Do you worry what other people will think? Does it make you doubt yourself, feel guilty, and ultimately stop you from being fully yourself?
This can show up as people-pleasing and difficulty saying no. Or as social anxiety, staying silent in meetings, replaying conversations for hours afterward.
Dr. Aziz Gazipura is a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Not Nice. He's helped thousands of people break free from self-doubt and the fear of others' opinions.
After 20 years of clinical work, Dr. Aziz discovered one pattern running underneath all of it. He calls it the approval trap: prioritizing approval over being yourself, saying what you mean, and going for what you actually want.
This show is for the person who looks confident on the outside and doesn't feel it on the inside.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Next Steps:
1. Discover your approval type.
Take the 2-minute quiz to find out which of the four patterns is running your work, dating, and social life — Diplomat, Avoider, Fixer, or Performer:
www.draziz.com
2. Apply for the Unstoppable Confidence Mastermind.
Dr. Aziz's flagship year-long program for serious work on confidence, authenticity, and freedom from self-doubt:
https://www.socialconfidencecenter.com/ucmv3
3. Watch on YouTube.
Every podcast episode is also available as a video, plus additional content not on the podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@DrAzizGazipura
4. Read Dr. Aziz's books:
- Not Nice
- The Art of Extraordinary Confidence
- Doubtless
- On My Own Side
- Less Nice, More You
- The Solution to Social Anxiety
5. Connect:
Website: www.draziz.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DrAzizGazipura
Instagram: @drazizconfidencecoach
TikTok: @drazizgazipura
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drazizgazipura
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Want to speak up more confidently in meetings—whether it's a one-on-one with your boss or in front of a whole group? If you've ever stayed quiet even when you had something valuable to share, this episode is for you. We’re diving into what holds you back, how to shift the way you see yourself, and powerful tools to start showing up with boldness at work. Plus, I’ll share a special invitation to my only virtual event this year. 🎧 Hit play and let’s help you become more visible, confident, and in...
If you ever feel anxious when interacting with others—whether you're sharing your thoughts, speaking up, or simply being seen—you're likely running a powerful, hidden pattern. In this episode, we’ll uncover what that pattern is, how it silently runs the show, and how to break free from it. Dr. Aziz shares a transformative insight about the story we tell ourselves—“they don’t like me”—and how this subtle but constant belief fuels anxiety, guilt, and people-pleasing. You’ll learn how to spot when ...
Dr. Aziz exposes the pervasive five-word lie, “I can’t because I’m scared,” revealing how it subtly controls behavior and limits growth. He demonstrates that fear and ability are not causally linked, urging listeners to distinguish between impossibility and temporary discomfort. The episode offers practical steps for challenging this belief, fostering consistent progress, and reclaiming confidence in all areas of life.
Today’s episode is all about you —what you want and need in your life and in your relationships. Whether it’s with a romantic partner, a friend, a coworker, or a family member, you are constantly navigating wants, needs, and boundaries. But how do you even know what you want—let alone ask for it without guilt, fear, or discomfort? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore together. If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, over-accommodating, or avoiding conflict, this episode will be deep...
Do you feel stuck trying to be "nice" all the time? Always avoiding conflict, worrying what others will think, and saying yes when you mean no? In this episode, Dr. Aziz reveals the hidden cost of people-pleasing—and why it’s one of the most dangerous habits you can have. From parenting to relationships to work decisions, this pattern can quietly lead you into situations that drain your time, money, confidence, and joy. With humor and real-life examples, Dr. Aziz shows how the gentle current of ...
Are you caught in the gentle current of people-pleasing? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz breaks down the hidden dangers of being “too nice”—how it shows up in everyday decisions, subtly steers your life off course, and costs you more than you realize. With real-life stories (including a surprising run-in with a John Deere salesman), Dr. Aziz shows how saying “yes” when you mean “no” drains your power—and how to reclaim it. 🎧 Listen now to stop living for others’ approval an...
Are you caught in the gentle current of people-pleasing? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz breaks down the hidden dangers of being “too nice”—how it shows up in everyday decisions, subtly steers your life off course, and costs you more than you realize. With real-life stories (including a surprising run-in with a John Deere salesman), Dr. Aziz shows how saying “yes” when you mean “no” drains your power—and how to reclaim it. 🎧 Listen now to stop living for others’ approval an...
