Ever catch yourself trying to prove you’re good enough - again? This week I’m digging into why we chase validation at work (and in life), and how that constant need to earn approval shapes the decisions we make.
I’ll walk you through how to spot whose opinions are running the show, how to turn the volume down on your inner critics, and what it really takes to start trusting yourself instead. Because you don’t need to earn your worth. You already have it.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
Timestamps:
00:00 – The pressure to prove yourself at work
01:04 – Why we crave validation and how it forms
02:50 – How to identify your critics and supporters
04:53 – The hidden cost of external validation
07:22 – How to switch to internal validation
10:55 – Steps to practice self-validation
11:53 – Final encouragement and next steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/you-dont-need-to-prove-anything
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
Brené Brown’s Arena Moments exercise
FREE PRIVATE WORKSHOP
HOW TO MAKE BETTER CAREER DECISIONS
https://www.katemaxwellcoach.com/signup-free-career-decision-workshop
📺 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen via your podcast app
⏰ 18 mins, available immediately
BONUSES
📘 Downloadable Summary
🎧 Curated Podcast Picks
💖 WORK TOGETHER
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – CHOOSE A NEW CAREER DIRECTION IN 6 WEEKS – Without Burning Any Bridges
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR DREAM CAREER IN 5 MONTHS – Without Sacrificing Your Stability
👋 SAY HI
💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com
🫂 LinkedIn
Career change doesn’t have to feel like an existential rollercoaster. In this episode, I share three gentle, practical ways to bring more calm, comfort, and control into your transition. You’ll learn how to catch your thinking traps, stay in your stretch zone, and celebrate growth so you don’t burnout. For anyone craving a softer, steadier path to change.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
00:00 – The confession that sparked this episode
01:04 – Stop your brain’s thinking traps
03:28 – Comfort vs. Stretch vs. Panic
06:17 – Cozy rewards and why you need them
08:32 – How to make peace part of your progress
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
😁 FREE STUFF:
Why You’re Overthinking Your Next Move — and How to Break the Cycle:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/84990db3d6
Every resource I’ve ever shared, organised by the exact problem you’re facing:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/all-the-resources-ever
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – CHOOSE A NEW CAREER DIRECTION IN 6 WEEKS - Without Burning Any Bridges
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR DREAM CAREER IN 5 MONTHS - Without Sacrificing Your Stability
👋 SAY HI:
Feeling lost about what really matters to you at work or in life? In this episode, I share how to spot the clues hidden in your frustrations, the causes you care about, and the ways you love to work. Perfect if you’re on the cusp of a career change and want to reconnect with your drivers.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:01 – Why your frustration is actually a clue
03:23 – The link between impact, causes, and career choice
06:59 – What your ideal “ways of working” reveal about your next step
09:41 – Pulling it all together: your career formula
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/how-to-figure-out-whats-important-to-you/
😁 FREE STUFF:
Why You’re Overthinking Your Next Move — and How to Break the Cycle:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/84990db3d6
Every resource I’ve ever shared, organised by the exact problem you’re facing:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/all-the-resources-ever
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – CHOOSE A NEW CAREER DIRECTION IN 6 WEEKS - Without Burning Any Bridges
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR DREAM CAREER IN 5 MONTHS - Without Sacrificing Your Stability
👋 SAY HI:
Ever felt like life’s just… happening to you? In this episode, I share what to do when you feel adrift in life and work, and how to find your way back through grounded habits and identity-based goals. This ep is a calm, practical guide for anyone in a season of uncertainty 🌊
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
Timestamps:
00:00 – When life feels off-track
01:09 – The first step to stop drifting
02:08 – Finding the feeling you’ve lost
02:54 – What “on purpose” really means
04:26 – Easy ways to feel grounded again
06:43 – When ambition goes missing [if you listen to one thing, listen to this!]
09:55 – Turning drift into direction
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/what-to-do-when-youre-drifting-in-life-and-work/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
😁 FREE STUFF:
Why You’re Overthinking Your Next Move + How to Break the Cycle:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/84990db3d6
Every resource I’ve ever shared, organised by the exact problem you’re facing:
https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/all-the-resources-ever
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – CHOOSE A NEW CAREER DIRECTION IN 6 WEEKS – Without Burning Any Bridges
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR DREAM CAREER IN 5 MONTHS – Without Sacrificing Your Stability
👋 SAY HI:
What if the 'hack' you've been looking for is to spend more time alone? Today, I share why learning to enjoy your own company is a game-changer for life and career transitions. You’ll hear how solo time helps you reconnect with passions, make clearer decisions, and build self-trust. Two practical tools included, so you can start today!
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
00:00 Intro
00:35 Why Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company
02:34 Rediscovering Yourself Through Solitude
05:27 Practical Tips to Enjoy Your Own Company
07:34 Mental Health and Solitude
09:08 Conclusion and Next Steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/how-to-enjoy-your-own-company-career-change
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Finding Water by Julia Cameron
😁 FREE STUFF:I've curated every resource I've ever shared with private clients in this notion dash, get access here.
