Ep. 157 - How Am I (Really?) Doing: The Power of Accurate Self-Assessment

Drawing on concepts from his latest book, Confidence , Ethan explores how it is that our self-assessment can be so off the mark so frequently, especially when it comes to seeing our progress along a long-term path like meditation, or the deeper journey of spiritual and psychological . Why is it so hard assess our traits, and to see our strengths as well as our stuck places, clearly? How can we overcome our negativity bias and meet the inner critic more skillfully in everyday life. What does it mean to develop clarity when asking ourselves the question: "How am I doing, really?" Please support the podcast via Substack and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions for a paid subscription. Additional links and show notes are available there . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like guided meditations , extra podcast episodes and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods ( Apple , Spotify , Ethan's Website , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this link! Check out about upcoming free live events like a panel on Mindfulness and Holiday Stress Nov 12 , a live talk with Ethan and Dan Harris December 10 , and a live talk with Ethan and Roshi Joan Halifax January 6th ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this link . Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this link! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor Dharma Moon , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on the new Advanced Teacher training on November 20 . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as The Three Marks of Existence , are also available for download at Dharma Moon . Subscribe now Ethan's most recent book, Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life's Eight Worldly Winds was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can visit Ethan's website to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive.