Have you ever wondered what's actually holding you back from changing your most frustrating habits? As a natural problem-solver and detective at heart, I've discovered that our most persistent habits aren't just behaviors to be modified, they're symptoms of deeper burdens our internal parts are carrying.

Today, I'm sharing a powerful framework that offers genuine hope for lasting change. The concept of the Unburdened System, beautifully illustrated by Mariel Pastor, provides a north star for what's possible when we heal the root causes of our habits. This isn't about quick fixes or surface-level strategies—it's about understanding how our internal parts can transform when freed from the emotional burdens they've been carrying.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:https://habitsonpurpose.com/167

Have you ever felt something uncomfortable and immediately wanted to make it go away? I know that feeling all too well. When discomfort arises—whether it's anxiety, shame, or frustration—my first instinct is to fix it as quickly as possible. It's like having a reflex that kicks in before I can even think about it.

In today's episode, I explore why this fixing reflex, though completely natural, often backfires. When we rush to fix our uncomfortable emotions, we're actually extending their stay. I'll walk you through practical ways to access curiosity even when it feels impossible, and why having the courage to drop the fight against your feelings is ultimately less exhausting than continuing to resist them.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/166

Have you ever felt so stuck that you don't know which way is up or down? That disorienting feeling where you're bewildered about how to take even the first step forward? It's a frustrating place to be, cycling through thoughts of "I have no clue what to do" while flitting between half-completed tasks instead of tackling what truly matters.

In today's episode, I'm offering you a lifeline for those moments when you feel hopelessly stuck. I'll share why we get stuck in the first place, what might be happening beneath the surface, and most importantly, a practical "cheat sheet" you can use immediately to start finding your way forward. This simple acronym—PACE—will give you concrete steps to take when you feel like there's no clear path ahead.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/165

Have you ever felt like different parts of your personality are in conflict, pulling you in opposite directions? Inside each of us exists a complex system of thoughts, emotions, and impulses that can sometimes feel like a crowded vehicle with multiple drivers trying to take the wheel.

In this episode, I explore a simple yet powerful analogy using Internal Family Systems (IFS) that compares our mind to a passenger van filled with different aspects of our personality. This comparison helps explain why we sometimes act in ways that surprise us, feel conflicting emotions simultaneously, or struggle to break free from stubborn habits.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/164

Why do we keep repeating habits, even when we desperately want to stop? If you've ever found yourself thinking, "Why can't I just have more willpower?" when trying to change a deeply ingrained behavior, there's a deeper reason behind it. Breaking old habits isn't about willpower, it's about understanding why they exist in the first place.

In today's episode, I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore the fundamental reasons why we repeat habits, even when they no longer serve us. If you're ready to get to the heart of what's really driving your habits, keep listening.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/163

Have you ever felt like your emotions are pulling you in a million different directions at once? Like there's a tug-of-war going on inside your head between conflicting thoughts and feelings? This kind of inner tension is a totally normal part of the human experience.

In this episode, I explore a powerful technique for gaining clarity and perspective when you're feeling overwhelmed by your emotions. It's a simple yet profound tool that can help you understand the deeper forces driving your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in almost any situation.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/162

Have you ever found yourself bottling up emotions all day, only to have them burst out later in a way that surprises you? Do you dismiss or intellectualize your feelings instead of truly experiencing them? If you struggle with avoiding certain emotions, you're not alone.

In this episode, we build upon a recent episode's theme of emotional avoidance. Instead of avoiding feelings, what if you could welcome them with curiosity and treat them as messengers with important information to share? Tune in to discover how befriending your emotions can transform your life.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/161

Do you ever catch yourself pushing through exhaustion, pretending you're fine, or feeling guilty for even thinking about taking a break? This week, I'm resharing my conversation with Dr. Erica Howe, founder of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference, to explore what happens when we let go of the habit of keeping up a facade.

Dr. Howe shares her personal story of feeling overwhelmed, the pivotal moment that changed her perspective, and why she created WPW as a space for women physicians to connect, strategize, and break free from isolation. We discuss why exhaustion and shame often go hand in hand, how community is the antidote, and why rethinking selflessness can transform both your work and personal life.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/160

Do you ever find yourself compartmentalizing or ignoring certain emotions, desires, or experiences that feel unwelcome or uncomfortable? It's a complex habit that many of us engage in without even realizing it. In this episode, we dive deep into the sneaky ways we might be dismissing parts of ourselves and the impact this can have on our well-being.

Join me as we explore the root causes of this sneaky habit and how we can start to shift it. We'll look at how our family of origin and cultural conditioning may have shaped what we view as welcome or unwelcome in our own systems. By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of what you might be compartmentalizing and how to start being with what is actually present.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/159

Do you ever feel like you set a goal, but weeks or months go by and nothing has really changed? You wonder how you've been so unproductive and if you're just avoiding the work or self-sabotaging. If this sounds familiar, I have an approach that can help.

In this episode, I introduce the concept of "Future You Thinking" and share four practical strategies to simplify task initiation, reduce overwhelm, and keep your priorities clear. These tools are especially useful if you have a lot of moving parts in your life.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://habitsonpurpose.com/158