Episode 14: Navigating The Externals When Nothing Goes According To Plan

Life will knock you down—but staying down is optional. In this raw and honest episode, I share my own recent setbacks and reveal the psychological framework that keeps successful voice actors (and entrepreneurs) moving forward when everything falls apart.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the practical psychology of resilience and why learning to navigate setbacks matters more than avoiding them entirely. You'll discover how to transform obstacles into opportunities while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• Naming Reality Without The Story - How to separate facts from the negative narratives your brain creates during setbacks (04:08)
• The Two Paths When Things Go Wrong - Understanding the choice between collapsing inward versus moving forward through difficulty (02:10)
• Reframing For Growth - The difference between fixed mindset ("this reveals my limitations") and growth mindset ("this reveals what I need to learn") (05:40)
• The Five-Step Framework - A practical process for working through any setback: name it, sit with it, accept it, reframe it, and act (11:10)
• Voice Actor Advantages - Why performers are uniquely equipped to handle business setbacks and rejection (18:20)

3 Key Takeaways

1. Accept That Setbacks Are Data, Not Identity

External circumstances don't define your worth or capability—they're simply information about what's happening right now. When you separate the facts from the story your brain tells you about those facts, you free up mental energy to focus on solutions instead of self-criticism.

2. Create Reframes That Move You Forward

Effective reframing isn't about lying to yourself or toxic positivity. It's about choosing how to hold difficult circumstances in a way that opens possibilities rather than shutting them down. Good reframes are true, energizing, counter catastrophizing, and kind to yourself.

3. Use Your Voice Acting Skills In Business

Voice actors already know how to handle rejection, take direction without taking it personally, and perform under pressure. These same skills translate directly into navigating business setbacks, client feedback, and entrepreneurial challenges.

My Perspective

I've recorded this episode three times due to technical failures, and honestly, I spent a weekend on my kitchen floor after losing a major voiceover job to timing rather than talent. But here's what I've learned: the same skills that keep us resilient in an industry full of "no" are exactly what we need to build successful businesses and meaningful lives.

Action Step: The Five-Step Framework Practice

Identify one external circumstance currently affecting your work or life—something you wish was different. Walk through the framework:

1. 1) Name the reality (just facts, no story)
2. 2) Sit with your feelings about it
3. 3) Accept what's real right now
4. 4) Reframe it (true, energizing, counter-catastrophizing, kind)
5. 5) Take one small action to move forward.

Resources Mentioned

• Julian Rotter's research on Locus of Control
• Dr. Carol Dweck's research on Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
• Dr. Kristin Neff's research on Self-Compassion
• Dr. James Pennebaker's research on Expressive Writing (Texas University)
• Legacy Branding Mastermind program
  

Connect With Me

• Follow me on Instagram @carrieolsenvo

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free resources
• Leave me a voice message to let me know what you thought of the episode 

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Thanks for tuning in to Conversational with Carrie Olsen! See you next week!