Podcast #659

DISAPPOINTMENT & EMBARRASSMENT: HOW TO BOUNCE BACK LIKE IT DIDN'T BREAK YOU 











Disappointment stings. Embarrassment lingers. But what if they didn’t have to define you or derail you? In this episode, we’re normalizing these emotions, removing the shame around them, and giving you confidence tools to bounce back faster and stronger. Whether you missed a goal, fumbled in public, or felt exposed and judged—this episode will help you process it, reframe it, and rise anyway.

You’ll learn:







* Why these feelings feel so heavy—and how to lighten them







* A 3-step bounce-back formula for any confidence “crash”







* What your embarrassment is really trying to teach you







* How to stop replaying the moment and start rewriting your response







People fear disappointment because it threatens two core psychological needs: emotional safety and a sense of control.

What Inspired Me:





Jesse Itzler, entrepreneur and husband of Spanx founder Sara Blakely, has shared insights on overcoming the fear of embarrassment. He emphasizes that while he doesn't enjoy being embarrassed, he's not afraid of it. He credits his wife, Sara Blakely, for imparting the wisdom that overcoming this fear is one of the most liberating gifts one can give oneself.







Jesse encourages embracing potential embarrassment as a pathway to growth. He suggests that participating in activities where embarrassment is possible—like signing up for a race or pursuing a new venture—shouldn't deter us. He believes that most people won't remember our embarrassing moments, and if they do, they become stories worth telling.







Sara Blakely herself has spoken about intentionally seeking out embarrassing situations to diminish the power they hold over her. By doing so, she aims to build resilience and reduce the fear associated with potential embarrassment. 







Their shared perspective highlights that embracing embarrassment can lead to personal freedom and growth. By confronting and moving past the fear of embarrassment, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities.





Quotes on Disappointment





"If you're not embarrassed by who you were a year ago, you're not growing fast enough." — Anonymous







"Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you’re not willing to be seen trying, you’ll never get to where you want to go." — Brené Brown (paraphrased)







"The best way to handle embarrassment is to own it. It means you’re alive, you’re learning, and you’re putting yourself out there." — Trish Blackwell







"Embarrassment is simply a bruise on the ego, not a wound to the soul." — Timothy Keller







"If you never feel embarrassed, you might not be risking enough." — Seth Godin







"Feeling embarrassed means you tried. Most people don’t even get that far." — Anonymous







"Don’t fear embarrassment—fear regret from holding back." — Trish Blackwell





 What Makes Disappointment + Embarrassment So Powerful 





Disappointment feels like failure, rejection, and shame all at once









* Embarrassment = social fear + identity threat







* Both are tied to our deepest desire to be enough and accepted







Here’s why disappointment feels so big:







* It feels like failure. Disappointment often signals that something we hoped for didn’t happen, and our brains link that to inadequacy,