Inside: Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck, a licensed psychotherapist and trauma expert, talks about the science behind why we get stuck and how to break free. So, if you’re stuck in procrastination, anxiety, self-blame, ruminating thoughts, and more, tune in.
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Do you feel like you’re trapped in a loop? Yelling at your kids, fighting with your spouse, and struggling to breathe under the overwhelming weight of daily chaos?
Or perhaps you’re watching that dream project gather dust because kickstarting it feels impossible?
Constantly wondering, “Why am I like this?” or “Am I broken?”
Trust me, we’ve all been there.
We often find ourselves caught in cycles of doubt, self-blame, shame, and feeling we are not good enough. And it’s not just in parenting. Relationships, career bumps, body image issues – you name it.
But I have good news. It’s not because you’re lazy or not trying hard enough. And there’s nothing wrong with you.
How can I be so sure?
Well, I have science-backed confirmation from a truly special guest on my podcast: Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward. (Her book is a beacon for all of us who’ve felt paralyzed in any aspect of our lives.)
If you need a change, a fresh perspective, or an explanation for why you’re stuck in procrastination, anxiety, self-doubt, ruminating thoughts, and more, tune in. In this episode, Britt will be talking about the science behind why we get stuck and how to break free.
I promise, by the end of our chat, you’ll love Britt just as much as I do.
Join us!
“A Recovering Disaster of a Human Being”
Britt is not just a licensed psychotherapist and trauma expert – she’s lived through the struggles herself. Having battled drug addiction, eating disorders, and other traumas, Britt humorously claims she’s “just a recovering disaster of a human being with a long list of DSM diagnoses”.
She’s been on both sides of the couch, and she definitely gets how it is to feel like a hot mess sometimes.
But what truly makes Britt stand out (beyond her incredible personality) is her gift for breaking down complex ideas into clear, digestible, and relatable insights. Especially when you are feeling stuck.
Because when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, information can’t easily get into our heads. When your brain is on fire, you definitely don’t need overwhelming, academic, and unnecessarily complicated information.
I know this only too well from working with overwhelmed parents, which is why my book, Calm the Chaos, can be consumed a page or even two minutes at a time (yes, even during those rare quiet moments in the bathroom).
It’s the same thing Britt is doing when she explains complex things that happen to us, why they are keeping us stuck, and why, far from making us broken or defective, is actually our brain doing what it’s meant to… keeping us safe.
Anxiety: A Signal, Not an Attack
Let’s take anxiety, for instance.
Now, no one is saying anxiety is fun at all, but its function is not to harm you. It’s caused by your brain, which is not out to get you but is, in fact, always on your side. Its role is to protect you using all available tools, even if you don’t always appreciate its methods, such as anxiety.
(Disclaimer: This is not minimizing people’s pain – it’s just an explanation that the function of anxiety is self-protective.)
Ever wondered how we’d know if a stove is too hot? Or if a street is dangerous? Or if a relationship is toxic? That’s anxiety working as our brain’s smoke alarm, signaling possible dangers. And while it can feel aggressive, remember, it’s just a signal, not an attack.
So this is why you should stop calling it an anxiety attack – because your brain will take you literally and think you’re being attacked. Then, it will release all the stress hormones you’re trying to avoid.
So, instead of declaring, “I’m having an anxiety attack”, perhaps say, “I’m experiencing anxiety”, or simply “I’m anxious”.
Such a beautiful and easy-to-grasp explanation of anxiety, isn’t it? If you want to hear more about how our brain is functioning, watch the full episode on YouTube.
There’s No Such Thing as a “Crazy” Person
Britt has so many gold nuggets to share, like her take on labeling people as “crazy.” (I am sticking to Britt’s argument here rather than going on a rant about the c-word myself).
So, there’s a lot of science out there that shows that things we often label as “crazy” or “broken” are just feelings and reactions created by our brains doing exactly what they’re designed to do… protect us.
Because, in reality, there’s no such thing as a “crazy” person.
Sure, we can feel crazy at times, and someone can make us feel “crazy”. But “crazy” isn’t a concrete, biological fact. It’s just a label we tend to slap on things or feelings we don’t understand.
More often than not, if you look at the history of the things that have happened to create this response, it makes absolute sense. It makes sense when we look at it from the perspective or the brain trying a method to protect you from future harm based on past experience.
Even if those reactions aren’t the best for them or for those around them, no one is inherently broken or defective. So, although you (or your kid, partner, or sibling…) might be battling a storm of terrifying intrusive thoughts and confusing body sensations, you are not “crazy.”
Your experiences, feelings, and pain are absolutely real and valid. They may not be helpful in your current situation, but they are understandable. It’s crucial to remember this: You’re not broken. You’re not “crazy.” You’re not defective.
Our bodies adapt, and our brains do what brains are designed to do. And yes, sometimes that leads to challenges. But guess what? It’s okay, and you’re okay. (Disclaimer 2: This isn’t a plea against therapy or medication. They help maladaptive responses.)
Tune in for More
Ready to delve further into these fascinating insights? Curious about applying business logic or using a cost/benefit analysis to pinpoint what’s truly holding you back? Looking to understand our brains better and find ways to navigate our emotional rollercoasters?
Dive into the full episode on YouTube and share your thoughts with us on social media.
Also, join me next week, and remember, no matter how overwhelmed, stuck, or anxious you might feel right now…
You’ve got this!
Dayna
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Calm the Chaos Parenting is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.
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