Have you ever caught yourself slipping into “fixer mode,” always jumping in to solve everyone’s problems, sometimes before they even ask? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the psychology behind why so many of us feel compelled to take charge and what it’s really costing us (and those we care about most).
You'll discover why being the go-to problem-solver isn’t always helpful and how it can unintentionally hinder others’ growth while depleting your own reserves. I’ll offer a practical roadmap to shift from rescuing to coaching, showing you how to empower those around you at work and at home to step up, learn, and grow.
Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or just someone who feels responsible for everyone else’s happiness, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to create healthier, more sustainable relationships—and reclaim some much-needed headspace for yourself.
Show Highlights:
- Invitation to my “Clarity & Courage” workshop on June 5. [01:29]
- What is the fixer reflex? [03:07]
- Over-functioning vs. under-functioning. [04:19]
- The psychological reasons behind fixer behavior. [06:25]
- How chronic fixing depletes the fixer. [10:55]
- The debilitating costs of fixing to the dependent. [13:44]
- Why breaking free from the fixer pattern is challenging. [16:38]
- Learned responsibility bias and unlearning it. [18:39]
- Beginning the shift from being a fixer to a facilitator. [20:37]
- Join our BOLD community for support to overcome fixer habits. [25:17]
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.