?? Ignite Your Potential: Master Authentic Relationships & Self-Worth with Diana Mandell

Psychedelic-Powered Personal and Professional Development ?? Unlock MORE in Your Life and Career with a Rewired Brain and Body ??

Welcome back to "The Microdose Diet" newsletter, where success, passion, and happiness converge to elevate your life and career. I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, and after two decades in the financial services and tech industries, I discovered the transformative power of mushrooms for mental wellness and peak performance. This revelation led to the creation of "The Microdose Diet" protocol, a game-changer for personal and professional growth. Dive in to explore more!

Welcome to another transformative episode of The Microdose Diet! Today, I’m thrilled to share an episode that will spark deep change in your life. My guest, Diana Mandell, isn’t just a coach; she’s a powerhouse in transformation, relationships, and helping people find their authentic selves. We dove into the real work behind unlocking success and joy, and trust me—this is one you don’t want to miss.

?? Ready to Ignite Your True Potential?

I’ve witnessed so many of my clients facing the exact challenges Diana describes—wondering who they are beyond others' expectations, or feeling lost in goals that don’t align with their true desires. In our work together, when clients begin to strip away these external influences, it’s like watching someone step into their own light. Diana’s insights resonated because they mirror the breakthroughs I see every day. Let’s dive in!

??Here’s What’s in Store for You:

Diana gave us a roadmap to true transformation, with exercises that are simple but incredibly impactful. If you’re ready to shed old limiting beliefs, this episode is packed with takeaways designed to help you take immediate action. Let’s dive in!

?? Discover What You Actually Want – Beyond the Buzzwords

Diana shared that so often, we think we know what we want: success, happiness, love. But these words mean nothing until we break them down into what’s truly important to us. Her advice? Define what these concepts mean on a personal level.

Takeaway: Grab a notebook and write down what “success” or “love” genuinely looks like for you. Be specific! If you want a supportive relationship, ask yourself: what does support look like in action? This clarity is the foundation of manifesting what you truly desire.

My Perspective: In my book and coaching practice, I guide clients through this exercise, and it’s often the start of huge breakthroughs. Once we clearly define their intention, they’re no longer running after vague goals. Instead, they have a clear picture and can make decisions that actually lead to fulfillment.

??Heal the Inner Child with Mirror Work

One of the most powerful exercises Diana taught us is a technique to reconnect with your younger self—your “inner child”—to heal past hurts and insecurities. By looking in the mirror and addressing your child self, you can release old beliefs that no longer serve you.

Exercise: Look at yourself as the younger version of you and offer validation, kindness, and acceptance. This might feel strange, but it’s an effective way to reconnect with who you were before life’s pressures took hold.

My Perspective: When clients incorporate mirror work into their practice, the results are profound. One approach I love and personally use is tapping in front of a mirror—a powerful variation that brings up emotions and triggers deep changes. Louise Hay’s Mirror Work is an excellent resource offering insights into healing old wounds, even those we didn’t realize we were carrying. I’ve seen clients develop a newfound sense of self-compassion through these exercises, with ripple effects on how they face challenges and strengthen their self-worth.

??The “Insecurity Masks” We All Wear

Diana explained that our insecurities drive behaviors like people-pleasing, overthinking, and even perfectionism. These are all masks for deep-seated insecurities that need to be addressed for genuine confidence to emerge.

Takeaway: Identify the “mask” that insecurity wears in your life. Ask yourself what this mask is covering up and take one action that aligns with a more secure, confident version of you.

My Perspective: As a coach, I see this pattern time and again—clients struggling with habits like people-pleasing often find it’s not just about “stopping” the behavior. Behind people-pleasing, there’s often a deep need to feel safe or accepted. Addressing the root of this—building that sense of safety within, using tools like the ones I use in The Microdose Diet protocol - tapping, journaling, reframing, visualizing, and even microdosing—is what allows the behavior to fade naturally. When we address the underlying insecurity, the mask isn’t needed anymore, and clients feel free to be themselves without that constant urge to please.

