Episode 334: You Have More Control Than You Think w/ Jeni Cross

This week, Professor Emerita of Sociology and author, Jeni Cross, joins Steve for a conversation about agency, awareness, and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives. Jeni challenges the idea that we’re simply products of our circumstances, reminding us that while the world around us shapes our options, we still have opportunities to choose differently and create new possibilities.  Jeni challenges us to explore how the stories we tell ourselves influence everything from our reactions to everyday frustrations to the way we navigate life’s biggest challenges. She shares why learning to recognize our own agency, trusting our inner wisdom, and approaching uncertainty with curiosity can change how we experience the world.  The conversation also implores us to recognize the role other people play in our growth. From choosing relationships where we feel genuinely seen to recognizing the value of intuition and social science, Jeni invites us to rethink what growth looks like and to consider whether greater awareness might be valuable in its own right, even when it can’t be measured.  **In this episode, you’ll hear about:**  - How the stories we tell ourselves shape our sense of possibility - Why we have more agency in everyday moments than we often realize - How to listen to your inner wisdom instead of reacting from fear - Why the right relationships can expand our awareness and help us grow - What social science teaches us about creating meaningful behavior change Whether you’re feeling stuck, navigating a difficult decision, or simply looking to understand yourself better, this conversation is an invitation to get curious about the assumptions you’ve accepted and the possibilities you may have overlooked.  **Listen now and ask yourself: What is it that your intuition, or your inner knowing, is telling you that you can start listening to in order to evoke awareness?**  **About the guest:**  Jeni Cross is Professor Emerita of Sociology and author of the forthcoming book *Say What You Sense*. She blends the science of change and social presence into designing for transformative change. Working from a felt sense of potential and appreciation for the unique essence present in each person, group and place, Jeni helps communities unlock new insight and will for tackling even the stickiest problems. Jeni believes that true regeneration isn't about doing less harm—it’s about actively healing our social and ecological fabrics, through collaborative connections that enhance what we know and can do together.  **Connect with Jeni Cross:**  Website: https://www.drjenicross.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeni-cross-25b93112/   Substack: https://substack.com/@drjenicross   TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/l5d8GW6GdR0?si=9dUn7ixWYp62YQ8A     Send us Fan Mail Support the show **Connect with Steve Mellor** Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor - **Book Steve to speak** at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com - **Support the GrowthReady Podcast** by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 **Connect with Growth*Ready*** Join the community and keep your growth journey going: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor - Official Website - https://growthready.com/ \---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...