Overcoming Fear of Failure: Finding Worth Beyond the World's Definitions of Success
Description:In this episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, Heather Creekmore continues her Fear Free Fall series with a deep dive into the fear of failure. Heather unpacks the difference between perfectionism and fear of failure, revealing how each shows up in the ways we approach life, our goals, and our body image struggles. She explores how our definitions of success can become idols and how God’s grace redefines our worth. Heather shares personal experiences, practical examples from her coaching, and biblical encouragement to help listeners break free from the grip of performance-based living and find freedom in Christ. Key Topics: Difference between perfectionism and fear of failure Identity issues at the root of both struggles How fear of failure shows up as avoidance, hesitation, and "analysis paralysis" The role of “success” as an idol and how it influences body image Processing where personal standards and God’s standards diverge God’s grace as the answer to our endless striving for worth Practical encouragement for stepping out in faith, even when failure feels likely Encouragement:Heather challenges listeners to reflect on where fear of failure might be holding them back and offers gospel-centered strategies to reframe their thinking and experience freedom in Christ. Resources & Links Listen to Previous Episodes: Compared to Who? Podcast Fear Free Fall Series: Kickoff Episode: Faith Over Fear (October 7th) Episode on Fear of Rejection, Perfectionism, and People Pleasing 40 Day Body Image Journey:Join the next round in January or start now and catch up!➡️ improvebodyimage.com — 40 Day Journey Heather Creekmore’s Books:Find all of Heather’s books on body image and Christian living.➡️ improvebodyimage.com/books 10 Days of Encouragement:Free daily scripture-based encouragement sent to your inbox.➡️ Sign up here In His Image ConferenceNovember 15th, Dallas, Texas. Drop Heather a note if you’re coming! ➡️ In His Image Conference Info (Check for upcoming dates and details!) Body Image Coaching and Workbook:Want practical help? Try the 40 Day Body Image Workbook Connect With Heather & Show Website: improvebodyimage.com Podcast Network: Life Audio If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, discuss it together, and leave a review to help others find gospel-based body image encouragement! P.S. Want to stop comparing and start living? Dive into more encouragement at improvebodyimage.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Breaking Free from Fear of Rejection: Perfectionism, People Pleasing, and Finding Confidence Through Grace
In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore continues October’s "Fear Free Fall” series by digging deep into the often-hidden fear of rejection and how it influences our lives. She unpacks how perfectionism and people-pleasing are tightly related to our need to feel accepted and loved. Through personal stories, relatable examples, and biblical truth, Heather unravels the underlying self-protective strategies we adopt—and how the gospel offers real freedom and grace. Key Topics Covered: What is the Fear of Rejection?Heather explores how this fear drives us and manifests as perfectionism and people-pleasing. She explains that these are self-protective strategies formed by our desire for secure love, belonging, and worth. Perfectionism:Often, we think, “If I get it right, then I’ll be enough.” Heather shares a personal story from college when a single missed typo made her feel immense shame, showing how perfectionism can lead to exhaustion and shame rather than peace. People-Pleasing:The fear that “If I make everyone happy, I’ll be safe.” Heather discusses how people-pleasing is not true peacekeeping or biblical peacemaking and how it can even impact our ability to follow God’s call if the opinions of others control us. Where Does This Come From?Heather highlights how these tendencies usually aren’t intentional—they’re often formed in childhood, at school, or through life experiences that taught us we’d be safer if we kept everyone happy or never made mistakes. How It Affects Others:Unchecked, perfectionism and people-pleasing can also lead us to have unrealistic expectations of others, continuing the cycle for those around us. The Gospel’s Answer:True freedom is found not in earning love and acceptance from people (or God), but in embracing grace. Heather reminds us that Jesus took on ultimate rejection so we can be fully accepted by God, no matter how we perform. A Challenge to Listeners:Heather encourages us to check our motives—are we striving for approval from people or resting in God’s approval? She challenges listeners to shift their perspective from a “people-big, God-small” view to a “God-big, people-small” mindset for greater confidence and peace. Memorable Quotes: “Perfectionism is a fear of