Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel out of sync? Like you’re stuck in overdrive, succeeding on the outside, but slowly unravelling on the inside? If so, you’re not alone.  

Many of my coaching clients come to me at a crossroads. Thriving in their careers but struggling to maintain emotional wellbeing, work-life balance, and a genuine connection to themselves and I’ve been there too. 

The drive to succeed is powerful, but without balance, even success can feel empty. 

The Price of Pushing Through 

At 26, I stepped into my first management role. It was exciting, challenging, and rewarding, a career milestone. I threw myself into it, working long hours, constantly learning, and pushing hard to prove my worth. 

On the surface, everything looked great, but inside, I was battling self-doubt, sleepless nights, and constantly questioning if I was enough.  

Like many high-achievers, I mistook burnout for commitment. I was drowning in self-doubt and it spread to all areas of my life. My relationships, health, fitness, and overall well-being took a back seat!  

For two decades, I pushed harder, and I poured energy into work and study and left little space for myself. 

Until one day, I stopped and asked. Where am I going and what am I trying to achieve? 

Hitting Pause: A Time for Change

In 2022, I made the decision to pause. To shift from “doing” to being. This wasn’t about quitting. It was about reconnecting, with myself, my values, and the life I truly wanted. 

Here’s what helped me rebuild a foundation of balanced wellbeing and self-leadership: 

Smiling More 

It sounds simple but smiling releases feel-good hormones. The more I smiled, the lighter I felt, and that energy was contagious! I realised that my happiness and energy had a positive impact on my relationships both at work and at home. 

Moving My Body

I reconnected with fitness through dog walks, cycling, and gym sessions. Movement became my stress relief, improving both my health, my mindset and my bodies aches and pains lessened the more I moved. 

Practicing Gratitude 

Instead of dwelling on what wasn’t working, I started focusing on the positives. By focussing on the positive or the solutions in challenging situations; a small shift in perspective made a huge impact 

Spending Time in Nature 

Volunteering at Swiss Valley Reservoir with an organisation called Coed Lleol, reignited my appreciation for the outdoors, reminding me how restorative fresh air and green spaces can be. 

Through these simple but intentional changes, I rediscovered my sense of purpose and clarity. I stopped letting work define my worth, instead, I let me define the work I wanted to do. 

What Does Balance Look Like for You? 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or unsure where you’re heading, take a breath. Ask yourself: 

• What brings me joy outside of work? 

• Where am I spending energy that no longer serves me? 

• Am I chasing success or fulfilment? 

Balance doesn’t mean slowing down, it means moving with intention. 

If you’re ready to re-centre and realign with what matters, explore tools for balance and wellbeing in your life and if you feel coaching might help, feel free to get in touch.