In this empowering episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz sits down with sales expert Colin Yearwood , who helps coaches and entrepreneurs grow their businesses by mastering the skill of sales—without manipulation or pressure. Colin shares his powerful journey from avoiding sales entirely to embracing it as a vehicle for freedom, purpose, and service. You’ll hear how he overcame the fear of rejection, stopped giving his services away for free, and discovered how sales can be one of the mos...
In this revealing episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz takes you deep beneath the surface of people-pleasing to uncover the root cause of "nice" behavior—and how to break free from it once and for all. Whether it’s avoiding conflict, constantly agreeing, or feeling guilty for asserting yourself, these behaviors are all symptoms of one deeper fear. Dr. Aziz shows you how to stop managing a dozen surface habits and instead zero in on the core emotional driver that keeps you stuck in patter...
Why do you avoid conflict, over-apologize, or say “yes” when you really mean “no”? In this powerful episode, Dr. Aziz unpacks the deeper reasons behind people-pleasing and “nice” behavior—and reveals what’s really driving it. You’ll discover that these habits aren’t just random quirks—they’re part of a system designed to keep you “safe” by earning approval and avoiding disapproval. But this comes at a huge cost: your authenticity, your confidence, and your freedom. Dr. Aziz shares key signs of h...
Do you worry you're coming off as too needy—in dating, friendships, or business? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz breaks down what “neediness” really is, why it’s often just fear in disguise, and how to shift from anxious grasping to calm confidence. You’ll learn how to spot the difference between healthy desire and emotional urgency—and what to do when you feel that panicky “I need this to go right” energy. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how to feel more secure, grounded, and p...
In this episode, we explore a truth that can completely transform your life: when you know who you are, everything changes. Confidence deepens. Fear fades. And your decisions start coming from clarity—not self-doubt. You'll discover how most people unknowingly build their lives around trying to prove, please, or avoid. But when you shift from chasing validation to standing in who you truly are, you unlock real confidence, peace, and power. This isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about rememb...
In this powerful episode, Dr. Aziz is joined by Dr. Dave Tuck for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about identity, healing, and confidence. Together, they explore what happens when you truly know who you are—and how that clarity can radically shift your relationships, decisions, and sense of peace. You’ll hear how Dr. Tuck’s personal journey led him from people-pleasing and performance-based self-worth to a deeper connection with his true self. Through candid stories and practical wisdom...
In this eye-opening episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz introduces what might be the most underrated yet transformational key to building confidence and reducing social anxiety: expanding your capacity . It might not sound glamorous, but this principle is the real “magic juice” for lasting confidence. Dr. Aziz explains that every person has an emotional and psychological threshold for discomfort—whether it’s rejection, conflict, criticism, or awkwardness—and those with social anxiety of...
In this refreshing episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz dives into a deceptively simple question with massive implications: “Are you apologizing too much?” Most people don’t even realize how often they say “sorry”—not just in words, but in their tone, posture, and energy. If you constantly feel responsible for other people’s reactions, discomfort, or expectations—even when you didn’t do anything wrong—you’re likely trapped in a loop of unconscious over-apologizing. And that loop isn’t ju...
🌟 In this powerful episode of "Shrink for the Shy Guy," Dr. Aziz reveals one of the most effective—yet underused—tools for radically boosting confidence: massive action . Unlike cautious baby steps, massive action invites you to shift into a new gear, override hesitation, and start living instead of waiting. Whether it’s in relationships, career, or everyday interactions, the avoidance cycle keeps you stuck. But when you break that pattern and flood your nervous system with bold, repeated actio...
Own Your Confidence: Be Unapologetically You! A glimpse from the latest episode of Get Your Sh*t Together Show with the special guest Dr. Aziz hosted by Amy Joy. Watch the full episode here.
Welcome to today’s episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy with Dr. Aziz — and today we’re going straight into one of the most common, painful, and persistent feelings that quietly runs so many lives: 👉 “I’m not enough.” This episode is for you if you’ve ever: Felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never quite enough Believed you had to prove your worth through achievement or perfection Avoided risks, opportunities, or putting yourself out there because of self-doubt Collapsed into hopelessness or...
Welcome to today’s episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy with Dr. Aziz! We’re diving into one of the most universal — and often hidden — fears that drives social anxiety, people-pleasing, and holding back your authentic self: 👉 What if they don’t like me? Whether it shows up in your relationships, your inbox, at work, or stops you from sharing your ideas and creative work with the world — this fear can run your life if left unchecked. In this episode, you’ll discover: How fear of judgment and rejec...
