What If the Proof You're Waiting For Never Comes? | John R. Miles - EP 822

What if the proof you're waiting for never comes?The apology. The promotion. The recognition.Someone finally admitting they were wrong about you. Someone finally telling you that you belong.What if you're waiting for proof that you don't actually need?After conversations with Cole Brauer and psychologist Marisa Franco, John R. Miles noticed a powerful connection between their work.Cole was told she was too small to survive the Southern Ocean. A year later, she sailed solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world—without ever receiving the apology or reversal she had been waiting for. Marisa's research reveals the other side of the equation: when we already believe we're unworthy, even love, success, compliments, and positive feedback can fail to change that belief. Sometimes, the evidence simply doesn't match the story we already carry about ourselves.In this solo episode, John brings those two ideas together to explore The Verification Trap—the tendency to wait for external proof before allowing ourselves to believe we're capable, worthy, or ready to move forward.You'll discover:Why a genuine compliment can sometimes make people feel worse instead of betterHow rejection can become part of the story you believe about yourselfWhy success and achievement don't necessarily resolve a deeper sense of unworthinessHow your memories can become a database that filters the evidence you receiveWhy waiting for someone to reverse their judgment can keep you stuckThe difference between being validated and actually believing you're worthyWhat Cole Brauer's story teaches us about moving forward without permissionWhy healing requires honesty rather than constantly trying to become a better version of yourselfJohn's two-question Verification Check for identifying where you're waiting for external proofHow to take the smallest possible step toward something you've been waiting for permission to doAnd John gets personal, sharing a previously untold chapter of his own life and what rebuilding after divorce taught him about validation, action, and self-trust. He realized that the proof didn't come before he moved forward.The proof came after.The Verification CheckAsk yourself: What specific proof am I waiting for before I let myself move forward?Then ask: If that proof never arrives, is there a version of this where I go anyway?Because sometimes you don't need the verdict reversed. You need to leave the dock.Read the Full Show Notes Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.Connect with JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.