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How Prioritizing Yourself Can Transform Your Life, Business, and Relationships
In 2022, I hit a wall. Sitting in a coffee shop, overwhelmed and burned out, I realized something had to change. I had built my coaching business to create freedom and flexibility, yet I was working harder than ever, stuck in the same hustle patterns I thought I had left behind.
That day was a wake-up call: to truly thrive, I needed to stop putting everyone else first and start prioritizing myself.
The Burnout Cycle: When I left my old 80-hour-a-week grind, I thought I’d left behind the hustle mentality. But old patterns have a way of creeping back in. I was overworking, people-pleasing, and saying “yes” to tasks that drained me. Even though I knew my why—spending time with my daughter, creating a slower-paced life—I wasn’t living it.
My health started to decline, and my joy was slipping away. It became clear that success wasn’t just about financial stability—it was about aligning my actions with my values.
The Shift: Breaking free from burnout required deep internal work. I had to:
Reassess My Why: I reminded myself why I started my business in the first place: to have more time for my family, creativity, and joy.
Set and Hold Boundaries: It wasn’t enough to set boundaries; I had to enforce them, even when it was uncomfortable.
Prioritize Joy: I stopped seeing play and creativity as luxuries and started treating them as essential parts of my life.
The Results: The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took months of intentional shifts to see the ripple effects in my life and business. But when the results came, they were profound:
I began attracting clients who truly valued my coaching.
My income soared—one quarter, I earned nearly as much as I used to make in a year.
Most importantly, I felt at peace. I wasn’t glued to my laptop or phone, and I had the freedom to play, create, and simply be.
The Power of Joy: Prioritizing joy might feel selfish or counterproductive, but it’s the opposite. When we put ourselves first, we show up better for everyone else—our families, our clients, and our communities. Joy expands our capacity to create, lead, and thrive.
Practical Ways to Prioritize Yourself:
Identify What Brings You Joy: For me, it’s spending time with my family, working strategically with clients, and connecting with nature. Find what lights you up.
Schedule Your Joy: Treat it like any other non-negotiable appointment.
Celebrate Your Wins: Reflect on how far you’ve come and give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When we prioritize joy, we unlock new possibilities for growth, creativity, and success. It’s not just about thriving in business; it’s about crafting a life that feels deeply aligned and fulfilling.
Want to learn more about my story? Check out my Podcast The Playful Wise Woman Show for more in-depth examples and life lessons!
Or check out my FREE download “Growth Blueprint” to get your own clarity and action steps for growth in 2025 building that multi-passionate life!
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