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Five Year You

Five Year You

Written by: Andrew Dewar and Catherine Collins
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About this listen

Welcome to "Five Year You," the podcast that takes you on a transformative journey toward your future self. Join us as we explore the power of self-improvement, tackling challenges, setting goals, and unleashing the potential within you. Our conversations are raw, real, and relatable, offering practical tips and insights to empower you in your growth. Each episode offers useful tips to help you become the person you aspire to be. Tune in, invest in yourself, and let's embark on this adventure together! Get ready for a unique and personal exploration of the honest and relatable moments that will shape the next chapter of your story. In each episode, we dive into the day-to-day experiences that make up the mosaic of your life over the next five years. From the small victories to the inevitable challenges, "Five Year You" captures the essence of the ordinary and extraordinary moments that contribute to your personal growth. Our tagline, "Raw, Real, Relatable," perfectly encapsulates the authenticity of the stories we share. No glossy highlights, just the unfiltered reality of navigating the twists and turns of everyday life. Join us as we connect with individuals from various walks of life who openly share their aspirations, setbacks, and the unexpected surprises that come with each passing day. Whether you're facing career crossroads, building relationships, or discovering new passions, "Five Year You" is here to provide a real-time reflection on the shared human experience. Tune in for a daily dose of inspiration, motivation, and a reminder that you're not alone on this journey.©Five Year You Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • How To Have More Fun
    Nov 5 2025
    Episode snapshot

    Ever been told you’re “not fun” or “too serious”? Andrew and Cat unpack what fun actually means — and why chasing other people’s version of it leaves you drained. This episode helps you redefine fun on your own terms, whether that means karaoke nights or coloring budget charts.

    Big ideas
    • Fun got complicated. It used to be sticks and puddles; now it’s overpriced trips and curated weekends.
    • There’s a bias toward extroverts. The world rewards loud, social fun — but quiet joy counts too.
    • Authenticity = happiness. True fun begins when you do what genuinely lights you up, not what’s “supposed to.”
    • Stop “should-ing” your joy. You don’t owe anyone attendance at events that drain you.

    The “Fun Framework”

    1️⃣ Define your fun. What genuinely delights you — not what looks fun to others?

    2️⃣ Drop guilt. Rest and relaxation are productive; joy refuels creativity.

    3️⃣ Practice authenticity. Say “no” to misaligned plans; say “yes” to what feels right.

    4️⃣ Four ingredients of fun:

    • Freedom – Do things with no outcome attached.
    • Presence – Be here, not in your head.
    • Connection – Lose track of time with people or passions that sync with you.
    • Expression – Let the real you show up (no armor, no performance).
    • 5️⃣ Replace FOMO with ROMO (Relief of Missing Out). Enjoy skipping the plans you never wanted anyway.
    • 6️⃣ Audit your joy. When was the last time you lost track of time? Start there.

    Mindset Shifts
    • “Suffering through someone else’s fun is still suffering.”
    • “Fun doesn’t have to be expensive, impressive, or loud.”
    • “When you say no to what drains you, you say yes to what fills you.”
    • “Joy lives in small pockets — coffee chats, thrift hunts, puppy cuddles.”

    Practical Ideas
    • Try a joy audit: list five activities that make you feel alive.
    • Add micro-fun moments — a walk, a playlist, a puzzle, or your favorite meal.
    • Revisit childhood joy: What did little-you love? Can you bring that back now?
    • Find your people: When you’re authentically yourself, the right friends appear.

    Glimmers
    • Cat: Fully funded her emergency fund after years of work — and found joy in tracking the goal.
    • Andrew: Traveling to England with his daughter and seeing her reaction to Big Ben for the first time — pure magic.

    Connect
    • Website: fiveyearyou.com
    • Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou
    • Email: hello@fiveyearyou.com

    Affiliate note: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20 | Tracking ID: 5yy-20).

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    24 mins
  • How to Find Hope Again
    Oct 29 2025

    Feeling stuck, numb, or like the light went out? Andrew and Cat talk about rebuilding hope—without toxic positivity. You’ll learn why hope is a brain-and-body shift (not a mood), what quietly erodes it, and small, doable steps to feel a spark again.

    Big ideas
    • Hope ≠ denial. It accepts reality and imagines a different future.
    • Your brain likes anticipation. Even the thought that “this can get better” gives a healthy dopamine lift.
    • Grief comes first. Feel it to free it. Then take one gentle step forward.
    • Stories shape state. Borrow hope from people who’ve pushed through setbacks.

    Try this (tiny, today)
    1. One good thing prompt: On waking, ask: “Why is today going to be great?” Name one simple thing (first coffee, a walk, clean sheets).
    2. Anchor to the present: 3 slow breaths + notice 3 things you can see/hear/feel.
    3. Borrow hope: Read or listen to a perseverance story (dating later in life, 52nd lender said yes, etc.).
    4. Move a little: Sunlight on your face, a 10-minute walk, stretch by a window.
    5. Purpose pebble: Do one small helpful act—smile at a neighbor, text a check-in, hold the door.
    6. Future-you assist: Ask, “What tiny thing would future me thank me for tonight?” Then do just that.

