Anxiety often stems from an overactive amygdala—the part of your brain that triggers fear. When it misfires, it can create irrational fears and heightened stress, even when there’s no real threat.

Understand Your Brain’s Alarm System

Chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, which can impair memory, sleep, and even physical health. Understanding this biological link helps reduce shame around anxious thoughts.

The Role of Cortisol in Anxiety

“Anxiety isn’t a personality flaw—it’s your brain and body reacting to perceived danger, real or not.”

Dr. Marks outlines five anxiety categories: <ul><li>generalized anxiety</li><li>panic disorder</li><li> social anxiety</li><li>phobias</li><li> health anxiety</li></ul>Identifying which one(s) affect you is key to managing symptoms effectively.

The 5 Types of Anxiety

Unprocessed trauma—especially from childhood—can wire your nervous system to remain on high alert, even in safe situations. Recognizing this connection opens the door to healing.

Trauma’s Lingering Echo

The past doesn’t just live in your memory; it lives in your nervous system.

Telling yourself to “calm down” rarely works. Anxiety isn’t about logic—it’s about survival instincts. Real change comes from addressing the nervous system, not just your thoughts.

Why You Can’t Just ‘Think Positive’

Your physical habits—like diet, exercise, and sleep—directly impact your anxiety levels. Small lifestyle changes can create big mental health shifts.

Mind-Body Connection is Crucial

”We treat anxiety most effectively when we treat the whole person—not just the mind.”

Avoiding what makes you anxious may feel like relief, but it actually reinforces fear. Exposure and small wins are essential for retraining your brain.

Break the Avoidance Cycle

Tools like 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, deep breathing, and body scans calm the nervous system in moments of distress. Consistent practice makes them more effective over time.

Use Grounding Techniques Daily

“Calm isn’t a switch—it’s a skill you practice.”

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or health, it’s time to seek professional support. Therapy, medication, or both can help restore balance.

When to Seek Help

Progress isn’t a straight line. You may relapse or feel stuck, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Compassion and persistence are key.

Healing is Not Linear

“You can be healing and hurting at the same time—and that’s still progress.”

Why Am I So Anxious? by psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks explores the root causes of anxiety and offers science-based strategies for managing and healing from it. Through relatable explanations and practical tools, this book empowers readers to take back control of their mental well-being.

A practical guide from respected therapist and popular YouTube star Dr. Tracey Marks that will help readers recognize the common signs and symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related mood disorders, and then help them develop coping skills using self-guided solutions or help them decide on other treatment options. Take control of your anxiety and take back your life! Anxiety seems to be everywhere in today's world. But how do you know if you're experiencing anxiety, or something else? And what can you do to fix it? Renowned therapist and YouTube star Dr. Tracey Marks is known for her friendly, relatable style that helps followers of her YouTube channel recogize what's bothering them and then guides them to practical solutions that will help them manage their mental health issues. In Why Am I So Anxious?, Dr. Marks' will help you understand many of the most common sources of anxiety, help you identify what type of anxiety you may be experiencing, and give you helpful insight on how you can self-manage your anxiety before deciding if additional treatment options are the best choice. You don't need to let anxiety control your life! Here's what you'll find inside: - Detailed explanations for many of the most common anxiety disorders people struggle with in today's times, all written in Dr. Marks' soothing and relatable style - Tips for managing mild to moderate anxiety, with recommendations that go beyond just therapy and medication and help eader decide what treatment option is best for them - Helpful guidance for recognizing and preventing situations where anxiety may be triggered - Simple exercises that will help readers recognize their symptoms and triggers, so they can better manage their anxiety

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

mentalhealth

Mental Health

books

Books

Tracey Marks

Why Am I So Anxious?

Liminal thinking is the practice of becoming aware of and intentionally shifting your beliefs in order to unlock new possibilities. It’s about navigating the space between certainty and uncertainty—where transformation becomes possible.

What is Liminal Thinking?

Our minds filter reality through deeply held beliefs, many of which we rarely question. These beliefs determine what we pay attention to, how we interpret the world, and ultimately how we act within it.

Beliefs Shape Your Experience of Reality

“Beliefs are models of the world that we build to explain things and make decisions. But models are not reality.”

We form beliefs not from raw truth but through stories we tell ourselves—based on experiences, assumptions, and interpretations. Over time, these stories harden into “truths” we rarely revisit.

