Mastering High Achievement with Grace: Chris Janssen on Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Building a Bold Life

The Audacious Founder Blog is a space where high-achieving women entrepreneurs are inspired to live boldly and pursue wealth-building journeys with audacity and intention. In a recent episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Janssen—a results-driven performance coach, best-selling author, and an expert in helping individuals overcome self-sabotage and rewrite their life stories. Together, we explored her personal journey, her philosophies on overcoming barriers, and the inspiration behind her latest book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want.

Chris Janssen’s Bold Journey: From Counseling to Coaching

Chris’s journey into the world of coaching began after earning her master’s in counseling psychology. However, traditional therapy didn’t align with her desire to focus on forward momentum. “I don’t love continuing to talk about the past and the things that got me stuck,” Chris shared. Attending a Tony Robbins conference was a revelation—it introduced her to coaching as a strategy-driven, future-focused approach to personal growth.

Chris didn’t just attend Robbins’ events—she set her sights on joining his elite team. The process of becoming a Tony Robbins coach was intense. “It was like basic training,” she said, comparing the rigorous selection process to her son’s military training. This determination, discipline, and grit continue to shape her work as a coach and entrepreneur.

Confronting Performance Pressure and Self-Sabotage

High achievers often find themselves stuck in cycles of perfectionism and self-sabotage. Chris explained how perfectionism can be both adaptive and maladaptive. When perfectionism leads to paralysis or self-doubt, it becomes a barrier to success.

“We tend to ditch the whole outcome instead of tweaking the strategy,” Chris said, emphasizing the importance of refining tactics instead of giving up on goals altogether. This mindset shift is critical for high achievers navigating performance pressure. Whether coaching young adults, entrepreneurs, or performers, Chris guides her clients to rewrite the narratives that no longer serve them.

Sobriety as a Bold Act of Self-Commitment

A pivotal part of Chris’s personal journey is her decision to embrace sobriety. After years of living alcohol-free, she experienced a brief relapse, which deepened her understanding of the complexities of addiction and self-sabotage. “Sobriety isn’t about deprivation—it’s about aligning your habits with the life you truly want,” she said.

Her second book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, explores this journey. It’s an interactive guide for anyone seeking to break free from numbing behaviors and live with intention. Chris’s insights into sobriety offer universal lessons about commitment, resilience, and showing up for yourself—even when it’s hard.

Lessons from Coaching: The Power of Community

Throughout the conversation, Chris highlighted the transformative power of community. “There’s great value in knowing you’re not alone,” she said. Whether it’s a sober community or a mastermind group for entrepreneurs, shared goals create a sense of connection and accountability.

As a coach, Chris provides the guidance many high achievers need to push through challenges. “It’s easy to plateau, especially when you’re so close to your goal. But that’s when grit and community support make all the difference,” she explained.

Applying Grace to High-Achieving Lives

Chris’s philosophy is rooted in grace—not just for others, but for ourselves. “Grace is unmerited favor,” she shared. “Whether you succeed or fail, your worth doesn’t change.” This mindset is woven into her coaching methods, where she encourages clients to focus on their goals while showing compassion for their struggles.

For entrepreneurs, this means approaching setbacks as opportunities to refine strategies rather than abandoning visions altogether. Chris’s wisdom is a reminder that audacity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, adjusting course, and staying committed to your vision.

Pre-Order Chris’s Latest Book and Join the Movement

Chris Janssen’s latest book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, launches on March 18, 2025. Pre-order your copy now to access exclusive VIP packages, including masterclasses, personalized coaching sessions, and more. Visit graceyourselfbook.com for details.

Ready to embrace your boldest life? Start today with the lessons and inspiration shared by Chris Janssen on The Audacious Founder Podcast. Show up boldly, live intentionally, and create the life you deserve.