Welcome to today’s episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy with Dr. Aziz! If you’ve ever felt stuck, procrastinated, or told yourself “I should…” but still didn’t follow through — this episode is for you. Dr. Aziz reveals the three powerful secrets to breaking out of avoidance and finally taking the action you know will move your life forward. Whether it’s social confidence, career growth, health habits, or daily routines — it all comes back to one key truth: Confidence is a byproduct of action. In th...
In today’s episode, Dr. Aziz dives deep into the hidden cycle that fuels your worry and anxiety—especially when it comes to social situations, work, dating, money, health, and more. If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety keeps coming back despite trying tools like affirmations, meditation, or even medication, this episode is for you. You’ll discover: The 5-part anxiety loop that drives your fear and fuels the need to control everything Why the real issue isn’t the fear itself, but how you relate to...
In today’s episode, we continue the powerful conversation on overcoming the illusion that you’re "not where you should be" in life. Dr. Aziz shares the fundamental error that keeps you stuck in feelings of inadequacy and pressure—and reveals a new way to free yourself from that cycle. You'll discover: -Why your circumstances don’t have to define your happiness -The key shift that allows you to feel fulfilled now instead of waiting for external success -A powerful action step to release the press...
Do you ever feel like you're behind in life? Like you're not where you should be? In today’s episode, Dr. Aziz dives deep into the unconscious programming that fuels this feeling and how to break free from it. You'll learn: Why we constantly feel like we’re falling short How societal and personal conditioning shape our expectations The key to shifting your mindset so you can feel good right now—without waiting for external success This episode is all about reclaiming control over your life, chal...
Dr. Aziz discusses the common fear of hurting others and how it can negatively impact one's own well-being. He differentiates between hurting and harming, emphasizing that causing discomfort is not inherently harmful and is often necessary for authentic relationships. The episode encourages listeners to embrace honesty and set boundaries, providing an action step to practice expressing needs and desires.
Feeling stuck, frustrated, or like nothing you're doing is working? Discouragement is part of every growth journey—but how you handle it determines whether you break through or give up. In this episode, Dr. Aziz reveals the hidden reasons why we feel discouraged and how your mind is wired to shut you down when challenges arise. Learn the powerful questions you must ask yourself to shift from discouraged to determined and keep making progress toward your goals. If you've ever felt like giving up,...
What if the way you talk to yourself is the biggest factor in your confidence? In this episode, Dr. Aziz reveals powerful self-talk strategies to transform how you feel about yourself and how you show up in the world. Learn how to shift from toxic, self-critical thoughts to an empowering, unstoppable mindset. Discover the key to steering your inner dialogue and why the words you choose—both in your head and out loud—can radically impact your confidence, success, and relationships. If you’re read...
What if the way you see yourself—incapable, unworthy, not enough—isn’t actually real? In this episode, Dr. Aziz exposes the greatest deception holding you back: the false identity you’ve been playing for years. Discover why you unconsciously cling to this limiting self-perception and how it’s keeping you stuck in fear, self-doubt, and hesitation. More importantly, learn how to break free and start showing up as the confident, bold version of yourself—starting today. If you’re ready to challenge ...
Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last? We've all heard the phrase, nice guys finish last , but is it really true? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz dives into the hidden costs of being too nice—how people-pleasing can hold you back in relationships, career, and life. But don’t worry, the solution isn’t to become a jerk. Instead, you’ll discover the real opposite of nice : authenticity. Learn how to express yourself boldly, set boundaries without guilt, and step out of the nice cage ...
How much influence do you really have over your life? More than you think. In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz explores the direct connection between your confidence and the results you create. Whether it’s in social interactions, your career, or personal growth, hesitation and fear hold you back while boldness and self-trust open doors. Through a powerful real-life example, you’ll see how the way you think shapes your experiences and the hidden ways self-doubt limits your succe...
Have you ever felt trapped by self-doubt or overwhelmed by negative thoughts about yourself? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy , Dr. Aziz explores how our minds play tricks on us, creating distorted beliefs that undermine our confidence. But what if you could flip the script? Learn why these mental patterns exist, how they hold you back, and what you can do to reclaim your confidence. Whether you’re navigating social anxiety, professional insecurity, or just want to feel more self-assure...
