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Break the rules, shed your secrets, change your life

This life-altering book shares the 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System that will help you break free from the rules and beliefs that hold you back and handcuff you to living safe and small at work and in life. And, take the work deeper with the companion workbook: Tell Your Secret.

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Renowned author and coach Gretchen Hydo shares her brilliant 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System to pull back the curtain, champion women to stop hiding behind their big secrets, step out of shame, and come into the light. Women from around the world fearlessly share their secrets within these pages to free themselves and others from the shackles that bind them. Unafraid to share her own secrets, Hydo’s teachings, exercises, and lessons urge us toward the ultimate goal – a life of truth lived in our fullest power. It’s time we take charge of a life beyond our wildest imaginings. Break Free from Your Dirty Little Secrets: A New You in 10 Secret-Breaking Stages is a breath of fresh air, and a much-needed beacon for women everywhere. It is the female guidebook for the next era, and the key to health, wealth, and a newfound love affair… with yourself.
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Secrets deliver a one-two-three punch

First is the “shameful” action you took that you are keeping secret because you think it goes against the ‘rules’ you are supposed to live by;

then there’s the false story you’ve been telling yourself about that action usually this goes something like “I’m a bad person because of my secret”;

and finally, today you are seeing the results of living a life that’s been built around this lie, this false identity.

Secrets gather momentum and create false narratives that turn into the lies we women believe about ourselves and cause us to become physically, emotionally, and spiritually sick. It’s time to live a new way!
Written by:
Gretchen Hydo
about the author
I’ve bashed people behind their back for being on antidepressants, telling others that it’s a cop-out and that they should pull up their sleeves and work on themselves. The truth is, I’m on an antidepressant and felt ashamed that I had to take it. I felt like I was weak and defective because of it. After using the 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System, I share my experience with other women who feel ashamed about taking medication. And today, I congratulate myself for taking care of my mental health.
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Shirley, Secret-Breaker
Why do we need a 10-Stage System to do all this?
Because whether small, silly, or serious, we’ve all been conditioned to play by the rules and hide our secrets. The 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System will give you the tools and exercises needed to reveal your internal programming, the way you respond to life and the why behind it, as well as the coping mechanisms you use to feel safe and seen. Our dirty little secrets are serious business because they have tentacles that keep our entire lives small.
Curious about secrets that I have heard from hundreds of women in my professional and personal life as a Master Certified Coach, trainer and mentor? Here are a few:
Photo of Gretchen Hydo putting her finger to her lips and saying, "SHHH."
  • Hooked up with the UPS guy in the storage closet at work.
  • Made up employment or degree on a resume.
  • Secret crush on the boss.
  • Embezzled money from the workplace.
  • Lied so that someone wouldn’t be mad.
  • The threesome.
  • The drunk night in jail.
...and on and on and on.
I’m terrified of not being accepted by others. My secret behavior is that I people-please and say yes when I mean no. I over commit and resent others and avoid my own wants and desires to play by the rules. This played out in a big way with my husband. I wanted to adopt a baby and he didn’t. I went along with it and people pleased knowing that the baby meant everything to me. After doing the Ten-Stage Secret-Breaking System, I got a voice and we adopted our beautiful baby girl. That never would have happened if I didn’t learn to live by my own rules.
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Becca, Secret-Breaker

Are you ready to courageously create change in your life?
Break free now by joining us on this secret breaking journey.

We’re currently taking applications for a
one-of-a-kind experience starting October 2023.
Join us for the exclusive 10 Step Secret Breaking Intensive: a six-month journey into secret-shedding, rule-busting and breaking free of your false self and creating a new badass you. Limited to 12 remarkable women.
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You Are Stronger Than Your Secrets

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Why Strong Women Still Feel Like Impostors

You can be confident and conflicted at the same time.
You can lead and still doubt yourself.
You can know the next step—and still hesitate before taking it.

That was me not too long ago.

I had the credentials.
The experience.
The proof that I was qualified.

And yet, every time I stepped into something new, I’d hear the old voice whisper:
“Are you really ready for this?”
But I learned something.

Readiness isn’t a feeling.
It’s a decision.

And confidence?
It’s not the result of getting it perfect.
It’s the reward of showing up—even when it’s messy.

Action builds clarity.
Repetition builds confidence.
Momentum builds belief.
So if you’re a high-achieving woman quietly questioning herself—

This is your reminder:
You don’t need to be more ready.
You just need to be brave enough to begin.

