Trying Harder Is Keeping You Stuck

If you’re like me, you’ve tried hard to overcome your triggers and negative reactions.

You’ve made sincere promises to others and to yourself:: This time will be different.

But no matter how hard you try, you find yourself repeating the same old patterns and habits.

You’ve told yourself, "If I can just figure out what’s wrong with me, I’ll finally move forward." Or maybe,: "If I just try harder, I’ll finally change.”

But the harder you push, the more stuck you feel. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

And here’s the truth: **It’s not your fault.

For years, I thought the answer to my imposter syndrome was simple:

Work harder.
Push more.
Be more.

I told myself, “If I just achieve enough, I’ll finally feel like I’m enough.”. - Dr. Paul

It worked—at least on the surface.
From the outside, I looked successful. But inside? I felt hollow.

Nothing I achieved could quiet that gnawing voice:
“You’re still not enough.”

Then my health hit a breaking point.
I crashed and burned—physically and emotionally.

Let me ask you:

Have you ever thought, “If I can just understand why I feel this way, I’ll finally move on?”
Or told yourself, “I just need more time or effort, and I’ll figure it out”?

If so, you’re not alone.
And it’s not your fault.

The Trap of Trying Harder

Our emotions are like tangled wires. When you’re in the middle of the mess, every solution feels like another knot.

I thought willpower was the answer.
But the harder I tried to think my way out, the deeper I got stuck.
Why?
Because the problem isn’t about effort—it’s about perspective.

It’s like being lost in a maze. You’re determined to find the way out, but from where you stand, all you see are dead ends.

Sometimes, the answer isn’t in the maze but above it.

How I Began to Untangle the Knots

1️⃣ Self-awareness:
✅ I had to stop running on autopilot and truly see my patterns.
✅ Instead of avoiding the pain, I paused and noticed it.

2️⃣ Shifting my perspective:
✅ I learned to reframe my internal narrative.
✅ Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough to be approved,”
✅ I started saying, “A part of me feels unworthy of love as it is.”
This subtle shift made space for compassion to grow.

3️⃣ Transforming my Relationship with my Inner Critic:
✅ What I thought was an enemy—my harsh inner voice—wasn’t there to judge me. It was there to guide me toward healing and wisdom.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The truth is, untangling emotional patterns isn’t something you should try to do alone. A guide—someone who can see the patterns you can’t— can make all the difference.

It’s not about trying harder.
It’s about stepping back, gaining perspective, and having someone by your side to help light the way.

Ready to Begin Your Transformation?

Your journey to freedom starts here.
You’re stronger than you think. 💛

If you’re ready to break free from the loops keeping you stuck, here are two powerful ways to start:

👉 Click to Book a Free Strategy Session:
Together, we’ll explore your unique situation and map out a plan to help you move forward.

👉Click to Enroll in My Free eCourse:

“Growing Bigger Than Your Triggers” will help you take the first steps toward clarity and freedom.

Rapid Content-Free Transformation | Conversational Hypnotherapy & Coaching

15578 S Hillside St,

Olathe, KS 66062

913-706-6796

drpaul@pauldfitzgerald.com

We do not provide medical or psychiatric care, mental illness diagnosis, or treatment. Hypnotism is an adjunct to, but not a substitute for, medical or psychiatric treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider for any physical or mental health concerns. Results may vary from person to person.

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