How High Achievers Handle Doubt

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Self-doubt holds more people back than lack of skill or intelligence.

In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with Dr. Shadé Zahrai to explore the science of confidence, self-trust, and peak performance. They break down why confidence comes after action, how self-image shapes success, and the four psychological drivers that determine whether you thrive or stay stuck.

You will learn how body language influences perception, why high performers plan for failure, how perfectionism leads to burnout, and the subtle communication habits that undermine credibility. Most importantly, you will discover how to build what Dr. Zahrai calls Big Trust so you can back yourself before you feel ready.

If you struggle with overthinking, imposter thoughts, or feeling capable but not fully confident, this conversation will give you practical tools to change how you show up.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Confidence science: feeling vs appearing

00:51 The opposite of self-doubt and why confidence comes after action

01:53 Self-trust before confidence

03:03 Nonverbal confidence cues: posture, eye contact, smile, pace

07:30 Body language feedback loop: posture and recall

09:26 Shadé’s PhD on self-doubt under pressure

12:22 What makes people successful: self-image

12:30 Self-image blueprint and why change does not stick

14:29 The Four A’s: Acceptance, Agency, Autonomy, Adaptability

20:26 The self-awareness gap and changing personality traits

22:30 Expectation bias and the scar experiment

25:54 Self-doubt types: signal vs verdict

28:30 Visibility, influence, and the people around you

31:16 Which traits are easiest to change

35:56 Why capable people still stay stuck

40:25 Michael Phelps and visualizing failure recovery

42:30 Stop rumination: stimulus control for worry

47:45 Self-improvement vs perfectionism vs burnout

56:53 The 4 inner deceivers: Judge, Protector, Neglecter, Ringmaster

1:11:22 Peak performance and Big Trust

1:19:19 Communication habits that kill credibility

1:24:18 Stop over-apologizing and reframe emotion

1:29:47 Daily habits to build Big Trust and audit your circle

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3. Four Sigmatic - Go to http://foursigmatic.com/gabrielle for a free bag of their dark roast ground coffee with a subscription (just pay for shipping & handling).

Find Dr. Dr. Shadé Zahrai at:

1. IG: https://www.instagram.com/shadezahrai/
2. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shadezahrai
3. Big Trust by Dr. Shadé Zahrai gives you the tools to quiet self-doubt and step forward with clarity, agency, and confidence. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.ca/Big-Trust-Self-Doubt-Confidence-Success/dp/0063378159

Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at:

1. Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
2. TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
3. Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
4. YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
5. X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon
6. Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/
7. Order my new book - https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668085623

Disclaimers: This episode includes paid sponsorships.

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.