Beliefs Are Formed From Stories, Not Facts

Once we accept something as true, it recedes into the background. These unquestioned beliefs form the foundation of our worldview, making it difficult to see alternatives—even when they’re right in front of us.

Most Beliefs Operate Invisibly

“The things we take for granted, and don’t question, are often the things that most need questioning.”

To shift your life, you must first become aware of the mental models guiding your decisions. Without awareness, you’re trapped in a self-reinforcing loop of thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Awareness is the First Step Toward Change

Liminal space—the in-between—is where you let go of the old without yet grasping the new. It’s uncertain, often uncomfortable, but this is where deep change and creativity are born.

The Liminal Space is a Portal to Growth

“The liminal space is a place of creativity, of possibility, of not knowing. It’s where true change happens.”

When you truly listen—with curiosity instead of judgment—you invite others into their own liminal space. This opens the door for transformation without confrontation.

Listening Creates Liminal Space for Others

The more certain you are, the less likely you are to change. Holding tightly to being “right” can actually limit growth, creativity, and connection with others.

Certainty Can Be a Wall, Not a Strength

“Being right is less important than being open.”

Liminal thinkers don’t treat beliefs as fixed truths. They test, observe, and refine them like designers working on a prototype—open to change based on what they learn.

Beliefs Can Be Crafted Like Prototypes

You don’t have to convince the world to change. Begin by shifting your own perspectives. When your mindset evolves, it naturally creates space for others to do the same.

Real Change Starts Internally

“Change doesn’t start with telling people what to do. It starts with creating space for new thinking.”

Like this vibe?Check out my podcast <a href="HTTPS://www.theradicallyyoushow.com">The Radically You Show</a> — where we dive deeper into habits, mindset, and radical self-growth.Because becoming your best self isn't optional — it's essential.

Coming Soon!

Unlock meaningful change by rethinking the way you see the world. These key lessons from Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray explore how beliefs shape reality—and how you can shift them to create new possibilities.

Why do some people succeed at change while others fail? It's the way they think! Liminal thinking is a way to create change by understanding, shaping, and reframing beliefs. What beliefs are stopping you right now? You have a choice. You can create the world you want to live in, or live in a world created by others. If you are ready to start making changes, read this book.

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

Dave Gray

Liminal Thinking

To truly live, we must be fully engaged with the moment. Stop drifting. Stop numbing. Turn off autopilot and reclaim your awareness. Presence is the doorway to personal power.

We shall meet life with full presence and power

Life pulls us in a hundred directions, but freedom begins when we stop reacting and start deciding. You were not born to follow everyone else’s schedule — create your own path, one intentional choice at a time.

We shall reclaim our agenda

“We learn that the more fully we are present in the moment, the more power we have.” –

Fear, doubt, and delay are not forces of fate — they are habits of the mind. We must learn to see them clearly and confront them courageously if we’re ever to experience true freedom.

We shall defeat our demons

Boldness changes everything. Stop waiting for the perfect moment — it doesn’t exist. Greatness favors those who leap, not linger. Move forward with purpose, even when the path isn’t fully clear.

We shall advance with abandon

“Fear wins or freedom wins. And the day we decide to stop fearing is the day we start living.” –

Happiness isn’t a destination — it’s a practice. Cultivate joy daily and give thanks often. These emotions elevate our spirit, attract abundance, and remind us of what truly matters.

We shall practice joy and gratitude

There’s no substitute for alignment. When your actions match your values, you unlock peace and confidence. Integrity is your foundation — protect it relentlessly.

We shall not break integrity

“Without integrity, motivation fades and meaning dies.” –

Don’t hold back your affection, your compassion, your kindness. In a world starving for connection, be the one who brings light. Love loudly. Love consistently.

We shall amplify love

True leaders lift others. Your words, your energy, your example — they can ignite greatness in those around you. Choose to lead with vision and purpose.

We shall inspire greatness

“The world needs more heroes. Be one of them.”

Busyness isn’t purpose. Pause often. Reflect deeply. Breathe fully. When we stop rushing, we start living. Slow down, and you’ll see how rich life really is.

We shall slow time

Discover Brendon Burchard’s 9 powerful declarations from The Motivation Manifesto — a call to reclaim your personal freedom, face fear boldly, and live with intentionality, integrity, and passion.