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoaching.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoaching.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
Are big feelings stopping you from making career decisions? In this episode, I explore how to navigate being “too emotional” during a career transition. You’ll learn four simple steps to use your emotions as tools and develop a healthier relationship with them, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Your feelings aren’t flaws, they are a part of your beautiful cosmic humanness!
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
00:00 Intro00:48 Step 1: Embrace05:15 Step 2: Name06:11 Step 3: Feel and Release 07:20 Step 4: Journal08:01 Emotions as Signposts09:04 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/handle-emotions-career-change/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
Feeling Wheel
Rumi’s poem The Guest House
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com
🫂 LinkedIn
Are your self-expectations driving you forward - or holding you back? In this episode, I explore how perfectionism, fixed mindset, and external validation shape the way we approach career change and growth. You’ll learn how to slow down, set kinder goals, and build trust in yourself without chasing impossible standards. A reflective reminder that your path doesn’t need to be perfect to be a fit for you.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
00:00 – Intro
00:28 – Understanding unreasonable expectations
01:14 – Perfectionism and fixed mindset
04:08 – Belonging and external validation
05:48 – Practical steps to manage expectations
07:06 – Slowing down to speed up
09:19 – Conclusion and next steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
www.katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/manage-perfectionism-career-change/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
😁 FREE STUFF:
All the resources I’ve ever shared: https://kate-maxwell-coaching.kit.com/all-the-resources-ever
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
www.katemaxwellcoaching.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.
www.katemaxwellcoaching.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
Are you struggling to feel grounded in your career or personal life? Today I explore what stability really means and how to define it for yourself. You’ll learn:
- how to assess different areas of life for stability
- spot destabilisers
- use tools like the Circle of Control
This is your guide to creating balance, confidence, and a sense of calm—even when life feels unpredictable.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/create-stability-life-work/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Circle of Control framework
😁 FREE STUFF:👉 Get access to every resource I've ever shared, for free!
💖 WORK TOGETHER:🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com🫂 Follow Me On LinkedIn📸 Instagram
Your time is your life. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. In this episode, I talk about why so many of us give away our hours to people-pleasing, distractions, and overconsumption, and how to reclaim responsibility for what truly matters. You’ll learn how to choose commitments that honour your goals. A tough-love reminder that no one will prioritise your time if you don’t.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/respect-your-time-stop-people-pleasing/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (Morning Pages)
One Line a Day: Five-Year Journal
😁 FREE STUFF:
👉 Get access to every resource I've ever shared, in one place for free!
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
Feeling stuck between staying put or making a big career change? 🎢 In this episode, l explore why that “stay or go” choice is a false one. I get into:
- how to expand your options
- what to do when you've put so much in
- spot the signs it may actually be time to move on.
Walk away with practical tools to rethink where you're at and move forward with confidence.
You’ve got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell 🫶
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/decide-stay-or-pivot-career/
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans (Odyssey Planning tool)
15 Things Exercise (career brainstorming technique)
😁 FREE STUFF:👉 Every Resource I've Ever Shared: My curated collection of career pivot resources.
💖 WORK TOGETHER:🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted – Map out the 5 next steps of your career pivot in 60 days.🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered – Figure out what you actually want to do next with your career, make a plan, and make it happen in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
Why Your Job Shouldn’t Be Your Only Source of Satisfaction (And Where Else To Find It)
Do you expect your job to provide all your purpose, meaning, and fulfilment? In this episode of Blueprints to Becoming, career coach Kate Maxwell reveals why putting that much pressure on your work can actually make you feel less satisfied — and how to design a richer, more joyful life by weaving in hobbies, play, and “so-much-fun” moments.
You’ll learn:
Whether you’re in media, tech, or any high-pressure career, this episode will help you redefine success, create more balance, and infuse your life with activities that make you say, “That was so much fun.”
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Work vs. Hobbies for Life Satisfaction
01:37 – The Purpose of Work in Your Life
02:59 – Finding Joy Beyond Work
05:08 – Identifying Your “So Much Fun” Activities
06:25 – Conclusion and Next Steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
www.katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/work-vs-hobbies-life-satisfaction
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
- Design Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
- The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
- Funology episode of Ologies
👋 SAY HI:
💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com
Ever been told you’re too emotional or too sensitive — especially in a professional setting? In this episode of Blueprints to Becoming, career coach Kate Maxwell unpacks why deep-feeling people should embrace this part of themselves and why we should all be more emotional.
You’ll discover:
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, making a big life decision, or simply learning to trust yourself more, this episode will help you turn your emotional depth into a strategic advantage.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Why sensitivity is a strength
00:43 – Emotions as data, not weakness
01:14 – The Guest House by Rumi (poem reading)
02:30 – Unpacking the poem: emotions as guidance
04:16 – How to label and understand your feelings
04:59 – Emotional expression as a skill
05:06 – The cultural stigma around feelings, for men and women
06:25 – How to embrace your emotional depth without shame
08:50 – Conclusion + next episode teaser
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/too-emotional-not-a-flaw
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
👋 SAY HI:
💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com
Second guessing a career change because you’re worried about what they'll think? In this episode of Blueprints to Becoming, career pivot coach Kate Maxwell reveals how fear of judgment, disappointment, criticism, and a damaged reputation can quietly sabotage your decisions — and how to stop letting other people’s potential opinions take the wheel.
