The quiet habits of great leaders

There’s a pattern I’m seeing again and again in business owners right now.

From the outside, everything looks calm. You’re smiling. You’re delivering. You’re being “the capable one.” You’re showing up for staff, customers, suppliers, family, friends.

But underneath? It can feel like you’re treading water just to stay afloat.

Decisions are stacking up. Your to-do list is multiplying. You’re carrying everyone else’s worries while trying to keep the business moving. And because you’re good at coping, people assume you’re fine.

I call this the Swan Effect.

And if you’re living it, you’re not alone.

When you’re spinning plates, your brain loses clarity

Here’s what overwhelm often looks like for business owners:

• You’re busy all day but still feel like you’ve achieved nothing.

• Every option feels urgent, so nothing feels clear.

• You’re carrying too much in your head because you don’t have a trusted place to put it down.

• You make decisions… then question them later at 2am.

• You feel like you should be grateful (because things are “going well”), but honestly, you’re exhausted.

This is where a soundboarding mentor becomes invaluable.

• Not someone who tells you what to do. Not someone who throws generic advice at you.

• But someone who can sit beside you, help you slow things down, and work through what’s really going on.

• That’s the work I do with my business coaching clients.

• And it’s the part of my job I love most.

Business coaching as a soundboard: what it really means , a safe, honest space to think (properly)

Most business owners don’t need more information. They need space. Space to say the thing they don’t say out loud. Space to admit what’s not working. Space to make decisions without carrying the emotional weight alone.

One of the ideas I’ve really taken from Brené Brown’s leadership work is this: brave leadership requires brave conversations, the honest, messy, real kind. She calls this “rumbling”: leaning into the tough stuff with curiosity, not judgement.

In business ownership, rumbling might sound like:

• “If I’m honest, I’m not enjoying this anymore.”

• “I’ve outgrown parts of my business, but I don’t know what’s next.”

• “I’m scared I’ll let people down if I change direction.”

• “My team rely on me for everything and I’m starting to resent it.”

• “I look successful… but I feel stuck.”

That’s not weakness. That’s leadership. And it’s exactly the sort of conversation that gets pushed aside when you’re busy “being fine.” Trust isn’t a vibe. It’s built.

Another idea I love is that trust is built through clear behaviours: boundaries, reliability, accountability, integrity, and so on. [

In coaching, that matters because business owners often feel like they have to hold everything together.

So our work becomes a place where:

• Boundaries are allowed (you don’t have to be everything to everyone).

• Reliability is restored (you start following through on the things that matter most).

• Integrity leads the decisions (you stop choosing what’s easiest in the short term, and start choosing what’s right).

This isn’t fluffy. It’s practical, because when your mind is overloaded, the quality of your decisions drops. When your decisions drop, your confidence drops. And when confidence drops, you either overwork… or avoid. Coaching interrupts that cycle.

What we actually do in business coaching (the real-life version) – We create clarity first, then momentum. A big part of being a soundboard is helping you take everything that’s swirling around in your head and turning it into something you can actually work with.

That might include:

1) Getting clear on the direction

We step back and look at the bigger picture — your longer-term goals, what you’re building, and what you actually want the business to support in your life (not just what it demands from you).

For some clients, we also explore practical strategy: things like a longer-term business vision, growth planning, and building a structure that doesn’t rely on you holding every single thread.

2) Making decisions easier

Once we know what matters most, decisions get simpler. Not always easy, but clearer. Because instead of “What should I do?” the question becomes: “What fits the direction I’ve chosen?”

3) Building a plan you can stick to

Overwhelm loves vague plans.We turn things into:

• Clear priorities

• Realistic actions

• Timelines that match your life

• Accountability that feels supportive, not pressurised

How my business coaching programme works, I’ve found the best rhythm for most business owners is: Fortnightly sessions for the first couple of months. This gives you momentum, structure, and relief quickly, especially if you’re in that “spinning plates” stage. It’s where we get the clarity, the plan, and the first set of changes in motion. Then monthly check-ins for ongoing progress

Once things feel steadier, monthly sessions become your space to:

• Sense-check decisions

• stay accountable to what you said you wanted

• deal with new challenges as the business evolves

• keep your confidence steady as you grow

It’s like having a calm, trusted thinking partner in the background,  so you’re not carrying everything alone. (And yes, this is the work I talk about on my business coaching page too, it’s the heart of what I do.)

