What if the reason you're feeling stuck isn't that you're not trying hard enough... but that you're trying too hard?
In this solo episode, Anna shares one of the most transformative lessons she learned during her own recovery from chronic migraine: "Don't try harder. Try softer."
Originally shared by mind-body physician Dr. John Stracks, this simple phrase didn't fully make sense to Anna until one unforgettable migraine attack revealed the surprising way her inner critic had hijacked her healing. She realized she was literally trying to force herself to relax—using pressure, perfectionism, and self-criticism in the hope of calming her nervous system.
The irony made her laugh.
And that moment of laughter became the beginning of a profound shift—not just in her physical healing, but in the way she relates to herself as a therapist, business owner, partner, and stepmom.
In this episode, Anna explores why lasting growth often begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start staying on our own side instead.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why trying harder can sometimes keep your nervous system stuck
• The surprising role self-compassion played in Anna's chronic migraine recovery
• How perfectionism and self-criticism often masquerade as motivation
• The difference between pursuing outcomes and changing your relationship with yourself
• A simple mindset shift you can practice in any area of life where you feel pressure to "get it right"
Whether you're navigating chronic symptoms, burnout, anxiety, relationship struggles, or simply feeling like you're never doing enough, this episode offers a gentler—and often more effective—way forward.
Connect with Anna
If this episode resonated with you, Anna would love to hear your thoughts.
📧 Email: anna@annaholtzman.com
Interested in working together?
Learn more about therapy, coaching, and Anna's Seen & Safe group at:
https://www.annaholtzman.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who could use the reminder that sometimes the path forward isn't to try harder—it's to try softer.
