14. The Surprising Reason Change Feels So Hard (And How to Rewire Your Brain for Joy)

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in overwhelm, running on autopilot, or self-sabotaging just when things start going well - this episode is a must-listen.This week I’m joined by coach, speaker, and founder of the Possibilities Conference, Kiersten Lortz, to unpack the neuroscience behind why change feels so hard - and how to shift your mindset so you can finally create the life you want. Kiersten’s TIME TO THRIVE method blends brain science, lived experience, and practical tools to help ambitious women stop the cycle of burnout and begin living with clarity, ease, and confidence.From the myth of “not enough time” to the deeper stories we unconsciously tell ourselves, this conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder: your brain isn’t broken - it’s just doing its job. And you get to teach it a new way.Key Takeaways from This Episode ✔ Your brain prioritises safety over happiness - change feels unsafe unless we rewire it with intention. ✔ Self-sabotage often stems from outdated stories - once you become aware of them, you can choose differently. ✔ You do have time - you just need the right systems and boundaries. ✔ Joy and success don't have to be earned through stress and exhaustion. ✔ The path to transformation starts with one small aligned action at a time.Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Welcome & episode introduction [04:45] Kiersten’s story: from musician to mindset mentor [11:20] The truth about self-sabotage and your brain’s safety wiring [17:55] Why ambitious women get stuck (and how to get unstuck) [26:10] Rewriting the story: shifting your Reticular Activating System [34:40] Practical tools for change without burnout [41:00] How to reclaim your time, clarity and confidence [47:30] Final thoughts and where to find Kiersten onlineResources & Links MentionedLearn more about Kiersten:Website: www.kierstenlortz.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-lortz-a89646265 Possibilities Conference: www.possibilitiesconference.comConnect with Me, Debbie Lucas:Find all my offerings and links here: www.debbielucas.me/links🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast Your Worth, Your Way drops every week with honest, heartfelt conversations to help you live a life that feels truly yours.💛 If this episode inspired you, please leave a review or share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Your support helps more women step into their worth and reclaim their joy.Mentioned in this episode:The Soulwork LibraryThe Soulwork Library is here — a growing collection of powerful, feel-good workbooks to help you shift old patterns, spark new clarity, and rise into the real you. Whether it’s self-worth, boundaries, joy or manifestation — there’s something waiting for you. Start your next breakthrough at debbielucas.me/linksSoulwork LibraryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy