068. The Hidden Dangers of Self-Optimisation, Self-Development, Social Media & Success | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

PODCAST ANNOUNCEMENT

Welcome to Why Do I Do This? with me, Johnny Lawrence. A podcast about understanding yourself. Every week, I’ll answer a listener’s question and explore the psychology, emotions and hidden patterns behind why we think, feel and behave the way we do.  Once a month, I’ll also be joined by a special guest to bring new perspectives and practical insights to the conversation. We’ll explore questions like… 👉 Why do I overthink? 👉 Why do I people-please? 👉 Why do I get so angry? 👉 Why do I keep procrastinating? 👉 Why do I struggle with confidence? 👉 Why do I keep repeating the same patterns? 👉 Why do I push people away? 👉 Why do I care so much what other people think? Because the first step to changing your life is understanding why you do what you do. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday. 💬 Have a question you’d like answered?  Leave it in the comments or send me a DM; it might be featured in a future episode. Johnny. 🙏🏽

073. Why Can't I Feel Happy Anymore? | How to Rediscover Joy When Life Feels Numb

Have you ever stopped and wondered... when was the last time I genuinely felt joy? In this episode of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I explore why so many people struggle to experience happiness, even when life looks fine on the surface. I unpack how stress, emotional overload, and a constantly activated nervous system can disconnect us from joy, and why finding happiness isn't about chasing bigger moments, it's about learning to recognise the small ones we've stopped noticing. I also share practical ways to regulate your emotions, reconnect with yourself, and use curiosity as a tool for rediscovering what truly brings you to life. Because joy isn't something you find. It's something you create space for. Takeaways 👉Stress can disconnect you from joy. 👉Emotional regulation makes happiness more accessible. 👉Curiosity is the gateway to self-discovery. 👉You have to recognise joy before you can experience it. 👉Small moments often create the greatest happiness. 👉Joy grows when you give yourself permission to feel it. SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter [https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter]  *NEW* Anger Isn’t Your Problem Workshop https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger]  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course]   The Life Audit https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit]  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk [http://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk] Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb]  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin [https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin]

072. Why Do I Keep Putting Everyone Else First? | How to Stop People-Pleasing Without Feeling Guilty

Why do you always put everyone else's needs before your own… and then end up resenting them for it? In Episode 72 of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I answer a listener's question and explore why so many of us become people-pleasers, where it begins, and how it's often rooted in childhood conditioning rather than genuine kindness. I explain the difference between being kind and seeking approval, why resentment is usually a sign of an unmet need, and how setting healthy boundaries isn't selfish, it's an act of self-respect. If you've ever struggled to say no, feared disappointing others, or felt responsible for everyone else's happiness, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. Takeaways 👉People-pleasing is often self-protection, not kindness. 👉Resentment is a sign of an unmet need. 👉Boundaries protect relationships and self-respect. 👉Awareness is the first step to lasting change. 👉Small boundaries build lasting confidence. 👉You teach people how to treat you. MEN BEHAVING HONESTLY PODCAST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz4Ezn0vQlS2DtoCHLmXSWokVnClYAzI5&si=J7P1n92whX-yIuC1 SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter [https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter]  *NEW* Anger Isn’t Your Problem Workshop https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger]  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course]   The Life Audit https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit]  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk [http://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/] Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb]  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin [https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin]

071. Why Does Rejection Hurt So Much? | How to Stop Taking Rejection Personally

Why can one rejection stay with us for days, weeks, or even years? In this episode of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I share a personal experience of rejection and explore why it affects us so deeply. I unpack what's happening in the brain, why rejection often feels personal, and how the stories we tell ourselves can make the pain even worse. I also explain rejection sensitivity, how to separate facts from assumptions, and share practical tools to help you respond to rejection with greater confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Because rejection isn't proof that you're not enough. It's simply an event, not your identity. Takeaways 👉Rejection is an event, not your identity. 👉Rejection often triggers a survival response. 👉The story you tell yourself shapes the pain you feel. 👉Separate facts from assumptions. 👉Feedback isn't always a reflection of your worth. 👉Growth requires the courage to risk rejection. SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter [https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter]  *NEW* Anger Isn’t Your Problem Workshop https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger]  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course]   The Life Audit https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit]  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk [http://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk] Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb]  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin [https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin]

070. Why Are So Many Men Unhappy? | Pete Taylor on Masculinity, Purpose & Becoming the Man You Were Meant to Be

In this episode of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I sit down with men's coach Pete Taylor to discuss masculinity, resilience, self-awareness, and what it really means to become a man. We explore why so many men seek fulfilment through external success, the journey from boyhood to maturity, and how boundaries, accountability, and emotional awareness shape our relationships, business, and personal growth. This conversation challenges you to stop looking outside yourself for validation and start building the character, responsibility, and self-awareness that create a meaningful life. Takeaways 👉Resilience is built through challenge, not comfort. 👉Fulfilment comes from within, not external achievements. 👉Maturity is about responsibility, not age. 👉Strong boundaries create healthier relationships. 👉Accountability is the foundation of personal growth. 👉Self-awareness is the key to lasting change. Pete’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pete_taylor/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/pete_taylor/?hl=en]  Pete’s Website https://petetaylor.co.uk/ [https://petetaylor.co.uk/]  SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter [https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter]  *NEW* Anger Isn’t Your Problem Workshop https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/life-lessons-anger]  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/self-made-course]   The Life Audit https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit [https://www.theselfdevelopmentcoach.com/free-life-audit]  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk [http://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk] Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb]  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin [https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin]