262804066 125. Breaking Free from Others' Expectations | 5-Min Journal Prompts - Journal Entries

Episode 125

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Published on:

13th Mar 2025

125. Breaking Free from Others' Expectations | 5-Min Journal Prompts

Ever catch yourself making decisions based on what others might think? đź‘€ Or maybe you're avoiding something you actually WANT to do because of how someone else might react?

In this week's 5-minute journaling session, I'm tackling a topic that came directly from one of our Journal Entries listeners—how the expectations of others can secretly control our decisions without us even realizing it!

Let's be real—the reason you feel stuck isn't because you lack information or options. It's because somewhere along the way, you've disconnected from trusting YOURSELF. (Whew, that hit home for me too!)

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • Why you might be making choices based on perceived judgments rather than what you truly want
  • How to identify if those judgments are real or just stories you're telling yourself
  • The freedom that comes from imagining a life where you act without fear of others' opinions
  • A powerful 5-minute journaling flow to break free from expectation-based decisions

I also share how this exact topic is explored more deeply in my FREE Calm Mind Blueprint—my step-by-step process for working through ANY big emotion or situation to find clarity and peace.

Journal Prompt Flow:

  1. Identify something you're doing (or not doing) because of someone else's perceived judgment
  2. Question whether these judgments are real or assumed—what proof do you have?
  3. Imagine what you'd do differently if you had everyone's full support

Whether you're hesitating to change careers, speak your truth in a relationship, or pursue a passion project, these prompts will help you separate YOUR desires from others' expectations.

Resource Mentioned:

Get my FREE Calm Mind Blueprint with 5 powerful journal prompts to process any emotion or situation and go from overwhelm to inner peace. Use them all at once or as a 5-day challenge (just 2 minutes a day), plus get access to my private podcast for guidance through each prompt.

Click here to access the Calm Mind Blueprint

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About the Podcast

Journal Entries
Journal Entries is the podcast for ambitious women in business and leadership who want to stop bringing their work stress home.

Host Samantha Hawley, MBA and Clarity Coach, specializes in the ripple effect — how your internal state at work directly impacts your patience, presence, and peace at home with your family.

If you're making $100k+ but find yourself snapping at your kids after a tough workday, overthinking during bedtime, or feeling like you can't turn off "boss mode" — this podcast will help you master the transition from boardroom to living room. Because success shouldn't cost you your sanity or your family connection.
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Samantha Hawley