To work with me personally please visit getclarity.co.za In this episode of Fresh Perspective, Francois explores one of the most common and quietest struggles many of us face: being relentlessly hard on ourselves. Beneath the surface of high standards and self-discipline often lies fear, fear of failure, rejection, or not being enough. Francois unpacks how the inner judge masquerades as responsibility but is really emotional avoidance in disguise. Drawing from his coaching work and psychology research, he guides listeners through understanding the difference between the Judge and the Coach within, one condemns, the other instructs. You will learn how to shift from self-punishment to self-leadership, how to identify the beliefs that keep your worth conditional, and how to respond to mistakes with clarity rather than cruelty. Through the story of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, this episode offers a reminder that our cracks do not disqualify us; they reveal where the light gets in. If you have ever felt trapped by your own high expectations or inner criticism, this conversation will help you lay down the whip and pick up the tools of awareness, compassion, and self-trust.