Chasing Gold Stars As An Adult | Ep317

High-achieving women don't need gold stars to keep chasing validation, we just found more sophisticated adult ways to earn it. As a licensed therapist, I see this constantly in the women I coach, and in myself. This episode is about what happens when you try wanting something with absolutely no one watching.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
 ✅ Why the validation you got from childhood gold stars never actually stopped, it just changed shape
 ✅ The difference between preparation that comes from real care and preparation that comes from needing to be noticed
 ✅ A simple way to find a want you've been quietly editing down for years
 ✅ Why reclaiming something just for yourself starts with taking the audience away

CHAPTERS 

00:00 Chasing Gold Stars
00:41 Podcast Welcome
01:14 Adult Approval Habits
02:32 Compliments As Stickers
03:15 What Do You Want
04:00 Salsa And Self Focus
05:15 Finding The Want Again
06:24 Guided Reflection
07:11 Let It Stay Full
07:31 Coaching Invitation
08:02 Final Sendoff

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ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

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Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.