E398 | Holding Yourself Accountable & Auditing Your Comfort Zone

Everyone talks about “stepping out of your comfort zone,” but few actually do it.   In this episode, Brett breaks down one of the biggest lies in modern leadership and personal development — the illusion that we’re pushing ourselves when in reality, we’re just circling around what we already know.   We love to say we’re doing “hard things” — grinding through workouts, taking on new projects, logging long hours — but most of that still sits inside our comfort zone. It’s controlled, predictable, and familiar. It doesn’t expose us to the kind of uncertainty, ego threat, or vulnerability that actually creates growth.   This episode forces you to get brutally honest about what you’re running from.   You’ll learn how to:   •Spot the difference between real growth and performative discomfort   •Recognize the fears you keep disguising as “preferences” or “boundaries”   •Understand the psychology of avoidance and how it limits your adaptability   •Reframe discomfort so it becomes a tool for progress, not a stunt for your ego   The world doesn’t hand out points for pretending to grow. Leadership will drag your weaknesses into the open whether you like it or not — better to confront them before someone else does.   If you want to actually evolve — not just look busy doing it — this episode will give you the tools and truth to start that process.

David Clancy is a world-class sports physio and author who’s taken more than a few sharp turns in his career. He’s had to face the same questions many of us wrestle with: Do I stay in the safe lane or risk starting over? How do I manage different passions without spreading myself too thin? What do I do with that voice in my head telling me I don’t belong?   In this episode, David and I dig into the practical side of career pivots and personal growth, including:   •The real reasons people avoid changing direction—even when they know they’re unhappy.   •How to make a career shift without blowing up everything you’ve built.   •Why imposter phenomenon can be a sign you’re on the right track, and how to keep it from paralyzing you.   •The challenge of chasing multiple passions and what filters help you decide what’s worth pursuing.   •How relationships—not networking, but genuine ones—end up making or breaking your next move.   •The skill of listening, and why it matters more than being the smartest person in the room.   This isn’t theory. It’s a conversation packed with examples you can relate to if you’ve ever thought about pivoting, felt stuck in a role you’ve outgrown, or struggled with the noise of self-doubt.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmdclancy/   Instagram - @dclancyphysio   Company Resource Page: https://thenxtlevelgroup.com/insights-and-resources/   Event Page: https://www.essentialskills.ie/   Book - Essential Skills for Physiotherapists: A Personal and Professional Development Framework   🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

Most of what you see online right now isn’t designed to help you grow. It’s designed to keep you nodding, scrolling, and agreeing.    Viral soundbites, 30-second reels, celebrities chasing trends—it’s all part of a system that rewards superficiality over substance. And if you’re someone putting real effort into your work, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void while the BS racks up likes and followers.   In this episode, I’m breaking down: •Why the landscape feels so hollow right now (and no, it’s not just you imagining it). •What the human psyche actually craves in times of overload—and how platforms exploit it. •How to filter out the junk so you don’t waste energy on fast-food advice. •Concrete ways to adapt so you can stand out without selling out.   If you’ve ever thought, “Why bother? Real work doesn’t break through anymore,” this one’s for you. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Ferrazzi — author, speaker, and one of the most recognized voices on leadership and collaboration.   We dig into the future of “teamship,” the traps of popular leadership clichés, and why generosity isn’t just a feel-good concept but a competitive advantage.   We also talk about the new era of AI, how leaders can navigate it with strategy and authenticity, and what separates those who adapt from those who fall behind.   You’ll learn: •How to avoid the subtle pitfalls that quietly erode trust and damage relationships.   •Why leadership today requires a process-driven approach — not empty soundbites or recycled philosophies.   •What “teamship” looks like in practice, and how to foster it inside your own organization.   •How to pair thoughtfulness with boldness in a time where AI and rapid change are reshaping expectations.   •The simple but overlooked practices that will keep you ahead of your peers.   If you want a grounded, no-BS perspective on leading with authenticity while staying strategically sharp, you’ll want to hear this one. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Adam Wright and Dr. Nick Holton for a wide-ranging conversation on anti-fragility—the ability not just to endure difficulty, but to grow stronger because of it.   We go beyond the philosophical jargon and buzzwords and get into what anti-fragility actually looks like in real life, whether you’re leading athletes, running an organization, or just trying to manage your own day-to-day stress.   We talk about: •What anti-fragility really means (not just resilience or grit). •How exposure to unpleasantness is essential—not optional—for growth. •Ways to practically use setbacks, stressors, and challenges as catalysts. •Why chasing happiness is less effective than learning to thrive amidst discomfort.   If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into an advantage without romanticizing it or oversimplifying it, this episode will cut through the fluff and give you something you can actually apply. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

