The Real Work with Maggie Sterling

Do you find yourself constantly trying to fix your anxiety symptoms, only to feel more frustrated and stuck? You're not alone if you've spent countless hours researching techniques, trying supplements, or analyzing every sensation in your body, hoping to make the anxiety go away. Most people with anxiety become expert "fixers" - always searching for the next solution, the right technique, or the perfect approach to eliminate their discomfort. But what if this very approach is keeping you trapped in the cycle you're trying to escape? In this episode, we dive deep into why symptom chasing feels so urgent yet leaves you feeling more anxious than when you started. Join Vibe Club  

You know that feeling when you decide you're going to completely transform your life... starting Monday? Maybe it's the latest TikTok "lock-in" challenge. Maybe it's your own version of changing everything at once. You're fired up, you make the plan, you're ready to become a whole new person. And then reality hits. In this episode, Maggie reveals why your brain literally fights back when you try to change everything at once - and the counterintuitive approach that actually works. Spoiler alert: it's not what the productivity gurus are telling you. If you're tired of starting over every few weeks, this episode will change how you think about transformation forever.

The Real Work podcast focuses on helping people address the root causes of chronic stress, anxiety, and disconnection rather than chasing surface-level fixes. I share my personal journey through trauma, chronic anxiety, insomnia, and eventually chronic pain that led me to discover the connection between nervous system dysregulation and physical symptoms. After years of trying various therapies, treatments, and quick fixes, I realized I had been intellectualizing healing rather than actually doing the deeper emotional work. I discuss how many people, particularly overthinkers and high achievers, become disconnected from their bodies as a protective mechanism. I cover the difference between symptom management and addressing underlying issues. I explain how chronic stress and unprocessed emotions can manifest as physical symptoms and mental health challenges. I emphasize that true healing requires facing discomfort rather than numbing it through various distractions like overeating, overspending, or endless scrolling. The Real Work podcast is designed for people who struggle with chronic anxiety, overthinking, and those who feel stuck despite trying multiple approaches to feel better. I aim to create a space for exploring the deeper work of nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and reconnecting with oneself. New episodes release every Monday.