One of my clients put it better than I ever could:

“With Nicky’s guidance, experience, knowledge, and encouragement I have been able to adopt a different mindset… She has helped give me and my business focus, direction, and a sense of achievement. The difference Nicky has made has been incredible.”

A few other words from clients:

• “She has helped give me and my business focus, direction, and a sense of achievement.”

• “Your assistance has been invaluable.”

• “You are an amazing coach, and an all round great person.”

That word direction comes up a lot. Because when you’ve been coping for a long time, direction can feel like a luxury. But actually, direction is what gives you breathing room.

If you’re the swan right now… If you’re the person who looks like they’re coping, but inside you’re carrying too much…

Here’s what I want you to know:

• You don’t need to wait until you hit breaking point to get support.

• You don’t need to “earn” help by struggling more.

• And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.What we actually do in business coaching (the real-life version) – We create clarity first, then momentum. A big part of being a soundboard is helping you take everything that’s swirling around in your head and turning it into something you can actually work with.

That might include:

1) Getting clear on the direction

We step back and look at the bigger picture — your longer-term goals, what you’re building, and what you actually want the business to support in your life (not just what it demands from you).

For some clients, we also explore practical strategy: things like a longer-term business vision, growth planning, and building a structure that doesn’t rely on you holding every single thread.

2) Making decisions easier

Once we know what matters most, decisions get simpler. Not always easy, but clearer. Because instead of “What should I do?” the question becomes: “What fits the direction I’ve chosen?”

3) Building a plan you can stick to

Overwhelm loves vague plans.We turn things into:

• Clear priorities

• Realistic actions

• timelines that match your life

• accountability that feels supportive, not pressurised

How my business coaching programme works, I’ve found the best rhythm for most business owners is: Fortnightly sessions for the first couple of months. This gives you momentum, structure, and relief quickly, especially if you’re in that “spinning plates” stage. It’s where we get the clarity, the plan, and the first set of changes in motion. Then monthly check-ins for ongoing progress

Once things feel steadier, monthly sessions become your space to:

• Sense-check decisions

• Stay accountable to what you said you wanted

• Deal with new challenges as the business evolves

• Keep your confidence steady as you grow

It’s like having a calm, trusted thinking partner in the background,  so you’re not carrying everything alone. (And yes, this is the work I talk about on my business coaching page too, it’s the heart of what I do.)

One of my clients put it better than I ever could:

“With Nicky’s guidance, experience, knowledge, and encouragement I have been able to adopt a different mindset… She has helped give me and my business focus, direction, and a sense of achievement. The difference Nicky has made has been incredible.”

A few other words from clients:

• “She has helped give me and my business focus, direction, and a sense of achievement.”

• “Your assistance has been invaluable.”

• “You are an amazing coach, and an all round great person.”

That word direction comes up a lot. Because when you’ve been coping for a long time, direction can feel like a luxury. But actually, direction is what gives you breathing room.

If you’re the swan right now… If you’re the person who looks like they’re coping, but inside you’re carrying too much…

Here’s what I want you to know:

• You don’t need to wait until you hit breaking point to get support.

• You don’t need to “earn” help by struggling more.

• And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

• Sometimes the bravest move is simply saying:

• “I need a space to think. Properly.”

• And then taking the next step.

Want a calm, practical soundboard?

If this has landed with you, take a look at my Business Coaching page and see if it feels like the right fit. I work with business owners who want clarity, confidence, and steady progress, without burning themselves out.

If you are ready to explore that in a confidential, supportive space, I would love to help.

👉 Book a free consultation to explore where you are now, where you would like to be.

• Sometimes the bravest move is simply saying:

• “I need a space to think. Properly.”

• And then taking the next step.

Want a calm, practical soundboard?

If this has landed with you, take a look at my Business Coaching page and see if it feels like the right fit. I work with business owners who want clarity, confidence, and steady progress, without burning themselves out.