Which line in this post hit you hardest? Quote it in the comments.
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#leadership #mindset #personalgrowth #womeninbusiness #emotionalintelligence

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Why Strong Women Still Feel Like Impostors You can be confident and conflicted at the same time. You can lead and still doubt yourself. You can know the next step—and still hesitate before taking it. That was me not too long ago. I had the credentials. The experience. The proof that I was qualified. And yet, every time I stepped into something new, I’d hear the old voice whisper: “Are you really ready for this?” But I learned something. Readiness isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision. And confidence? It’s not the result of getting it perfect. It’s the reward of showing up—even when it’s messy. Action builds clarity. Repetition builds confidence. Momentum builds belief. So if you’re a high-achieving woman quietly questioning herself— This is your reminder: You don’t need to be more ready. You just need to be brave enough to begin. Which line in this post hit you hardest? Quote it in the comments. . . #leadership #mindset #personalgrowth #womeninbusiness #emotionalintelligence

She didn’t plan to snap.
But when her colleague challenged her in the meeting, it was like someone hit a nerve.
Suddenly, her chest was tight. Her tone changed. Her words turned sharp.

That’s the moment to pause—and that’s what the Emotions Cycle Guide helps you do.

And afterward? The shame spiral began.
“Why did I react like that?”
“Where did that come from?”

The truth is:
It wasn’t just about the comment.
It was about the time she was told to tone it down.
The moment she was laughed at for being passionate.
The years she spent believing that being “too much” would cost her love or respect.

I call these Tripwire Emotions—explosions in the present that are rooted in the past.

They show up when a moment pokes at a long-buried story.

And if you’ve built your identity around being in control?
These moments can feel terrifying. Even humiliating.
But they’re not proof that you’re broken.

They’re invitations to heal.

If you’re ready to understand your emotions before they hijack your day—
Grab the Emotions Cycle Guide. It’s short. Simple. And clarifying.
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#EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #WomenEmpowerment

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She didn’t plan to snap. But when her colleague challenged her in the meeting, it was like someone hit a nerve. Suddenly, her chest was tight. Her tone changed. Her words turned sharp. That’s the moment to pause—and that’s what the Emotions Cycle Guide helps you do. And afterward? The shame spiral began. “Why did I react like that?” “Where did that come from?” The truth is: It wasn’t just about the comment. It was about the time she was told to tone it down. The moment she was laughed at for being passionate. The years she spent believing that being “too much” would cost her love or respect. I call these Tripwire Emotions—explosions in the present that are rooted in the past. They show up when a moment pokes at a long-buried story. And if you’ve built your identity around being in control? These moments can feel terrifying. Even humiliating. But they’re not proof that you’re broken. They’re invitations to heal. If you’re ready to understand your emotions before they hijack your day— Grab the Emotions Cycle Guide. It’s short. Simple. And clarifying. . . #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #WomenEmpowerment

When ‘having it all’ still leaves you anxious at 3AM.
You’ve built a life that looks successful.
But behind the smiles and calendar invites… you’re exhausted.

You’re leading the team. Supporting your family.
And silently wondering, “When will it be my turn?”
That whisper you’ve been ignoring?

It’s not weakness.
It’s wisdom.

And it’s time to listen.

Bold AF (Activated & Free) was built for moments like this.—

A one-hour experience for high-achieving women who are ready to stop performing and start becoming.

We’re stripping away the negative beliefs holding you back from asking for a raise even though you lead the whole team.

Shattering the image that’s been keeping you smiling in public and spiraling in private.

And reclaiming the truth beneath it all… That you’re ready for more but you feel guilty asking for it.

Give me 60 minutes and I’ll help you release the pressure to be everything to everyone.

August 23rd at 9a PT | 12p ET

Click HERE - https://breakfreetobold.com/bold-af-live-workshop to RSVP

If your soul is craving more…
This is the room where you start.
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#PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #RedefineSuccess #HighAchievingWomen

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When ‘having it all’ still leaves you anxious at 3AM. You’ve built a life that looks successful. But behind the smiles and calendar invites… you’re exhausted. You’re leading the team. Supporting your family. And silently wondering, “When will it be my turn?” That whisper you’ve been ignoring? It’s not weakness. It’s wisdom. And it’s time to listen. Bold AF (Activated & Free) was built for moments like this.— A one-hour experience for high-achieving women who are ready to stop performing and start becoming. We’re stripping away the negative beliefs holding you back from asking for a raise even though you lead the whole team. Shattering the image that’s been keeping you smiling in public and spiraling in private. And reclaiming the truth beneath it all… That you’re ready for more but you feel guilty asking for it. Give me 60 minutes and I’ll help you release the pressure to be everything to everyone. August 23rd at 9a PT | 12p ET Click HERE - https://breakfreetobold.com/bold-af-live-workshop to RSVP If your soul is craving more… This is the room where you start. . . #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #RedefineSuccess #HighAchievingWomen

They booked a discovery call… and never showed?

