Changeology Clinic: F*ck the Shoulds--The Psychology Behind How Small Acts of Rebellion Change Everything

Send us Fan MailChangeology Clinic:When you’re stuck in “I can’t,” you’re not broken—you’re obeying invisible rules you never agreed to. Those rules usually start with a “should.” In this episode of Changeology Clinic, Meg unpacks how those subtle, inherited scripts quietly dictate your behavior, shape your identity, and block your ability to change. Drawing from her background in developmental psychology and years of coaching women through identity-level change, Meg introduces one of her most practical tools: Small Acts of Rebellion. These are the tiny, intentional choices that challenge the “insidious shoulds” and rebuild two essential ingredients for real transformation—self-efficacy (trusting yourself to follow through) and psychological safety (feeling safe enough to try). If you’re exhausted by perfectionism, stuck in people-pleasing, or constantly negotiating between what you want and what’s expected, this one’s for you. You’ll learn how to stop asking for permission and start taking small, deliberate steps that return you to your own authority. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE-How “insidious shoulds” unconsciously shape your behavior and identity--without your consent-Why rebellion (done right) is a powerful psychological tool—not just an act of defiance-The two building blocks of meaningful change: self-efficacy and psychological safety-How small, low-stakes acts of rebellion rebuild self-trust and confidence over time-Real examples of small rebellions that disrupt overwork, guilt, and perfectionism