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March 28, 2025 52 mins

Ever find yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or endlessly distracted when trying to get things done? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive deep into why traditional productivity methods don’t always work for sensitive nervous systems or easily distracted minds—and what to do instead.

I share my own experiences, from struggling to write a book to my first day at MTV, and reveal the game-changing shifts that helped me move from stuck to steady progress. We’ll talk about why willpower isn’t the issue, how nervous system regulation plays a key role in productivity, and practical strategies to help you work with your energy instead of against it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The real reason you feel stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed when trying to get things done
  • How your nervous system state impacts focus and motivation (and why it’s not about willpower)
  • Why forcing productivity often backfires—and what to do instead
  • Simple, sustainable strategies to help you work in alignment with your energy levels
  • Why conventional productivity advice (like strict timed intervals) might not work for you—and what does
  • How embracing slow periods can actually help you get more done in the long run
  • The #1 small step you can take today to start working with your nervous system


Resources & Mentions:

  • Episode 56: The Melt-Through Method – A technique for working with fear and inner resistance


You can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

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