If you are ready to explore that in a confidential, supportive space, I would love to help.

👉 Book a free consultation to explore where you are now, where you would like to be.

You are smart, capable and on paper your career looks fine.
But inside, it feels very different.

You know you need a change. You have had that quiet feeling in the background for a while now. Maybe for months. You may even have a list of ideas or half written plans in your notebook. Yet when it comes to doing something about it, you feel stuck, exhausted and unsure where to start.

As a career and business coach, I work with professionals across the UK who are exactly where you are now. They are not lazy. They are not ungrateful. They are simply overwhelmed, unsure and often trying to keep too many plates spinning at once. In this blog, I want to help you move from procrastination to clarity, and towards a career and life that feels more aligned with who you are.

I also want to anchor it in one simple quote that has guided many of my clients, and my own journey:

“Just do it.” – Art Williams

Not in a harsh or pressured way, but as a gentle invitation to take one small, courageous step, even when you do not have everything figured out.

When your career looks successful but does not feel it

Over the last few months, my own diary has been full.

I have been working on recruitment strategies for a large engineering firm, running vision and strategy sessions for a charity, supporting leaders through development programmes, facilitating a busy networking group, working with individuals who feel stuck in their roles, and researching and launching a new business.

From the outside, it looks exciting, and it is. Yet I also noticed something important. With so much going on, there has been less space to pause, reflect and create. Even sitting down to write this blog took more time than I would have liked.

You might recognise that feeling.

• You are constantly “on” at work.
• You are the person people turn to when things need fixing.
• You are juggling responsibilities at home and at work.
• The idea of changing your job, career or business feels huge, so you push it away.

Many of my clients share similar stories:

• A manager who has climbed the ladder, only to realise the role no longer fits who they are.
• A professional who feels guilty for wanting more, because “so many people would love this job”.
• A leader who is so busy looking after everyone else that they have lost sight of what they want.

These are not people who lack ambition. They are often the people who care deeply, have high standards and want to do a good job for others. Over time, that can lead to emotional and mental overload.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this:

You are not broken. You are just at a point in your career where your current path and your deeper values no longer quite match. That tension is uncomfortable. It is also a powerful signal that it might be time to re align.

Procrastination is not laziness, it is information

When we feel stuck, many of us blame ourselves.

“I should have sorted this out by now.”
“Why do I keep putting off updating my CV or calling that coach?”
“Everyone else seems to be coping, what is wrong with me?”

From a coaching perspective, procrastination is rarely about laziness. More often, it is a mix of:

• Fear
  Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of losing what you have, even if it no longer fits. Fear of what others will think.
• Overwhelm
  Your brain is trying to process too many things at once. Different options, responsibilities, financial considerations, family needs and your own wellbeing.
• Lack of clarity
  You know what you do not want, but it is harder to say clearly what you do want. Without a clear direction, any step feels risky.
• Perfectionism
  You may feel you have to have the perfect plan before you can begin. So you wait. And the waiting becomes its own habit.

Instead of judging yourself for procrastinating, see it as information.

Your mind and body are trying to keep you safe. They are saying “this feels uncertain, I need more clarity and reassurance before I make a change”.

Once you see procrastination as information rather than a personal failure, you can work with it.

From overwhelm to clarity – a simple reset process

When life is full, we need simple, human tools that help us move from “spinning” to “steady”. Over the last few months, I have been using two practices consistently myself: journalling and coaching. They are also at the heart of the work I do with clients.

Here is a simple process you can try.

1. Empty your head, without editing

Set a timer for ten minutes.
Take a notebook, or open a blank document.
Write down everything that is on your mind about your work and life, without worrying about grammar, structure or solutions.

You can use prompts such as:

• “What is draining my energy at work right now?”
• “What am I avoiding, and why might that be?”
• “If I could change one thing in my career this year, what would it be?”

The aim is not to produce a perfect plan. It is to get the noise out of your head and onto paper, where it becomes less overwhelming.

2. Circle what matters most

Look back over what you have written. Circle or highlight:

• Themes that keep repeating.
• Sentences that make you feel something in your body, such as a tight chest or a sense of relief.
• Anything that feels like a key truth, even if it scares you.

