The Wellness Theory Team recently interviewed Jason Goldberg. He is a renowned mental performance and leadership coach. In this interview, Jason shares his unique perspective on joy, how to leave everyone with at least 5% more joy than when you found them.

More about Jason Goldberg, his journey, accomplishments and pivotal moment

Jason has been featured as an expert on major media outlets such as ABC, CBS, and Fox. He has also taught on platforms like MindValley and Soul Pancake. Beyond his coaching and media appearances, Jason has founded multiple startups, including one in partnership with NASA and the Space Shuttle program.

Jason's philosophy is rooted in leaving a positive impact on everyone he meets. He describes his one-line life plan as; “leaving everyone with at least 5% more joy than when he found them”. This philosophy extends to his coaching, speaking engagements, and everyday interactions, whether it's with a grocery store cashier, a TSA security agent, or a neighbor he just met. Jason sees himself as a joy activator, aiming to create moments of happiness and connection in every encounter.

Contrary to the assumption that Jason has always been a happy-go-lucky guy, he revealed that his joyful persona evolved from a place of trauma and insecurity. Growing up without a father figure, he carried a deep fear of rejection and abandonment. To cope with these feelings, he developed a humorous persona, using laughter as a means to gain validation and prevent abandonment.

Empathy also played a significant role in his life, as he found solace in connecting with others by lending a listening ear. These early experiences, though rooted in shadows, eventually became gifts that shaped his path toward becoming a joy activator.

Jason's journey toward embracing joy and becoming a catalyst for positive change was not a linear one. While there wasn't a single pivotal moment, he highlights one significant event that shaped his transformation. In 2009, during his late twenties, Jason found himself during immense stress, depression, and anxiety. Juggling a demanding corporate job, struggling with his weight, and experiencing suicidal thoughts, he reached a breaking point. He refers to this moment as "The Day the Universe Cut Me Off," a powerful chapter in his book, "Prison Break." This experience marked a turning point where Jason recognized the need for change and embarked on a path of self-discovery and service.

Here are two powerful insights from our interview:

How to Let Go of Excessive Pressure

Oftentimes we make things more complicated than they need to be. We set lofty goals, create grand plans, and put immense pressure on ourselves to achieve greatness. And while ambition is admirable, it can also be overwhelming and lead to stress and burnout.

So when Jason talks about loosening your grip by 5%, he’s referring to letting go of excessive pressure, that you need to do it all and do it perfectly. It's about finding small ways to relax and create a sense of ease in your life.

Imagine if you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. Instead of trying to eliminate all of those negative feelings in one fell swoop, simply ask yourself, "How can I get ridiculously relaxed right now?" And then aim to loosen your grip on that stress by just 5%.

Maybe it means taking a few deep breaths, going for a short walk, listening to your favorite song, or enjoying a cup of tea. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture or a complete transformation. It's about finding small moments of relief and relaxation.

By focusing on that 5% shift, you create space for more ease, joy, and flow in your life. It's a manageable step that can lead to significant changes over time. And it's a reminder that you don't have to do it all at once. Progress and growth can happen incrementally.

So, instead of putting immense pressure on yourself to be 100% relaxed or 100% successful, aim for a 5% shift.

Embrace the power of small changes and find ways to loosen your grip on stress and perfectionism. Remember, it's the little moments of relaxation that can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

As you incorporate a 5% mindset into your life, you'll start to notice that you have more energy, clarity, and peace. You'll experience a greater sense of balance and fulfillment. And most importantly, you'll be able to enjoy the journey rather than constantly striving for some distant destination.

“So, take a deep breath, let go of the pressure, and embrace the power of a 5% shift. You deserve it.” -Jason Goldberg

It’s OK to Choose You First

When we shift our state of being, our entire experience of life can transform. When we choose a state of peace and ease as the center of our universe, we create a foundation for everything else to fall into place. It's not about neglecting our responsibilities or ignoring the needs of others. On the contrary, it's about approaching those aspects of life from a resourceful and empowered state.

When we prioritize our own well-being and align with a state of peace and ease, we become more effective in every area of our lives. We make better decisions, we have more clarity, and we find creative solutions to challenges. We become better parents, partners, employees, and leaders. We can serve others from a place of strength and abundance rather than from a state of depletion and overwhelm.

Loosening our grip on the things we hold onto tightly allows us to engage with life more fully. It's not about detachment or apathy; it's about finding a balance between commitment and flexibility. It's about recognizing that we can still take action and be responsible without becoming overly attached to outcomes.

By shifting our focus from "do" to "just," we invite a sense of lightness and playfulness into our lives. We approach tasks and responsibilities with a mindset that it doesn't have to be a big deal. We let go of the need for perfection and embrace the process. We take inspired action and trust that everything will unfold as it should.

Ultimately, it's about embracing the journey and enjoying the ride. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but when we anchor ourselves in a state of peace and ease, we can navigate those moments with grace and resilience. We can find joy in the simplest of actions and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

Final Thoughts.

Living in Joy and Loosening our grip on stress isn’t about being reckless or aimless, but about finding a balance between sincerity and lightness. You can approach your work, relationships, and health with sincerity and dedication, but without getting too caught up in seriousness. When you lighten up and let go of the need to control everything, you create space for creativity, peace, and ease to flow into your life.

Embrace a lighter approach to life, knowing that you don't have to be serious to be successful. Find joy, playfulness, and a sense of humor in your journey, and you'll likely find that you level up in more ways than you imagined.

Let's loosen our grip on the things that hold us back. Let's make our own experience of peace and ease the center of our universe. Let's shift from a mindset of "just do it" to "just be in it." And in doing so, let's discover the power of being and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.

Access the full interview for free:

Watch via YouTube

Listen via Podcast

Find out more about Jason here.

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https://www.thewellnesstheory.com/

Much love and wellness,

Charlotte and Jonathan