E236: What is Personal Agency | CPTSD and Trauma Healing Podcast
In this episode, I want to talk to you about what it means to have personal agency. One of the key attributes that I believe is a part of the healing journey is recognizing and understanding the greatest sense of truth.
See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e236-what-is-personal-agency-cptsd-and-trauma-healing-podcast/#show-notes
In this episode, I want to talk to you about what it means to have personal agency.
One of the key attributes that I believe is a part of the healing journey is recognizing and understanding the greatest sense of truth. I believe true healing that you'll ever discover is the idea that it is okay to say no; it is okay to say yes, to only the things you want to say yes and say no to.
Have you ever noticed in your life that you have an incredibly difficult time saying yes or no to the things that you want to say yes or no, too?
Listen Now as I dive into this episode!
Get a Paperback copy of Think Unbroken Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma for FREE at: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/
Learn more about Coaching Program: https://coaching.thinkunbroken.com/
Learn more about at: https://www.ThinkUnbrokenPodcast.com
Support the Podcast: Become a listed sponsor!
Follow me on Instagram @MichaelUnbroken
Learn more about coaching at https://coaching.thinkunbroken.com
Get your FREE copy of my #1 Best-Selling Book Think Unbroken: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/
Have you ever noticed in your life that you have an incredibly difficult time saying yes, or no to the things that you want to say yes or no, to?
What's up, Unbroken Nation. I hope that you're doing well, wherever you are in the world today. Very excited to be back with you with another episode. And today I want to talk to you about what it means to have personal agency.
One of the key attributes that I believe is a part of the healing journey is recognizing and understanding that the greatest sense of true, what I believe true healing that you'll ever discover is the idea that it is, okay to say no and it is okay to say yes, to only the things that you want to say yes and say, no to.
So many of us get caught up in needing to bend who we are and we've talked about this idea about agency before in this idea of how when you consider causation and correlation you go through this experience of life when which you can't show up for yourself because it's become almost autonomic to not be you as a parameter of safety. And people often ask me they go, okay, well, cool, so I understand that my past is in past impacted my present, I understand that it's difficult possibly for me to be able to live life on my terms.
So, what do I really begin?
I think one of the most important things that you need to do is get massive clarity about your values and we've talked about this on the show many, many times, so I won't get into that go look at thinkunbrokenpodcast.com search for values and go with some of the episode of out values because you're going to need that first and foremost before you head into what's next.
So once you know your values and I'll give you mine as an exercise as we go through this; is honesty, kindness, self-actualization, leadership and no excuses. So since I know my values, I know the way that I want to operate in the world, when I'm faced with certain scenarios and circumstances that come up in my life. The most important thing that you have to leverage going into this is understanding that when you filter the decisions that you make in your life, through your value system that gives you more accessibility to your authentic self, and in that accessibility you discover a personal agency. An agency is your ability to really navigate and move towards who it is that you are every single day without being so subjugated to the idea, that who you are is not okay, in the only way that you get that is you have to continually show up as who you are day in and day out. And look, especially on the difficult days, especially on the hard days, especially on the days that you don't want to because if you're not willing to, then you're not going to tap into your agency and I would call this the most interesting secret about healing trauma is that ultimately, it is agency that sets you free.
Now, there's community to be involved, there's healing, there's coaching obviously, you can read think unbroken, you listen to this podcast, but it's honestly, in the moments in which you show up for yourself as yourself, in which you are going to grow the most. And I look at my own personal life as this adventure of self-discovery and every single day being like, okay, who am I today? How do I want to show up? Who do I want to be? The another episode just last month I talked about the most important questions you need to ask yourself. So getting deeper into agency is really about this idea of, can you be who you are without fear of ramification? Because you recognize that you now live in a safe environment.
Now, if you don't, there's other things that you must first address because I will say this, I don't know how you can step into being yourself in an unsafe environment. So if you are an unsafe environment, I would say the first thing that I would do if I were you I would start getting myself out of that, by whatever means that took, whether that's going and living with friends or moving States or whatever and I know, that's a weird thing to have to think about, but like the truth is, until I left my home environment, nothing change until I left Indiana, nothing changed until I love Portland, nothing changed until I left Bali, nothing change, like the list goes on and on. You have to put yourself in a position to be successful in life.
And so in doing that and being in an environment that is safe, you're going to be better able to express who you are and discover that while simultaneously, recognizing understanding that in this discovery process there's going to be a lot of screw-ups, a lot of hiccups, a lot of fuck-ups and a lot of moments where like I cannot believe I just did that, but that is a part of this.
And so agency is can you ask yourself?
What do I need to do today to be me?
How do I need to operate?
What does it mean to say, yes?
What does it mean to say, no?
And then hold yourself to that, right?
