Thrive with Kira Sabin: A Positive Psychology Podcast

Motivation Myths We Grew Up On (And Why They Still Haunt Us)

So many of us are frustrated by our lack of motivation or change. But here's the truth: You're not lazy. You're likely burned out, stuck in survival mode, or running on a nervous system that thinks "rest" is a threat. And willpower? It's not a moral issue—it's a limited resource, not a personality trait. In this episode, I'm breaking down: * Why change feels so damn hard in midlife (even when you really want it) * What your brain is doing when you try something new—and why it slams the brakes * How perimenopause can make motivation and memory even harder * The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation (and why one actually works) * Why shame, blame, and "just push through" doesn't create change—but self-compassion does This one's for every Gen X or elder millennial woman who's ever said, "I'll start Monday," only to spiral by Wednesday. Let's get into the science, the humor, and the tools that actually work when life feels stuck. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: * Dr. Devon Price's Laziness Does Not Exist * What's really happening in your brain during change * Why I created Thrive Midlife (and yes, there are goats 🐐 and pizza farms 🍕) 💌 Questions or takeaways? DM me on Instagram @kirasabin [https://www.instagram.com/kirasabin/] or email kira@thrivewithkira.com. I want to hear what resonated—and where you're still feeling stuck. Do you need more laughter and joy in midlife? That's what Thrive Midlife is all about: a small group coaching intensive for women who are ready to LIVE LIKE THEY FUCKING MEAN IT. Real tools. Real support. Real connection. No fluff. This is your LAST chance to join Thrive before prices go up. 🍁 PLUS—this fall, we're meeting in Madison, Wisconsin for a soul-filling weekend retreat with full-on Stars Hollow in October vibes: Lake views. Cozy sweaters. 🍎 Apple orchards. 🍕 Pizza farms. 🐐 Goats in sweaters. 🔥 Firepit chats. 🤩 Emotional breakthroughs. Real joy. Real connection. ✨ Want in? Head over to https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive [https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive]

Why Did No One Warn Us About this Midlife Shit? Episode Five

Welcome to the final episode of my five-part podcast series, Why Did No One Warn Us About This Midlife Sht?* If you've been feeling like the life you built doesn't quite fit anymore, you're not alone—and you're not broken. Today's episode? This Isn't the Life I Ordered. Now What? The episode is all about the gut-punch realization many of us face in midlife: you can create a life that looks "perfect" on paper and still feel deeply disconnected from it. Maybe the house, the career, the relationship, the life you worked so hard for… doesn't feel like you anymore. In this episode, we dive into: * 🎯 Why the life you built may no longer fit who you are now. * 💔 How to process the grief that comes with outgrowing old dreams. * 🧠 Why midlife identity crises are really powerful growth moments. * 🔥 How positive psychology shows us that happiness isn't a destination—it's a daily practice. * 🧩 Why your nervous system and your soul are begging for a life that feels real, not just Instagrammable. * 🚫 The myth of the "perfect" checklist life—and why it doesn't lead to fulfillment. * 🌱 What it really takes to build a life that fits the person you are today—not who you were 20 years ago. Midlife isn't a crisis. It's a call to evolve. If you're tired of surviving, it's time to learn how to thrive. 💥 Ready to get the support you need? Doors are open for the Thrive Midlife Program—an intensive, high-touch coaching experience for women who are ready to ditch the burnout and build a life that actually fits. 👉 Check out Thrive Midlife Program [https://thrivemidlifeprogram.com] or grab a free call with me here. ✨ Takeaways from today's episode: * Grief is not failure—it's a sign you're growing. * You don't have to stay stuck in a life that doesn't fit. * Happiness isn't about checking boxes; it's about building daily rituals that fuel you. * Midlife is the invitation to rewrite your life—not to disappear quietly. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: * The Thrive Midlife Program [https://thrivemidlifeprogram.com] — Early bird pricing extended to June 15th! * Free Call with Kira [https://calendly.com/thrivekira/30min] — Let's talk about whether Thrive is right for you. * Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirasabin/] for Manic Mondays nostalgia and more midlife realness.