This is where clarity begins. You are starting to see the story beneath the busyness.

3. Name the season you are in

One of the questions I ask clients is: “What season of your career are you in right now?”

Are you in a season of:

• Survival – holding things together, paying the bills, getting through.
• Transition – something has shifted, and you are exploring what is next.
• Growth – you are ready to stretch, learn and take on more responsibility.
• Re alignment – you want your work to fit more closely with your values and life outside work.

Naming your season helps you set realistic expectations. If you are in survival, your next step might be about reducing stress or stabilising your current role, rather than making a dramatic leap.

4. Choose one small action

Now, bring in the spirit of Art Williams’ “Just do it”.

Look at your notes and ask:

“What is one small, kind action I can take in the next seven days that moves me even a little closer to where I want to be?”

Keep it small. Examples might include:

• Booking a short call with a career coach.
• Talking to a trusted colleague about how you are feeling.
• Updating one section of your CV.
• Reading a job description for a role that interests you, simply to explore.

Write that one action down, put a date beside it, and commit to it.

5. Create a simple feelings to action table

Here is a quick reference you can use when emotions feel loud.

You can personalise this table with your own words. The key is to link feelings with meaning and a gentle action.

Five practical ways to get unstuck in your career this month

Sometimes we need clear, practical ideas. Here are five coaching tools that you can start using this month.

1. Do a career SWOT on yourself

Many of my clients find a career SWOT helpful. It is a structured way to step back and look at their situation with fresh eyes.

Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four boxes: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

• Strengths: What do you do well? What do others praise you for?
• Weaknesses: Where do you feel less confident, or less engaged?
• Opportunities: What trends, projects or connections could open doors for you?
• Threats: What external pressures or changes could impact your role or sector?

This is not about criticising yourself. It is about seeing the bigger picture, so you can make informed choices.

2. Clarify what success means to you now

Many of us are still working to an old definition of success, such as “big job title”, “busy all the time” or “pleasing everyone”.

Take a moment to ask:

• “What does success look and feel like to me in this stage of my life?”
• “What do I want my career to give me, and what do I want to give through my career?”

Your answers today may be different to five or ten years ago. That is normal. When you update your definition of success, decisions become clearer.

3. Create one protected hour each week

If you feel overwhelmed, space is not a luxury, it is a strategy.

Choose one hour each week that you protect for you and your future. Use it for:

• Reflecting and journalling.
• Researching alternative roles or paths.
• Planning small, realistic steps for the month ahead.

Guard that hour like you would a meeting with your most important client. Because in many ways, you are.

4. Ask for support

You do not have to figure this all out alone.

Support might look like:

• A coach who can hold a calm, structured space for your thinking.
• A mentor who has walked a similar path.
• A peer group, such as a networking group, where you can share ideas honestly.

Clients often tell me that simply having one safe conversation is the turning point. It breaks the isolation and reminds them that change is possible.

5. Choose a micro “Just do it” step

At the heart of this blog is that simple Art Williams quote: “Just do it”.

To make it practical, choose micro steps that you can actually complete, such as:

• Sending one email to enquire about a role or course.
• Making one phone call to book a discovery session.
• Writing one paragraph of your CV or LinkedIn profile.

Each micro step builds confidence. Confidence grows through action, not through waiting until you feel ready.

Just do it, but kindly – a new way to move forward

“Just do it” can sometimes sound harsh, as if we should push through at all costs. That is not the spirit I want to leave you with.

For me, and for many of the professionals I work with, “Just do it” is about:

• Just – stripping things back to the next simple step, not the whole project.
• Do – taking action, even if it feels small or imperfect.
• It – choosing one specific thing that genuinely matters to you, not someone else’s idea of success.

You are allowed to be both grateful for what you have, and honest that something needs to change. You are allowed to be proud of what you have built, and curious about what might come next.

You do not have to know the entire path. You only need the next step.

FAQ: Common questions from overwhelmed professionals

Q1. How do I know if I am just having a bad week or if I really need a change?
Notice patterns over time. A bad week usually passes. If you have felt drained, stuck or misaligned for several months, despite trying to rest or adjust, it may be a sign that something deeper needs attention. Journalling and talking it through with a coach can help you see this more clearly.