You have to make a decision because accountability is so, incredibly important as you're going through this process because if you don't hold yourself accountable, nobody else is going to. And accountability here, also means that when you say, I am going to do something or I'm not going to do something you follow through, but it's not for any other, here's my opinion on it. I think follow-through is important and empirical in this journey for one reason, because if you cannot trust yourself, you're never going to be able to navigate the world in a way that is going to build and create your life because when it comes to the moment, in which you need to be you, we will often bend who we are because we have not yet solidified trust about who it is that we want to be and how we show up. And I will tell you this, it took me probably five or six years to be comfortable with that idea and even comfortable in what I just told you.
So, I will tell you this obviously have a tremendous amount of patience and grace for yourself, but if every day you can show up and ask yourself, what does personal agency mean to me? What does it mean for me to show up as myself? What does it mean for me to be me, then on a long enough time line, I promise you my friend, you will become you? Like there's not a joke and it's not hubris when I say that Michael right now, the person you are listening to me, like, literally I created myself and that came through making hard choices and decisions filtered through my values that move me towards my goals.
And so, if you are willing to do that, your life will be incredibly different but you have to give yourself permission to go and chase this.
Unbroken Nation, my friends.
Thank you so much for listening.
Please, like, subscribe, comment, share.
Tell a friend.
And Until Next Time.
My friends, Be Unbroken.
-I'll see you.
Michael Unbroken
Coach
Michael is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, speaker, coach, and advocate for adult survivors of childhood trauma.
Listen On
Welcome to The Think Unbroken Podcast!
Here are some of my favorite recent guests!
How to Find the Courage to Be Yourself | with Leila Hormozi
In this powerful episode, Michael Unbroken sits down with Leila Hormozi. Leila opens up about her traumatic childhood experiences of loneliness, neglect, and having an absentee mother struggling with addiction. She shares how a pivotal moment as a young girl …
Break Toxic Relationship Cycles | with Kel Cal
In this episode, special guest Kel Cal shares her personal journey of leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, overcoming childhood trauma, and reclaiming her power. Learn how... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/break-toxic-relationship-cycles-with-kel-cal/#shownotes
From Addict to Healer | with Brandon Novak
Michael Unbroken delves into addiction, redemption, and self-love with guest Brandon Novak.... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/from-addict-to-healer-with-brandon-novak/#show-notes
The Journey to Self-Love and Personal Growth | with David Shands
Welcome to the Think Unbroken Podcast, where Michael dives deep into insightful conversations with extraordinary individuals like David Shands.... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-journey-to-self-love-and-personal-growth-with-david-shands/#show-notes
How to Live with Survivors Guilt | with Cole Hatter
In this episode, I am joined by my guest Cole Hatter, a renowned thought leader and inspirational speaker... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/how-to-live-with-survivors-guilt-with-cole-hatter/#show-notes
Building Resilience and Unstoppable Confidence | with Stormy Wellingt…
In today's episode, I speak with Stormy Wellington a Spiritual Leader, Wellness Guru and Modern-Day Harriet Tubman... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/building-resilience-and-unstoppable-confidence-with-stormy-wellington/#show-notes
The Secret for Abundance Mindset | with Chance Welton
Are you ready to unlock the secret to living an abundant life?... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-secret-for-abundance-mindset-with-chance-welton/#show-notes
Transform Failure Into Success With Love with Ryan Pineda
In this episode, we have an inspiring guest speaker, Ryan Pineda, joining us to share his incredible story of turning failure into success through the power of love... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/transform-failure-into-success-with-love-with-ryan-pineda/#show-notes
How to Think Unbroken - AlignCon keynote with Michael Unbroken
Join us for an inspiring episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast featuring a keynote speech by Michael Unbroken, a remarkable individual who defied all odds to achieve success... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/how-to-think-unbroken-aligncon-keynote-with-michael-unbroken/#show-notes
Overcoming Addiction and Healing Trauma with Mike Diamond
Have you been personally impacted by addiction and trauma and are looking for actionable techniques to make a positive difference? This episode is for you!... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/overcoming-addiction-and-healing-trauma-with-mike-diamond/#show-notes
Unleashing Personal Growth and Transformation with Ryan Zofay
In this episode, I interview Ryan Zofay, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to teaching personal development strategies... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/unleashing-personal-growth-and-transformation-with-ryan-zofay/#show-notes
Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Self-Love with Andrea Ashley
