You Should Be Triggered
In this episode, I challenge the popular notion of avoiding triggers, sharing my personal journey of how embracing discomfort catalyzed my own profound growth. I argue that confronting our deepest fears... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/you-should-be-triggered/
In this episode, I challenge the popular notion of avoiding triggers, sharing my personal journey of how embracing discomfort catalyzed my own profound growth. I argue that confronting our deepest fears and insecurities, rather than running from them, is the key to breaking free from destructive patterns and achieving lasting change. I'll reveal why avoiding triggers may be stunting your development, how facing uncomfortable truths led to my own breakthrough moments, and strategies I've used to transform triggering experiences into opportunities for healing. Drawing from my life experiences and the lessons I've learned, I'll equip you with practical tools to push beyond your comfort zone, overcome past traumas, and unlock your full potential. If you're ready to do the hard work of personal transformation, this episode is for you.
************* LINKS & RESOURCES *************
Learn how to heal and overcome childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, ptsd, cptsd, higher ACE scores, anxiety, depression, and mental health issues and illness. Learn tools that therapists, trauma coaches, mindset leaders, neuroscientists, and researchers use to help people heal and recover from mental health problems. Discover real and practical advice and guidance for how to understand and overcome childhood trauma, abuse, and narc abuse mental trauma. Heal your body and mind, stop limiting beliefs, end self-sabotage, and become the HERO of your own story.
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: https://www.thinkunbrokenacademy.com/share/AEGok414shubQSzq?utm_source=manual
Download the first three chapters of the Award-Winning Book Think Unbroken: Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/
Join the Think Unbroken Trauma Transformation Course: https://coaching.thinkunbroken.com/
@Michael Unbroken: https://www.instagram.com/michaelunbroken/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelunbroken
Learn more at https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Babbel: babbel.com/UNBROKEN
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/think-unbroken-with-michael-unbroken-childhood-trauma-cptsd-and/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Support the Podcast: Become a listed sponsor!
Follow me on Instagram @MichaelUnbroken
Learn more about coaching at https://coaching.thinkunbroken.com
Get your FREE copy of my #1 Best-Selling Book Think Unbroken: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/
I think one of the big mistakes that we make as individuals on this journey is that we try to avoid being triggered. We do everything in our power to hide away from the discomfort of having to face the reality that we live in. When you add on the reality of society that we live in today, which is overly optimized for keeping you safe through political correctness, you end up in this place where a lot of hard conversations aren't being had and a lot of opportunity for growth isn't occurring. Now, However you lean politically, that's up to you. That's not the point of this. And this isn't a political conversation, but what I am saying is that so many people could benefit tremendously from actually being triggered a little more often. Life, whether we like it or not is exceedingly difficult. Living is hard, but what is more difficult than living in the day to day is not facing the reality of the life that we've created. One of the things, and I've shared this publicly obviously, but having grown up and being molested as a child really fucked me up that led down this path, of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, doing so many different sexual things that like I don't even have enough time to get into them. And I took myself down this path of trying to satiate the pain of the discomfort of sitting in the hurt by doing everything to avoid the emotional response to the moments and times in which I was the most triggered. And that doesn't help you.
