From Ironman to Self-Worth: She Finally Stopped Chasing Approval | Jen Rulon

What happens when you stop chasing approval—and start redefining who you are?In this episode of Who’s On My Mind, I sit down with Jen Rulon — 15-time Ironman finisher, former marine animal trainer, TEDx speaker, and now a life coach helping women reinvent themselves in midlife.Jen spent years pushing her limits — completing Ironman races, building a career at SeaWorld, and striving for validation.But it wasn’t until she stepped away from it all in her late 40s that she began to truly understand self-worth, identity, and what it means to start over.Now living in Costa Rica, she helps women navigate change, rebuild confidence, and create a life rooted in purpose.This conversation is about letting go of external validation, finding your voice, and having the courage to reinvent your life — no matter your age.🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy external validation can quietly drive your lifeWhat it takes to complete 15 Ironmans — and why it’s not enoughHow to rebuild your identity after major life transitionsThe mindset behind resilience and reinventionHow to find your voice and stop people-pleasingWhy it’s never too late to start over🌐 Connect with Jen RulonWebsite: https://jenrulon.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulonBook: Self-Motivation Strategies for Womenhttps://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠⏱️ Chapters00:00 Who Is Jen Rulon03:38 The Decision to Pursue Ironman06:18 Where the Drive Came From08:59 Chasing a Father’s Approval11:36 Her First Ironman Experience15:21 Realizing Self-Worth17:05 The Meaning Behind the Butterflies24:51 Struggles with Purpose25:37 Walking Away from Ironman28:29 Marriage and Identity31:48 Lessons from SeaWorld36:45 Trust and Communication with Animals45:04 The Breaking Point52:21 Quitting Alcohol52:22 Moving to Costa Rica53:52 Finding Her Voice55:13 Coaching and Transformation59:15 Daily Life in Costa Rica01:01:53 Family Reflections01:05:17 Courage to Start Over🔍 Keywordsself worth, midlife reinvention, personal growth podcast, finding purpose, identity crisis, life transition, resilience mindset, confidence building, stop people pleasing, women empowerment, life coach, mindset shift📢 Hashtags#SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReinvention #Mindset #Resilience #Podcast