195. Perfectionism, Purpose, and Letting Go with Sonya Looney

THE TRAVIS MACY SHOW

THE TRAVIS MACY SHOW
195. Perfectionism, Purpose, and Letting Go with Sonya Looney
Jun 16, 2025 Season 1 Episode 195
Travis Macy

What does it really mean to accomplish something and why doesn’t it always feel the way we think it should?

This week, I’m joined by my good friend, longtime pro mountain biker, and mindset coach Sonya Looney for a deep and honest conversation about something a lot of us wrestle with, perfectionism.

Sonya and I dive into what it means to strive with purpose, how to redefine accomplishment through contribution instead of comparison, and why feeling like we matter isn’t always about metrics. We also talk about big transitions, like Sonya’s move from full-time bike racing to trail running and mental performance coaching—and the freedom (and fear) that comes with letting go of old identities.

If you’ve ever been stuck chasing numbers, doubting your worth, or wondering if it’s okay to want something new, I think you’ll find a lot to chew on here. Sonya brings her usual clarity, research-backed wisdom, and vulnerability to the table and I’m always grateful to learn from her!

Sonya Looney Website | Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn 

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RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Episode Artwork 195. Perfectionism, Purpose, and Letting Go with Sonya Looney 1:02:16 Episode Artwork 194. Train and Race Like a Pro with Josiah, Sullivan, and Porter Middaugh 1:14:12 Episode Artwork 193. From David Goggins to Mr. Rogers with Nickademus de la Rosa 1:20:22 Episode Artwork 192. Cognitive Design for ADHD, High Sensitivity, and More with Amber Hanna 1:09:02 Episode Artwork 191. Introducing SKIMO GOLD PODCAST with Cam Smith, USA National Champion 1:13:05 Episode Artwork 190. Win the Inside Game: Parenting, Achievement, and Ethical Decision-Making with Steve Magness 1:07:21 Episode Artwork 189. Flow, Connection, and Personal Growth with Kush Khandelwal 56:56 Episode Artwork 188. The Art and Science of Endurance Coaching with Aaron Saft 1:30:39 Episode Artwork 187. Chapter 9 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 33:50 Episode Artwork 186. Chapter 8 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 19:56 Episode Artwork 185. Chapter 7 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 20:00 Episode Artwork 184. Chapter 6 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 13:36 Episode Artwork 183. Chapter 5 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 21:29 Episode Artwork 182. Chapter 4 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 39:00 Episode Artwork 181. Chapter 3 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 18:02 Episode Artwork 180. Chapters 1 & 2 of THE RUNNER: AN UNCOMPROMISING NOVELLA in Serial Form by Travis Macy 38:32 Episode Artwork How to Get Into SKIMO plus a Preview of Trav's Audio Novella, THE RUNNER 27:37 Episode Artwork Ep. 178 States of Adventure: Outdoor Pursuits and Personal Growth with Fitz Cahall 1:06:15 Episode Artwork Ep. 177 How to Run Your First 100 Miler with Henry Harris 1:41:54 Episode Artwork Ep. 176 Life in the Peloton: Behind the Scenes of Pro Cycling with Mitch Docker 55:58 Episode Artwork Ep. 175 Building Community Through Endurance Sports with Kenny Wilcox 1:03:24 Episode Artwork Ep. 174 The Intuition Toolkit with Neuroscientist Joel Pearson 1:12:12 Episode Artwork Ep. 173 Cycling Futures: Stories of Passion and Perseverance with Sarah Sturm, Payson McElveen, and Peter Stetina 22:44 Episode Artwork Ep. 172 Vapor Trail 125 Champion Nolan Van Harte 1:39:10 Episode Artwork Ep. 171 Memento Mori: Embracing Mortality to Live More Fully with Jodi Wellman 58:54