Quick recap

Week 5 of the Empower 360 coaching program focused on building self-esteem and addressing chronic self-doubt as part of the power framework. The session covered three key themes:
 

• Rejection Sensitivity & Perfectionism: Understanding how these patterns create cycles of shame and self-criticism, particularly for individuals with ADHD who experience emotions more intensely
   

• Rebuilding Self-Trust: Starting with small, manageable commitments rather than ambitious goals, and focusing on consistent effort over perfect results
   

• Self-Compassion Practices: Reframing negative self-talk, celebrating effort over outcomes, and tracking micro-wins to build confidence

Chris shared his struggles with accepting his new employment situation and the challenges of moving forward. Remy discussed progress in his job search (reaching out to venue owners) and reflected on dating-related self-doubt. Both participants explored areas where they've shown resilience and identified opportunities for gentler progress.

 

Summary
 

​Framework Introduction: Self-Esteem & Self-Trust
 

Braden highlighted Chris's growth in distinguishing between seeking advice versus venting, praising his clear communication with a friend. Remy shared job search progress—reaching out to a venue owner about potential opportunities and reflecting on how his previous experience could translate to new roles. Braden then introduced the session's core focus: the self-esteem component of the power framework. He emphasized the need to address chronic self-doubt and reframe negative feedback to build self-trust. The discussion opened with a question to the group about how perfectionism and self-criticism show up in their daily lives.
 

Exploring Self-Doubt, Confidence, & Impulsivity
 

The group explored personal experiences with self-doubt and confidence. Remy shared a revealing example from his dating history: during a dating show appearance, he received feedback that he appeared confident, which he initially dismissed. This led to a discussion about how external perceptions don't always match internal experiences. Braden reflected on an important distinction—how impulsivity can often be mistaken for confidence. The conversation then introduced the concept of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) as a framework for understanding these experiences.
 

Understanding Rejection Sensitivity & RSD
 

Braden provided education on rejection sensitivity and RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), making critical distinctions between the two. Key insights included:
 

• Recognition over fixing: The importance of recognizing and naming these feelings rather than trying to immediately fix them
   

• Root cause: Rejection sensitivity stems from perceived rejection, not necessarily actual rejection
   

• The shame cycle: Perceived rejection triggers shame and self-criticism, creating a feedback loop
   

• ADHD connection: People with ADHD experience emotions more intensely due to neurological differences
   

• Avoidance patterns: Understanding this neurological pattern helps break cycles of avoiding situations due to fear of rejection
   

Core Teaching: Naming the experience ("I'm experiencing rejection sensitivity right now") creates space between the feeling and the reaction, interrupting the automatic shame response.
 

Practical Strategies: Rebuilding Self-Trust
 

Braden and Chris explored concrete strategies for rebuilding self-trust through a paradigm shift in how to approach commitments and goals:
 

• Start small: Begin with tiny, manageable commitments rather than ambitious goals that set you up for failure

• Reframe failure: Failure provides valuable data for learning and growth—it's not a character flaw

• Effort over results: Focus on consistent effort rather than perfect outcomes

• Realistic expectations: Set expectations based on your current capabilities, not neurotypical ideals or past peak performance

• Celebrate effort: Acknowledge and celebrate your efforts even when outcomes aren't successful
   

Key Principle: Self-trust is built through keeping small promises to yourself consistently, not through occasional heroic achievements.