Q2. I have financial responsibilities. Is it irresponsible to think about changing career?
Not at all. Thinking about change and planning for it is responsible. It allows you to explore options, timelines and strategies that work for your situation. Career change does not always mean a sudden leap. It can be a series of considered steps, taken with your financial reality in mind.

Q3. What if I do not know what I want to do instead?
Many clients come to coaching with a clear sense of what they do not want, and only a fuzzy idea of what they do want. That is very normal. Through structured exercises, questions and reflection, we can uncover your strengths, values, interests and options, then shape them into a clearer direction.

Q4. I feel guilty for wanting a change when I already have a good job. How do I handle that?
Guilt often comes from comparing ourselves to others or from old stories about what we should want. Your feelings are still valid. It is possible to appreciate the security or status of your current role, and still recognise that it is no longer the right long term fit. Exploring that honestly is an act of self respect, not selfishness.

Q5. How can coaching help me if I am overwhelmed and do not know where to start?
Coaching gives you dedicated space to think, feel and plan, with someone who is fully in your corner and not emotionally involved in the outcome. Together, we break things down, explore options, challenge unhelpful beliefs and design realistic next steps. Many clients say they leave sessions feeling calmer, clearer and more focused than they have in months.

Ready to move from stuck to clear?

If this blog has resonated with you, it might be because you are at that quiet turning point. You know that continuing exactly as you are is no longer sustainable. You may not have the full picture yet, but you are curious about what could be possible.

If you are ready to explore that in a confidential, supportive space, I would love to help.

👉 Book a free consultation to explore where you are now, where you would like to be, and what “Just do it” could look like for you, in a way that feels kind, realistic and aligned with your life and how I can help you.

“What have I harvested from this year’s journey”

Metaphorically speaking, Autumn invites us to take stock, this is a moment to reflect on what you’ve harvested,  the insights, achievements, and quiet wins that have shaped your year so far. 🍂 Autumn is my favourite season.

There’s something about the golden light, the crisp air, and those stunning trees. The trees don’t resist change. They surrender to it. They shed what’s no longer needed and reveal their true structure: strong, resilient, and ready for what’s next.

🍁 That’s what coaching is about, too. This time of year, many of my clients feel the stir of change. Some are asking:

🌿“I know something needs to shift, but I’m not sure what.”

🌿“I feel disconnected from my work… is it time to move on?”

🌿“I want more balance, but I don’t know how to create it.”

🌿“I’ve outgrown my current role,  what’s next?”

🌿“I’m craving more purpose, but I don’t know where to begin.”

🌿“I’m ready for change, but I’m scared to let go of what’s familiar.”

🌿“I want to do something different,  but will my skills transfer?”

🌿“I’ve lost confidence in my career path. Can I rebuild it?”

🌿“I need to make a change… but how do I do it without burning out?”

And sometimes, the most powerful shifts come from the quietest beginnings.

💬 A Story That Moved Me Deeply One client came to me after 30 years of running a business in a highly specialised field. At 60, they believed their career options had dried up. They told me they had no transferable skills. They’d almost given up. Here’s what they shared after our coaching journey:

“I went into my first coaching session with Nicky unsure, if not convinced, that I had no transferable skills. However, over our first 2 or 3 sessions, Nicky was able to highlight and convince me that I did have desirable workplace skills. Nicky has been a joy to work with, supremely patient, confidence-instilling, and an absolute inspiration.”

“At the end of our coaching sessions, I’ve co-founded a business in a completely unrelated field, I’m pitching to investors, speaking publicly, and contributing to national and local steering groups. Nicky has been a central, inspirational driving force in realigning and stimulating my employment prospects in ways I had not thought possible.

“Now it’s up to me to make my future a success, but whatever happens, I will be forever grateful to have the opportunities Nicky has shown me can be mine.”

💜 I was deeply moved by their courage, their honesty, and their willingness to begin again. If you’re feeling the stir of change this season, here’s a question you could ask yourself:

❓ What would feel like a brave next step, even if it’s small? Autumn reminds us that transformation doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet, intentional, and beautiful.