You’ll learn:
If you’re in media, tech, or a high-profile role and feel paralysed about making your next move, this episode will help you choose your career path with clarity, courage, and zero guilt.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Blueprints to Becoming
00:54 – The Four Big Fears of Career Change
04:22 – Understanding the Assumption Trap
07:04 – Reclaiming Your Decision-Making Power
08:16 – Believing Mirrors and Support Systems
10:02 – Conclusion and Next Steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS & TRANSCRIPT:
🤓 katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/other-peoples-reactions-career
📚 MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
- Finding Water by Julia Cameron
- Idle Writers Club - S2 E1
👋 SAY HI:
💌 kate@katemaxwellcoach.com
When Career Planning Becomes a Distraction: How to Return to Presence
Join me, Kate Maxwell, as I explores the tension between planning for the future when your work-life sucks and being present in the moment. I talk through the false security of over-planning and the peace that comes from letting go. As always this ep includes reflective questions and practical insights to help you navigate this balance and truly live in the now.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:49 Meet Your Host, Kate Maxwell
01:47 The Illusion of Control in Planning
04:02 Embracing Presence Over Planning
04:57 Reflective Questions for Balancing Planning and Presence
06:39 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
💖 WORK TOGETHER:
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/charted - Have the 5 next steps of your career pivot mapped out in 60 days.
🌐 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/tethered - Figure out what you *actually* want to do next with your career, make a plan and make it happen, in 5 months.
👋 SAY HI:
Why do we overthink, especially when it comes to work and what can we do to break the loop?
In this episode, I dig into what might be going when you get stuck in your head about career decisions. I’ll walk you through why overthinking shows up, what it’s trying to do for you (yes, it’s sort of well meaning), and how to shift out of analysis paralysis and into action. Expect practical tools and motivation to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
00:00 Introduction: Understanding Overthinking
00:54 The Purpose of Overthinking
02:30 Perfectionism and People Pleasing
03:51 Motion vs. Action
06:01 The Cost of Overthinking
08:18 Raising Awareness and Noticing Patterns
11:16 Breaking the Overthinking Loop
15:05 Conclusion and Next Steps
🔧 FIND THE TOOLS:
🤓 www.katemaxwellcoach.com/blueprints-to-becoming/how-to-stop-overthinking-your-career-choices
👋 SAY HI:
In this episode of 'Blueprints to Becoming,' I introduce a slight reposition of the show before we then dive into my own story of getting the "dream job".
I chat about the need to separate your sense of self from your job, especially if you're ambitious!
The episode is all about practical advice on how to better understand your relationship with work featuring two of my fave tools.
Let me know what you think over on LinkedIn!
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:05 Rebranding the Podcast
00:20 Blueprints to Becoming: New Focus
01:00 Personal Story: From Film to Tech
02:22 The Disillusionment of the Dream Job
04:59 Finding Balance Beyond Work
08:40 The Work Manifesto Exercise
10:15 Conclusion and Next Steps
Feeling stuck in a career you no longer love? Today I talk through the importance of experimenting with new paths and how to do it in a purposeful way. Learn how to test your career hypothesis and take small, meaningful steps toward a fulfilling self-employed life.
You've got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell.
💖⚒️ THE FREEDOM FORGE 💖⚒️
ONE SPOT LEFT for 2024!
Craft a new identity and direction to finding freedom and making money on your terms in 6 months
👋 SAY HI:
Unlock your inner world to craft a fulfilling career plan. Discover practical steps to align your career with your true self by understanding your core beliefs, strengths, and values. I also share about my new one-on-one program, The Freedom Forge.
You've got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell.
💖⚒️ THE FREEDOM FORGE 💖⚒️
Craft a new identity and direction to finding freedom and making money on your terms in 6 months
👋 SAY HI:
Tune in for a step-by-step guide to reinventing yourself in six months. Learn how to take stock, set intentions, and iterate your way to success. This episode covers the essentials of pivoting from corporate to self-employment, perfect for those seeking structure and support in their career pivot.
You've got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell.
💖⚒️ THE FREEDOM FORGE 💖⚒️
Craft a new identity and direction to finding freedom and making money on your terms in 6 months
👋 SAY HI:
Today I challenge the traditional binary of success vs failure. It’s time to redefine your personal definitions of success and embrace the journey, mishaps and all. Tune in to take action.
You've got this!
I’m your coach, Kate Maxwell.
💖⚒️ THE FREEDOM FORGE 💖⚒️
Craft a new identity and direction to finding freedom and making money on your terms in 6 months
👋 SAY HI: