You set goals, you plan the change—and then, before long, you slip back into old habits. You tell yourself you’ve lost motivation, that you’ve got no discipline, or that you’re failing. But here’s the truth: change feels impossible because your brain is wired for safety, not progress.

In this episode of Headstraight, we break down the psychology behind why young adults and teens struggle with self doubt, self control, and the fear of stepping outside their comfort zone. We’ll talk about how resistance is really about trying to feel safe, why guilt and guilt trips can derail your emotional well-being, and how falling into self-sabotage loops stops you from making better choices.

You’ll get straight talk on how to stop losing motivation, tackle procrastination, and use small, practical steps to make change stick. This isn’t fluffy advice—it’s real talk mental health, built for anyone facing teen troubles, burnout, or the heavy weight of repeated mental challenges.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to shrink the task, reset without shame, and build the kind of teen self esteem and self reliance that lasts. Change doesn’t have to feel impossible—you just need to approach it differently.

Want the Cheat Sheet? Click the Link or copy and paste the following into your browser:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cQ5j66u_T1xmde6cR0fQzP8FGcEPZs9c/edit?usp=sharing

Want to get involved?
I’d love to hear from you:

• Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contact
• Leave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemail
• Share your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/new

Explore more from Headstraight:

• Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blog
• Find out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/about

Need support right now?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources page
for helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.

Click here to view the episode transcript.