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Listen "Why Motivation Fades– And What Successful People Do Instead"
Episode Synopsis
Episode Summary
In this solo episode, Stacy introduces a foundational tool she uses with every client: the Emotional Cycle of Change. She breaks down the five phases we all move through when pursuing any goal—from the sunshine-and-rainbows start to the dreaded Valley of Despair—and shows you how to recognize where you are, what to watch for, and how to keep moving until your new habits are truly embodied. If you’ve ever felt stuck starting over (again), this framework will help you normalize the hard parts and make consistent progress.
You’ll Learn
The five phases of the Emotional Cycle of Change (and the emotions in each).
Why the “Amazon Prime Effect” sabotages transformation—and how to resist it.
How to spot the Valley of Despair and avoid common self-sabotage traps.
What to double down on once momentum returns (so you don’t slide back).
The difference between hitting a goal and becoming the person who sustains it.
The Five Phases (Quick Guide)
Uninformed Optimism — High excitement, low realism. Watch out for unrealistic timelines and overconfidence.
Informed Pessimism — “This is harder than I thought.” Expect frustration, doubt, impatience; don’t switch strategies too soon.
Valley of Despair — The make-or-break moment. Normalize the dip; notice blame/avoidance; keep taking the next right step.
Informed Optimism — “It’s working.” Stay steady; keep the disciplines that got you here; resist easing off the gas.
Success & Fulfillment — Embodiment. Celebrate, reflect, and retain the habits/identity that created the win.
Key Takeaways
Transformation is not linear; the dip is part of the process, not proof you’re failing.
You always fall to your weakest discipline—strengthen that one first.
Don’t chase the high of “new plan” energy; consistency beats novelty.
Celebrate progress—dance in the end zone—before climbing the next mountain.
Quotes Worth Sharing
“Not everything arrives in two days—especially your goals.” — Stacy
“The Valley of Despair isn’t punishment; it’s proof you’re growing.” — Stacy
“Everything can come together overnight, but nothing happens overnight.” — Stacy
Try This (Listener Challenge)
Name your phase right now (use the quick guide above).
Ask: “What’s one step I can take today to move forward?”
If you’re in the dip, text a supporter, review your wins, and recommit to your baseline disciplines for 7 days.
When you hit a milestone, schedule a celebration before setting the next goal.
Connect + Continue the Work
Submit questions/topics for future episodes: [email protected]
Coaching & Team Workshops: [email protected]
Learn more: Evolve Beyond Limits Podcast & resources
In this solo episode, Stacy introduces a foundational tool she uses with every client: the Emotional Cycle of Change. She breaks down the five phases we all move through when pursuing any goal—from the sunshine-and-rainbows start to the dreaded Valley of Despair—and shows you how to recognize where you are, what to watch for, and how to keep moving until your new habits are truly embodied. If you’ve ever felt stuck starting over (again), this framework will help you normalize the hard parts and make consistent progress.
You’ll Learn
The five phases of the Emotional Cycle of Change (and the emotions in each).
Why the “Amazon Prime Effect” sabotages transformation—and how to resist it.
How to spot the Valley of Despair and avoid common self-sabotage traps.
What to double down on once momentum returns (so you don’t slide back).
The difference between hitting a goal and becoming the person who sustains it.
The Five Phases (Quick Guide)
Uninformed Optimism — High excitement, low realism. Watch out for unrealistic timelines and overconfidence.
Informed Pessimism — “This is harder than I thought.” Expect frustration, doubt, impatience; don’t switch strategies too soon.
Valley of Despair — The make-or-break moment. Normalize the dip; notice blame/avoidance; keep taking the next right step.
Informed Optimism — “It’s working.” Stay steady; keep the disciplines that got you here; resist easing off the gas.
Success & Fulfillment — Embodiment. Celebrate, reflect, and retain the habits/identity that created the win.
Key Takeaways
Transformation is not linear; the dip is part of the process, not proof you’re failing.
You always fall to your weakest discipline—strengthen that one first.
Don’t chase the high of “new plan” energy; consistency beats novelty.
Celebrate progress—dance in the end zone—before climbing the next mountain.
Quotes Worth Sharing
“Not everything arrives in two days—especially your goals.” — Stacy
“The Valley of Despair isn’t punishment; it’s proof you’re growing.” — Stacy
“Everything can come together overnight, but nothing happens overnight.” — Stacy
Try This (Listener Challenge)
Name your phase right now (use the quick guide above).
Ask: “What’s one step I can take today to move forward?”
If you’re in the dip, text a supporter, review your wins, and recommit to your baseline disciplines for 7 days.
When you hit a milestone, schedule a celebration before setting the next goal.
Connect + Continue the Work
Submit questions/topics for future episodes: [email protected]
Coaching & Team Workshops: [email protected]
Learn more: Evolve Beyond Limits Podcast & resources
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