#42 The Truth About Emotions (Especially at Work) Artwork

Lawyer Life Experiment

Hosts Anya Smirnova and Frieda Levycky use their experience as lawyers and coaches to address the myriad of day-to-day issues which make every lawyer question whether work-life balance is ever achievable. We know it is! Join us every couple of weeks as we set theories and test out ways to help you have more balance, better health and more fulfilment in your lives. | Find more about Frieda's work here: https://bravingboundaries.com/ | Find more about Anya's work here: https://anyasmirnova.com/

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Lawyer Life Experiment

#42 The Truth About Emotions (Especially at Work)

July 25, 2025 • Lawyer Life Experiment • Season 3 • Episode 42

In this episode, we unpack the myth of "good" and "bad" emotions, explore how emotional rigidity, denial, and pressure to stay positive can harm our well-being and performance. We explain how emotions are data (not directives), and discuss how to navigate feelings - like anger or vulnerability - in environments that often suppress them, eg work. The truth about emotions is - “what we resist, persists”. Lawyers and leaders must learn emotional intelligence to have fulfilling lives and successful careers.

As always, we do not leave our listeners wondering where to start - we offer an experiment to start practising EQ: the Emotional Wheel - to help you name, express and move through emotions rather than avoid them. Download it here.

TED Talk mentioned in this episode is: The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage by Susan David

We love hearing how experiments work out for you. Email us at <frieda@bravingboundaries.com> and <anya@anyasmirnova.com>.

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(Thanks to tedefame from Pixabay for the music.)