74. Interrupt the Pattern: You're Not Broken, You're Wired That Way

We all have loops we get stuck in, overworking, people-pleasing, procrastinating, spiraling into self-doubt… even when we know better. And while it’s easy to blame ourselves or think we’re just “bad” at changing, the truth is: you’re not broken. You’re wired.

In this episode of Leading With Heart, Christina kicks off the July series with a powerful reframe: the patterns that leave us feeling burnt out, drained, or ashamed aren't a sign of weakness, they’re a result of how our brain was trained to keep us safe.

Why We Repeat What Doesn’t Serve Us

Your brain is built for efficiency, not happiness. Through years of repeated experiences, your brain created shortcuts (also known as neural pathways) to protect you, from pain, from rejection, from failure. The problem? These mental loops often outlive their usefulness, and before we know it, we’re stuck in habits that hold us back.

Christina shares relatable stories and neuroscience-backed insights to explain why it feels so hard to change, and why that struggle is completely human.

The Power of Self-Awareness

You can’t interrupt what you don’t see. This episode helps you build the self-awareness needed to recognize the cue–routine–reward loops driving your behavior. Whether it’s saying yes when you’re already maxed out or seeking validation through overworking, recognizing the loop is the first step toward changing it.

Interrupting with Compassion

This week isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about becoming a witness to your patterns, not a judge. Christina invites you to meet your habits with curiosity and grace. Because only when we understand the root of our behavior can we start to rewire it intentionally.

Your Invitation

Your assignment this week: Identify one loop you get caught in. No need to fix it (yet), just name it. Get honest with yourself, journal about it, voice note it, or share it in community. Awareness is the beginning of transformation.

RESOURCES:

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode74