Cracking the Coping Code: Why Trying Harder Won’t Fix It
Have you ever caught yourself stuck in a cycle of bad habits, knowing they aren’t helping, but doing them anyway?
Maybe you procrastinate until the last minute, doom-scroll through social media, or eat your feelings after a stressful day. Maybe you overwork to avoid emotions, isolate yourself, or lash out in frustration.
We all have coping mechanisms, quick fixes we reach for when life feels overwhelming. The problem? Short-term relief often leads to long-term problems.
Think of an animal licking its wounds. It starts as a survival instinct, but if it doesn’t stop, it can make things worse. Our coping mechanisms work the same way. They soothe us in the moment but don’t solve the underlying issue.
In this episode of the Authentic Men’s Group Podcast, AMG coach and licensed therapist Brock Frizzell, AMG coach Stephen Nichols, and AMG coach and licensed therapist Reid Horn unpack why we rely on unhealthy coping strategies and, more importantly, how to break free in a way that actually works.
Why Willpower Alone Isn’t the Answer
Most of us try to change our habits with one strategy: try harder.
We tell ourselves to be more disciplined. We promise to quit cold turkey.
And yet, we find ourselves right back where we started.
The truth is, willpower alone isn’t enough because coping mechanisms aren’t random. They’re our brain’s way of trying to manage stress, discomfort, or unmet needs.
In this episode, Brock, Stephen, and Reid break down a different approach, one that starts with self-awareness over self-control. They tackle questions like:
What need is this habit trying to meet?
What’s triggering it?
How can I meet that need in a healthier way?
They also share practical strategies to shift from unhealthy coping to thriving, including:
Identifying the deeper emotions behind your habits.
Pausing before reacting, so you can choose, not just default.
Replacing unhealthy habits with alternatives that actually work.
From Coping to Thriving
The goal isn’t just to “cope better.” It’s to build a life where you don’t have to cope as much in the first place.
This episode will help you recognize the signals your mind and body are sending and give you the tools to respond in a way that aligns with the person you want to be.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it because real change starts with understanding, not just trying harder.