In this powerful episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast, host Michael Unbroken sits down with Andrea Ashley, the host of the Adult Child Podcast, to discuss the journey of healing and self-love... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/letting-go-of-shame-and-embracing-self-love-with-andrea-ashley/#show-notes
The Wisdom of Rabbi Steven Z. Leder: Living a Meaningful Life and Fac…
Today, we sit down with Rabbi Steven Z. Leder, Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, to discuss his journey to becoming a rabbi, and expert on death... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-wisdom-of-rabbi-steven-z-leder-living-a-meaningful-life-and-facing-the-reality-of-death/#show-notes
Finding Home Within Yourself After Heartbreak with Najwa Zebian
In today's episode, I am joined by my guest – Najwa Zebian. Najwa is a bestselling author and activist who has written a powerful guide to building a home for your soul called "Welcome Home". Through their candid conversation... See …
Navigating Trauma and Mental Health with Lori Gottlieb, a Psychothera…
In this episode, I speak with Lori Gottlieb, a licensed psychotherapist, as she delves into the complexities of trauma healing and mental health... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/navigating-trauma-and-mental-health-with-lori-gottlieb-a-psychotherapists-perspective/#show-notes
Transform Your Life: 10 Innovative Ideas with Gino Wickman
Are you looking to make a change in your life but don't know where to start? Today, I am joined by my friend Gino Wickman as he shares 10 innovative ideas to help you take control and transform your life... …
Navigating The Mental Health To Be a Multi-million Dollar Entrepreneu…
Today, we sit down with Amy Porterfield, an ex-corporate girl turned online marketing expert and CEO of a multi-million dollar business... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/navigating-the-mental-health-to-be-a-multi-million-dollar-entrepreneur-with-amy-porterfield/#show-notes
Healing from Trauma with Dr. Mariel Buqué: Expert Insights and Strate…
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Mariel Buqué, a holistic psychologist & an intergenerational trauma expert. Join us as she shares her insights and strategies for healing from traumatic experiences and building resilience... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/healing-from-trauma-with-dr-mariel-buque-expert-insights-and-strategies/#show-notes
Exploring the Myth of Normal Mental Health with Dr. Gabor Maté
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in the field of addiction, stress and childhood development. Dr. Maté discusses the myth of "normal" mental health and how our society's narrow definition of what is …
Overcoming Trauma and Finding Hope: Personal Stories and Practical Ti…
Today, we delve into the journey of overcoming trauma and finding hope. I will share personal stories and offer practical tips for those who are struggling with their... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/watch-this-and-everything-will-change-trauma-healing-podcast/#show-notes
Dr. Laura Berman - Is your past standing in the way of self-love? Her…
In today's episode, I'm very excited to share with you Dr. Laura Berman, a sex and relationship expert who has helped thousands of people over the years. And thousands and thousands of people learn some of the most practical tools …
Vishen Lakhiani - Letting go of Pain and Finding Forgiveness | Mental…
In this episode, I speak with amazing guest Vishen Lakhiani. He is an entrepreneur, author, and activist on a mission to raise human... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/vishen-lakhiani-letting-go-of-pain-and-finding-forgiveness-mental-health-podcast/#show-notes
Jonas Kaplan - How Neuroscience Impacts your Beliefs, Identity, and S…
Today, you'll learn more about the foundational understanding of identity and beliefs and why we operate the way we do and look at how... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/jonas-kaplan-how-neuroscience-impacts-your-beliefs-identity-and-self-narrative-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
Erica Garza - One Woman’s Journey Through Sex and Porn Addiction | Tr…
Join us for FREE, Unbroken Conference at: Do women struggle with porn addiction? In this episode, I speak with Erica Garza the author of the memoir, Getting Off:... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/erica-garza-one-womans-journey-through-sex-and-porn-addiction-trauma-healing-coach/#show-notes
Natalie Dawson - Finding Confidence and Courage | Trauma Healing Coach
How Do You Build Confidence in Yourself? Confidence can be a tough thing to build up. But today, we will talk about how to put together some handy tips to help you and be the hero... See show notes at: …
Dr. Uma Naidoo- Harvard Psychiatrist on how to use food and diet to h…
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: How do you start healing your body with food? In this episode, I speak with amazing guest, Dr. Uma Naidoo, who is a Nutritional Psychiatrist. We talk about recognizing …
Lesley Logan - Chasing Your Purpose | Trauma Healing Podcast
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: How do you chase your purpose? We talk about how to chase your purpose. Living with purpose is about remembering why you started and living in a way that …
E379: Moran Cerf - How LUCID dreaming can IMPACT mental health and tr…
On Today's Episode: I am joined by my guest Moran Cerf s a neuroscientist and business professor at the Kellogg School of Management and the neuroscience program at Northwestern University. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e379-moran-cerf-how-lucid-dreaming-can-impact-mental-health-and-trauma/#show-notes
E369: Dr. Jud Brewer - end ANXIETY and WORRY today! | CPTSD and Traum…
