As a former advertising executive turned psychotherapist for men, couples, and organizations, Patch McCormick knows all too well the paradox of wanting to feel like enough, while always striving for more.

In this conversation, Patch unpacks the psychology of ambition and burnout, how early ideas about love and success shape the way we experience failure, and why so many of us only stop when our bodies force us to.

Through deep reflection, and plenty of shared experience, Patch talks about what it means to rebuild a healthier relationship with achievement - one that allows room for healthy play, meaningful connection, and that elusive feeling of enoughness, without losing the drive that got you there in the first place.

In this episode:

• Why achievement can become its own addiction — and how the constant chase to feel “enough” can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

• The slow erosion of burnout, what it feels like to “disappear from yourself,” and why the body often knows before the mind admits something’s wrong.

• How childhood messages about love, approval, and success shape the way we experience failure — and why so many high achievers can’t tell the difference between falling short and being unworthy.

• The paradox of ambition: wanting to feel like enough while always striving for more — and how that tension shows up in our work, relationships, and sense of self.

• Why burnout can make us want to burn it all down — and how to find steadier ground by adding “life rafts” instead of jumping ship.

• The role friendship and community play in recovery — and how the company we keep can help us navigate failure with more grace and honesty.

• How Patch helps people make peace with their ambition — learning to let it expand their life, not consume it.

A grounded and thought-provoking conversation about ambition, self-worth, and learning to build life rafts before you need to be rescued.

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Stay Connected with Alanna (Host) & Patch (Guest)

• Alanna Lynch Instagram: @meliorfuturi
• Alanna Lynch Linkedin: alannalynch
• (FAIL)UP Instagram : @failupbymeliorfuturi
• Patch McCormick Instagram: @talktopatch
• Patch McCormick Linkedin: Patch McCormick

If this conversation left you wanting to think bigger, feel braver, and influence change in your own organization, head to melior-futuri.com to explore our executive and leadership coaching programs, available internationally.

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