    Mindset shifts
    • “Maybe there’s more for me.”
    • “I’ve done hard things before; I can do hard things again.”
    • “I only need a spark, not the full lighthouse.”

    What erodes hope (and what helps)
    • Chronic stress, disappointment, self-blame → Practice self-compassion; feel feelings, don’t camp there.
    • Doom-scrolling, heavy inputs → Curate feeds toward light, learning, and real connection.
    • No direction → Choose a tiny purpose for today (make one person smile).

    Glimmers
    • Cat: The pure joy of petting the wiggliest puppy—five minutes of instant hope.
    • Andrew: Morning sun + saying “good morning” on a short walk—connection lifts everyone.

    If you’re struggling right now

    You’re not alone, and help is available 24/7. If you think you might act on thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help:

    • United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
    • United States (text): Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
    • Canada (call): 1-833-456-4566; text 45645 (Talk Suicide Canada, evenings).
    • United Kingdom & ROI: 116 123 (Samaritans).
    • Australia: 13 11 14 (Lifeline).
    • Emergency: Call your local emergency number (911 / 999 / 112) if you’re in immediate danger.

    If you’re outside these regions, contact your local health services or search for your country’s suicide prevention hotline.

    Stay connected
    • Say hi / coaching inquiries: hello@fiveyearyou.com
    • IG & TikTok: @fiveyearyou (five spelled out)

    We’re glad you’re here. Keep going—one small step, one spark at a time.

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    23 mins
  • How to Stop Being a Control Freak
    Oct 22 2025

    If you’ve ever rewritten a simple text 3x, “rescued” the dishwasher, or tried to schedule spontaneity… hi, friend. Andrew and Cat unpack why control feels so necessary (spoiler: anxiety + safety), the hidden costs on your body and relationships, and simple ways to loosen your grip without letting life fall apart.

    Big ideas
    • Control ≠ safety. It’s often an anxious mind trying to predict pain.
    • It’s an illusion anyway. Habits create predictability, but outcomes are never guaranteed.
    • There’s a relationship cost. Trying to steer other adults (or teens) breeds resentment; “let them” is often the loving move.
    • Trade control for structure. Plan your response, not everyone else’s behavior.

    A gentler way forward (step-by-step)
    1. Awareness > autopilot
    2. Notice where you micromanage and name the need under it: “I want to feel safe / prepared / not blindsided.”
    3. Micro-win: say it out loud or jot one line in your Notes app.
    4. Own what’s yours
    5. You don’t control kids, partners, coworkers, traffic, weather, or ride closures. You do control: your breath, tone, posture, words, boundaries, and next action.
    6. Replace control with structure
    7. Swap rigid scripts for implementation intentions:

    • “If the plan changes, I’ll take 4 slow breaths, then choose the most loving next step.”
    • “If a child melts down, we pause 10 minutes—shade, water, snack—then reassess.”
    • Structure calms you without corralling everyone else.

    1. Micro-uncertainty reps (build the tolerance muscle)

    • Take a different route home.
    • Try a new appetizer while keeping your go-to entrée.
    • Sit in a different seat at the table/meeting.
    • Leave a 30-minute block unscheduled—and let it stay unscheduled.
    • Celebrate the reps, not the results.

    1. Regulate before you react
    2. Control spikes when your nervous system is hot. Downshift first, then decide. Quick options: box breathing, sensory grounding, a 60-second shake-out, cool water on your face, brief step outside.
    3. → Want guided, under-a-minute resets? Try our Quick Calm Method: seven micro-tools we use daily. fiveyearyou.com/calm

    Tiny scripts that help
    • “I’m noticing I want to control this because I care. I’m going to choose calm first.”
    • “Here’s the plan, and it’s OK if we pivot.”
    • “I can’t choose for you; I can choose how I respond.”

    Signs you’re loosening your grip
    • Fewer replays in your head after plans shift.
    • More laughter when things go “off script.”
    • Kids/partners volunteer more because they feel less managed.

    Glimmers
    • Cat: Flying to Canada to see Andrew today—so excited for an in-person hug!
    • Andrew: Finished The DOSE Effect by TJ Power—practical ways to retrain brain chemistry and feel better. Loved it.

    Links & extras
    • Quick Calm Method (video course, < 60 minutes): fiveyearyou.com/calm
    • Say hi / coaching inquiries: hello@fiveyearyou.com
    • IG & TikTok: @fiveyearyou (five spelled out)

    Affiliate note: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20 | Tracking ID: 5yy-20).

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    21 mins
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