Fear striking right as you're about to send that important email? That lunch invitation sitting in your drafts for days? You're not alone. We all avoid things that make us uncomfortable, but what if that avoidance is precisely what's keeping you from the life you truly want?

Join David and Hannah Sage as they dive deep into the psychology of avoidance – that sneaky habit of sidestepping discomfort, anxiety, or fear. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Luana Marques, Harvard Medical School professor and anxiety expert, this episode reveals the paradoxical truth: the more we avoid what makes us anxious, the bigger that anxiety grows.

The science is fascinating but also empowering. Your brain creates a feedback loop where momentary relief from avoiding something reinforces both the anxiety and the avoidance itself. But there's a way out. Through Dr. Marques' three-step Bold Move framework – Detect, Disrupt, and Reframe to take action – you'll learn how to recognize your avoidance patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward what matters most to you.

We share practical techniques like the 5-Second Rule for immediate action, the 2-Minute Rule for quick tasks, and the powerful perspective shift of reframing physical sensations of nervousness as excitement (they're physiologically identical!). Most importantly, you'll discover that courage isn't about eliminating fear but about feeling it and moving forward anyway.

Whether you're avoiding career advancement, difficult conversations, or personal challenges, this episode offers science-backed strategies to break free from the avoidance cycle and start living boldly. As Dr. Marques wisely says, "Be the water, not the rock." Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message – together, we can turn avoidance into action.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Imagine if your brain actually craved effort instead of avoiding it. What if the very struggle you're trying to escape is precisely what can fuel your motivation and drive? In this eye-opening exploration of intrinsic motivation, David Sage reveals the powerful neurological mechanisms that can transform how we approach challenges.

Drawing on cutting-edge research from Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and self-determination theory pioneers, David unpacks how dopamine - our motivation molecule - operates in surprising ways. Contrary to popular belief, dopamine isn't just released when we achieve goals; significant releases occur during the effort itself when we believe we're making progress. This revelation changes everything about how we approach difficult tasks.

The key insight? Our subjective interpretation of effort determines whether we suppress or enhance this beneficial dopamine release. When we consciously reframe struggle as evidence of growth and progress, we create a powerful feedback loop that makes effort itself rewarding. As David explains, "Effort is enough. Progress is the point. Growth is the goal." This perspective shift aligns perfectly with the Stoic philosophy that "the obstacle is the way."

Through practical, actionable strategies, you'll learn to subjectively reward effort, carefully manage external rewards, focus on actions rather than outcomes, and embrace the growth mindset necessary for lasting motivation. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, you'll discover how to build the ultimate self-development muscle - one that creates its own energy and fuels everything else in your life.

Ready to transform how you approach challenges? Join us on this journey to harness your natural reward system and cultivate genuine, lasting motivation. Subscribe now and share with someone who could benefit from developing this superpower of intrinsic drive.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Ever wonder how all those personal growth concepts actually fit together? In this illuminating episode, I'm connecting the dots between the key topics we've explored in the holiday months, revealing how they form a powerful framework for becoming your best self.

I start by unpacking the importance of social skills and relationships, explaining why success and fulfillment inevitably require working effectively with others. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, we're all hardwired for connection—it's literally in our DNA. The magic happens when we develop genuine interest in others, practice vulnerability at appropriate times, and maintain healthy boundaries. I share practical approaches for navigating difficult relationships while protecting your energy.

Diving deeper, I revisit my conversation with relationship expert Tanez Hosimpour on the "holy grail" of relationship dynamics. We explore how nervous system regulation affects our interactions, the power of small consistent acts over grand gestures, and Gottman's four horsemen that predict relationship destruction: criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. Understanding these patterns is transformative for every relationship in your life.

The latter half tackles discipline, grit, and goal achievement. Grit—that magical combination of discipline, perseverance, and patience—functions like a super-muscle that strengthens with use. I outline a practical approach to building this quality: thinking systematically, reflecting thoughtfully, setting clear intentions, and taking massive action. When obstacles inevitably arise, stoic principles help us maintain perspective and focus on what we can control. The result? A compound effect of personal growth that builds momentum over time.

No matter where you are on your journey, these interconnected concepts provide a roadmap to greater confidence, fulfillment, and self-compassion. Ready to see how these pieces fit together in your own life? Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's working to improve their life.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.