192. Why “Doing the Hard Thing” Is Overrated: Paul Levitin’s EASIER Way to Change

INHABIT with Alessia Citro

Struggling to stick with new habits or feeling overwhelmed by self-improvement? In this episode of INHABIT, host Alessia Citro sits down with Paul Levitin—podcaster, public speaker, and coach behind the “Change Made Easy” podcast—to reveal why making hard things easy is the real secret to lasting change. Listeners will learn how to break free from perfectionism, overcome overthinking, and finally build habits that actually stick.

Paul shares his EASIER framework, a practical roadmap for creating sustainable routines by focusing on enthusiasm, simplicity, and repeatability. Drawing from over a decade of coaching experience, he explains why consistency beats intensity, how to stack exponential benefits, and why celebrating small wins rewires your brain for success. The conversation also tackles emotional addiction, the myth of “having to” do things, and the power of reframing goals to fit your real life.

Whether you’re an overachiever, a chronic overthinker, or simply ready to make positive changes that last, this episode delivers actionable strategies and mindset shifts you can use right away. Tune in and discover how to make change not just possible, but easy.

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TIMESTAMPS:

[01:13] Paul Levitin explains how his philosophy shifted from “do the hard thing” to making hard things easy for lasting change.

[02:27] Paul introduces the idea of reducing friction and making positive habits more enjoyable.

[04:09] Paul shares his EASIER framework for building consistent habits, starting with enthusiasm.

[06:24] Paul emphasizes choosing goals you’re excited to do, not just excited to have.

[07:22] Discussion on adapting habits to fit your real-life resources and circumstances.

[08:41] Paul highlights the importance of embracing imperfection and learning from setbacks.

[09:33] Paul explains how stacking multiple benefits can help overcome resistance to hard habits.

[10:58] Paul stresses that habits must be repeatable and sustainable for lifelong change.

[13:38] Paul reframes “I have to” as a choice and encourages finding enjoyable ways to move.

[18:07] Paul discusses how overthinking and complexity can sabotage progress, and the need for simplicity.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Listen to Change Made Easy with Paul Levitin

Get Alessia’s book, Higher Self Habits

Now available on Audible! Get a free 30-day trial!

KEYWORDS:

habit change, self-improvement, building habits, consistency, EASIER framework, Change Made Easy, overcoming perfectionism, making habits stick, motivation, breaking bad habits, sustainable routines, personal growth, mindset shifts, celebrating small wins, emotional addiction, self-mastery, simple habits, fitness motivation, behavior change, podcast for overachievers, actionable strategies, life coaching, habit formation

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