Words of Wisdom: 7 Therapist-Backed Insights That Can Transform Your Life

As a BetterHelp
affiliate, we receive compensation from BetterHelp if
you purchase products or services through the links
provided

We all encounter moments when a single piece of advice changes everything—a line of wisdom that stays with us and shapes how we approach life. Often, the guidance shared by a therapist can become a beacon, helping us navigate challenges with clarity and resilience.

In this article, seven thought leaders share the most impactful advice their therapists have given them. From embracing emotional awareness to setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, these insights offer timeless lessons for growth and fulfillment.

Here’s what they had to say:

Acknowledge and Validate Your Emotions
Set Healthy Boundaries
Be Present

Prioritize Regular Self-Care
Control Your Own Response
Teach People How to Treat You

Focus on Consistent Progress

Dive into their stories and discover how these words of wisdom can inspire meaningful change in your own life.

Acknowledge and Validate Your Emotions

“Feelings aren’t facts, but they are important signals.” This guidance helps remind us to acknowledge and validate our emotions without letting them define our reality. For example, feeling unworthy doesn’t mean you are unworthy – it’s just a signal that something deeper needs attention, whether it’s self-doubt, unmet needs, or external pressures.

This insight encourages self-compassion and introspection. By recognizing emotions as guides rather than dictators, people often find they can respond to challenges with greater clarity and kindness, improving relationships, decision-making, and overall well-being. It’s a gentle yet profound shift in perspective that can influence many aspects of life.

Peter Wootton, SEO Consultant, The SEO Consultant Agency

Set Healthy Boundaries

One piece of wisdom my therapist shared that has stayed with me is the importance of setting healthy boundaries, both with others and myself. This insight emphasized that boundaries are not walls, but guidelines that protect my emotional well-being and help me maintain a balanced life. I learned that saying “no” when necessary is an act of self-respect, and it enables me to prioritize my needs without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.

Connect one-on-one with a Psychiatrist

This guidance has had a lasting influence on how I approach both personal and professional relationships. By consciously respecting my own boundaries and communicating them clearly, I have been able to foster more genuine and fulfilling connections while safeguarding my mental health. It’s a practice that has empowered me to make decisions that align with my values and well-being, allowing me to thrive without burning out.

Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House

Be Present

Mental well-being is essential to balancing personal and professional life.

My therapist once told me to “be present.” It’s about really engaging with the moment, whether at work, with family, or alone.

This advice changed how I handle each day. During stressful trials, I focus on the current arguments rather than the outcome. This reduces anxiety and improves my performance. At home, it helps me connect better with my family, free from distractions.

I incorporate being present into my daily routine. I start with mindful meditation, focus on one task at a time, and ensure I’m fully engaged in conversations. This approach has boosted my productivity, satisfaction, and emotional resilience.

This simple advice from my therapist has been key in navigating life, helping me stay grounded and engaged in each moment.

C.L. Mike Schmidt, Personal Injury Lawyer, Schmidt & Clark

Prioritize Regular Self-Care

One piece of wisdom my therapist shared that has stayed with me is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This reminder has been invaluable as a business owner, especially in a physically demanding field like massage therapy. Focusing entirely on caring for clients is easy, but neglecting my body and well-being only leads to burnout. This insight has influenced me to prioritize regular self-care, from stretching and exercise to scheduling my own massages, so I can stay energized and perform at my best. By caring for myself, I’ve not only improved my physical health but also built a sustainable business that allows me to care for my clients with the same level of attention and energy they deserve.

Erin Ruddy, Owner, Winston-Salem Massage and Bodywork

Control Your Own Response

You know, as the CEO, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. Running a business that deals with people’s big moments – weddings, parties, you name it – can be pretty intense. It’s not all glitz and glamour, that’s for sure.