If you’re ready to explore what’s next for yourself, your team, or your business, I’d love to hear from you. If you are looking for Career or Business coaching, you can contact me here. 

As I reflect on my life so far, I recognise a recurring theme that has dogged me throughout. Despite my capabilities, I have consistently stood in my own way. At certain points I’ve held back, undermined myself, doubted my competence. I have been the silent architect of my own constraints while all those around me truly believed in me. So, what’s going on?

For over 40 years I’ve been actively engaged in coaching, captivated by a simple yet profound truth: awareness changes everything. When we truly see ourselves through self-awareness, we gain the power to take ownership of our actions, break through barriers, and achieve what once seemed impossible.

I wanted to explore this further, so I pursued a master’s degree focusing on emotional intelligence, diving deep into the mechanics of self-awareness, empathy, and how limiting beliefs silently sabotage us.

What fascinates me most are the masks we wear. Whether at work with colleagues or in the pub with friends, we often project versions of ourselves we think others want to see, driven by our deep need to fit in, to feel safe and loved.

Over time, these masks become so comfortable we lose sight of our authentic selves – the person we were before internalising the world’s expectations.

I’ll never forget hearing Ken Blanchard, a pioneer in coaching and leadership development, share this truth:

“We were all born beautiful. The world, with its judgments and expectations, may sometimes make us forget our inherent worth, but true beauty lies in embracing our authenticity. Each of us carries a unique light – a blend of strengths, vulnerabilities and experiences that shape who we are. The key is not to seek external validation but to reconnect with the truth within: that we are enough, just as we are.”

What a vision. What a challenge. Because let’s be honest – knowing “we are enough” is one thing, but living by it? That’s where the real work begins.

When I heard Ken speak these words, I was all in. But how do we embrace this in the competitive world we live in? How do we handle that inner voice whispering that maybe “we’re not enough”? Where does that voice come from? Whose is it? It compels us to carry out its command often without question but is it helping or hindering us? Finding answers to these questions, and more, has been quite a journey but when I was introduced to Positive Intelligence (PQ), it was a revelation.

PQ provides a science-backed solution to the invisible sabotage of our inner critic. This proven framework helps rewire the brain, quieten self-doubt, and unlock the clarity and confidence needed to thrive.

At its core are the “Saboteurs”, an accessible way to identify and understand those inner voices in all their guises, and how they distort our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Grounded in neuroscience, these patterns are real – and so is their antidote: activating your innate wisdom. By building new neural pathways to the part of our brain that’s naturally curious, empathetic, and creative, we gain the power to reframe challenges. The result? Wiser decisions, clearer perspectives, and a resilient mindset.

This made so much sense to me that I wanted to learn more. I explored the PQ website, reading through all the sections with genuine interest, then completed the free online Saboteur Assessment. It took about 10 minutes, and I received my results shortly after.

I was astounded by how accurate they were – the descriptions of each saboteur really resonated with me. Even the simple examples of how they operate, connected with experiences from my own life. For the first time, I had a clear understanding of these inner critics I’d lived with – who they were, where they came from, how they manifested, and most importantly, how to silence them. I was filled with such clarity and hope that I couldn’t wait to share these insights with others.

This is why PQ resonates so deeply with me. It’s not just another tool – it’s the missing link between insight and action; a way to identify and quiet the inner critic so we can finally step into our authentic selves with unashamed pride.

As I deepen my PQ journey, I’m truly energised by its potential – not just for me, but for anyone ready to shed the masks and limitations holding them back. This is more than theory; it’s a toolkit for building resilience, clarity and unshakable self-worth. In a world constantly demanding more, PQ’s radical truth is this: You are already enough. Now let’s live like it.

So where am I now?

Looking back on my own early adulthood, I recognise now how much my inner critic shaped my decisions, often holding me back without even realising it. Now, as I watch my four young-adult children navigate similar challenges, I see how those same self-limiting voices can cloud confidence and direction.

But here’s what really excites me: Young adults today have more tools than ever to understand these inner critics and rewrite the script. Imagine the power of recognising that critical inner voice before it takes over, understanding where it comes from (instead of just believing it), and choosing to act from a place of clarity and self-trust instead.

