ThriveHer Ep11 - The Unconscious Pull: Why We Stop When It’s Working

ThriveHer Podcast Episode 11: The Unconscious Pull - Why We Stop When It’s Working

Host:

Rochelle Waite, Expert Naturopath and Founder of ThriveHer

Episode Overview:

Why do we stop doing what’s working for us? In Episode 11, Rochelle dives into this common experience and explores how stress, habits, and our brain’s natural resistance to change can derail progress. She shares actionable strategies to recognize and overcome this unconscious pull, ensuring sustainable transformation.

Key Segments:

Why We Stop When It’s Working

• Rochelle introduces the episode with a relatable scenario: starting a health routine, seeing results, and then gradually letting it slide.
• She explains that this isn’t about willpower but how the brain prioritizes comfort and familiarity under stress.

Segment 1: Understanding the Unconscious Pull

• The Problem: Life’s demands often disrupt new routines.
• Metaphor: Your health journey is like caring for a plant—consistent attention is needed to nurture growth.
• Listener Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced early wins but let a routine fall apart. How did it feel to start over?

Segment 2: The Science of Why We Slip

• Key Insight: Stress triggers the amygdala, pushing the brain toward familiar habits as a protective mechanism.
• Research Highlight: Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett’s theory of constructed emotion explains how the brain predicts safety and resists change.
• Citation: Barrett, L. F. (2017). The theory of constructed emotion: An active inference account of interoception and categorization. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 12(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsw154
• Actionable Takeaway: Slipping doesn’t mean failure—it’s the brain’s way of reverting to what it knows. Awareness helps you regain control.

Segment 3: Real-Life Story – Emma’s Journey

• Emma, a ThriveHer client, initially thrived with better sleep, energy, and mood after starting Rochelle’s program.
• Stress at work caused her to abandon her routine, and she began doubting whether it had even worked.
• Rochelle explains how stress rewires perception, making progress feel insignificant.

Segment 4: Trusting the Process

• Why It’s Hard: The brain’s predictive nature clings to past patterns, even unhealthy ones, as they feel “safe.”
• Perspective Shift: Subtle changes can be hard to notice, but regular reflection helps cement progress.
• Listener Prompt: What small changes have you made recently? How do they contribute to your overall goals?

Segment 5: Strategies to Sustain Momentum

1. Weekly Check-Ins: Reflect on wins and identify areas for improvement. Use a community, friend, or journal for accountability.
2. Document Your Progress: Record a short video or jot down notes weekly to track small victories.
3. Focus on Small Wins: Commit to non-negotiable habits, like a 5-minute meditation or taking supplements, even on hectic days.
4. Engage with a Community: ThriveHer Tribe members find motivation and accountability through shared experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Progress isn’t about perfection but consistency.
• Stress and setbacks don’t erase success—they’re opportunities to adapt and move forward.

Sneak Peek for Next Week:

• Boundaries Bootcamp:
• Learn how to set and enforce boundaries that protect your energy and focus.
• Includes scripts and interactive exercises to build confidence in saying “no.”

Call to Action:

• Join the ThriveHer Tribe: Connect with like-minded women in our private Facebook group: www.facebook.com/thethrivehertribe
• Follow Us on Instagram: Get daily inspiration and updates: www.instagram.com/thriveher_official
• Sign Up for the Newsletter: Stay updated on ThriveHer tools, events, and episodes. Visit ThriveHer.vip.

Links Mentioned:

• ThriveHer Tribe Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/thethrivehertribe
• ThriveHer Instagram: www.instagram.com/thriveher_official
• Full Episode Reference: Barrett, L. F. (2017). Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsw154

Quote of the Episode:

"Your brain craves safety in the familiar, but progress happens when you push gently beyond it. Keep thriving, one step at a time." – Rochelle Waite