultants, and husband and wife team Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring to explore the deeper meaning of identity, transformation, and trusting your inner map. Together, they discuss their bestselling book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, a powerful allegory that invites readers to rediscover their inner wisdom and reshape how they show up in the world. Through stories of leadership coaching, personal reflection, and creative collaboration, Heather, Linda, and Brian unpack how uncertainty, change, and self doubt can become catalysts for growth. This conversation is a reminder that your experiences have already shaped the map you need, and that unfolding your potential is both an internal journey and a shared one. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the Map Is Already Inside You How your past experiences hold the answers for where you are meant to go next. Transformation Is a Choice Why the shape you are in today does not have to be the shape you stay in. The Power of Community in Growth How different voices, including critical ones, help shape who we become. Reflection and Action Must Coexist Why introspection without action leads to paralysis and action without reflection leads to burnout. Creating a Practice That Is Truly Yours How journaling, meditation, and reflection work best when tailored to your own needs. Navigating Noise and Distraction Why stepping away from constant external input helps you reconnect with your inner voice. Wisdom Across Generations How mentors, inner dialogue, and lived experience guide transformation at every stage of life. In this episode: [00:00] Introducing Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring and their book Unfolded [02:00] The origin story behind the origami crane allegory [04:18] Anchoring certainty within during times of uncertainty [06:37] Agency, reshaping identity, and choosing how you show up [08:57] The role of community, inner voices, and leadership teams [11:19] Reflection versus action and why both matter [13:40] Meditation, journaling, and intentional pauses [18:14] Listening to your inner voice amid constant noise [22:55] Wisdom, mentors, and being the owl for others [27:36] Writing together, creative process, and collaboration [33:31] A closing meditation on trust, courage, and taking flight Resources and Links: 📘 Book: Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami CraneDiscover a powerful allegory about identity, growth, and transformation. 🌐 Website: Leadership Vision ConsultingLearn more about Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring's leadership and organizational work. Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Follow Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather's TikTok heather@elegantwarrior.com The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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