Show notes
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Amberly Lago Show! This is one of those conversations that will truly make you pause, reflect, and ask yourself some deeper questions about your life. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jessica Smarro, licensed therapist, mindset coach, speaker, and author of the powerful book In Pursuit. Jessica's work is centered around helping high-achieving women break free from burnout, perfectionism, and the invisible pressures that keep them stuck, even when life looks "perfect" on paper. If you've ever felt like you've checked all the boxes, built the life you thought you wanted, and still felt like something is missing… this conversation is for you. Jessica shares her own journey of growing up in a challenging environment, working hard to create a completely different life, and achieving everything she once dreamed of, only to realize that success without alignment doesn't feel like freedom. We dive into what it really means to be "in pursuit", not just constantly chasing the next goal, but learning how to actually experience and receive the life you've worked so hard to build. This conversation explores burnout, identity, perfectionism, and the deeper truth that so many women struggle with, the belief that something is wrong with them. Jessica breaks down how so many of us have been conditioned to live outwardly focused lives, constantly achieving, giving, and performing, without ever pausing to ask: What do I actually want? If you've been feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you're constantly striving but never arriving, this episode will give you a new perspective on how to reconnect with yourself and create a life that truly feels aligned. We Discuss • Jessica's journey from a challenging childhood to high achievement • Why success on paper doesn't always feel like fulfillment • Burnout and the hidden cost of constantly striving • The powerful question: "What do you actually want?" • Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves • How to reconnect with your body and inner wisdom • The role of journaling, silence, and awareness in healing • Perfectionism vs. excellence and why they are not the same • Invisible prisons like people-pleasing and approval-seeking • The truth about worthiness and why you don't need to earn it Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Jessica Smarro 03:20 Growing up and always being "in pursuit" 08:40 Achieving success but still feeling unfulfilled 14:15 Burnout and the pressure of high achievement 20:05 Asking yourself what you truly want 26:40 Reconnecting with your body and inner voice 33:10 Simple practices to become more present 39:45 Breaking free from perfectionism 45:20 Invisible prisons and people-pleasing 52:00 Understanding worthiness and self-acceptance To Connect With Jessica Smarro Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicasmarro/ Website https://jessicasmarro.com/ To Connect With Me Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ Coaching Program https://go.amberlylagomotivation/ Website https://amberlylago.com/ My favorite for gut health & wellness https://plexusworldwide.com/?sponsor=Amberlylago My MAKE Wellness link https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=521698 Unstoppable Success Summit 2026 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unstoppable-success-summit-2026-breaking-chains-building-dreams-tickets-1968268162057?aff=oddtdtcreator Become a sponsor https://go.amberlylago.com/uss2026-sponsors/ Joy Through the Journey https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Through-Journey-Amberly-Lago Listen to The Amberly Lago Show https://amberlylago.com/podcast/ Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