A while back, I started seeing a therapist. Not because things were falling apart or anything, but you know how it is – sometimes you just need someone to talk to who isn’t involved in your day-to-day life. Anyway, she said something that really stuck with me: “You can’t control other people’s reactions, but you can control your own response.”

It’s like being a DJ at a party – you can’t make everyone love every song, but you can choose how you mix the next track.

At first, I thought, “Well, duh.” But then I started really thinking about it in terms of my work. We deal with a lot of stressed-out brides, anxious grooms, party planners on the edge – you get the picture. Before, I’d get all wound up trying to fix everything, taking it personally when someone got upset.

Now? I try to take a step back. Like this one time, we had a bride whose band canceled last minute. She was absolutely livid. In the past, I might have gotten defensive or panicked. Instead, I took a deep breath, let her vent, and then calmly walked her through our backup options. It turned out way better than I expected.

This mindset has helped me in other ways, too. Dealing with employees, negotiating with bands, and even in my personal life. It’s not always easy – I still have my moments – but it’s made a big difference.

I guess what I’m saying is, this little bit of wisdom from my therapist has become my secret weapon. It’s helped me keep my cool in some pretty heated situations. And in this business, keeping your cool is worth its weight in gold.

Sally Johnson, Owner, Green Light Booking, LLC

Teach People How to Treat You

My therapist once told me, “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow.” This hit me hard.

I used to let a coworker constantly pile extra tasks on me. After my therapist’s advice, I calmly told them I couldn’t handle more work. Surprisingly, they respected it and stopped.

That one insight taught me to value my boundaries. It’s still my guide for relationships today.

Abdullah Saleem, Founder & CEO, Plumbing Amarillo TX

Focus on Consistent Progress

“Don’t confuse progress with perfection.” This advice from my therapist changed the game for me as a founder. When I started my e-commerce store, I obsessed over every detail being flawless—wasted time and energy stressing over things customers didn’t even notice. Now, I focus on consistent progress, and it’s been a game-changer for growth and mental peace.

Tomasz Lewandowski, Business Owner | Designer, 2D Figure Painting

How to Apply These Insights in Your Own Life

Reading about life-changing wisdom is inspiring, but the real impact comes from putting these lessons into action. Here are some practical tips to integrate these insights into your daily life:

Create a Personal Growth Plan:
- Reflect on which of the seven insights resonates most with you. Is it setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, or being present?
- Write down one specific action you can take this week to start implementing that insight. For example:
  - Insight: “Set Healthy Boundaries”
  - Action: Politely decline one request that feels overwhelming or unnecessary.
Practice Consistency Over Perfection:
- Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Pick one or two insights to focus on each month. Over time, this intentional practice will become second nature.
Seek Feedback and Support:
- Share the insights with a trusted friend or family member and ask them to help you stay accountable.
- Consider discussing these ideas with a therapist or coach to explore how they apply to your unique circumstances.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While these insights are powerful, applying them can be challenging. Here are some common obstacles and strategies to tackle them:

Struggling to Set Boundaries:
- Challenge: Fear of conflict or guilt when saying “no.”
- Solution: Practice with low-stakes situations, such as declining an unnecessary invitation. Over time, your confidence will grow.
Difficulty Staying Present:
- Challenge: Distractions or overthinking.
- Solution: Start small, such as dedicating five minutes daily to a mindfulness practice like deep breathing or meditation.
Overwhelmed by Self-Care:
- Challenge: Believing there’s no time for self-care.
- Solution: Reframe self-care as non-negotiable. Start with small acts, like a five-minute walk or journaling for a few minutes before bed.

Final Thoughts: Building a Toolbox for Growth

These insights from thought leaders offer a starting point for personal transformation. Think of each one as a tool in your mental and emotional toolbox. You don’t have to use them all at once—experiment and see what works best for you.

Taking small, consistent steps’ll build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. Remember, growth is a journey, and every step forward counts.

Author

Recent Posts

Follow Me

Jacob Maslow

Follow Me