EPISODE · Feb 22, 2026 · 54 MIN
Everyday Habits That Build Real Self-Respect | Dr Katherine Iscoe
from The Balance Theory · host Erika De Pellegrin
In this episode, we explore what self-respect actually means, beyond confidence, beyond success, beyond applause. For years, today’s guest chased respect externally, having thoughts like: If you liked me, I liked me. If you approved, I felt safe. But as she shares, that way of living slowly disconnects you from yourself. I’m joined by Dr Katherine Iscoe to unpack: • Why people-pleasing is often rooted in the “fawn” trauma response • How you might be subtly trading yourself away in everyday moments • The restaurant “steak” example that reveals more than you think • How to audit your calendar to see if you truly respect yourself • Why boundaries aren’t just with other people, they’re with yourself • How overthinking steals years of your life • The difference between chasing happiness and building self-respect • What it actually looks like to make decisions from self-respect Self-respect isn’t loud.It isn’t aggressive.It isn’t about becoming selfish. It’s about choosing yourself in small, daily ways, even when it feels uncomfortable. Because the truth is, confidence might get you in the room... but self-respect is what keeps you standing tall. If you’ve ever felt like: * You say yes too often * You overthink simple decisions * You care more about others’ opinions than your own * You don’t feel fully like yourself anymore This episode is for you. The life you want doesn’t start with more discipline. It starts with self-respect. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram Dr Katherine Iscoe's book - https://www.drkatherine.com/self-respect-playbook Dr Katherine Iscoe Website - https://www.drkatherine.com TIME STAMPS (01:50) Introduction (05:40) Taking back ownership over your life (09:29) Obvious Ways you are trading yourself away (14:43) First time you felt proud of yourself (17:37) Self Respect Zones (21:49) Does your calendar show you respect yourself? (25:58) Top Skills for Mastering your Self Respect (29:11) Advice for people to move into self respect (31:57) Resilience vs Abandon ship (36:25) Leaving CEO Role (39:27) How do I make decisions with self respect? (44:19) Why do we lose momentum? (49:17) Define Self Respect WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
In this episode, we explore what self-respect actually means, beyond confidence, beyond success, beyond applause. For years, today’s guest chased respect externally, having thoughts like: If you liked me, I liked me. If you approved, I felt safe. But as she shares, that way of living slowly disconnects you from yourself. I’m joined by Dr Katherine Iscoe to unpack: • Why people-pleasing is often rooted in the “fawn” trauma response • How you might be subtly trading yourself away in everyday moments • The restaurant “steak” example that reveals more than you think • How to audit your calendar to see if you truly respect yourself • Why boundaries aren’t just with other people, they’re with yourself • How overthinking steals years of your life • The difference between chasing happiness and building self-respect • What it actually looks like to make decisions from self-respect Self-respect isn’t loud.It isn’t aggressive.It isn’t about becoming selfish. It’s about choosing yourself in small, daily ways, even when it feels uncomfortable. Because the truth is, confidence might get you in the room... but self-respect is what keeps you standing tall. If you’ve ever felt like: * You say yes too often * You overthink simple decisions * You care more about others’ opinions than your own * You don’t feel fully like yourself anymore This episode is for you. The life you want doesn’t start with more discipline. It starts with self-respect. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram Dr Katherine Iscoe's book - https://www.drkatherine.com/self-respect-playbook Dr Katherine Iscoe Website - https://www.drkatherine.com TIME STAMPS (01:50) Introduction (05:40) Taking back ownership over your life (09:29) Obvious Ways you are trading yourself away (14:43) First time you felt proud of yourself (17:37) Self Respect Zones (21:49) Does your calendar show you respect yourself? (25:58) Top Skills for Mastering your Self Respect (29:11) Advice for people to move into self respect (31:57) Resilience vs Abandon ship (36:25) Leaving CEO Role (39:27) How do I make decisions with self respect? (44:19) Why do we lose momentum? (49:17) Define Self Respect WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Everyday Habits That Build Real Self-Respect | Dr Katherine Iscoe
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