"The Motivation Manifesto is a poetic and powerful call to reclaim our lives and find our own personal freedom. It’s a triumphant work that transcends the title, lifting the reader from mere motivation into a soaringly purposeful and meaningful life. I love this book." —Paulo Coelho The Motivation Manifesto is a pulsing, articulate, ferocious call to claim our personal power. World-renowned high performance trainer Brendon Burchard reveals that the main motive of humankind is the pursuit of greater Personal Freedom. We desire the grand liberties of choice—time freedom, emotional freedom, social freedom, financial freedom, spiritual freedom. Only two enemies stand in our way: an external enemy, defined as the social oppression of who we are by the mediocre masses, and an internal enemy, a sort of self-oppression caused by our own doubt and fear. The march to Personal Freedom, Burchard argues, can be won only by declaring our intent and independence, stepping into our personal power, and battling through self-doubt and the distractions of the day until full victory is won. Recalling the revolutionist voices of the past that chose freedom over tyranny, Burchard—at times poetic yet always fierce—motivates us to free ourselves from fear and take back our lives once and for all.

Brendon Burchard is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Brendon Burchard has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Brendon Burchard's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Brendon Burchard

The Motivation Manifesto

Our habits shape who we are and the reality we experience. By consciously adopting positive habits, we align our actions with the person we aspire to become, leading to transformative changes in our lives.

Habits Define Your Identity and Reality

Consistently repeating empowering statements can reprogram our subconscious mind, reinforcing new beliefs and behaviors. Crafting and utilizing personal mantras helps in overcoming limiting thoughts and solidifying desired habits.

Harness the Power of Mantras and Positive Self-Talk

“Your words are like magic wands. Speak as if what you desire is already yours.”

Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for creating the space and energy needed to cultivate new habits. This involves learning to say “no” to distractions and commitments that don’t align with your goals.

Set Clear Boundaries to Support Your New Habits

Modifying your surroundings to support your new habits can significantly influence your success. This might include removing temptations or organizing your space to make desired behaviors more accessible.

Create an Environment Conducive to Success

Make your environment a reflection of your new reality, not a shrine to your old excuses.

Dividing a new habit into smaller, achievable actions makes the process less daunting and increases the likelihood of success. Celebrating these small wins can build momentum and confiden

Break Down Your Habit into Manageable Steps

Identifying cues that prompt your desired behavior and pairing them with rewards can strengthen the habit loop, making the new behavior more automatic over time.

Use Triggers and Rewards to Reinforce Your Habit

“We’re all reward junkies — so bribe yourself into becoming your best self.”

Building self-assurance and accepting that mistakes are part of the process can help maintain motivation. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures encourages persistence.

Cultivate Confidence and Embrace Imperfection

Regularly acknowledging and appreciating progress fosters a positive mindset. Sharing your experiences and supporting others in their habit-forming journeys can reinforce your own commitments.

Practice Gratitude and Pay It Forward

“Gratitude is a magnet for miracles.”

Developing new habits requires perseverance and patience. Understanding that change takes time and remaining committed to the process is essential for lasting transformation.

Stay Tenacious and Patient in Your Journey

Like this vibe?Check out my podcast The <a href="HTTPS://Www.theradicallyyoushow.com">Radically You Show</a> — where we dive deeper into habits, mindset, and radical self-growth.Because becoming your best self isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Badass Habits by Jen Sincero is a bold, no-BS guide to breaking bad habits and building empowering ones. With humor and tough love, she helps readers rewire their mindset, set boundaries, and step into the most powerful version of themselves.

New York Times bestselling author Jen Sincero gets to the core of transformation: habits--breaking, making, understanding, and sticking with them like you've never stuck before. Badass Habits is a eureka-sparking, easy-to-digest look at how our habits make us who we are, from the measly moments that happen in private to the resolutions we loudly broadcast (and, erm, often don't keep) on social media. Habit busting and building goes way beyond becoming a dedicated flosser or never showing up late again--our habits reveal our unmet desires, the gaps in our boundaries, our level of self-awareness, and our unconscious beliefs and fears. Badass Habits features Jen's trademark hilarious voice and offers a much-needed fresh take on the conventional wisdom and science that shape the optimism (or pessimism?) around the age-old topic of habits. The book includes enlightening interviews with people who've successfully strengthened their discipline backbones, new perspective on how to train our brains to become our best selves, and offers a simple, 21 day, step-by-step guide for ditching habits that don't serve us and developing the habits we deem most important. Habits shouldn't be impossible to reset--and with healthy boundaries, knowledge of--and permission to go after--our desires, and an easy to implement plan of action, we can make any new goal a joyful habit.

habits

Habits

Jen Sincero is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Jen Sincero has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Jen Sincero's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Jen Sincero

Badass Habits

Your reality is shaped by the stories you tell yourself.To create a life you love, rewrite your inner narrative into one of power, capability, and abundance.

