The inner critic doesn't just disappear with more success. Academy Award-winning actor, writer, and artist Riz Ahmed shares why success, recognition, and achievement can never replace self-worth. He opens up about identity, shame, the inner critic, and the pressure to perform, revealing how life can start to feel like one long audition when your value depends on other people’s approval. Through a deeply personal health crisis and years of chasing validation, Riz discovered the power of vulnerability, gratitude, and self-acceptance. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true freedom begins when you stop proving yourself to the world and start defining your worth for yourself. In this episode you'll learn: How to Stop Seeking Constant Validation How to Quiet Your Inner Critic How to Find Flow Instead of Chasing Success How to Let Go of Who Others Expect You to Be How to Stay Grounded Through Life’s Highs and Lows How to Build Self-Worth Beyond Achievement How to Find Freedom in Vulnerability How to Live More Fully in the Present Moment Growth isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about having the courage to be fully yourself. Keep showing up, keep learning, and trust that who you are is already enough. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:07 Rooting for Others Without Comparison 04:33 The Danger of Seeking External Validation 07:34 A Childhood Memory That Shaped Everything 12:20 The Secret to Finding Flow 20:26 Life Feels Like One Big Audition 24:39 The Gap Between Who You Are and Who You Present 26:59 Finding Freedom in the Imperfection 28:57 One Story Does Not Define You 34:00 When Life Falls Apart Overnight 41:09 Facing Your Darkest Moments Alone 48:35 Breaking Free from the Alpha Male Myth 51:59 When Your Inner Critic Becomes Your Identity 54:46 Managing the Voice Inside Your Head 58:13 Why Does Time Go By Faster as We Grow Older? 01:01:42 Home Is the People You Love 01:03:47 Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Creativity 01:06:35 Finding Where You Truly Belong 01:12:01 Growing Up in Northwest London 01:14:24 Riz on Final Five Episode Resources: YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/rizahmed Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RizAhmed/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rizahmed https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty https://www.facebook.com/jayshetty/ https://x.com/jayshetty https://www.linkedin.com/in/shettyjay/ https://www.youtube.com/@JayShettyPodcast http://jayshetty.me