Summary of "discipline and trusting yourself // EP 98"

Episode highlights

A conversation about discipline and relearning to trust yourself. The host describes moving to New York to create space for change, shedding past versions of herself, and rebuilding self-trust through small, consistent habits and action rather than overthinking.

Main theme

Discipline as a practice in self-trust: acting “as if” you are the person you want to be and letting clarity follow action.
Creating space for change: physical moves and shifts in routine can help dismantle old patterns and make room for new habits.
Compassionate reorientation: acknowledge intrusive thoughts or old patterns without shame, then gently bring attention back to the present.

“Use discipline as practice in trusting yourself: act ‘as if’ you are the person you want to be and let clarity follow action.”

Lifestyle tips and actionable habits

Start extremely small, build consistency, and stack tiny habits. The host recommends establishing simple, reliable anchors that create momentum.

Starter habits (examples she used):

Drink 1 liter of water a day.
Eat breakfast every morning.
Make your bed each day.
Keep small household tasks consistent (clear the sink, hang clothes up).

Other practical approaches:

Protect energy and boundaries: when a past person or relationship reappears, you can choose not to engage and reinforce that decision rather than re-entering old cycles.
Build simple structure that supports goals: daily rhythms, tidiness, and nourishing food over trying to “think” your way into change.
Look back on past versions of yourself with gratitude rather than anger or shame to preserve motivation for future change.

Examples of discipline in practice

Personal anecdote: the host received an unexpected phone call from someone she’d decided to leave behind and immediately hung up, then used the moment to call her thoughts back and reinforce her boundary.
Study routine (university/pandemic model):
1. Wake at 7:00, shower, cook breakfast, start work at 8:00.
2. Work in focused blocks with short (≈20 minute) breaks and a longer lunch break.
3. Continue work blocks until about 17:00.

Health, mood, and mental-health notes

The host describes a period of depression and inconsistent self-care; rebuilding basic self-care habits (water, breakfast, tidiness) was crucial to restoring trust in herself and improving mood.
Small, sustainable health habits were the first steps that created momentum for larger changes.

Travel, location, and living situation

Recently moved from Los Angeles (lived there about a year) to New York City.
Currently staying in a hotel/Airbnb while apartment-hunting, with belongings in storage and plans to arrange a Manhattan storage unit.
Enjoying New York’s seasons after a long stretch in “eternal summer” (LA); currently experiencing heavy snow/blizzard conditions.
Upcoming travel: a trip to Milan in a few days.

Other practical details mentioned

Moved with six suitcases and is currently flat-hunting in NYC.
Plans to be more consistent with podcast uploads as part of renewed discipline.
Small production notes: doing makeup while recording, small viewfinder, and a mild cold causing a nose “squeak.”

Notable locations, people, and references

Locations: New York City, Los Angeles, England, Milan.
Places/objects: hotel/Airbnb, Manhattan storage unit.
People/mentions: host of the podcast (Pretty Lonesome), Toa (friend staying in LA), Alex (mentioned re: a podcast deal).
Platforms: TikTok and other social media experiences.
Podcast: Pretty Lonesome — episode 98.