Ep #176: Don’t Be Good. Be New. with Michael Henri

What if starting over wasn’t a sign of failure… but an act of courage?This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological journey of beginning again—whether it's a new habit, role, relationship, or mindset. It explores how fear of failure often blocks us from saying “yes” to new opportunities, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset can help us stay curious, resilient, and open to growth.Through personal reflection and a story about volunteering at a yoga festival, the speaker shares how keeping a simple “Courage Journal” helped transform habitual “no’s” into brave “yes’s.” The episode weaves together yogic philosophy (like svadhyaya and abhyasa), Zen teachings (shoshin), and neuroscience (neuroplasticity) to illustrate how starting fresh isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom in action.You’ll be guided through reflection prompts and a short breath-based meditation to reconnect with the idea that it’s not only safe to begin again—it’s brave.💡 A gentle, powerful reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to begin.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:35 Emotional contrast: Fear vs. Curiosity00:06:00 The Courage Journal story00:12:34 What is curiosity and wonder?00:14:34 Yogic and Zen perspectives on beginner's mind00:15:45 Brain science and neuroplasticity00:20:00 Judgment vs. Trust in the Process00:24:16 The illusion of control00:27:24 Growth isn’t linear00:30:01 Releasing the pressure to be good00:31:28 Abhyasa & Vairagya – non-attachment and effort00:33:41 Adaptability as strength00:34:50 Affirmations: “It’s safe to be a beginner”00:37:38 Closing meditation—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Zen Buddhism: Shoshin – beginner’s mindYoga Philosophy: Svadhyaya, Abhyasa, VairagyaNeuroscience: neuroplasticity, growth mindsetMovie: Yes Man (Jim Carrey)Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: beginner’s mindset, courage, self-growth, personal development, yoga philosophy, fear of failure, neuroscience, abhyasa, non-attachment, curiosity, starting fresh, emotional intelligence, mindset shift