Unlock Your Blocks with Elyssa

Elyssa Smith
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement

You know you are meant for more, but you keep getting stuck in the same frustrating cycle! I see you. I’ve been there. And I’ve got you! I’m Elyssa Smith, a trauma-informed executive coach and the host of Unlock Your Blocks Podcast. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by triggers, stuck in survival-mode, and cycles of self-sabotage. The great news is that you can overcome all of this! I know firsthand how to follow the roadmap to freedom. You can rewire your survival brain, heal the trauma holding you back, and unlock the next level of success and confidence! On Unlock Your Blocks, I’ll teach you the exact tools and strategies to break free from self-doubt, regulate emotions, and finally be able to follow through with your biggest goals! Subscribe now! Let’s get you the right keys to unlock your blocks and create the life you were made for!

  1. 2d ago

    Why Your Brain Won't Stop Overthinking (And What It's Trying to Protect You From)

    Why Your Brain Won't Stop Overthinking (And What It's Trying to Protect You From)   Do you ever wish you could just turn your brain off?   Maybe you replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, or wake up at 3 a.m. thinking about everything that could go wrong. If so, you're not broken, and you're not bad at making decisions.   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why overthinking isn't actually the problem. It's a communication strategy from your nervous system that's trying to keep you safe. Once you understand what your brain is trying to protect you from, you can stop fighting the spiral and start interrupting it.   If you're tired of living in your head and want practical tools to quiet the mental noise, this conversation will help you understand what's really happening and how to move forward with more clarity and confidence.   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why overthinking is a nervous system response, not a personality flaw ✔️ How overthinking develops as a survival strategy in childhood ✔️ The connection between over-planning and feeling safe ✔️ Why your brain constantly prepares for worst-case scenarios ✔️ How fear of rejection, abandonment, and disappointment fuel overthinking ✔️ The earliest sign that overthinking became part of your coping strategy ✔️ A simple "What Then?" exercise to stop spiraling thoughts ✔️ Why self-compassion is essential for nervous system healing ✔️ How the 3S Framework helps interrupt overthinking in real time   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why overthinking isn't actually the problem 00:50 – What overthinking is trying to accomplish 01:40 – How overthinking started as a survival strategy 02:35 – The exhaustion of constantly preparing for every outcome 03:25 – Why understanding your past reduces self-judgment 04:15 – The childhood roots of overthinking 05:10 – How overthinking becomes your version of safety 06:00 – The connection between self-compassion and nervous system regulation 06:50 – Introducing the "What Then?" exercise 07:45 – Real-life example: fear before speaking engagements 08:35 – Identifying what your brain is actually afraid of 09:25 – Rejection, abandonment, and disappointment explained 10:15 – How to reassure your nervous system with evidence 11:05 – Pattern interrupts that stop the spiral 11:55 – Using the 3S Framework to feel safe and grounded 12:35 – Teaching your nervous system that you'll be okay   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  2. Jul 6

    Why Success Feels So Uncomfortable (Even When You Worked So Hard for It)

    Why Success Feels So Uncomfortable (Even When You Worked So Hard for It)   Have you ever achieved something you wanted for months, or even years, only to feel surprisingly underwhelmed once it happened?   Maybe you hit a big goal, got the promotion, landed the client, or reached a major milestone, and instead of feeling fulfilled, your brain immediately moved on to the next thing.   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why success often feels uncomfortable for high achievers and how your nervous system can actually minimize accomplishments in an effort to keep you focused on survival. If you struggle to enjoy your wins, constantly move the goalpost, or feel like nothing is ever enough, this conversation will help you understand why and show you how to finally let your success sink in.   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why success often feels less satisfying than you expected ✔️ How high achievers get trapped in the cycle of chasing the next goal ✔️ The connection between childhood conditioning and achievement addiction ✔️ Why your nervous system normalizes accomplishments so quickly ✔️ How perfectionism steals joy from your biggest wins ✔️ What a "vulnerability hangover" is and how to manage it ✔️ Why many high performers become addicted to excitement and pressure ✔️ The Let It Land Exercise for enjoying your accomplishments ✔️ How to celebrate success without immediately moving the goalpost   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why success doesn't always feel good 00:55 – How survival mode steals joy from accomplishments 01:45 – The childhood roots of high achievement 02:35 – Why the goalpost keeps moving 03:20 – The TEDx story and normalizing success 04:15 – The 24-hour rule for big accomplishments 05:05 – Understanding the vulnerability hangover 05:55 – The client story: biggest launch, smallest reaction 06:45 – Why your nervous system minimizes success 07:35 – The addiction to excitement and achievement 08:25 – How overworking becomes familiar and comfortable 09:15 – Why celebration feels unsafe for many high achievers 10:00 – Introducing the Let It Land Exercise 10:50 – What did you accomplish and what are you proud of? 11:40 – What did success cost you? 12:25 – How to celebrate before chasing the next goal 13:10 – Building a nervous system that can actually enjoy success   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  3. Jun 29

