Living From Truth, Not “Should” (Solo with Tessa Tubbs)

Living From Truth, Not “Should” (Solo with Tessa Tubbs)

Duration: 00:03:44

What happens when your life looks exactly the way it’s “supposed” to look… but it doesn’t feel like yours?

In this solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa shares a defining moment from her corporate career: a prestigious, high-visibility “destination” role that checked every box, yet carried a quiet grief she couldn’t ignore. She unpacks the difference between doing what’s admired and doing what’s true, and why “should” can be seductive while still pulling you out of alignment.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • How to recognize when you’re trying to “talk yourself into” a life that isn’t meant for you
  • Why “I should be grateful” can sometimes mask misalignment
  • The decision filter Tessa uses now: not “Is it right or coveted?” but “Is it true for me?”
  • How choosing truth changes what you say yes to, how you lead yourself, and the contentment you experience day to day

If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but unsettled on the inside, this episode is an invitation to stop living by default and start choosing from truth.

Listen to More Epidsodes

Purpose as the Compass, Passion as the Fuel (with Christi Dortch)

Purpose as the Compass, Passion as the Fuel (with Christi Dortch)

What does it look like to stay anchored to purpose when the plan changes, outcomes aren’t guaranteed, and the path forward isn’t straight? In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa sits down with Christi Dortch, whose career spans the performing arts and...

How to Uncover Your Core Values (Without Overthinking It)

How to Uncover Your Core Values (Without Overthinking It)

Most people can list values they aspire to.But real values aren’t what you say. They’re what you protect. In this solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa shares one simple question to help you uncover your core values without getting lost in theory: What do you...

The Struggle for Authenticity

The Struggle for Authenticity

There was a season when I thought belonging required shrinking parts of myself. I didn’t call it that at the time. I told myself I was being adaptable, agreeable, “easy to work with.” In this solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, I share a deeply personal story...

The Most Productive Thing You’re Not Doing with guest Adam Tanaka

The Most Productive Thing You’re Not Doing with guest Adam Tanaka

Burnout is normalized. Productivity is glorified. And many high-functioning people are quietly exhausted, doing all the “right” things while sensing something is off. In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa sits down with Adam Tanaka: founder, serial...

Leading Yourself Through Discomfort: Stay Present, Stop Avoiding

Leading Yourself Through Discomfort: Stay Present, Stop Avoiding

In this solo episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa shares practical, real-life strategies for leading yourself through discomfort without numbing out, spiraling, or escaping into overwork, overeating, shopping, scrolling, or people-pleasing. You’ll learn how to...

3 Myths That Hold Us Back From Receiving Feedback with Nigel Bristow

3 Myths That Hold Us Back From Receiving Feedback with Nigel Bristow

Feedback can be one of the most powerful accelerators of leadership growth… and one of the most emotionally complicated. In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa is joined by Nigel Bristow (bestselling author, speaker, and feedback thought leader, and author...

360° Feedback That Drives Real Change

360° Feedback That Drives Real Change

Most leaders have experienced a 360° feedback process — but how often does it actually change behavior? In this episode of The Tessa Tubbs Podcast, Tessa sits down with Bruce Bennett, Founder and CEO of Star 360 Feedback, to explore how to turn data into meaningful...