We're catching up with men's motivational speaker Dan Faill (@DanFaill), fresh from his insightful chat on Episode 6 of The Blissy Experience podcast! Missed the episode? Click here for a recap and where to listen.
In this episode, Dan shares candid explorations of masculinity, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome. Get the lowdown on his unique journey, including his transition from acting to motivational speaking, and how he helps men navigate their emotions and societal roles.
Learn more at DanFaill.com or watch his TedX speech "I Hope You Fail" on YouTube.
Read on to get Dan's expert tips on self-care for men and living your most authentic life!
How do your self-care practices shake up traditional gender roles?
Dan: Sign me up for a massage and bubble bath all day every day and any day. Self care doesn't have to be masculine or feminine—it’s what recharges us as an individual that matters.
Considering your answer above, do you think Blissy pillowcases are a completely valid choice for men’s self-care?
Dan: I certainly think they’re a valid option and should be considered! Like I mentioned in the episode, I was dating a woman who had pillowcases like Blissy and I had a moment of doubt before I slept on them…whew was I wrong!
What are some telltale signs our readers should look out for that scream, "Hello, imposter syndrome"?
Dan: That little nagging voice that pops up telling you that you’re not good enough or smart enough or whatever enough? Yeah, that’s imposter syndrome. Looking around the room wondering if people will figure out you’re a fraud? Yup, imposter syndrome again. Selling yourself short or giving credit away for your hard work? Imposter syndrome symptoms again.
How does physical activity contribute to your mental health and help manage imposter syndrome?
Dan: When you feel good about yourself, like the feeling after a workout or walk, that really helps you carry yourself in a better light. It also helps us walk a little taller and carry ourselves better—all of which help tackle the negative feelings of imposter syndrome.
In a world full of self-care trends, how do you identify practices that truly matter to you?
Dan: Self-care has become used to describe nearly anything and everything. For me, answering the question “What is going to make me feel good, not just in this moment but later as well?” helps me in general.
Because I’ve 100% been the person who rationalized eating an entire sleeve of Thin Mints from the freezer with the excuse of “self-care”...but that feeling in the moment was fleeing and then filled with some overindulging regret.
Along the same lines as above, finding what works for you is important. Maybe you like to read, maybe it’s journaling, maybe spending time with family or friends—it’s all based on personal preferences.
Finding what makes sense to you, and is realistic for you, can truly help find practices that can make a difference.
Could you share an experience where confronting imposter syndrome led to greater authenticity in your professional life?
Dan: Honestly, I’m still working through the feelings of imposter syndrome when they come up (they’re such sneaky feelings!). One time when the “oh crap what am I doing” feelings came up shortly before delivering my first TEDx talk on failure in 2023, I leaned into what got me there—it was a keynote I created, so I was familiar with the content. I’m used to speaking in front of others, so the worry of messing up was unfounded. That pounding in my chest that some might call nerves? I did my best to reframe that in my mind so that I was excited to deliver the content, not nervous.
Leaning into that experience (or really any experience), can give us greater satisfaction once we realize that we are good enough—we were selected/picked/hired because we have value, and we’re the ones who measure our own successes and wins.
It’s truly helped reframe so many approaches to work and life. And I hope that helps you too!
Embracing Vulnerability for Authentic Living
A big thanks to Dan Faill for sharing his insights on masculinity, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome, and their impact on our daily lives.
As Dan emphasizes, understanding and addressing these aspects is key to finding the right self-care routines and enhancing overall well-being. We're confident his experiences and advice will inspire new approaches to improving your sleep and personal growth.
Stay in the loop! Subscribe on YouTube at @BlissyBrand or catch us on your favorite podcast platform to keep up with all things sleep and wellness.