    Why You Self-Sabotage Right Before Things Start Working

    Why You Self-Sabotage Right Before Things Start Working (And What Your Nervous System Knows That You Don't)   Have you ever noticed that just as things start getting better, you pull back?   Maybe your habits are finally working, your business is gaining momentum, your relationships feel easier, or you're making real progress toward a goal. Then suddenly, you procrastinate, stop doing what was working, or find yourself right back where you started.   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why self-sabotage isn't a lack of discipline or motivation. It's often a nervous system response to success itself.   If you've ever felt like you keep getting in your own way right when things are starting to work, this conversation will help you understand why, and how to help your nervous system feel safe enough to keep moving forward.   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why high achievers often self-sabotage when success is within reach ✔️ How childhood conditioning ties worth, performance, and achievement together ✔️ The connection between perfectionism and fear of success ✔️ Why ease, joy, and abundance can feel unfamiliar to your nervous system ✔️ How fear of burnout can secretly hold you back ✔️ Why your brain assumes success will come with a cost ✔️ The hidden reason you abandon habits that are working ✔️ A simple exercise to uncover what feels unsafe about success ✔️ How to help your nervous system feel safe expanding into a bigger life   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why success can trigger self-sabotage 00:50 – The high-achiever pattern of pulling back when things work 01:45 – Why your nervous system links worth to performance 02:35 – The hidden fear of success and visibility 03:25 – When ease feels too good to be true 04:15 – Fear of burnout and maintaining success 05:05 – Why your brain starts searching for threats 05:55 – Self-sabotage in business, relationships, and health goals 06:45 – The nervous system's fear of the unknown 07:35 – Why success requires bringing your nervous system along 08:25 – The exercise: What happens if this works? 09:20 – Identifying what feels unsafe about success 10:15 – How old experiences shape current fears 11:05 – Creating a worst-case scenario safety plan 12:00 – Teaching your nervous system that success is safe 13:00 – Building evidence for ease, joy, and abundance   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  4. Jun 22

    Why You Can't Relax (Even When You Finally Have Time)

    Why You Can't Relax (Even When You Finally Have Time) Have you ever looked forward to a day off, a vacation, or a quiet weekend... only to find yourself feeling restless, anxious, or unable to actually enjoy it?   If slowing down feels uncomfortable, you're not bad at resting. Your nervous system may have learned that being productive is what keeps you safe.   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why high achievers often struggle to relax, even when they desperately need a break. She explains how childhood conditioning can wire your brain to associate productivity with safety, worth, and acceptance, making rest feel surprisingly threatening.   And the good news? There are simple ways to teach your nervous system that it's safe to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the life you've worked so hard to create.   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why rest can feel uncomfortable for high achievers ✔️ How your nervous system mistakes pressure for safety ✔️ The connection between productivity, worth, and childhood conditioning ✔️ Why vacations and days off can trigger anxiety instead of relaxation ✔️ How fight, flight, freeze, and fawn show up around rest ✔️ Why your body responds to work stress like a real threat ✔️ The role of the amygdala in keeping you hypervigilant ✔️ A simple 3-minute exercise to help your body feel safe slowing down ✔️ How small moments of rest can rewire your nervous system over time   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why it's so hard to relax when you finally have time 00:55 – The hidden pressure high achievers carry every day 01:50 – Elyssa's nervous system reset retreat experience 02:45 – When a small work issue feels like a major crisis 03:40 – How your nervous system responds to perceived threats 04:35 – The cave person brain and survival responses explained 05:30 – Why modern stress keeps us stuck in alert mode 06:25 – How childhood conditioning links productivity to safety 07:20 – Why rest can feel threatening to high performers 08:15 – The cost of constant hypervigilance 09:10 – Teaching your nervous system that it's safe to slow down 10:00 – A simple 3-minute breathing practice 10:55 – How your amygdala interprets safety signals 11:50 – The power of a brain dump for reducing overwhelm 12:40 – Why rest is the foundation for sustainable success   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  5. Jun 15

