Ep. 14: Why Self Improvement Feels Worse Before it Gets Better episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 17 MIN

Ep. 14: Why Self Improvement Feels Worse Before it Gets Better

from The Megan Waldrep Podcast · host Megan Waldrep

Today, I’m talking about something that comes up for all of us on a self-growth journey...the feeling that you’re somehow going backwards. You start doing all the “right” things like meditating, journaling, moving your body, and showing up for yourself. But instead of feeling better, everything feels harder. I’ve been there. We talk about: Why self-improvement can feel worse before it feels better What’s actually happening when your mind feels busier than ever The “wave” pattern of growth (and why it’s not linear) How each low point isn’t failure—it’s strength-building Why awareness is the real work The connection between emotional growth and “adding weight to the bar.” Letting go of perfection and embracing real, human progress I also open up about my personal journey through addiction and healing, and how showing up again and again (and again and again) completely changed my life. You're not alone, no matter where you are on your journey. Let's dive in. Let's connect on IG: @megan.waldrep  FREE: Simple tools to reset your focus and energy anytime, anywhere: Get The Calm Compass through this link or visit meganwaldrep.com/newsletter  

Today, I’m talking about something that comes up for all of us on a self-growth journey...the feeling that you’re somehow going backwards. You start doing all the “right” things like meditating, journaling, moving your body, and showing up for yourself. But instead of feeling better, everything feels harder. I’ve been there. We talk about: Why self-improvement can feel worse before it feels better What’s actually happening when your mind feels busier than ever The “wave” pattern of growth (and why it’s not linear) How each low point isn’t failure—it’s strength-building Why awareness is the real work The connection between emotional growth and “adding weight to the bar.” Letting go of perfection and embracing real, human progress I also open up about my personal journey through addiction and healing, and how showing up again and again (and again and again) completely changed my life. You're not alone, no matter where you are on your journey. Let's dive in. Let's connect on IG: @megan.waldrep  FREE: Simple tools to reset your focus and energy anytime, anywhere: Get The Calm Compass through this link or visit meganwaldrep.com/newsletter

NOW PLAYING

Ep. 14: Why Self Improvement Feels Worse Before it Gets Better

0:00 17:58

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Megan Waldrep Podcast?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

When was this The Megan Waldrep Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on April 8, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Today, I’m talking about something that comes up for all of us on a self-growth journey...the feeling that you’re somehow going backwards. You start doing all the “right” things like meditating, journaling, moving your body, and showing up for...

Can I download this The Megan Waldrep Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!