EP 227 Minisode: The Upper Limit Problem

Most women don’t realize how uncomfortable they are with feeling good—until things start going too well. That’s when the sabotage creeps in. A snappy comment. A skipped workout. An unnecessary glass of wine.

In today’s episode, Colleen breaks down the concept of the “upper limit problem” from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks—and explains how perfectionists and people-pleasers unknowingly block joy, ease, and success by clinging to struggle.

You’ll learn how your emotional thermostat gets set in childhood, why guilt and discomfort with pleasure keep you stuck, and how to reset your internal baseline so peace and happiness stop feeling unsafe.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to earn your joy. You just have to stop arguing for your limitations.

 

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🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The “upper limit problem” is a self-imposed glass ceiling that blocks success, love, and creativity.

• Most high-achieving women are used to pain—and don’t know how to tolerate feeling good.

• Guilt is often the signal that you’re expanding beyond what feels “acceptable” to others.

• You don’t need permission to feel ease, rest, or joy. You just need a new intention.

• Emotional sobriety means letting go of the need to suffer in order to deserve what you want.
  
  

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✨ What if your next breakthrough wasn’t about doing more… but feeling more?

If you're ready to stop drinking just to take the edge off your own growth, then Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL. 

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you’re struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen’s NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air! 

 

Find me on:

YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer

TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer 

X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc

 

Transcript