Inner Work 244: When being good becomes a problem

Inner Work 244: When being good becomes a problem

Author: Josephine Hardman, PhD May 10, 2025 Duration: 36:27

Are you a GOODIST?

Identified by mindbody pioneer Dr. John Sarno, goodism is a personality trait where highly conscientious people put pressure on themselves to be "good" at all times (and to be perceived as "good" and selfless by everyone).

Some other characteristics of goodism include:

  • putting others' needs and desires above your own, most or all of the time
  • getting your sense of self-value from being "needed" by others
  • finding it intolerable when someone else criticizes you, gets mad, or disagrees with you (and so trying to avoid this at all costs)
  • playing the role of peacemaker in others' disagreements 
  • going along with what others want, rather than making your voice and preferences clearly known
  • avoiding conflict by not speaking up when others disappoint you or overstep your boundaries

In this episode of INNER WORK, we'll explore this trait of goodism and how being a "goodist" can become a problem... because it leads you to suppress your authentic self and to give all of your energy and power away.

If this discussion has intrigued you, I highly recommend reading Dr. Sarno's books The Mindbody Prescription and The Divided Mind.

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Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference!

Music & editing by G. Demers.

Inner Work 2025 All Rights Reserved.


Josephine Hardman brings a unique blend of academic rigor and intuitive wisdom to Inner Work: A Spiritual Growth Podcast. With a background that spans nine years teaching college-level literature and a current practice as a certified intuitive healer and Akashic Records teacher, she guides conversations that are both deeply thoughtful and profoundly practical. This isn't about abstract theories; it's about the tangible, often messy process of personal awakening. Each episode feels like a thoughtful dialogue, whether Josephine is speaking with a guest or sharing her own insights on psychospiritual development. You'll find discussions that weave together themes from spirituality, inner healing, and conscious self-improvement, all aimed at making the esoteric accessible. The podcast serves as a companion for those who suspect there's more to their experience than the daily routine, offering a space to explore what genuine transformation looks and feels like. It’s for anyone ready to move beyond surface-level advice and engage in the real, sometimes challenging work of understanding themselves and their place in the world. Tune in for a consistently illuminating perspective that honors both the heart and the intellect on the path of growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inner Work: A Spiritual Growth Podcast
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