“I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up

“I’m just…”: the language that shrinks how we show up

Author: People Soup April 21, 2026 Duration: 1:18

“I’m just…”

It’s a phrase that shows up in many workplaces — often without much thought.

But this seemingly small piece of language can have a significant impact.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores how the word “just” can subtly shape behaviour, influencing how people contribute, communicate, and see their own value at work.

When people describe themselves as “just” something, they can unintentionally minimise their role — speaking up less, holding back ideas, and second guessing their contribution.

Over time, these small patterns can reinforce limiting beliefs about what someone is capable of.

But the reality is:

Everyone is already influencing something.

Everyone is already shaping the culture around them.

What This Episode Explores

  • The hidden impact of the phrase “I’m just…”
  • How language shapes behaviour at work
  • Why people may undervalue their contribution
  • The link between identity and action
  • A simple reflection to build awareness

Key Idea

The language we use about ourselves can shape how we show up — often without us realising.

Reflection

Where are you saying “I’m just…”?

For those of you who are new to People Soup - welcome - it's great to have you here - I aim to provide you with ingredients for a better work life from behavioural science and beyond. For those of you who are regular P Soupers - thanks for tuning in - we love it that you're part of our community.

Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life

He's now also on Bluesky

The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE


Ever wonder why we do the things we do, especially at work or when trying to lead others? People Soup digs into that question, but it doesn’t stop at theory. Each episode is built on a foundation of behavioural science, which means you’ll get more than just interesting stories-you’ll get a clearer understanding of the human ingredients that make up our daily interactions. The conversations here feel real and unscripted, often touching on the messy, rewarding, and sometimes frustrating experience of simply being human. You’ll find that this podcast operates at the intersection of our professional ambitions and our personal well-being, exploring how they influence each other in ways we might not immediately see. It’s for anyone who has left a meeting baffled by a colleague’s reaction, struggled to motivate a team, or just wanted to navigate their own goals with a bit more clarity and less friction. The ideas discussed are deliberately practical, designed to be used almost immediately, whether you’re looking to improve a process, a relationship, or your own mindset. Tune in for a blend of thoughtful analysis and actionable insight that aims to make the complex recipe of human behaviour a little easier to understand and work with.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

People Soup
Podcast Episodes
Meet Dr Ryan Kemp - Director of Therapies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:14
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 31 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode you'll get to meet Dr Ryan Kemp who is a clinical psychologist and Director of Therapies at a l…
My Grief My Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 30 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode I chat with Dr Anne Finucane and Dr David Gillanders about brilliant website - mygriefmyway.co.…
Meet Dr David Gillanders - The University of Edinburgh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:51
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 29 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode you'll get to meet Dr David Gillanders who is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lect…
Meet Dr Anne Finucane - Marie Curie Senior Research Fellow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:55
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 28 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode you'll get to meet Dr Anne Finucane, who is a Marie Curie Senior Research Fellow at The Univers…
Debrief - Mindful Noticing Exercise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:06
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 27 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. This week., it's another cup-a-soup. A short episode which is in essence a debrief on the last two episodes where i talked…
BONUS - Mindful Meditation of Body and Breath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:37
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 26 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. This week, it's a special bonus episode. In fact it's an extract from the previous episode. It's a practical, mindfulness m…
NOTICING - The Human Superpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:12
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 25 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. This week., it's another cup-a-soup. A short episode from me. I'm going to explore the human superpower of noticing. I'll t…
Embracing Intellectual Humility with Tom Loncar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:05
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 23 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode it's the second part of my chat with Tom Loncar who is an accredited coach, mentor and contribu…
Coaching, Creativity and The Cramps with Tom Loncar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Hi there and a very warm welcome to Season 6 Episode 22 of People Soup, it's Ross McIntosh here. P-Soupers - In this episode I chat with Tom Loncar who is an accredited coach and mentor with a background that spans the c…