The Happiest Lives Podcast

E108: The Habit of White Knuckling

Jill M. Lillard, MA LPC Season 2025 Episode 108

You’re doing all the things—managing the schedule, watching the budget, keeping the peace, trying to eat clean and “be the good one.” But let’s be honest: it’s exhausting. That tight grip? That anxious push to make it all work? That’s white-knuckling.

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the habit of white-knuckling—what it is, why we do it, and why it’s not actually helping. You’ll learn the real reason your efforts leave you tired, stuck, and secretly resentful… and what to do instead.

I’ll walk you through my four-part process for turning this habit around—so you can stop pushing, start partnering with God, and move forward without losing your mind (or your soul). This isn’t about giving up. It’s about letting go the right way.

Let’s talk about the difference between striving and surrender—and how to tell when you’ve crossed the line.

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