??Curate Intentional Relationships

This topic is front and center for many people right now. In my coaching work, I focus first on helping clients curate relationships that align with their authentic selves and intention. I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing it is to be surrounded by people who elevate and inspire, rather than those who drain or hold us back. Diana’s insights here were a powerful reminder of the value of intentional connections.

Exercise: Make a list of your closest friends, and note their unique strengths. Who brings you joy? Who supports you? Be intentional about who you’re allowing into your life and surround yourself with people who elevate you.

My Perspective: When clients perform the energy map exercise at the beginning of in The Microdose Diet process, many find this exercise transformational, realizing they’ve been carrying relationships that no longer serve them. By becoming intentional, they feel a renewed energy and alignment in their social circles, seeing how much better life flows with the right support system.

?? Celebrate Yourself – Yes, You Deserve It!

Here’s a game-changer: take a moment each day to celebrate something about yourself. Whether it’s big or small, acknowledging your wins boosts self-worth and shifts your mindset to look for the good in yourself.

Takeaway: Every day, say three things you’re proud of—no matter how small. These tiny victories will begin to stack up, reinforcing a positive self-image over time.

My Perspective: In my practice, I’ve noticed that clients often struggle to see their progress, focusing instead on what’s not working. That’s why it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest wins. This simple habit keeps you motivated, boosts self-worth, and reinforces to your mind that change is happening. Journaling plays a key role here—by writing down your progress, you make it real for both your conscious and subconscious mind, training it to focus on what’s working. The more you recognize your success, the more your mind seeks it out, creating a positive cycle of growth and confidence. For anyone looking to make this perspective shift, I also recommend The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan—a fantastic resource for cultivating happiness and confidence by focusing on how far you’ve come rather than the distance left to go.

??Embrace Authenticity, Even if It’s Scary

Diana reminded us that being authentic isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. She emphasized that authenticity attracts the right people and opportunities, even if it means some people may not vibe with the real you. Diana’s approach? Better to be genuinely you than a diluted version for everyone else.

Takeaway: Be vulnerable with someone you trust. Let them see the real you, even if it feels uncomfortable. Authenticity is magnetic; you’ll draw in people who appreciate the true you.

My Perspective: At the heart of The Microdose Diet is becoming your authentic self. This program isn’t about erasing anything but reprogramming limiting patterns to create new neural pathways. It empowers you to pause, consider your best self’s response, and act accordingly. When clients start to embrace their true selves, they often tell me it’s the most liberating feeling. Letting go of the need to please everyone allows them to attract the right people and opportunities, and they experience a confidence that reshapes their lives in unimaginable ways. Authenticity isn’t just about self-assurance—it’s a transformative way of living.

?? Real Talk on Self-Worth

Throughout our conversation, Diana reminded us that our self-worth is built one action, one belief, one boundary at a time. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and learning to love ourselves—flaws and all. She encouraged us to heal past wounds, acknowledge insecurities, and take steps toward becoming our most confident selves.

Here’s My Own Perspective ??

I couldn’t agree more with Diana. As a coach, I’ve watched clients redefine their lives by uncovering their authentic selves and making intentional choices. Life is about connection—genuine, real connection, both with others and with ourselves. Diana’s insights reinforced the journey of clarity, intention, and courage that I see transform lives every day.

Give yourself permission to try out one of these exercises this week. If you’re like many of my clients, you’ll start to feel the shift almost immediately.

Diana’s wisdom on this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Tune in to hear more about her techniques, stories, and guidance—it’s time to step into your most authentic, joyful self.

P.S. What’s One Takeaway You’re Excited to Try?

Drop a reply and let me know what resonates most! And if you enjoyed these insights, don’t miss the full episode with Diana on The Microdose Diet podcast—it's packed with even more gems for personal growth and authentic living.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Remember, the path to MORE is one of exploration, growth, and continuous learning—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you all clarity, freedom, and success on your journey!

I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC with 20 years in financial services and technology. "The Microdose Diet" combines alternative medicines like microdosing psilocybin for personal and professional growth.

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