I Had To Learn To Say No Before Burnout Set In And I Couldn't Undo It

Throughout my life, I've always tended to be a people pleaser, a trait rooted in a genuine desire to help others but often accompanied by a little ego boost from being the "go-to" person. This led me to say "yes" to countless commitments, gradually breaking down the boundaries I was learning to build between work, family, and personal time until I found myself on the brink of burnout.

In the past three months, despite wanting to step back and focus on self-care, I focused on what was important and started clearing my cluttered, over-committed lifestyle. The final stages of building a house, the first term back for my music school and the launch of the school membership site, my children's birthdays coinciding within two weeks, and the responsibilities of managing family and business commitments left me feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin.

Trying to regain control of my time and prioritise self-care felt impossible, so I kept reminding myself of Brené Brown's wisdom. Her research on vulnerability, courage, and resilience made so much sense to me, particularly her explanation of discomfort and the importance of leaning into it rather than avoiding it. As she puts it, "Get uncomfortable for a few minutes rather than choosing comfort and then later on feeling resentment." This advice was a great guide while navigating the challenges of saying no.

My nutrition has suffered over the past few months, and the demands of juggling multiple tasks have left me with little time to focus on preparing balanced meals. I've struggled to find time for exercise and meditation. Compromising my sleep routine has become a bad habit, as I find myself stealing hours from my rest to make time for family and activities I enjoy. This compromise has taken a toll on my health, both physically and mentally.

More than ever, I realise the importance of prioritising self-care and setting realistic expectations. While I strive to accomplish everything on my to-do list, I must acknowledge that I am not superhuman and that it's crucial to keep the main thing the main thing. By focusing on what matters, setting boundaries, and, most importantly, sticking to them, I can create a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

As I prepare for another year of sharing my thoughts with you, I'm committed to sharing insights and strategies for cultivating joy, resilience, and well-being, from exploring the neuroscience of thought habits to discussing effective life strategies and the pursuit of true happiness.