At 45, I hit a wall. I was running—literally and figuratively—on empty. As a high-achieving woman balancing a business and family, I believed the solution to feeling disconnected and burnt out was to push harder. So, I ran—early mornings, through work commitments, and between family obligations—chasing the illusion that success would finally bring peace. Instead, I found myself exhausted, overwhelmed, and asking the question so many of my clients ask today: “I feel stuck in my life—how do I find purpose?” The truth is, my approach wasn’t working. I was striving but never arriving. That moment of reckoning set me on a journey to rediscover balance, purpose, and joy. Today, as a Transformational Coach, I help women who are stuck in the relentless cycle of overworking and striving—step into a life that’s not just successful but also sustainable.

The Burnout Cycle: More Common Than You Think

Overworking often feels like a badge of honor, but it’s a trap. Many people don’t even realize they’re stuck in the burnout cycle until it’s too late. Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying:
  • “If I just work a little harder, I’ll finally feel accomplished.”
  • “Rest means I’m falling behind.”
  • “I have to prove myself to others.”
This mindset creates a dangerous cycle where rest feels impossible, and the relentless push for external validation takes over. The result? Burnout—emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and a deep sense of disconnection.

The Impact of Overworking

Overworking doesn’t just take a toll on your productivity—it infiltrates every part of your life:
  • Emotional toll: Constant stress leads to irritability, anxiety, and a loss of passion for things you once loved. It can also strain your relationships and impact your libido.
  • Physical exhaustion: Burnout manifests as restless sleep, fatigue, and even chronic health issues.
  • Disconnection: You lose sight of your purpose and the joy in your achievements, leaving you feeling empty despite outward success.
I know this cycle because I’ve lived it. But breaking free is possible—and it starts with awareness.

Why We Push Too Hard

At its core, overworking often stems from a need to prove something—to yourself or others. Fear of failure, relentless perfectionism, and the pursuit of external approval drive what I call the “Push of Pain.” This internal force convinces you to keep going, even when your body and mind are begging for rest. But here’s the truth: constantly pushing harder won’t lead to fulfillment. True purpose and joy come when you stop striving for external validation and start cultivating Inner Wealth—the passion, power, and purpose that reside within you.

The Push and Pull Method: A Framework for Inner Wealth

My Push and Pull Method was born from my own experience and is designed to help you break free from the burnout cycle. This framework guides you toward balance and alignment by focusing on three key principles which are Awareness, Acceptance and Authentic Action.  Self-compassion, self-care, and mindfulness are arms of Awareness.  Today, let’s focus on the transformative power of self-compassion.

Cultivating Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the antidote to the relentless self-criticism that often fuels overworking. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.
  • Acknowledge your humanity: Understand that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of life. They don’t define your worth.
  • Practice kindness: When you catch yourself in a cycle of negative self-talk, pause and ask, “How would I respond to a dear friend in this situation?” Then, offer that same gentleness to yourself.
  • Be loving: Pay attention to your inner dialogue and your emotions without judgment. Allow yourself to feel, rest, and recover without labeling it as weakness.
For me, practicing self-compassion meant allowing myself to rest without guilt. It was about saying, “I am enough, even when I’m not achieving something.” Over time, this shift transformed how I saw myself and approached challenges. Self-compassion doesn’t mean giving up on your ambitions—it means pursuing them from a place of balance and self-worth.  Read my book Inner Wealth – Helen Harrison

From Burnout to Balance: Take Back Control of Your Life

Breaking free from the burnout cycle doesn’t mean abandoning your ambitions—it means pursuing them in a way that’s joyful, intentional, and sustainable. Imagine waking up each day feeling energized, aligned, and connected to what truly matters. This transformation begins with one small step: awareness. From there, you can cultivate self-compassion, prioritize rest, and take intentional actions that align with your goals and values.

Are You Ready to Break Free?

If you’ve been thinking, “I feel stuck in my life,” or wondering how to find purpose in the chaos, it’s time to reclaim your power. As your Transformational Coach, I’ll guide you through this journey, helping you move from burnout to balance and from pushing too hard to living with intention. P.S.: Transformation starts with a single step. Let’s take it together and create a life of passion, purpose, and balance.  

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