Hooked on Struggle: Why It’s Blocking Your Growth

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In this solo episode of All Brains Grow, I share a raw and personal story about transforming my 15-month-old daughter’s chaotic sleep patterns into peaceful nights—and the profound lessons it taught me about the science of change.

What does it really take to change? The truth is, our brains—and the brains of those we support—are often stuck in a loop, addicted to familiar patterns, even when they’re causing discomfort. Change feels impossible not because we lack willpower but because we’re wired to stay where we are.

In this episode, I explore:

• Invisible addictions: How our brains—and the reward systems of those around us—are wired to cling to the familiar, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• The role we play in others’ struggles: Why we might be unintentionally feeding problematic behaviors in those we love.
• The power of rewiring: How breaking these cycles requires not just effort, but time—at least two weeks for the brain to adapt to a new reality.
• Personal growth through discomfort: Why change is messy, hard, and requires letting go of what we think we know.

Using sleep training as an example, I dive into the emotional challenges of breaking habits, how to recognize what we’re addicted to, and how small changes in how we respond can completely shift behavior—for ourselves and for the people we love.

If you’ve been struggling to create real change in your life or your family, this episode will inspire you to reframe the way you approach growth, challenge, and transformation.

Listen on: Apple│Spotify│YouTube