STAGE III: PUSHING BACK

As we move into Stage III—Operation Pushback—we begin to step into the strength we’ve been building. The groundwork is in place. The nervous system has been introduced to safety. Now, it’s time to get bolder—not reckless, not forceful—but intentional. In this stage, we gently challenge what fear has claimed, and we start to take back territory. Stage III is all about showing the bear that we are safe by leading the way through the woods it fears. In this stage, we are the guide. We model for our fears the path home, which isn't around our fears, but gently through them.

This stage isn’t about white-knuckling it, or putting yourself in painfully scary situations. If you find yourselves in that situation, you're likely doing it wrong. People often fear this stage, at least in the beginning, but it is in this stage that our true agency begins to return, and we finally enter the last stages of retraining that bear.

About Stage III: Operation PushBack

Stage III is all about reclaiming our lives by showing the Bear (fear) that we’re not running anymore. This stage asks more of us—not in aggression or intensity, but in steady, courageous action. This is where we begin to push back against avoidance, isolation, rumination, limitation, and fear-based living.

It doesn’t mean all symptoms disappear. It doesn’t mean you suddenly feel brave, or that fear will forever go away. But it does mean you begin showing up differently—with more awareness, more consistency, and more willingness to be uncomfortable without panicking. Again, the way out is through.

This is where healing becomes momentum. Not just hope, but movement.

Key Learning Goals in Stage III

1. Building Momentum and Evolving Goals

Now that you’ve built a base, it’s time to expand it. That means evolving your goals to match your increasing capability. What once felt impossible may now be a stretch goal. In this stage, we learn how to recognize progress—not only in symptom reduction, but in how we respond to fear, uncertainty, and stress. You’ll begin tracking not just how you feel, but how you respond. That’s the real measure of healing.

2. Staying Consistent and Mastering Balance

Consistency is king in Stage III. This is the season of structured repetition. That means regular exposure work, daily checklist commitment, and ongoing mindfulness practices. But just as important is the ability to balance this push with rest. Overtraining or obsessively trying to “beat” symptoms can backfire. Balance is wisdom in motion.

3. Mastering Skill Sets and Building Resilience

Here, we deepen our relationship with our recovery tools. You’re not just using breathwork—you’re mastering it. You’re not just journaling—you’re learning to rewire thoughts on the page. You’re not just doing exposure—you’re dismantling avoidance conditioning. This is the time to sharpen your tools, to practice with purpose, and to build real emotional and neurological resilience.

Key Roadblocks in Stage III

1. Overtraining: Doing Too Much Too Soon

Sometimes progress feels so good, we try to rush the next level. But doing too much too soon can overwhelm the system and reignite the Bear. Stage III reminds us: we’re not sprinting—we’re hiking. Stay steady. Watch your pace.

2. Losing Momentum: Fatigue, Frustration, or Burnout

After the rush of early momentum, it’s easy to hit a wall. Symptoms might spike again. Old doubts might return. This is normal. The key is to adjust, not abandon. Recalibrate your plan. Reignite your “why.” This is not a sign to stop—it’s a sign to adapt and recommit.

3. Clinging to Old Coping Patterns

Fear loves a rerun. It wants you to react the way you always have: avoidance, overthinking, symptom checking, or spiraling. In Stage III, we must begin actively noticing and disrupting these old loops. This is where your neuroplasticity work, your self-talk shifts, and your mindful awareness become essential.

In Closing

Stage III is a time of courageous consistency. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard. It’s about making the uncomfortable choice that leads to freedom, again and again.

You’re not just surviving anymore—you’re practicing recovery as a lifestyle. The Bear is still there, but you’re no longer afraid to walk the woods with him. You’re showing him a new path.

Keep going. Don’t rush. Don’t stop. This is where you build a life again—not all at once, but piece by piece, with every brave decision.

You’re in the thick of the transformation now. And that means: you’re doing it.

Until next time, keep going.