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Weaponising Competence

September 14, 2026 · 39 min

Show notes

What happens when being capable starts being used as evidence that you’re not struggling?

In this episode, we’re talking about weaponising competence—what happens when your ability to work, parent, socialise, achieve, or simply get through the day is mistaken for proof that you’re doing fine. We explore the reality that you can be incredibly capable and completely overwhelmed; strong and exhausted; functioning and struggling.

Because competence tells us what someone accomplished, but it doesn’t tell us what it took to accomplish it.

We’ll unpack the hidden costs of chronic illness, the pressure to keep proving that you’re struggling, and why a good day, or a successful week, doesn’t mean you’re suddenly well. Plus, we share psychological strategies for separating your performance from your wellbeing, recognising the true cost of functioning, and embracing the power of “both/and” thinking.


⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠

⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠

⁠Webinars and Resources⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.

⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠


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