inadequacy dressed up as excellence.” “People pleasing is not biblical peacemaking—it’s a form of self-protection.” “You can never be perfect or please everyone, but you are already fully accepted in Jesus.” “Freedom comes when you realize you can’t earn grace—it's a gift.” Resources & Next Steps: Visit heathercreekmore.com for free resources, courses, coaching, and Heather’s books Sign up for the free 10-day encouragement email series! Learn more about the In His Image Conference in Dallas, TX (November 15th) — details in show notes If you struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or fear of rejection, this episode is for you. Learn how to find freedom and confidence in who God says you are—not in what you do or how others respond. Thanks for listening to Compared to Who? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Fear Free Fall: How to Have a Faith that Conquers Daily Fears
In this special "No Fear Fall" series kickoff episode, Heather Creekmore digs deep into the connection between faith and fear—two powerful forces that shape our daily lives. Have you ever wondered why “faith over fear” doesn’t always seem to work in real life? Are you struggling to connect your big beliefs about God to your everyday worries and anxieties? This episode is for you. What This Episode Covers: Faith vs. Fear: Heather challenges the widely held belief that faith and fear are simply opposites in a tug-of-war. She explores why this dichotomy might not be the most helpful way for Christians to approach their struggles. Micro Fears and Mosquito Bites: From perfectionism and the fear of failure to tiny, everyday anxieties (like being the “fattest person in the room” or just being late), Heather shares how these micro-fears sap our joy and confidence. Applying Faith to Real Life: Learn why just telling yourself to "have more faith" doesn't always solve the problem—and what true, biblical faith actually looks like in the face of daily struggles. The Object of Your Faith: Is your faith in God’s character and goodness, or just in Him delivering the results you want? Heather unpacks the difference and warns against letting new age manifesting ideas creep into our beliefs. Practical Biblical Encouragement: Heather references Philippians 4 and the life of Abraham to illustrate that faith can be messy, imperfect, and still deeply meaningful. She offers encouragement to keep trusting, even when God’s answers aren’t what you hoped for. Takeaways: Real, life-changing faith is rooted in the character of God—not in specific outcomes or your own plans. It's okay to bring your desires to God, but hold them with open hands, trusting His greater wisdom and love for you. Even imperfect faith holds value; God honors hearts that keep coming back to Him. Resources & Next Steps: Join the 40-Day Journey: Struggling with body image or insecurity? Sign up for Heather’s 40-Day Journey at improvebodyimage.com for six weeks of biblical encouragement. Free Email Challenges: Grab the “10 Days of Encouragement” or the “5 Day Body Image Challenge” at the same link! Connect: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—your feedback encourages us and helps others find hope! Listener Questions:What fear are you wrestling with right now? Where have you been disappointed with “faith not working”? Reflect on the true object of your faith and consider how you can trust Jesus with your big and small anxieties this week. Subscribe & Share:Don’t miss the rest of the "No Fear Fall" series! Subscribe and follow Compared to Who? on your favorite podcast player. Share this episode with a friend who could use some real hope. Related Episode:Last Friday’s episode with Erin Kerry on overthinking and spiraling micro-fears. Check it out for even more ways to process daily anxieties. For more Christ-centered encouragement, visit lifeaudio.com. Keywords: faith and fear, biblical faith, anxiety, Christian women, overcoming worry, perfectionism, body image, Heather Creekmore, No Fear Fall, faith over fear, daily encouragement, trust God, manifesting vs. faith Thank you for listening! Heather hopes today’s episode helps you stop comparing and start living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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A Christian Woman's Guide to Stop Overthinking: Featuring Erin Kerry