We’ve all met somebody—and been there ourselves—where no matter how much success you’ve had, you still feel like you’re about to get found out. Like it’s not enough. Like eventually the mask slips.   This episode gets to the core of that feeling, builds off our previous episode on imposter phenomenon, and most importantly gives you tools to get out of your own head so you can quit playing small. The goal: to stop letting that internal echo drive you toward self-sabotage, avoidance, or holding back when you know you’ve got more to give.   Inside, you’ll learn: •What’s actually at the root of imposter syndrome (and why success doesn’t cure it). •Practical ways to interrupt the self-doubt loop before it derails you. •How to reframe your achievements so they fuel you instead of haunt you. •Simple strategies to build confidence through action, not overthinking.   If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but stuck in your own head, this one’s for you. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

We’ve all been stuck in conversations that feel like hostage situations. This isn’t about passionate people with good stories — it’s about the chronic monologuers, the one-uppers, and the human foghorns who think “conversation” means “your turn to listen to me, and now your soul is mine.”  In this episode, you’ll get five tactical ways to keep your sanity, stay engaged enough to be polite, and maybe even turn things around. Whether you’re dealing with a talker at work, a relative who never comes up for air, or a stranger who traps you at a party, these strategies will help you handle it without burning bridges — or your patience. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

There’s a lot of noise out there telling you that if you’re not jumping out of bed every morning with boundless energy, something’s wrong with you.  That’s false. Low-energy days aren’t proof you’re broken — they’re part of being human.  In this episode, we’ll talk about why those days happen, how to stop shaming yourself for them, and simple, low-effort ways to make the day suck less without pretending everything’s perfect.  You’ll learn how to give yourself grace without slipping into complacency, and how to keep moving forward even when you don’t have your best stuff. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

When most people think about persuasion, they go straight to education (“if they just understood, they’d agree”), inspiration (“let me tell you an inspiring story”), or force (“do this now”).  But there’s a big difference between persuasion, influence, power, and warmth — and understanding that difference can change how you get things done.  This episode, inspired by a fable I read to my son, breaks down why subtlety often beats force, how warmth can shift behavior faster than pressure, and what that means in real-world situations.  Whether you’re a manager trying to get buy-in, a coach pushing for compliance, or anyone who needs to move people from point A to point B, you’ll get practical takeaways you can use immediately. Don’t forget: You’re never going to get better at dealing with challenging personalities—or improving your own communication—unless you actually come practice it in a hands-on setting. Check out one of our live, immersive workshops at: www.artofcoaching.com/events Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12  (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26  (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16  (The Apprenticeship™) And to stay sharp, subscribe to our newsletter at: www.artofcoaching.com/begin Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

These days, it feels like everyone is calling someone a narcissist. Ex-partner? Narcissist. Difficult boss? Narcissist. Confident stranger on Instagram? Must be a narcissist. The term has been thrown around so loosely that it’s lost its meaning—and worse, it’s become a lazy way to avoid reflection or real understanding. In this episode, we cut through the noise and get to the core of what narcissism really is—and what it isn’t. You’ll learn: Why narcissism exists on a spectrum—and why we all have narcissistic traits The difference between clinical, subclinical, and just human behavior The 4 distinct types of narcissism you’ll likely encounter in life or work How narcissistic traits show up in covert, communal, and even “insecure” ways Tactical ways to respond to each type—without losing your mind Why spotting narcissism in yourself isn’t something to fear—but something to work with If you’ve ever struggled to deal with someone manipulative, overly self-focused, or exhausting to be around… Or if you’ve ever wondered “wait… am I the problem?”—this one’s for you. Don’t forget: You’re never going to get better at dealing with challenging personalities—or improving your own communication—unless you actually come practice it in a hands-on setting. Check out one of our live, immersive workshops at: www.artofcoaching.com/events And to stay sharp, subscribe to our newsletter at: www.artofcoaching.com/begin Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb