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Seattle, WA
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Why Are We Still Doing That? – Invoke Your Agency

Blog / Podcast

Our blog and podcast dive into the real stories and everyday strategies behind building a No Vacation Required life. We challenge outdated norms, share fresh perspectives, and explore what it means to find fulfillment right now—in a world that rarely makes it easy.

Why Are We Still Doing That? – Invoke Your Agency

No Vacation Required

Invoke Your Agency: Finding Peace Over Keeping the Peace

Why do we trade our internal well-being for a superficial, quiet dinner or a friction-free workday? In the debut episode of the No Vacation Required podcast, we dive into the high cost of "keeping the peace" and why this common habit often leads to resentment rather than actual tranquility. We explore the vital concept of agency — the power to speak your truth and take ownership of your decisions — even when it feels safer to remain on autopilot.

From navigating toxic silence in the workplace to handling uncomfortable family dynamics during the holidays, this episode serves as a guide for anyone feeling paralyzed by the fear of speaking up. Learn how to apply positive psychology to build your "self-allyship" and start making the tiny, internal shifts necessary to create a life you don't need a break from.

Inward and Onward,

CHAPTERS:

  • (00:00) Introducing No Vacation Required: A life that is more than a break

  • (02:14) Why are we still doing that? From Stop Hating Mondays to holistic change

  • (04:40) Monthly Focus: Invoking your agency

  • (06:08) The high cost of "what’s not being said" at work

  • (09:22) Small steps: Dealing with the constraints of reality and safety

  • (12:38) Keeping the peace vs. Finding peace

  • (15:18) Positive Psychology: Expansive vs. Constricting messages

  • (18:09) The Upward Spiral: Why your voice matters for the world

  • (21:45) A call to employers: Creating space for authenticity

  • (23:41) The NVR Life Change Philosophy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Agency Begins Inside: You don't have to quit your job or blow up your life tomorrow; agency starts with internal shifts in how you think and how you view your own needs.

  • Toxic Silence is Costly: Remaining quiet to "keep the peace" often delays personal growth, increases stress, and prevents deeper connections with others.

  • Self-Allyship: Building the skill to speak up for yourself makes you a better ally for others. Treating yourself with the same commitment you give to external causes is essential for long-term well-being.

  • Authenticity is Motivating: When your external actions match your internal values, it creates an "upward spiral" that encourages those around you to do the same.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Personality and Strengths Assessments for Individuals and Partnerships

SUPPORT NO VACATION REQUIRED:

If this episode helped you rethink a tough decision, please leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! It is the best way to help our message reach more people.