Are you an overthinker? Do you find yourself replaying conversations from weeks ago, worrying about every possible outcome, or getting stuck in endless thought spirals? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Join host Heather Creekmore and special guest Erin Kerry—health coach, mental health advocate, and original friend of the show—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about overthinking and how to break free. Erin shares insights from her new book, "Live Beyond Your Label," diving deep into why we overthink, how our bodies and minds respond to stress, and what true relief looks like from both a scientific and biblical perspective. What you’ll hear in this episode: How to recognize if you’re an overthinker—and why it’s more common than you think The physical and emotional roots of overthinking Why “just take your thoughts captive” isn’t always enough (and what’s missing from that advice) The body’s built-in responses to stress and fear, and how you can work with your physiology instead of against it Simple, practical strategies to calm your mind, address anxiety, and ground yourself in truth Encouragement for Christians who feel stuck, powerless, or alone in their mental battles How to move forward when labels, diagnoses, or past trauma have left you feeling “broken” Plus: Erin and Heather talk about slowing down, why true rest matters, and how to build daily habits that soothe both body and soul. You’ll discover you’re not the only one wrestling with these thoughts—and there is real hope for change! Ready to stop overthinking and start living free? Listen now and be encouraged, empowered, and equipped—with both biblical truth and holistic mental health wisdom. Resources and Next Steps: Find Erin Kerry’s book: Live Beyond Your Label (Amazon and wherever books are sold) *Amazon affiliate link. Join Heather’s 40-Day Journey group coaching experience at improvebodyimage.com – scholarships available! Get Erin’s free Food is Mood guide and Mood Reset Assessment at erinbkerry.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @sparkingwholeness Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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How to Stop Striving: Is it God Doing the Work or Are You Trying to Fix Yourself?
Are you exhausted from trying to be a “better Christian,” follow all the rules, or just fix yourself? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the age-old dilemma every believer faces: Am I supposed to be working on me—and if so, how much of it is up to me, and how much is God’s job? Inspired by the Crowder song “He’s Working on Me Still,” Heather explores the difference between self-powered striving and Spirit-powered transformation. Using honest stories, biblical wisdom (especially from Galatians 5), and practical illustrations, she helps Christian women understand why hustling for holiness leaves us tired—and how true freedom and growth comes when we move from “I’m working on me” to “He’s working on me.” In This Episode: Why spiritual striving, religious rule-following, and willpower can’t bring long-term freedom How diet culture mindsets sneak into our faith and make us rely on formulas instead of God What it means to step out of the driver’s seat and let God be in control (with relatable analogies and humor) The power of relationship over religion and why faith is more than just “doing all the things” How to recognize if your spiritual life is based on head knowledge, not heart transformation Practical steps to move from self-reliance to Spirit-dependence—including honest reflection questions and the importance of daily worship Key Takeaway:Stop striving for self-improvement and start leaning into God’s grace. When we let go of self-reliance and invite the Holy Spirit to lead, we experience true rest, freedom, and lasting spiritual growth. Mentions & Resources: 40-Day Journey: Starts October 1st, with groups beginning October 7th. Details at improvebodyimage.com or directly at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Body Image Freedom Framework: Heather’s online course for deeper freedom in the areas discussed in the episode. Coaching and community offerings: Here are links to programs designed to equip women for the real battle. Book Rec: “When People Are Big and God is Small” by Ed Welch (Amazon affiliate link) Listener Challenge:Who’s really in the driver’s seat of your faith right now? This week, pause and ask God to lead, spend extra time in worship, and notice where you’re striving instead of surrendering. Leave a Review:Has this episode helped you break free from comparison and spiritual exhaustion? Leave a quick review—it helps others find the show! Subscribe to Compared to Who? for Christian perspectives on body image, freedom from comparison, and finding true rest in Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
About Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women
The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!
Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?
Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)
If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!
Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.
Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.
Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024
Listen to Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women, Mindful Mondays with Shudu and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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