Change Your Story, Change Your Life

Fear isn’t a sign to quit; it’s a sign you’re pushing beyond comfort zones.Do things afraid, and your courage will catch up.

Fear is Normal—Don’t Let it Stop You

“If you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you have to do things you’ve never done.”

Thoughts aren’t harmless—they create your world.Consistently direct your thoughts toward positivity and watch your life shift accordingly.

Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality

No one’s coming to validate your dreams—you have to give yourself permission to succeed.Claim what you want unapologetically.

Stop Waiting for Permission

“You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.”

People resonate deeply with authenticity.Embrace your quirks and uniqueness—these are your greatest strengths and most powerful attractors.

Authenticity is Your Superpower

Your vibe affects everything from your relationships to your success.Elevate your energy by aligning your actions, beliefs, and environments with positivity.

Energy is Everything

“What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.”

Your relationship with money reflects your beliefs about abundance and worth.Addressing and shifting your financial beliefs is crucial to attracting prosperity.

Money Mindset Matters

Waiting for the perfect moment keeps you stuck.Take messy action now—clarity and confidence will follow.

Action Beats Perfection

“Done is better than perfect.”

You can’t truly thrive if you don’t value yourself first.Make self-care, self-respect, and self-appreciation non-negotiable.

Self-Love Isn’t Optional

Expressing gratitude consistently transforms your mindset and attracts abundance.Appreciation isn’t passive—it actively shapes a fulfilling life.

Gratitude Amplifies Success

“Gratitude is the gateway drug to awesomeness.”

Trust that life has your back, but recognize that you’re in the driver’s seat.Taking responsibility empowers you to change your circumstances.

Trust the Universe, but Take Responsibility

Greatness isn’t random—it’s a choice made daily.Commit fully to your potential, and don’t accept less.

Commit to Your Greatness

“You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves.”

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero is a bold, funny guide to overcoming self-doubt, embracing your power, and living fearlessly. It blends relatable stories and practical advice to help you ditch excuses, take action, and create a life you’re genuinely excited about.

YOU ARE A BADASS IS THE SELF-HELP BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES BUT DON'T WANT TO GET BUSTED DOING IT. In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: - Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviours that stop you from getting what you want. - Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW! - Make some damn money already. The kind you've never made before. By the end of You Are a Badass, you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.

You Are a Badass

Your brain has two modes of thinking:• System 1: Fast, automatic, intuitive• System 2: Slow, deliberate, analyticalMost of our decisions start in System 1—even when we think we’re being rational.

Two Systems, One Mind

System 1 is efficient but prone to biases. It relies on mental shortcuts (heuristics) that can lead to errors in judgment, like jumping to conclusions or misjudging risk.

System 1 Isn’t Always Right

We’re wired to create stories to explain events—even if those stories are wrong. We often mistake coherence for truth, which leads to overconfidence in our knowledge.

The Illusion of Understanding

We feel the pain of loss twice as strongly as we feel the joy of gain. This influences everything from investing to decision-making in relationships.

Loss Aversion is Real

True insight and better decision-making come when we engage System 2—when we slow down, ask questions, and challenge our initial reactions.

Slowing Down is Power

Nothing in life is as important as you think it is, while you are thinking about it.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman explores how we think using two systems: one fast and intuitive, the other slow and logical. It reveals how biases shape our decisions—and how understanding them helps us think smarter.

Major New York Times bestseller Winner of the National Academy of Sciences Best Book Award in 2012 Selected by the New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2011 A Globe and Mail Best Books of the Year 2011 Title One of The Economist's 2011 Books of the Year One of The Wall Street Journal's Best Nonfiction Books of the Year 2011 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Kahneman's work with Amos Tversky is the subject of Michael Lewis's The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds In his mega bestseller, Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, the renowned psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. The impact of overconfidence on corporate strategies, the difficulties of predicting what will make us happy in the future, the profound effect of cognitive biases on everything from playing the stock market to planning our next vacation—each of these can be understood only by knowing how the two systems shape our judgments and decisions. Engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives—and how we can use different techniques to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble. Winner of the National Academy of Sciences Best Book Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2011, Thinking, Fast and Slow is destined to be a classic.

