Mindset Matters - Episode #196 - The Michelangelo Effect: Chipping Away to Discover Your True Self

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Mindset Matters, Patrick and Steffany dive deep into a concept they call The Michelangelo Effect. Inspired by the legendary sculptor who claimed to “see the angel in the marble and carve until he set him free,” they explore how personal transformation is not about adding more to our lives, but about removing what no longer serves us.

Too often, we get caught up in the pursuit of “more” — more doing, more goals, more identities. But what if the real journey is about subtracting the noise, outdated beliefs, and false identities we've picked up along the way? The conversation emphasizes that the masterpiece already exists within us, and our job is to chip away the emotional clutter, the stories we tell ourselves, and the ego’s need to be right.

Patrick shares candid reflections from his own life about how aging has offered new clarity. He contrasts the drive for more during his younger years with his current desire to simplify and uncover deeper truths. Steffany highlights how in coaching, it's not about fixing people but helping them remove the layers that hide their true potential.

Whether it's in our health, relationships, careers, or personal development, this episode invites listeners to ask: What am I willing to remove? Who are the sculptors in my life? And am I brave enough to be one for someone else?

This is a conversation about authenticity, acceptance, and the courage to face the parts of ourselves that no longer align with who we truly are. The MindShui path is not about becoming — it’s about uncovering.