Welcome back to The Psyche Behind the Physique! In this episode, Maddy Michielssen and dives into a game-changing mindset shift—learning to distinguish between ought to, have to, and want to in our lives.

Maddy shares a deeply personal story that forced her to reassess how she was operating—constantly stuck in a cycle of productivity and external obligations, losing sight of what truly mattered. She also discusses a powerful breakthrough with one of her athletes, who transformed her physique and mindset but found herself overwhelmed by external pressures.

In 30 minutes, Maddy unpacks why we often operate from obligation (ought to), how it can derail our goals, and the importance of realigning with our have to (non-negotiables) and want to (what truly fulfills us).

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to recognize when you’re making choices out of obligation vs. true desire

✅ Why ought to thinking leads to burnout, self-sabotage, and resistance

✅ How shifting to have to and want to mindsets fuels long-term success

✅ Practical steps to realign your goals, whether it’s in fitness, career, or life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, spread too thin, or stuck in a cycle of doing what you “should” instead of what truly serves you, this episode is for you.

💡 It’s time to stop running on autopilot and start living intentionally.

🔗 Ready to align your goals with your true desires? Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

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👉 Tune in, take inventory of your life, and start living in alignment.