Somebody listening in this right now, and it maybe you, is doing everything in their power to avoid the discomfort of their reality. They're not facing the truth about their weight, about their dietary choices, about their debt, about their relationships, about everything. And the moment that someone brings it up, maybe you're making excuses, or you're saying, this is just the way that I am. Or worse, you're continuing the same behavioral patterns and you're ignoring the truth. Those are all coping mechanisms, avoiding dealing with the thing that is in front of you that is making your life a disaster, hiding and running from triggers and the things that are difficult and dark and hard is actually making your life vastly worse than it should be. One of the things that I genuinely love as a coach is when my clients say I'm triggered, I always respond with good because that is where you grow being triggered is going to allow you to sit in truth. Because it's going to require you to ask yourself some very hard questions. Why do I feel this way? How did I arrive here? What is happening in my external? What is in my control? What did I do? What can I not control? What did other people do? Being triggered is actually a gift. Because if you're not having moments of that, and look, on a long enough timeline, those things go away. And they're not as intense. But Over time, depending on what your life looks like, more triggers are bound to come. You're bound to be upset. You're bound to be hurt. Guess what? Not everybody's gaslighting you. I know that's a hard pill for people to swallow. Not everybody's a fucking narcissist. They're just not. Not everyone's out to get you. Sometimes you're just fucking up. Sometimes you just suck. Sometimes you are just not being a good person. And this is self-reflective, like I look at my life and I go, the thing that pissed me off the most before I dove deeper into this journey were the moments in which people would call me out for my bullshit. And I would be like, Nope, and ignore that. Keep doing what I'm doing. And the idea that your life could be different when you continue to do the same thing you're doing is nonsensical. And that's why so many people are trapped. That's why so many people are stuck. Because they've allowed themselves to stay in a safe, coddled environment. And it's not that we don't need safe spaces like therapy and coaching and groups and conferences and events where we can come together. And have this discourse and vulnerable conversation. AA, for example, phenomenal. Goddamn, if you're stuck and your life is a fucking nightmare and you're dealing with addiction issues, pop into AA meeting, you'd be shocked at what people share, but you can't keep yourself safe from reality. That concept, that idea is asinine in so many ways. And those coping mechanisms that we move towards to avoid our triggers, they're keeping us from truly doing the work. I had somebody come into a program that I had recently. And the thing that they said to me when they decided to leave after a short period of time is that they said, I don't want to continue to do the group because I'm uncomfortable talking in public. And I thought to myself, you should be and I told them the same thing and I told them that they should be uncomfortable and deal with it and step through it because if they don't, then they're going to be a quitter. And the truth is, if you quit on yourself, you're just never going to get the life that you want to have. And I know that goes against a lot of the current day practical wisdom that wants us to coddle ourselves and hide, and be small, and go and take the bubble bath instead of doing the hard work. And I know that people can hear that and go, That's so harsh, why do you want people to be triggered? Because I want you to grow. Being triggered is a great sign that you're about to have a breakthrough. Good. Good. I wish I could stress this more. We have got to stop running. You've got to stop running. The more that you run, the fucking harder this gets. And if you think about this for a moment, If you attempting to create your life has brought you to where you are, and one of the things that you are doing is avoiding the hardest elements of life, how are you ever going to free yourself? That's the question we have to ask. How are you ever going to break through if you're hiding from the reality of who you are? And I think that there's a way to do this. Now I think one of the important elements of it is like you really need someone who has your back. If you're going to go walk through the, the dragon's lair, you need a coach like me. You need a therapist. You need to join the group, coaching programs we offer, right? But ultimately what you're going to get on the backside of dealing with the things that suck the most, it's freedom. Because you imagine this for a second, right? Every time you get triggered, you break down, you regress, you run, you go to the things that you use to satiate and solve the pain and it happens again and again a week later, a month later, a year later, a decade later, a lifetime later. And nothing's different. That's what happens when you don't deal with it. The other side of it is that it starts to dissipate. Every single time you get triggered, it's less and less when you step into dealing with it. You stand in front of that fucking dragon and you say, bring it on, bitch. And in the beginning, it's very hard. The first week's impossible. The second week, the fourth week, the third month, the year, the two years, the 10 years of lifetime, but by the time you get to the end. And the end is going to vary in time because it's going to be different for everything and everyone. But on a long enough timeline, the more that you deal with this shit, the sooner it goes away. Imagine you're probably listening to this right now and you know that there's something that triggers you tremendously. Okay, great. Imagine that if you stopped avoiding it and stepped into it and worked through it, you What your life would be like.
And I'm going to ask you a very simple question. What are you willing to do to have the life that you want to have?
Thank you for listening, my friends. As a reminder, I just recently launched mensmonday.com Gentlemen, specifically you. If you're struggling, You need more help support guidance in your healing journey. Go to men's monday. com I've written a series of 100 letters and created 100 videos to help you in your journey. They're absolutely free. mensmonday.com. Again, my friends, thank you for being here.
And Until Next Time
Be Unbroken.
Michael Unbroken
Coach
Michael is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, speaker, coach, and advocate for adult survivors of childhood trauma.
Listen On
Welcome to The Think Unbroken Podcast!
Here are some of my favorite recent guests!
A Warrior's Path to Overcoming PTSD | with Kelsi Sheren
In this powerful episode, Michael Unbroken interviews Kelsi Sheren, a Canadian combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. Kelsi shares her harrowing journey of struggling with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts after witnessing... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/a-warriors-path-to-overcoming-ptsd-with-kelsi-sheren/
How to Face Fear and Achieve the Impossible | with James Lawrence
James shares the powerful mindset and resilience that enabled him to achieve these seemingly impossible challenges. See show notes below...
