How can you tell if your pursuit of a better body, better schedule, better finances, or better life is quietly pulling your focus away from Jesus? As the "Over the Influence" series continues, this episode features host Heather Creekmore discussing the differences between self-improvement, self-optimization, and scripture's self-improvement plan: sanctification.

The conversation examines the Christian messages that add Bible verses to familiar self-help promises, from “become your best self” to “invest in yourself,” and asks what those goals are really producing.

You’ll hear why Jesus isn’t a self-improvement hack, why transformation means becoming new rather than simply polishing the old self, and how goals can lead either toward Christlikeness or deeper self-focus. The episode also offers five practical questions to help you evaluate your goals, including:

• Who is the source of this improvement?

• What is the real goal?

• How are you measuring success?

• What results are your goals producing?

• Is your focus turning inward or overflowing into love for others?

Listen for a fresh perspective on body image, productivity, discipline, and the pressure to become an ideal version of yourself. You’ll leave with a clearer way to recognize whether your growth plan is producing pride and burnout or humility, freedom, and greater dependence on Jesus.