I am hugely excited, inspired and deeply motivated to equip young adults with the tools to decode their inner narratives, take back control, and write their own stories, no longer held hostage by self-sabotage, but empowered by self-mastery. Imagine young adults learning these insights early in life. Picture the confidence they’d have to shape their futures and become their best selves.

This shouldn’t be an aspiration for the lucky few, but a genuinely achievable goal for all. Making this a reality is my driving mission.

If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you – whether to discuss how I can help or simply to exchange experiences that shed more light on self-sabotage.

Contact me Chris Loe: chrisloecoaching@gmail.com 

There’s something magical about summer. The long days stretch out like endless possibilities, the warm nights invite laughter and connection, and the feeling of freedom that comes with a holiday wrap around you like a comforting blanket. For a few blissful weeks, life slows down. The deadlines, the meetings, the endless to-do lists—they all fade into the background. You’re able to step back, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters: your passions, your relationships, and yourself.

But then, as September rolls around, reality hits. The emails pile up, the meetings resume, and the familiar hum of the daily grind starts up again. Suddenly, the job that felt ‘fine’ before now feels… wrong. The tasks that once seemed manageable now feel tedious. The career path you’ve been on for years no longer excites you. The sense of purpose you felt during those summer days—whether it was exploring a new city, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the freedom to be—now feels like a distant memory.

If you’ve ever returned from a holiday with a sinking feeling that your career no longer aligns with your sense of purpose, you’re not alone. In fact, this post-summer clarity might just be the wake-up call you need to make a change. That feeling of dissatisfaction? It’s not just the ‘back-to-work blues.’ It’s a sign that something deeper is out of alignment. It’s your inner self telling you that it’s time to reevaluate, to dream bigger, and to take steps toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

The Post-Summer Clarity:

Holidays provide more than just a break from work—they offer a rare opportunity to step back and reflect. Away from the daily grind, you gain mental space to think about your life and career. This is often when the ‘aha’ moments happen. You might realize that your job doesn’t align with your values, passions, or long-term goals. Perhaps you’ve been chasing someone else’s idea of success, or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the role you’re in. Whatever the case, the clarity you gain during this time can be a powerful catalyst for change.

The Reality Check:

Returning to work after a holiday can feel like a harsh wake-up call. The dread of Monday mornings, the dissatisfaction with repetitive tasks, and the sense of burnout can all hit harder after experiencing the freedom of summer. You might find yourself questioning why you’re doing what you’re doing. Does this job still feel meaningful? Does it align with your sense of purpose? These questions can be uncomfortable, but they’re important. And while the fear of change—whether it’s financial uncertainty or the fear of the unknown—can be paralyzing, it’s also a sign that you’re ready for something more.

Why September is the Perfect Time for Change:

September has a unique energy. It’s a time of new beginnings—kids go back to school, routines reset, and there’s a natural momentum for change. After the summer, you’re likely returning with more energy and clarity, making it the ideal time to take action. The changing seasons also symbolize transformation and growth. Just as the leaves begin to turn, you too can embrace this time as an opportunity to shed what no longer serves you and grow into something new.

Steps to Take if You’re Feeling the Shift:

If you’re feeling the post-summer shift, here are some practical steps to help you navigate this period of reflection and change:

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on what you truly want from your career and life. What brings you joy? What feels meaningful to you?
2. Identify Your Values: Consider your core values and how your current job aligns (or doesn’t align) with them. Are you living in accordance with what matters most to you?
3. Explore Options: Start exploring new career paths. This could involve networking, taking courses, or even starting a side hustle to test the waters.
4. Take Small Steps: Change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with small, manageable steps—whether it’s updating your resume, setting up informational interviews, or simply dedicating time each week to explore new opportunities.

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of that sense of freedom and purpose. In fact, it can be the beginning of something new—a chance to redefine your career, your goals, and your life.

This is your moment to ask yourself:

• What do I really want?
• What brings me joy?
• And how can I create a life that aligns with my true self?

Embrace this post-summer clarity as an opportunity for growth and change. The journey might feel daunting, but it’s also filled with potential. After all, the best adventures often begin with a single step.

