Feeling Stuck? Here’s Why Tiny Shifts Work Better Than Big Breakthroughs
Karren Kerrisk 
If you’ve ever felt stuck or frustrated that your progress isn’t happening, this blog post is for you.
Have you ever told yourself,
"I should be over this by now."
"Why am I still getting triggered by the same things?"
"I’ve read the books. I’ve done the courses. Why hasn’t it stuck?"
I used to think this way too. I believed that real change only came from big breakthroughs and life-altering moments. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s the small, consistent mind shifts that actually create the biggest, most lasting results.
When I let go of the pressure to "fix" myself all at once, I finally started to feel better faster and more sustainably.
The Problem with Chasing Big Breakthroughs
The self-development world loves to hype massive action and life-changing breakthroughs. But the truth? Big breakthroughs are exciting—but they don't last.
👉 They often don’t stick because your nervous system can’t keep up.
👉 Your brain is wired to love what’s familiar. If the shift feels too big, your system will default back to old patterns.
That’s why tiny habits are the real power moves. They feel safe. They’re easy to repeat. And they’re the fastest way to build lasting change.
"Consistency creates calm. Tiny habits build real transformation."
Why Tiny Mind Shifts Actually Work
When you aim for huge leaps, your nervous system reads them as a threat.
When you practice small, low-pressure shifts, your brain locks them in quickly and safely.
Your brain wires best through daily, familiar repetition. Tiny shifts like breathing patterns, language shifts, and habit stacking build new pathways faster than big, dramatic efforts.
You’ll build steady, sustainable growth without burnout or frustration. You’ll start to feel naturally calmer, more resilient, and more in control.
My Personal Tiny Habit That Changed Everything
One of the smallest habits that changed my life?
Stopping to breathe before I react.
I used to rush through my days on autopilot—fighting fires, pushing through stress, and collapsing into exhaustion.
But pausing,even for just three slow breaths, helped me regulate in the moment.
That pause created space for calmer decisions. It rewired how I show up in my work, my relationships, and my leadership.
It was never about doing more.
It was about practicing small moments of awareness, on repeat.
3 Simple Mind Skills You Can Start Today
These are some of the quickest, most practical shifts from my July mind hacks. They work because they’re small enough to stick.
1. Pattern Interrupt
When you spiral into overthinking or overwhelm, snap yourself out of it physically.
Try clapping your hands, tapping your heart, or saying out loud: "Stop. Breathe. Reset."
Why it works: It jolts your nervous system out of an emotional loop and into the present.
2. Nervous System Reset
When you’re stressed, calm your body first. Breathe in for four counts, out for four counts.
Do this slowly for three rounds.
Why it works: Your body signals safety to your brain, which opens the door for mindset shifts to actually stick.
3. Self-Talk Shift
Catch yourself when you say things like, "I always mess this up."
Try this instead: "I’m learning how to get this right."
Why it works: Your words direct your brain’s focus. Upgrading your language rewires your emotional response.
🛠️ Download Your Free Mind Skills Quick Wins PDF
I’ve put these mind hacks (and a few more!) into a free, printable Mind Skills Quick Wins PDF so you can keep them handy and actually use them in real life.
✅ Practical
✅ Quick
✅ Beginner-friendly
Click here to download your free PDF.
Final Thoughts: Tiny Habits Are How You Build Your Future
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to start where you are—with one tiny habit you can repeat today.
When you focus on the small shifts, you build a life that feels lighter, steadier, and more aligned with who you’re becoming.
I’d love to hear from you:
What’s your next tiny habit? Just message or email me. I’d love to support you.