Then you’re not attracting the right clients and here’s the truth: misaligned prospects aren’t bad people —they’re just not your people.

And it’ll be extremely hard to build a 6 figure business this way.

But here’s how to fix it.

If someone can’t show up for a conversation about changing their life,
they’re not ready to do the work with you.

I used to take no-shows personally.
Wondering if I said too much, not enough, or priced it wrong.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
A missed call isn’t a rejection.
It’s a reflection.

A reflection of unclear boundaries, lack of pre-qualification, or simply… the wrong fit.

That’s why in my coaching business, every potential client now answers a few questions before they get on my calendar.

Not to make them “jump through hoops”—but to make sure we both show up with intention.

Because a high-impact coaching relationship requires commitment—from both sides.

This is how you stop chasing and start enrolling with clarity and confidence.

Ever been ghosted after a discovery call?

Tell me what you changed—or drop a 🔥 if you needed this reminder.
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#CoachingBusiness #OnlineBusinessTips #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #SixFigureCoach

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They booked a discovery call… and never showed? Then you’re not attracting the right clients and here’s the truth: misaligned prospects aren’t bad people —they’re just not your people. And it’ll be extremely hard to build a 6 figure business this way. But here’s how to fix it. If someone can’t show up for a conversation about changing their life, they’re not ready to do the work with you. I used to take no-shows personally. Wondering if I said too much, not enough, or priced it wrong. But here’s what I’ve learned: A missed call isn’t a rejection. It’s a reflection. A reflection of unclear boundaries, lack of pre-qualification, or simply… the wrong fit. That’s why in my coaching business, every potential client now answers a few questions before they get on my calendar. Not to make them “jump through hoops”—but to make sure we both show up with intention. Because a high-impact coaching relationship requires commitment—from both sides. This is how you stop chasing and start enrolling with clarity and confidence. Ever been ghosted after a discovery call? Tell me what you changed—or drop a 🔥 if you needed this reminder. . . #CoachingBusiness #OnlineBusinessTips #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #SixFigureCoach

2 Reasons You Still Feel Unworthy (And Don’t Know It)

Most high-achieving women don’t walk around saying they feel unworthy.
They just live like it.

They second-guess the big moves like:
— Staying quiet in meetings, even when they know the answer.
— Talking themselves out of the book, the move, the dream…

Why?

Because of two silent drivers most don’t even realize are running the show:
1. The Secret You’ve Never Said Out Loud
Not to your best friend.
Not to your partner.
Maybe not even to yourself.
It lives in the back of your mind, tied to shame, and it whispers, “If they knew this about me… I’d lose everything.”

2. The Story You Were Taught to Survive
You were told: Be good. Be quiet. Be strong.
So now you shrink your truth and play roles to stay safe.

But that safety?
It’s costing you joy, rest, and real freedom.

You’re not alone if this hit deep. What’s the story you’ve been living by—without ever questioning it?

I’d love to hear it in the comments. Or if it’s too tender, just reply “I feel this” to let me know you’re with me.

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#MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #HighAchievingWomen #GrowthMindset

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2 Reasons You Still Feel Unworthy (And Don’t Know It) Most high-achieving women don’t walk around saying they feel unworthy. They just live like it. They second-guess the big moves like: — Staying quiet in meetings, even when they know the answer. — Talking themselves out of the book, the move, the dream… Why? Because of two silent drivers most don’t even realize are running the show: 1. The Secret You’ve Never Said Out Loud Not to your best friend. Not to your partner. Maybe not even to yourself. It lives in the back of your mind, tied to shame, and it whispers, “If they knew this about me… I’d lose everything.” 2. The Story You Were Taught to Survive You were told: Be good. Be quiet. Be strong. So now you shrink your truth and play roles to stay safe. But that safety? It’s costing you joy, rest, and real freedom. You’re not alone if this hit deep. What’s the story you’ve been living by—without ever questioning it? I’d love to hear it in the comments. Or if it’s too tender, just reply “I feel this” to let me know you’re with me. . . #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #HighAchievingWomen #GrowthMindset
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