Shawn Mendes: How to Let Go of Your Past Self and Fully Embrace Who You’ve Become Today

What part of your past self do you feel most attached to?

What fears are holding you back from embracing who you are now?

On this extremely special episode of On Purpose, Jay sits down with global music sensation and dear friend, Shawn Mendes. Shawn  is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. The two go in deep to Shawn’s newest album ‘Shawn.’ Shawn is an advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his personal struggles with anxiety and self-discovery. 

For the first time, Shawn opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the difficult decision to cancel his world tour to focus on his mental health, sharing the weight of that moment and the liberating journey of prioritizing his well-being. He reflects on the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, the pressures of maintaining perfection, and how therapy, friendships, and embracing vulnerability helped him find balance and peace.

Shawn and Jay explore themes of love, relationships, and the intricacies of navigating public life while protecting private emotions. With heartfelt honesty, Shawn shares how he’s learned to diversify his life beyond music and embrace all forms of love, not just romantic, but the love that comes from connection and support from those around him.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to prioritize mental health

How to embrace vulnerability

How to let go of perfectionism

How to accept love and support

How to build emotional resilience

How to be honest in relationships

Remember, the hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful transformations. Take care of yourself, lean on those around you, and trust that, with time, you will find your way to peace and authenticity.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:54 Clubhouse Studio’s Significance (Where the interview takes place!) 
• 05:51 The Struggle of Asking for Help When Making Hard Life Decisions 
• 07:48 Why Shawn Canceled His Tour
• 12:48 Tough Choices and Growth
• 15:10 Breakdowns Leading to Breakthroughs
• 17:09 Finding Shawns Own Authenticity in Music
• 21:08 The Power of Vulnerability and Expressing Emotional Truth 
• 23:50 Letting Go of Ego to Heal
• 26:52 Learning to Accept Yourself Through Therapy
• 28:42 The Hardest Internal Question to Face
• 30:47 The Power of Listening Without Judgment
• 32:51 Learning How to Face Pain Instead of Running From It
• 38:18 Finding Emotional Balance of Extreme Emotions
• 40:00 Shawn Opens up About Grief and Guilt Over a Lost Friend
• 51:10 Healing Through Art and Music
• 55:26 Questioning ‘Forever’ in Love
• 59:09 Maintaining Love Under Pressure
• 01:02:16 The Importance of Over-Communication in Relationships 
• 01:03:50 Why Partnership is More Than Just Love
• 01:07:27 How to Be Open to Love that is Not Just Romantic 
• 01:13:38 How to Avoid Focusing on the Highs
• 01:15:45 Trusting Your Inner Voice and Learn How to Listen to Your Intuition 
• 01:18:36 How to Surrender to Life Unfolding Naturally Without Forcing It 
• 01:21:59 Surprise Note from Shawn’s Sister 
• 01:33:09 Final Five with Shawn

Episode Resources:

• Shawn Mendes | Website
• Shawn Mendes | Instagram
• Shawn Mendes | Facebook
• Shawn Mendes | TikTok
• Shawn Mendes | YouTube 
• Shawn Mendes | LinkedIn
• Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body

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