How to Find the Courage to Be Yourself | with Leila Hormozi
In this powerful episode, Michael Unbroken sits down with Leila Hormozi. Leila opens up about her traumatic childhood experiences of loneliness, neglect, and having an absentee mother struggling with addiction. She shares how a pivotal moment as a young girl …
Break Toxic Relationship Cycles | with Kel Cal
In this episode, special guest Kel Cal shares her personal journey of leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, overcoming childhood trauma, and reclaiming her power. Learn how... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/break-toxic-relationship-cycles-with-kel-cal/#shownotes
From Addict to Healer | with Brandon Novak
Michael Unbroken delves into addiction, redemption, and self-love with guest Brandon Novak.... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/from-addict-to-healer-with-brandon-novak/#show-notes
The Journey to Self-Love and Personal Growth | with David Shands
Welcome to the Think Unbroken Podcast, where Michael dives deep into insightful conversations with extraordinary individuals like David Shands.... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-journey-to-self-love-and-personal-growth-with-david-shands/#show-notes
How to Live with Survivors Guilt | with Cole Hatter
In this episode, I am joined by my guest Cole Hatter, a renowned thought leader and inspirational speaker... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/how-to-live-with-survivors-guilt-with-cole-hatter/#show-notes
Building Resilience and Unstoppable Confidence | with Stormy Wellingt…
In today's episode, I speak with Stormy Wellington a Spiritual Leader, Wellness Guru and Modern-Day Harriet Tubman... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/building-resilience-and-unstoppable-confidence-with-stormy-wellington/#show-notes
E106 Overcoming Addiction Through Yoga with Cole Chance
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Cole Chance. She is a yoga teacher, instructor, and educator who I've known for quite a long time, who actually played a pivotal role in my healing journey. We talk about her …
E109 The Power of Quitting with John Lee Dumas | CPTSD and Trauma Hea…
In this episode, we have a guest speaker, John Lee Dumas. He is an incredible human being, a former officer in the Army, entrepreneur, and host of the number one rated business podcast that I've had the privilege of being …
Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Self-Love with Andrea Ashley
In this powerful episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast, host Michael Unbroken sits down with Andrea Ashley, the host of the Adult Child Podcast, to discuss the journey of healing and self-love... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/letting-go-of-shame-and-embracing-self-love-with-andrea-ashley/#show-notes
Finding Home Within Yourself After Heartbreak with Najwa Zebian
In today's episode, I am joined by my guest – Najwa Zebian. Najwa is a bestselling author and activist who has written a powerful guide to building a home for your soul called "Welcome Home". Through their candid conversation... See …
Lesley Logan - Chasing Your Purpose | Trauma Healing Podcast
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: How do you chase your purpose? We talk about how to chase your purpose. Living with purpose is about remembering why you started and living in a way that …
E358: 10-No BS lessons to be the HERO of your life with Lisa Bilyeu |…
In this episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast, Lisa Bilyeu shares how she kickstarted herself out of the mundane to become one of the most influential voices in the personal development world-and how you too can gain the confidence to …
E186: How I became Unbroken on 7 Hats | CPTSD and Trauma Healing Podc…
In this episode, I was recently on The Seven Hats Podcast, and I've never done this before, so this will be my first time on the show that I do anything like this. You're about to listen to an episode …
E131 Overcoming Trauma and Self-Sabotage with Iris McAlpin | CPTSD an…
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Iris McAlpin. Iris McAlpin is a certified trauma coach and NARM® Practitioner specializing in self-sabotage, eating disorder recovery, and complex trauma. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e131-overcoming-trauma-and-self-sabotage-with-iris-mcalpin-cptsd-and-trauma-healing-coach/#show-notes
E108 Who is Michael Unbroken
In this episode, I would love to share my back story with you. I'm going to include the preface to my book Think Unbroken Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma. This is a dive into my background, story, journey, and what's …
Erica Garza - One Woman’s Journey Through Sex and Porn Addiction | Tr…
Join us for FREE, Unbroken Conference at: Do women struggle with porn addiction? In this episode, I speak with Erica Garza the author of the memoir, Getting Off:... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/erica-garza-one-womans-journey-through-sex-and-porn-addiction-trauma-healing-coach/#show-notes
