#698: Why Trying Harder Is Keeping You Stuck

#698: Why Trying Harder Is Keeping You Stuck

Author: Trish Blackwell April 7, 2026 Duration: 24:01

Most people believe success comes from trying harder.

  • Pushing harder.
  • Working harder.
  • Forcing themselves to "be better."

But that mindset often creates the exact things that hold us back: pressure, perfectionism, hesitation, and fear of failure.

In this episode, I'm introducing a powerful shift that will change the way you approach growth, confidence, and progress in your life:

  • Stop trying.
  • Start testing.

When you treat life like a series of experiments instead of pass/fail tests, everything changes. Failure becomes feedback. Action becomes data. And confidence grows faster because you stop making every outcome mean something about your worth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the "try harder" mindset actually sabotages confidence

• How adopting an experiment mindset reduces fear and overthinking

• The 5 areas of your life you should start testing immediately

• How to turn setbacks into useful data instead of self-criticism

• A simple 3-question framework to help you run experiments in your daily life

If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, or like you're putting too much pressure on yourself to get things right… this episode will help you move forward with curiosity, courage, and momentum.

Because confident people don't succeed more than everyone else.

They just run more experiments.

⬇️ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED ⬇️

90-Day Identity Reset:➡️  www.trishblackwell.com/90day

Improve Your Social Confidence ➡️ with this bundle (on sale now!) 

🔥 New Resource 🔥27+ Mind Games for Confidence

➡️ Click here to get a FREE COPY of the 5XBY5 METHOD:

🙋🏼‍♀️ REFRAMING MASTERY CHALLENGE:

www.trishblackwell.com/reframe

📂THE 3|3|3 METHOD, FREE DOWNLOAD! www.trishblackwell.com/333method

🏛️ GET MENTORED & COACHED BY TRISH in the COLLEGE OF CONFIDENCE  (Risk-Free, Cancel-at-Anytime, Money-Back Guarantee!)

www.collegeofconfidence.com

🔥 GET 24 MINI COURSES for $24!!! [START HERE IF YOU'RE NEW]:

www.trishblackwell.com/24for24

🎉STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK 
www.trishblackwell.com/stopcaring

❤️ABUNDANT AND ACCELERATED, 3-month 1:1 program with Trish, find out more at www.trishblackwell.com/abundant

📓GET THE "JOURNAL MASTERY BUNDLE"; click here.

Other Episodes on Impostor Syndrome

#223:  Impostor Syndrome is the Biggest Liar in Your Life

#422: How to Win Against Impostor Syndrome


It's a quiet, persistent feeling that you're not quite measuring up, even when everything looks fine on the outside. The Confidence Podcast: Mindset Coaching and Tips to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs, Self-Doubt, Perfectionism, Overthinking, Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity speaks directly into that space. Hosted by Trish Blackwell, a seasoned confidence coach, these conversations are for anyone-particularly women-who are tired of their own inner critic holding them back from the purpose they sense is within them. You’ll find practical coaching strategies here, but also a deeper, integrated perspective that weaves together mindset work with spiritual grounding. Episodes tackle the very real cycles of overthinking and self-doubt, offering actionable tips to break free and build a more resilient, authentic sense of self. Trish’s approach is both compassionate and direct, guiding you to move from a place of insecurity to one of courageous action. This isn't about a superficial fix; it's about aligning your inner world with your faith and potential. Tuning into this podcast feels like a coaching session blended with a heartfelt talk, all aimed at helping you silence the noise of not-enoughness and step into the confidence you were meant to live with.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Confidence Podcast: Mindset Coaching and Tips to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs, Self-Doubt, Perfectionism, Overthinking, Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity
Podcast Episodes
#679: Sneaky Negativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
Sneaky negativity is the quietest confidence killer in your mind — and the most dangerous. You might think you're being realistic… responsible… self-aware… or even positive enough. But what if some of your most ordinary,…
#678: Easy Tools for Quick Mindset Shifts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:54
You don't need a full mindset overhaul — you just need the right tools to shift fast. In this episode, you'll learn 9 simple, science-backed ways to reset your thoughts, calm your nerves, and boost your confidence in und…
#677: How to Win When You're Losing or Behind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
What separates those who crumble under pressure from those who rise stronger? Confidence — not the loud kind, but the quiet, grounded belief that refuses to give up. In this episode, Trish unpacks how to train your mind…
#676: The Cancers of Confidence: Complaining, Comparing & Criticism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
Confidence doesn't crumble overnight — it erodes slowly, through habits that seem harmless. In this episode, we're investigating the three cancers of confidence: complaining, comparing, and criticizing. These habits quie…
#675: Narrative Intelligence (NQ) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
If you've ever spiraled in self-doubt, replayed a conversation on loop, or thought "I know better but I can't stop thinking this way," then this episode is your mirror moment. In today's conversation, we're unpacking Nar…
#673: Being New or Bad at Something [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:53
Ever held back because you didn't want to look bad or feel like the beginner in the room? In this episode, I share my own story of jumping into a hockey pick-up game where I was far from the best on the ice—and why that…
#672: Wanting More and Mastering Contentment (At the Same Time) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
How do you stay deeply grateful for what you have while also chasing big, impossible goals? In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, Trish explores how to hold both contentment and ambition in balance. You'll learn how…
#670: Getting People to Really Listen to You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Do you ever feel invisible in conversations, overlooked in meetings, or ignored on social media — even when you know your ideas have value? In this episode, we dive into the art and psychology of being heard. You'll lear…