WHY CHANGE IS SO HARD (Part 2)

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Do you want to know what holds people back from making meaningful changes in their lives and at work? If you have listened to the first part of this series, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss this episode! Go give it a listen if you still haven’t 🙂

This episode is the second part of the two-part series with Megan Laudick, co-host of the Catalytic Mindset. Here are some key points for this episode:

  • “Practice makes progress”
  • Tips to optimize your day, time and energy.
  • How to be the best version of yourself?
  • What is self-care all about?
  • Importance of having time for mental clarity.
  • Tips and tools to recenter your energy.
  • A Levity Model – full being fun, uplifting, and light.
  • Are you welcoming opportunities to be silly?
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: What you need to know
  • Using the Incognito mode help you when you are in pressure.
  • Ways to introduce more laughter to your life
Promotional poster for episode 91 of the Lead with Levity podcast, titled "Why Change is Hard (Part 2)"

The Three F’s of Change

Dr. Walker highlighted three common barriers to change: Fear, Focus, and Freedom.

  1. Fear: People often fear the unknown, focusing on potential losses rather than gains.
  2. Focus: A lack of clear priorities or distractions can derail progress.
  3. Freedom: A sense of helplessness or external locus of control can make change feel impossible.

Shift Your Perspective: Instead of asking, “What do I have to give up?” focus on, “What am I gaining from this change?”


Energy Management: The Foundation of Success

Energy sustains everything from productivity to relationships. Dr. Walker explained, “Even with unlimited time, if you’re mentally and physically drained, you won’t get much done.”

Key Strategies for Energy Management:

  • Recognize Patterns: Understand what drains and recharges you.
  • Energize: Incorporate activities that bring you joy—whether it’s a morning walk, yoga, or a favorite hobby.
  • Soothe: When stress builds, take time to decompress with mindfulness or a creative outlet like painting or puzzles.
  • End Unproductive Thoughts: Reframe negative self-talk with empowering scripts.
  • Talk It Out: Build a support system of people who listen and provide constructive feedback.

The Importance of Levity

Dr. Walker shared insights from her work on levity: “Levity means creating moments that are amusing, uplifting, and light. When stacked throughout the day, these moments lead to a better day and a better life.”

Levity fosters stronger workplace cultures, better customer experiences, and stronger personal relationships. Dr. Walker emphasized, “Even superheroes need a fortress of solitude. Find your modification for self-care and prioritize joy regularly.”

Levity in Action:

  • Welcome opportunities to be silly.
  • Take a moment to ask, “Is this moment lifting me up or pulling me down?”
  • Incorporate laughter into your life with comedy shows, funny friends, or lighthearted activities.

Reset and Recenter: The RESET Model

One tool that resonated with both hosts is the RESET model from Dr. Kristin Lee:

  1. Recognize: Identify what you want and what throws you off course.
  2. Energize: Prioritize activities that sustain you.
  3. Soothe: Find ways to relax and calm your mind.
  4. End Unproductive Thoughts: Replace negative scripts with positive ones.
  5. Talk It Out: Share your thoughts with trusted individuals.

Megan noted how the RESET model has helped her reflect on her own habits, leading to greater clarity and peace.

Key Takeaways for a Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyle

  1. Small Wins Build Confidence: Start with manageable goals and celebrate progress.
  2. Focus on Alignment: Ensure your daily actions align with your values and priorities.
  3. Prioritize Rest and Reset: Build in moments of rest to recharge and avoid burnout.
  4. Embrace Joy: Infuse levity into your routine to create a more uplifting and enjoyable life.

About Megan Laudick

Megan Laudick is a co-host for Catalytic Mindset podcast. This podcast is all about teaching fundamental tips and tools you can implement to help accelerate and sustain growth in health, wellness, and positive mindset no matter where you are in the process… Hosts Megan and Mily are two friends, who are passionate about sharing knowledge from their experiences, research, and lessons they’ve learned living their own journeys. Now it’s time for us to share, entertain, and be your Hype Ladies to help you succeed in yours!

Find Catalytic Mindset and your hosts on
Instagram: @catalyticmindset, @m.laudick, @milyharty22
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