Why Did No One Warn Us About this Midlife Shit? Episode Four

In Episode 4 of my five-part series, I'm talking about something that hits all of us in midlife: the rage. That low-key, high-voltage, "I swear to God if the dishwasher beeps one more time..." kind of rage. Here's the thing: You're not broken. You're not crazy. You're just awake — and your nervous system is officially done putting up with the bullshit. 🧠 In this episode, I'm breaking down: * Why the rage isn't random — and why it's not a flaw * What's really going on in your body (hello perimenopause, my old frenemy) * Why your nervous system is basically a cornered raccoon right now * How chronic stress + no emotional processing = midlife meltdown * The two sides of unregulated rage: numbing out vs. exploding * What NOT to do with all your rage (trust me, I've screamed at a microwave) * What to actually do to heal, regulate, and stop losing your shit ✨ Key Takeaway: Rage isn't the problem. It's the flashing neon sign pointing to what needs healing. You don't have to stay stuck in rage mode — and you definitely don't have to figure it out alone. 👯‍♀️ Want to stop white-knuckling through life and finally learn how to regulate, reset, and rebuild your energy (and your life)? Thrive Midlife is my six-month program where we untangle all this shit with tools from neuroscience, positive psychology, and a lot of laughter. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here [https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive] 📅 Or book a free, no-pressure call with me [https://calendly.com/thrivekira/30min?month=2025-06] Follow me on instagram [https://instagram.com/kirasabin] for a joy & truth bomb explosion!

Why Did No One Warn Us About this Midlife Shit? Episode Three

EPISODE 3: Why We Don't Like Ourselves Very Much (Gen X Women Edition) 💥 In Episode 3 of my five-part series, I'm getting real about the deep, invisible ways women—especially Gen X women—were taught from day fucking one not to actually like ourselves. 🧠 I'm breaking down why so many of us struggle with self-worth, how it's completely different from self-esteem or confidence, and why no amount of gold stars, trophies, or people-pleasing will fill the damn gap. 🙋‍♀️ In this episode, I'm calling out: * Over-giving until you're fucking exhausted (and resent everyone) * Confusing being busy with being important * Struggling to take a goddamn compliment without deflecting it * Feeling like you have to earn love, worth, or even rest * Saying "yes" to shit you already know you'll resent * Building walls around yourself and silently daring people to break them down (hint: they won't) …If that sounds familiar, this one's gonna hit deep. And you might laugh-snort a few times too. ✨ Here's what I'm diving into: * The real difference between self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth (nope, not the same thing) * Why Gen X women were conditioned to tie our value to our goddamn usefulness & perfection * How early praise and punishment set us up for a lifetime of people-pleasing * The sneaky ways self-abandonment shows up in midlife * Why midlife is the perfect time to burn that shit down and build something better * How Thrive Midlife helps women rebuild self-worth from the inside fucking out 💛 Ready to stop performing and start actually fucking living? Thrive Midlife is my six-month program rooted in neuroscience, positive psychology, and deep, radically honest coaching. It's where you stop hustling for validation and finally start building the kind of self-worth that changes everything. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here [https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive] 📅 Or schedule a free call with me [https://calendly.com/thrivekira/30min?month=2025-06] 🔔 Next Up coming back on Monday! 🎙️ Episode 4: Where to Put All the Fucking Rage — because spoiler: it's not just hormones. 📌 Tags: Self-Worth, Self-Compassion, Gen X Women, Midlife Growth, Emotional Healing, Positive Psychology, Coaching for Women, Thrive Midlife

Why Did No One Warn Us About this Midlife Shit? Episode Two

Fuck Being the Strong One! 💥 Episode 2 of our 5-part podcast series is here — and we're coming for the "strong one" identity Gen X women were handed without consent. 🧠 In this powerful, hilarious, and painfully honest episode, Kira breaks down the emotional toll of always being the capable, dependable, fix-it-all one — and why it's not strength, it's survival mode. 🙋‍♀️ If you've ever: * Been the unofficial family therapist, tech support, and event planner — all before noon * Managed everyone else's needs while ignoring your own * Thought "if I stop holding this all together, it will all fall apart" * Secretly fantasized about running away to a goat farm …this one's gonna hit deep. And probably make you laugh out loud. ✨ What I cover: * Why Gen X women are soul-tired — not just physically worn out * The inherited patterns that confused people-pleasing with strength * What it actually means to build self-worth (not hustle for it) * How being the "strong one" is often just a well-disguised trauma response * Why real strength starts with community, emotional regulation, and actual support 👯‍♀️ The truth: This isn't just a "you" thing. It's generational. And it's time we stopped doing this alone. 💛 Ready to stop white-knuckling your way through midlife? Thrive Midlife is a 6-month program rooted in neuroscience, positive psychology, and deep, radically honest support. You'll learn the skills to regulate your emotions, build real self-worth, and finally live like you mean it. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here [https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive] 📌 Tags: Gen X Women, Midlife Support, Positive Psychology, Emotional Labor, Self-Worth, Trauma Healing, Coaching for Women, Midlife Podcast, Thrive Midlife 🔔 Next Up: 🎙️ Episode 3: Why You Don't Like Yourself that Much – a look at the missing self-worth starter pack and why Gen X women are still hustling to feel like they're enough. 🔔 Subscribe and don't miss the next episode!