Daniel Kahneman (born 5 March 1934) is an Israeli-American psychologist and winner of the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, notable for his work on behavioral finance and hedonic psychology.With Amos Tversky and others, Kahneman established a cognitive basis for common human errors using heuristics and biases (Kahneman & Tversky, 1973, Kahneman, Slovic & Tversky, 1982), and developed Prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in Prospect theory. Currently, he is professor emeritus of psychology at Princeton University's Department of Psychology.

Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow

By The more you analyze, the worse you feel. Overthinking leads to anxiety, indecision, and emotional exhaustion.

Overthinking is a Mental Trap

Identify Thought PatternsRecognize when you’re spiraling into negative thinking. Awareness is the first step to breaking the cycle.

Overthinking thrives on inaction. Take small steps instead of waiting for the “perfect” decision.

Action Beats Anxiety

Perfectionism fuels overthinking. Accept that mistakes are part of progress and growth.

Stop Seeking Perfection

Challenge self-doubt by asking: Is this fact or fear? Change your inner dialogue to a more positive perspective.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Overthinking is often about the past (regret) or the future (worry). Practice mindfulness to stay in the now.

Focus on the Present

Give yourself a “worry window”—a set time to think about concerns, then move on. This prevents constant mental clutter.

Set Boundaries with Your Thoughts

Worrying about the uncontrollable drains energy. Redirect your focus to what you can change.

Let Go of What You Can’t Control

“The mind is a powerful tool—use it wisely, or it will use you.”

Overthinking fuels anxiety, stress, and indecision. In Stop Overthinking, Nick Trenton shares practical strategies to break negative thought loops, calm your mind, and regain control. Learn to challenge intrusive thoughts, embrace the present, and stop letting your mind work against you.

Overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and live a worry-free life.Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness. Don't get stuck in a never-ending thought loop. Stay present and keep your mind off things that don't matter, and never will.Break free of your self-imposed mental prison.Stop Overthinking is a book that understands where you've been through,the exhausting situation you've put yourself into, and how you lose your mind in the trap of anxiety and stress. Acclaimed author Nick Trenton will walk you through the obstacles with detailed and proven techniques to help you rewire your brain, control your thoughts, and change your mental habits.What's more, the book will provide you scientific approaches to completely change the way you think and feel about yourself by ending the vicious thought patterns.Stop agonizing over the past and trying to predict the future.Nick Trenton grew up in rural Illinois and is quite literally a farm boy. His best friend growing up was his trusty companion Leonard the dachshund. RIP Leonard. Eventually, he made it off the farm and obtained a BS in Economics, followed by an MA in Behavioral Psychology.Powerful ways to stop ruminating and dwelling on negative thoughts.-How to be aware of your negative spiral triggers-Identify and recognize your inner anxieties-How to keep the focus on relaxation and action-Proven methods to overcome stress attacks-Learn to declutter your mind and find focusUnleash your unlimited potential and start living.No more self-deprecating talk. No more sleepless nights with racing thoughts. Free your mind from overthinking and achieve more, feel better, and unleash your potential. Finally be able to live in the present moment.

Nick Trenton

Stop Overthinking

From the smell of fresh coffee to a kind smile from a stranger, life’s best moments are often small and fleeting.

Happiness is in the Details

Happiness isn’t just in big moments—it’s in the little things we often overlook. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer is a decades-long collection of life’s simple joys, reminding us to appreciate everyday moments. It’s a gratitude-filled guide to finding happiness all around us.

With more than 1.5 million copies in print, 14,000 Things to Be Happy About is the iconic impulse gift book that celebrates all the little things that make life worth living. Now it is even more of a mood-altering pick-me-up, with the use of cheerful watercolors throughout plus redesigned pages, all of which give this new edition a fresh, joyous feeling. At the heart, though, is its unique list of thousands of items, places, thoughts, and moments that make us happy. No opinions, no explanations, no asides or footnotes. It’s mesmerizing. And as an antidote to the all-too-many things to be unhappy about, it could not be more welcome. a sweet tooth twirling a baton driving as you wish your kids would artistic license an express lane reaching a compromise ripe peaches on a summer's eve dinner rolls playing in autumn leaves A unique way to unplug, relax, reminisce, practice gratitude, and change your mood to an upbeat and happy one!  (The book cover and interior were updated with a new color design in September 2023; some customers may receive an earlier version of the book.)

Why Am I So Anxious?

Liminal Thinking

The Motivation Manifesto

Badass Habits

You Are a Badass

Randy Armstrong