    The Perfectionist Trap: How Things “SHOULD” Be

    The Perfectionist Trap: How Things “SHOULD” Be   If you're constantly worried about making mistakes, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like nothing you do is ever quite good enough, you're not alone.   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why perfectionism isn't a personality trait. It's a nervous system strategy that develops when your brain learns that achievement, performance, or getting things "right" is the safest path to getting your needs met.   If you're exhausted from chasing impossible standards, this conversation will help you understand where perfectionism comes from, why it keeps you stuck, and how to finally release the pressure without sacrificing your success.   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why perfectionism develops as a survival strategy ✔️ How childhood experiences shape your relationship with mistakes ✔️ The connection between achievement, approval, and self-worth ✔️ Why the goalpost keeps moving for perfectionists ✔️ How negative self-talk acts as a protector part ✔️ The surprising reason mistakes are necessary for growth ✔️ Why procrastination and imposter syndrome are linked to perfectionism ✔️ How the Hula Hoop Concept helps reduce anxiety and pressure ✔️ A practical exercise to release what you can't control   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why perfectionism creates stress and anxiety 00:55 – How high expectations shape perfectionist tendencies 01:50 – The hidden impact of little "t" trauma 02:45 – Why responsible, high-achieving kids become perfectionists 03:40 – The moving goalpost problem 04:35 – How perfectionism creates harsh inner critics 05:30 – Why your nervous system keeps pushing for more 06:25 – The truth about mistakes and learning 07:20 – Perfectionism, procrastination, and imposter syndrome 08:15 – Why perfectionism gives away your power 09:10 – The shift from outcomes to internal safety 10:00 – Introducing the Hula Hoop Concept 10:50 – What belongs inside your hula hoop 11:35 – A practical exercise for releasing control 12:10 – How letting go improves performance and peace   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  6. Jun 4

    Why You're Always Trying to Improve Yourself (And Why It's Draining You)

    Why You're Always Trying to Improve Yourself (And Why It's Draining You)   Do you ever feel like you can’t fully relax because there’s always something that could be better?   A goal to reach, a problem to solve, a plan to make, or a way to improve yourself?   In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why constant self-improvement and optimization can become a hidden source of burnout, and how perfectionism trains your nervous system to stay stuck preparing for the next thing instead of experiencing the present moment.   If your mind is always scanning for what needs fixing, improving, or planning ahead, this conversation will help you understand where that pattern comes from and how to finally create enough internal safety to let things be "good enough."   ✅ What You'll Learn   ✔️ Why perfectionism is a survival strategy, not a personality flaw ✔️ How constant optimization quietly drains your nervous system ✔️ The connection between childhood conditioning and over-improving ✔️ Why your brain is always looking for what could go wrong ✔️ How self-criticism becomes a form of self-protection ✔️ Why rest feels uncomfortable for high achievers ✔️ The hidden link between optimization and self-abandonment ✔️ Why "good enough" is a nervous system skill ✔️ A simple exercise to help you stop chasing impossible standards   🕒 Episode Chapters   00:00 – Why constant self-improvement leads to burnout 00:55 – How to recognize when you're optimizing 01:45 – Why perfectionism is actually a survival strategy 02:40 – The brain's negative bias and fear of failure 03:35 – How childhood conditioning creates chronic optimization 04:30 – The Mother's Day moment that revealed the pattern 05:25 – Why optimization is a form of self-abandonment 06:20 – The 3 a.m. wake-ups and planning for imaginary problems 07:15 – Slowing down your internal processes without losing productivity 08:10 – How safety, approval, and achievement get connected 09:00 – The problem with impossible standards 09:55 – Choosing one area to let be "good enough" 10:45 – Real-life examples of lowering the pressure 11:35 – Why good enough creates more energy than perfection 12:15 – Taking one step toward nervous system balance   💬 Free Resource for Women   ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk   Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds, even in the middle of the workday.   👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset    💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough   Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what's keeping you stuck and overwhelmed, and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  7. Jun 1

