For real: staying stuck is hard. Overthinking is hard. Avoiding the conversation, the decision, the leap - it's literally all hard. So the real question isn't how do I make life easier? It's which hard am I actually choosing?

In this episode, Rachel unpacks why discomfort isn't a stop sign my girl!! This is an invitation. She walks through the brain science of the avoidance loop (why dodging hard things actually makes the fear bigger), what dopamine, distress tolerance, and neuroplasticity (oooooh big word) have to do with the life you say you want, and why Scripture has been telling us this all along. You'll hear the stories of Amelia Earhart, Winston Churchill, and Corrie ten Boom three very different people who all learned the same thing: you don't rise to the level of your intentions, you rise to the level of what you've trained yourself to handle.

She also gives you a simple, doable weekly practice. Think like small, intentional, on-purpose hard things in four areas (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) so you stop waiting until you "feel ready" and start building the capacity for the life you're actually asking God for.

If you've been quietly wondering why you keep stalling out on the thing you know you're supposed to do, this one's for you.

Order Rachel's book: https://a.co/d/0ha1qZ63

CONNECT FURTHER WITH RACHEL: https://rachelawtrey.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/realtalkpodcast https://www.instagram.com/rachel.awtrey/ CONTACT: podcast@rachelawtrey.com This video/podcast may contain affiliate links, sponsorships, or products I’ve received for free. I only share things I truly love and think will bring you value. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! ADVERTISE ON THE SHOW: To inquire about host-read ads or to become the show’s next Presenting Sponsor, please send an email to podcast@rachelawtrey.com or those at That Sounds Fun Network. EPISODE CREDITS: Podcast Cover Photography: Jay Barr Photography Intro Music: "Luxurious" by Sunny Tones DISCLAIMERS: The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team or the owner of this Intellectual Property. This podcast is not an authority of legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek professional counsel with regard to their brand, business, and otherwise. We all hope you enjoy and find value in each episode. Many of the product and service promotions in each episode are under the negotiated terms of affiliate or sponsorship agreements. If a link is clicked and a purchase is made, an affiliate commission may be received. However, we recommend products or services that we personally endorse and believe may be beneficial to others. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The One Habit That's Spicy but Will Build (or Break) You