Aug 12
19m 57s
Welcome to today’s powerful episode of the show — where we expose one of the most common, invisible lies holding you back from confidence, boldness, and a fully alive life.
What’s the lie? Just five words: “I can’t because I’m scared.” It sounds reasonable — even factual. But what if that story is not only false… it’s also the very thing keeping you stuck? Dr. Aziz dives deep into how this belief quietly controls your behavior, limits your growth, and keeps you from taking even small steps toward what you want — whether in social situations, your career, or your relationships.
You’ll discover why fear and ability are not causally linked, and how separating discomfort from impossibility is the first step to reclaiming your freedom. This isn’t about pushing you into the deep end — it’s about compassionate, consistent progress. With the right tools, mindset, and willingness to be temporarily uncomfortable, you can create extraordinary transformation.
🔥 If you're ready to challenge your limits and step into more boldness, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the brakes off your confidence.
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How often do you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Or perhaps you quietly suppress your own needs, thinking that if you just accommodate others, everything will be fine. If you've ever struggled with this, you're not alone. In this post, we'll explore why it's so difficult to ask for what you want in your relationships and how embracing your true needs can transform your life—socially, professionally, and personally.
Why Do We Struggle with Asking for What We Want?
We all have wants and needs, but somehow, the act of asking for them can feel overwhelming. Maybe you're afraid of being seen as "too needy," or you worry about pushing others away. This fear often stems from a deep-seated belief that we’re not enough as we are—that our desires aren't worth voicing or that others will reject us if we express them.
Take it from my own experience. In my 20s, I struggled with boundaries in romantic relationships. While I could confidently approach women and start dating, once the relationship progressed, I found myself wanting to pull away. I couldn’t figure out why, until I realized that I had a hard time navigating the balance of wanting something and expressing that need openly.
In fact, the issue wasn’t my ability to connect or the person I was dating—it was my inability to articulate what I wanted or needed, especially once I was in a more intimate dynamic.
The "Nice Person" Trap: How Suppressing Your Needs Hurts You
Many of us fall into the “nice person” trap, a pattern where we suppress our desires to keep the peace. This behavior often originates from the belief that we aren’t lovable or worthy of attention just as we are. We may think, If I don’t ask for anything, if I’m flexible and accommodating enough, then maybe they’ll like me and want to be around me.
However, this doesn’t lead to healthy relationships. The more you deny your own needs, the more resentful and disconnected you may feel over time. If you're constantly accommodating others and never speaking up for what you truly want, you might end up feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or even disconnected from your own desires.
A Simple Question That Will Change Your Relationships: “What Do I Want?”
The key to shifting this dynamic is simple: start asking yourself, “What do I want?”
This can seem like a small question, but it holds tremendous power. Whether you're deciding what to do with a friend, negotiating in the workplace, or navigating a romantic relationship, giving yourself permission to ask what you want is the first step toward creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Let’s take a real-life example. My wife was planning a hike with a friend, but at the last minute, her friend couldn’t keep up due to a knee injury. They ended up hanging out instead. When we reflected on it later, my wife realized that while she valued the time with her friend, what she really wanted was to go on a hike. The key here was that my wife was able to reflect on her desires and communicate them clearly, leading to a healthier way of handling future situations.
The Action Step: Practicing Healthy Self-Advocacy
Now, it’s your turn. Here’s the action step I encourage you to take: Ask yourself what you want in every situation—whether it’s deciding how to spend your Saturday afternoon, navigating a work challenge, or addressing an issue with a partner.
It’s not about being selfish or dismissing others; it’s about becoming aware of your own needs and learning how to express them in a healthy, productive way. When you start honoring your desires, your relationships will transform, as will your sense of self-worth.
So, the next time you’re in a situation where you feel uncertain or overwhelmed, ask yourself: What do I want? By starting this simple practice, you’ll gradually develop the confidence to express your needs, build healthier connections, and embrace your worth.
Embrace Your Worth, Live Authentically
The journey to overcoming social anxiety and becoming more assertive in your relationships is not about perfection. It’s about being willing to show up as your authentic self and advocate for your needs with confidence. As you develop this practice, remember: you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued as much as anyone else.
If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I invite you to check out my books and resources. Start taking those small steps today—ask yourself, “What do I want?”—and see how it transforms your relationships and your life.
Until next time, may you have the courage to be who you are, and know deep down that you are awesome.