Jonas Kaplan - How Neuroscience Impacts your Beliefs, Identity, and S…
Today, you'll learn more about the foundational understanding of identity and beliefs and why we operate the way we do and look at how... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/jonas-kaplan-how-neuroscience-impacts-your-beliefs-identity-and-self-narrative-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
Dr. Laura Berman - Is your past standing in the way of self-love? Her…
In today's episode, I'm very excited to share with you Dr. Laura Berman, a sex and relationship expert who has helped thousands of people over the years. And thousands and thousands of people learn some of the most practical tools …
E242: Suicide, incest, vulnerability, and kindness with Paul Gilmarti…
In this episode, I'm very excited to be back with you with another episode, and today's guest is Paul Gilmartin, the host of Mental Illness Happy Hour. If you've ever had thoughts about suicide, this is an episode that you …
E344: If You Want To FIND YOUR PURPOSE In Life with Jenna Kutcher | T…
Change is inevitable; it's as imminent as the moon, the tide, and the seasonal Starbucks menu; it's a rite of passage for all of us. Transformation is power, energy, and momentum. It keeps us moving forward. See show notes at: …
E50: Being a WARRIOR through childhood trauma with Anthony Trucks
In this episode, I speak with my friend, the unstoppable Anthony Trucks. Listen as we break down how to turn pain into triumph and why becoming the hero of your own story starts with making Shift Happen. Please Rate and …
Overcoming Trauma and Finding Hope: Personal Stories and Practical Ti…
Today, we delve into the journey of overcoming trauma and finding hope. I will share personal stories and offer practical tips for those who are struggling with their... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/watch-this-and-everything-will-change-trauma-healing-podcast/#show-notes
Exploring the Myth of Normal Mental Health with Dr. Gabor Maté
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in the field of addiction, stress and childhood development. Dr. Maté discusses the myth of "normal" mental health and how our society's narrow definition of what is …
Vishen Lakhiani - Letting go of Pain and Finding Forgiveness | Mental…
In this episode, I speak with amazing guest Vishen Lakhiani. He is an entrepreneur, author, and activist on a mission to raise human... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/vishen-lakhiani-letting-go-of-pain-and-finding-forgiveness-mental-health-podcast/#show-notes
E379: Moran Cerf - How LUCID dreaming can IMPACT mental health and tr…
On Today's Episode: I am joined by my guest Moran Cerf s a neuroscientist and business professor at the Kellogg School of Management and the neuroscience program at Northwestern University. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e379-moran-cerf-how-lucid-dreaming-can-impact-mental-health-and-trauma/#show-notes
Transform Your Life: 10 Innovative Ideas with Gino Wickman
Are you looking to make a change in your life but don't know where to start? Today, I am joined by my friend Gino Wickman as he shares 10 innovative ideas to help you take control and transform your life... …
Healing from Trauma with Dr. Mariel Buqué: Expert Insights and Strate…
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Mariel Buqué, a holistic psychologist & an intergenerational trauma expert. Join us as she shares her insights and strategies for healing from traumatic experiences and building resilience... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/healing-from-trauma-with-dr-mariel-buque-expert-insights-and-strategies/#show-notes
Navigating The Mental Health To Be a Multi-million Dollar Entrepreneu…
Today, we sit down with Amy Porterfield, an ex-corporate girl turned online marketing expert and CEO of a multi-million dollar business... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/navigating-the-mental-health-to-be-a-multi-million-dollar-entrepreneur-with-amy-porterfield/#show-notes
E203: How to Understand Addiction as a Trauma Survivor with Dr. Anna …
In this episode, I am excited to bring on Dr. Anna Lembke, one of the leading researchers and scientists on addiction on planet earth. She is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the …
E113 Jordan Harbinger on ending struggle through action | CPTSD and T…
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Jordan Harbinger. Jordan is a former corporate lawyer who became a master podcaster. Jordan lays out some of the most incredible and practical tools about what it means to create a change …
Navigating Trauma and Mental Health with Lori Gottlieb, a Psychothera…
In this episode, I speak with Lori Gottlieb, a licensed psychotherapist, as she delves into the complexities of trauma healing and mental health... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/navigating-trauma-and-mental-health-with-lori-gottlieb-a-psychotherapists-perspective/#show-notes
The Wisdom of Rabbi Steven Z. Leder: Living a Meaningful Life and Fac…