    You’re Not Indecisive — Your Nervous System Just Doesn’t Feel Safe Yet

    You’re Not Indecisive — Your Nervous System Just Doesn’t Feel Safe Yet If you struggle to make decisions, constantly second-guess yourself, or feel paralyzed when it’s time to move forward… it might not be because you’re indecisive. Your nervous system may simply not feel safe committing to an answer. In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why high achievers often struggle with decision-making — and how childhood conditioning can train your nervous system to fear disappointing others, making mistakes, or stepping outside familiar roles. If you know what you want to do but can’t seem to make yourself fully commit, this conversation will help you understand why — and how to finally move forward with more confidence and self-trust. ✅ What You’ll Learn ✔️ Why indecision is often a nervous system response — not a personality flaw ✔️ How childhood conditioning impacts adult decision-making ✔️ Why people-pleasing and perfectionism make decisions feel unsafe ✔️ The connection between survival mode and procrastination ✔️ What the “window of tolerance” is and why it matters ✔️ Why high achievers struggle to trust themselves ✔️ How fear of upsetting others keeps you stuck ✔️ A practical framework to help your nervous system feel safer with uncertainty ✔️ How to make aligned decisions without abandoning yourself 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why indecision is really a nervous system issue 00:55 – How fear of disappointing others keeps you stuck 01:45 – Real-life example: struggling to make a major life decision 02:35 – Why childhood conditioning affects adult choices 03:25 – The fawn response and people-pleasing explained 04:15 – What happens when your nervous system enters survival mode 05:05 – Perfectionism, procrastination, and fear of mistakes 05:55 – Why high achievers abandon their true selves 06:45 – The “window of tolerance” and decision-making 07:35 – Learning what you actually want 08:20 – Planning for the worst-case scenario safely 09:10 – Teaching your nervous system that you’ll be okay 10:00 – Neuroplasticity and rewiring old patterns 10:50 – Elyssa’s 3S framework for feeling safe enough to decide 11:40 – Building confidence through small aligned decisions 12:15 – Moving toward peace, joy, and self-trust 💬 Free Resource for Women ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds — even in the middle of the workday. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset 💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what’s keeping you stuck and overwhelmed — and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

  8. May 25

    Why Being the “Strong One” Is Quietly Burning You Out

    Why Being the “Strong One” Is Quietly Burning You Out Being the person everyone relies on might look like strength… But constantly holding everything together for everyone else can slowly leave you exhausted, resentful, and disconnected from your own needs. In this episode, Elyssa breaks down why so many high performers become the emotional “glue” in their families and relationships — and how this pattern is often rooted in survival-based conditioning from childhood. If you feel like you’re always the dependable one, struggle to ask for help, or secretly feel drained from constantly carrying other people, this conversation will help you understand why — and how to start changing the pattern safely.   ✅ What You’ll Learn ✔️ Why being the “strong one” often develops in childhood ✔️ How family roles shape your nervous system and identity ✔️ The hidden emotional cost of always being dependable ✔️ Why asking for help can feel terrifying or unsafe ✔️ How resentment builds when your needs go unmet ✔️ The connection between over-helping and self-abandonment ✔️ Why healthy relationships require mutual support ✔️ A gentle way to start setting boundaries without guilt ✔️ Small shifts that help you reconnect with your own needs   🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why being the “strong one” comes with hidden costs 01:00 – The emotional burnout behind always holding it together 01:55 – Big T trauma vs. little T trauma explained 02:50 – How childhood roles shape adult relationships 03:45 – Real-life example: becoming the emotional “glue” 04:40 – Why high performers struggle to ask for help 05:35 – The family roles that teach you to stay small 06:30 – How resentment builds when your needs go unmet 07:20 – Why healthy relationships require leaning on others too 08:10 – The truth about boundaries and secure attachment 09:00 – Noticing your own needs before saying yes 09:50 – Learning to pause instead of automatically helping 10:40 – Practicing asking for support in small ways 11:30 – Building relationships that feel safe and mutual 12:10 – Taking small steps toward healthier boundaries   💬 Free Resource for Women ✨ 5 Nervous System Hacks You Can Do at Your Desk Quick, science-backed tools to calm your body in under 60 seconds — even in the middle of the workday. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/reset   💖 For Women Ready for Their Next Breakthrough Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks Focus Call to uncover what’s keeping you stuck and overwhelmed — and get a clear, gentle plan for your next step. 👉 https://elyssasmith.com/focus

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Trailer

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

You know you are meant for more, but you keep getting stuck in the same frustrating cycle! I see you. I’ve been there. And I’ve got you! I’m Elyssa Smith, a trauma-informed executive coach and the host of Unlock Your Blocks Podcast. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by triggers, stuck in survival-mode, and cycles of self-sabotage. The great news is that you can overcome all of this! I know firsthand how to follow the roadmap to freedom. You can rewire your survival brain, heal the trauma holding you back, and unlock the next level of success and confidence! On Unlock Your Blocks, I’ll teach you the exact tools and strategies to break free from self-doubt, regulate emotions, and finally be able to follow through with your biggest goals! Subscribe now! Let’s get you the right keys to unlock your blocks and create the life you were made for!

Information

  • Creator
    Elyssa Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unlock Your Blocks with Elyssa