What if I told you that anxiety and worry were emotional, behavioral habits that you can end through a simple three-step process. Jud Brewer. AKA Dr. Jud is a New York Times bestselling author and thought leader in the field …
E358: 10-No BS lessons to be the HERO of your life with Lisa Bilyeu |…
In this episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast, Lisa Bilyeu shares how she kickstarted herself out of the mundane to become one of the most influential voices in the personal development world-and how you too can gain the confidence to …
E346: The MINDSET of A ZEN Navy SEAL with Mark Divine | Mental Health…
About seven years ago, I listened to today's guest, Mark Divine, on Tom Bilyeu's Inside Quest. And I was immediately captivated, like I could not actually put into words the thoughts going through my head. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e346-the-mindset-of-a-zen-navy-seal-with-mark-divine-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
E344: If You Want To FIND YOUR PURPOSE In Life with Jenna Kutcher | T…
Change is inevitable; it's as imminent as the moon, the tide, and the seasonal Starbucks menu; it's a rite of passage for all of us. Transformation is power, energy, and momentum. It keeps us moving forward. See show notes at: …
E325: Cleaning your Mental Mess with Dr. Caroline Leaf | Mental Healt…
In this episode, we have an amazing guest – Doctor Caroline Leaf, who has played a massive role in my personal healing journey over the years, someone that has been a voice that has helped me get to where I …
E318: How to be happy and manifest the life you want with David Meltz…
In this episode, I speak with one of my great friends David Meltzer. David has spent the last vast majority of his life on a mission to help over one billion people be happy. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e318-how-to-be-happy-and-manifest-the-life-you-want-with-david-meltzer-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
E299: The Miracle Mindset with Tim Storey | CPTSD and Trauma Healing …
In this episode, the number one celebrity coach on planet earth is about to have a conversation with us, Unbroken Nation. I am to announce and share with you that you are about to listen to none other than the …
E242: Suicide, incest, vulnerability, and kindness with Paul Gilmarti…
In this episode, I'm very excited to be back with you with another episode, and today's guest is Paul Gilmartin, the host of Mental Illness Happy Hour. If you've ever had thoughts about suicide, this is an episode that you …
E203: How to Understand Addiction as a Trauma Survivor with Dr. Anna …
In this episode, I am excited to bring on Dr. Anna Lembke, one of the leading researchers and scientists on addiction on planet earth. She is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the …
E186: How I became Unbroken on 7 Hats | CPTSD and Trauma Healing Podc…
In this episode, I was recently on The Seven Hats Podcast, and I've never done this before, so this will be my first time on the show that I do anything like this. You're about to listen to an episode …
E157: Discovering who you are through fear with Dave Hollis | CPTSD a…
In this episode, I sit with my friend Dave Hollis and we talk about his journey to where he is today, you know, it's a really fascinating conversation and a story about not only facing your fear but what it …
E131 Overcoming Trauma and Self-Sabotage with Iris McAlpin | CPTSD an…
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Iris McAlpin. Iris McAlpin is a certified trauma coach and NARM® Practitioner specializing in self-sabotage, eating disorder recovery, and complex trauma. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e131-overcoming-trauma-and-self-sabotage-with-iris-mcalpin-cptsd-and-trauma-healing-coach/#show-notes
E130 The Theory of Impact with Tom Bilyeu | CPTSD and Trauma Healing …
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Tom Bilyeu. Tom is someone I consider to be both a peer and a mentor who tremendously helped me in my journey – singularly, I can point to him and three other …
E125 Creating Success in your Life with Damon Burton | CPTSD and Trau…
In this episode, I speak with one of my very close friends, Damon Burton. Damon is a Forbes contributor and an Amazon best-selling SEO book author that helps you show up higher on Google… without paying for ads. See show …
E113 Jordan Harbinger on ending struggle through action | CPTSD and T…
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Jordan Harbinger. Jordan is a former corporate lawyer who became a master podcaster. Jordan lays out some of the most incredible and practical tools about what it means to create a change …
E109 The Power of Quitting with John Lee Dumas | CPTSD and Trauma Hea…
In this episode, we have a guest speaker, John Lee Dumas. He is an incredible human being, a former officer in the Army, entrepreneur, and host of the number one rated business podcast that I've had the privilege of being …
E108 Who is Michael Unbroken
In this episode, I would love to share my back story with you. I'm going to include the preface to my book Think Unbroken Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma. This is a dive into my background, story, journey, and what's …
E106 Overcoming Addiction Through Yoga with Cole Chance
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Cole Chance. She is a yoga teacher, instructor, and educator who I've known for quite a long time, who actually played a pivotal role in my healing journey. We talk about her …
E50: Being a WARRIOR through childhood trauma with Anthony Trucks
In this episode, I speak with my friend, the unstoppable Anthony Trucks. Listen as we break down how to turn pain into triumph and why becoming the hero of your own story starts with making Shift Happen. Please Rate and …