Today, we sit down with Rabbi Steven Z. Leder, Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, to discuss his journey to becoming a rabbi, and expert on death... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-wisdom-of-rabbi-steven-z-leder-living-a-meaningful-life-and-facing-the-reality-of-death/#show-notes
Dr. Uma Naidoo- Harvard Psychiatrist on how to use food and diet to h…
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: How do you start healing your body with food? In this episode, I speak with amazing guest, Dr. Uma Naidoo, who is a Nutritional Psychiatrist. We talk about recognizing …
E346: The MINDSET of A ZEN Navy SEAL with Mark Divine | Mental Health…
About seven years ago, I listened to today's guest, Mark Divine, on Tom Bilyeu's Inside Quest. And I was immediately captivated, like I could not actually put into words the thoughts going through my head. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e346-the-mindset-of-a-zen-navy-seal-with-mark-divine-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
E299: The Miracle Mindset with Tim Storey | CPTSD and Trauma Healing …
In this episode, the number one celebrity coach on planet earth is about to have a conversation with us, Unbroken Nation. I am to announce and share with you that you are about to listen to none other than the …
Overcoming Addiction and Healing Trauma with Mike Diamond
Have you been personally impacted by addiction and trauma and are looking for actionable techniques to make a positive difference? This episode is for you!... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/overcoming-addiction-and-healing-trauma-with-mike-diamond/#show-notes
How to Think Unbroken - AlignCon keynote with Michael Unbroken
Join us for an inspiring episode of the Think Unbroken Podcast featuring a keynote speech by Michael Unbroken, a remarkable individual who defied all odds to achieve success... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/how-to-think-unbroken-aligncon-keynote-with-michael-unbroken/#show-notes
Transform Failure Into Success With Love with Ryan Pineda
In this episode, we have an inspiring guest speaker, Ryan Pineda, joining us to share his incredible story of turning failure into success through the power of love... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/transform-failure-into-success-with-love-with-ryan-pineda/#show-notes
The Secret for Abundance Mindset | with Chance Welton
Are you ready to unlock the secret to living an abundant life?... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/the-secret-for-abundance-mindset-with-chance-welton/#show-notes
Unleashing Personal Growth and Transformation with Ryan Zofay
In this episode, I interview Ryan Zofay, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to teaching personal development strategies... See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/unleashing-personal-growth-and-transformation-with-ryan-zofay/#show-notes
E325: Cleaning your Mental Mess with Dr. Caroline Leaf | Mental Healt…
In this episode, we have an amazing guest – Doctor Caroline Leaf, who has played a massive role in my personal healing journey over the years, someone that has been a voice that has helped me get to where I …
E369: Dr. Jud Brewer - end ANXIETY and WORRY today! | CPTSD and Traum…
What if I told you that anxiety and worry were emotional, behavioral habits that you can end through a simple three-step process. Jud Brewer. AKA Dr. Jud is a New York Times bestselling author and thought leader in the field …
E318: How to be happy and manifest the life you want with David Meltz…
In this episode, I speak with one of my great friends David Meltzer. David has spent the last vast majority of his life on a mission to help over one billion people be happy. See show notes at: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/e318-how-to-be-happy-and-manifest-the-life-you-want-with-david-meltzer-mental-health-coach/#show-notes
Natalie Dawson - Finding Confidence and Courage | Trauma Healing Coach
How Do You Build Confidence in Yourself? Confidence can be a tough thing to build up. But today, we will talk about how to put together some handy tips to help you and be the hero... See show notes at: …
E157: Discovering who you are through fear with Dave Hollis | CPTSD a…
In this episode, I sit with my friend Dave Hollis and we talk about his journey to where he is today, you know, it's a really fascinating conversation and a story about not only facing your fear but what it …
E130 The Theory of Impact with Tom Bilyeu | CPTSD and Trauma Healing …
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Tom Bilyeu. Tom is someone I consider to be both a peer and a mentor who tremendously helped me in my journey – singularly, I can point to him and three other …
E125 Creating Success in your Life with Damon Burton | CPTSD and Trau…
In this episode, I speak with one of my very close friends, Damon Burton. Damon is a Forbes contributor and an Amazon best-selling SEO book author that helps you show up higher on Google… without paying for ads. See show …