If you’re ready to explore what’s next for yourself, your team, or your business, I’d love to hear from you. If you are looking for Career or Business coaching, you can contact me here. 

*Picture taken paddleboarding around the South Coast near Thurlstone.

Are you Feeling Flat and Burnt Out and realise that you may need to Re-purpose and Rejuvenate

Life can sometimes feel like a relentless treadmill, especially when juggling a career or running a business. Many of us hit a point where motivation dips, energy wanes, and everything feels flat. But what if this is your chance to repurpose and rejuvenate your path?

My Story: The Cost of Unbalanced Work

Entrepreneurship has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows for me. From founding and selling a £million+ recruitment agency to launching a thriving matchmaking business, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my ventures. But along the way, I learned some hard lessons about burnout and the dangers of an unbalanced work-life dynamic.

One memory that stands out vividly is the birth of my second child, Harry. I was so consumed by my business that I didn’t take maternity leave. I worked right up until the Friday before he was born, exhausted from the pregnancy and the mounting stress at work. That Saturday evening, I went into labour. I spent the night mostly trying to be quiet in the bath and listening to the birds sing on Sunday morning, preparing for a home birth. 9.39am Harry was born. It was an incredible experience, holding him in my arms with Isabella as we watched Federer and Roddick in the Wimbledon Final.

But here’s the kicker: by the next morning (Monday), I was back at work. At 9 am, I called in to start the payroll for 40 temps. When asked, “How was your weekend?” I casually replied, “Oh, I had Harry yesterday, but I’m ready for the day’s work!” Looking back, I can’t believe I did that. I was a proper workaholic, and while I loved what I did, I wasn’t balancing my life properly.

This is just one of many stories where I pushed myself to the limit, working 16-hour days and neglecting my own well-being as well as not being there fully for my children. Eventually, it caught up with me. I experienced burnout, and it was a wake-up call. I realised that success isn’t just about achieving professional milestones, it’s about aligning your work with your passions and finding harmony in all areas of life.

These challenges taught me resilience and the importance of setting boundaries. Today, as a certified life and business coach, I’m passionate about helping others avoid the same pitfalls. I guide people in rediscovering their purpose, finding balance, and thriving in their careers and businesses without sacrificing their health, happiness or home life.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of burnout or struggled to find balance, know that you’re not alone. It’s never too late to recalibrate and create a life that works for you—both personally and professionally.

The Power of Coaching and Mentoring

Through my own journey, I’ve seen how transformative coaching and mentoring can be. They provide the tools, insights, and support needed to overcome obstacles and create a career that aligns with your true self. Whether you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about your next step, I’m here to guide you.

Recognise the Signs

Burnout often creeps in silently. Are you constantly exhausted, detached, or lacking enthusiasm? These are red flags. Acknowledging them is the first step to reclaiming your energy.

Reflect and Reassess

Take a moment to reflect. What initially drove you? What aspects of your work have brought you the most joy? Understanding your core values and passions can help you realign your path.

Redefine Your Goals

Sometimes, burnout signals a misalignment between your goals and your values. For me, transitioning into coaching allowed me to use my experience to help others thrive. What new direction could reignite your spark?

Explore New Opportunities

Don’t shy away from change. Whether it’s pivoting your business, upskilling, or starting something new, embracing fresh opportunities can be invigorating.

Seek Support

You don’t have to do this alone. Mentors, coaches, and peers can provide invaluable guidance. I’ve leaned on my network during tough times, and it’s made all the difference.

Why Coaching and Mentoring Matter

Coaching and mentoring are transformative tools for navigating burnout and rediscovering your path. A coach helps you uncover blind spots, challenge limiting beliefs, and create actionable strategies. A mentor, on the other hand, shares their wisdom and experience, offering insights you might not have considered. Together, they provide clarity, accountability, and the encouragement needed to move forward.

Take Action

Once you’ve reflected and realigned, take actionable steps. Small, consistent moves can reignite your passion and set you on a fulfilling path.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about your next move, I’m here to help. Contact me today to book a free consultation and start your journey towards a more fulfilling career. Let’s work together to make your next chapter your best yet.

By sharing my journey and insights, I hope to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges.