3 Hidden Stress Patterns Keeping You Stuck w/ Cara Barone

You’re doing everything “right”… so why do you still feel stuck?You’ve learned the strategies. You’ve invested in the programs. You’ve seen some success. But no matter what you do, it feels like you keep hitting the same ceiling.In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, I’m sitting down with someone who has played a huge role in my own journey, my first mentor and business coach Cara Barone, to talk about what’s actually keeping high performers stuck.And it’s not what you think.We get into the deeper layer of growth that most people avoid: your nervous system, your belief patterns, and the subtle ways you might be holding yourself back without even realizing it.This conversation felt very full circle for me, and honestly… it explains so much about why growth can feel so hard even when you’re doing all the “right” things. Episode Highlights:Why strategy is not your real problemThe low-level stress most high performers live inThe pattern of “I want this… but I am not doing it”How your body can actually block your next levelWhy you might be shrinking yourself without realizing itThe connection between stress, identity, and successWhat it actually takes to expand your capacity for moreChapters:02:45 Cara’s background and multiple reinventions07:15 Why mindset has always been the real driver of growth09:45 The moment everything shifted into nervous system work13:45 Identifying your unique strengths and owning them17:45 Why high performers still feel stuck21:45 Shrinking yourself to stay relatable24:45 The nervous system “baseline” explained27:45 Why success can feel unsafe30:45 The belief that “I’m missing something”33:45 Balancing corporate and business growth38:45 How to step into your next levelConnect with Cara Barone:Instagram: @carabaroneTik Tok: @carabaroneWork with Cara: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YGdGQyQaFzLsbYzowHVEqoeNczbYQQpoijjRxx8MH-s/edit?tab=t.0Cara’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cara.barone?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioRelease fear of rejection & step into confident visibility that attracts premium opportunities - https://go.carabaroneaiconsulting.net/fear-of-rejection-release-discounted?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioUpcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.