5 Signs You're Heading for Burnout (and How to Get Back on Track)

LIFE REWRITTEN

I turned 53 last week. And for some reason, this birthday hit harder than any of the “milestone” ones before it.

Maybe it’s because, for the first time, I’m not carrying the weight of other people’s expectations. I’m not living a life that feels misaligned or disconnected from who I really am. I’m finally living on my terms.

I’m aware of the years behind me. I’m aware of the years still ahead. And I’m deeply aware that tomorrow isn’t promised. That awareness doesn’t make me anxious—it makes me intentional.

I don’t want to rush or control every moment. I want to live open. Open to change within me, around me, and through the people and places I move through.

Here’s a glimpse of what that looked like these past few weeks:

• I saw Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour in Southern California. There are no words. She’s in a league of her own—and being in that energy was unforgettable.
• I joined the Rose Bowl Institute’s mentoring program and was able to attend the Leadership Summit at the Rose Bowl and joined the Rose Bowl Institute. I was able to meet other mentors and absorb the energy of positivity–a dream! Being in a position to mentor young women through life’s twists and turns is an honor. I know how much that would’ve meant to me at their age—and now I get to offer that to someone else. That alone feels like a full-circle moment.
• My first podcast guest appearance launched! I’d love for you to listen. You can find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—links are below.

ALIGNED & ON PURPOSE

Feeling stuck or tired? It might be this. 

The thing about burnout is that it doesn’t always announce itself with flashing lights. Understanding the early signs of burnout can help you make small shifts before it leads to deeper exhaustion. It shows up slowly, quietly–like feeling stuck, losing the joy for the work you once loved, or being exhausted despite doing “nothing.” 

Have you ever felt like you’re so busy all day but nothing is really moving forward? Like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of doing all the things without any real progress? 

You may be burned out. 

This showed up for me in many ways - but Cara E. Houser pointed out in her book “Burned Out to Lit Up”  that one of the early signs is loss of humor. I had the pleasure of getting to know her and when she mentioned this to me it was an “aha” moment for me. This may sound dramatic, but it’s true: my life flashed before my eyes. I remembered when I used to be funny and I used to laugh all the time. When was the last time I laughed? Yes, there may be a joke or funny meme… but what about laughter and joy in everyday life? That had escaped me. Nothing was funny. Nothing was lighting me up. Thank God I have a son that was still able to poke through the fog otherwise who knows how far I would’ve spiraled. But also… I wasn’t showing up for him the way I wanted to. I didn’t have the energy. I was burned out. 

But life doesn’t have to be that way. Recognizing the early signs of burnout is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You have the opportunity to stop it in its tracks. And don’t worry, if you’re already there like I was you can find your way back. 

Here are five signs you may be headed toward burnout–and simple shifts you can make to get back on track. 

Burnout Sign #1: You're Always Busy, But Nothing Feels Done - You’re networking, posting, podcasting, ordering, everything but a cartwheel. But your to-do list never shrinks. 

→ Shift: Focus on the true priorities — the work that actually moves you forward — not just busywork that feel urgent. Chances are you are focusing on what’s easy, not on what’s strategic. I’ll say this over and over: brain dump, then brain dump again. Then, look at what really matters. Circle three things and start there.

Burnout Sign #2: You Feel Guilty When You Rest - The minute you rest all you can think about is your to-do list. You can’t put together how rest is beneficial to your seemingly unreachable goals. 

→ Shift: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s fuel. Your mind literally needs downtime to reset and clear. It’s not indulgent—it’s necessary. The more rested you are, the more effective you’ll be. Rest is a power move.

Burnout Sign #3: You’re Always Waiting for Motivation - You need an outside factor to get you to start. You need an outside push—a deadline, a new client, a spark—to get moving. But when motivation does show up, you’re already behind.

 → Shift: Don’t wait for motivation — start small. Tiny action sparks bigger action. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “do something”. Exactly. One small win can build momentum, which increases. 

Burnout Sign #4: Every New Idea Feels Like The Fix - Shiny object syndrome, I’ll take ten of those for $1.Every idea feels like it could be the one to save you. So you chase them all—and feel more scattered than ever.

 → Shift: You can do all the things. Just not all at once. Sustainable success comes from clarity and commitment, not constant pivots. You can do all the things. Business isn’t checkers—it’s chess. You need strategy, timing, and the patience to make the right next move.

Burnout Sign #5: Your Business Feels Heavy Instead of Exciting - You’re overwhelmed, disorganized, and unsure of what’s working. You’re exhausted and uninspired.

→ Shift: Reconnect to your “why.” Revisit the vision you had when you started—then build in ways that actually feel good and sustainable. Tackle dreaded tasks in small chunks. And surround yourself with people who get it. The kind of support that makes progress feel possible again. 

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time for a different way. You don’t need more pressure, you need a sustainable plan that helps you clear mental clutter, and create a plan that works for you.  

If you're seeing signs of burnout, it's time to shift the way you work. You don't need to hustle harder-you need clarity, support, and structure. That's what I offer. 

JOURNAL WITH ME

Are you headed for burnout? Are you already there? Let these prompts guide your reflection and begin the journey out of burnout. 

1. What parts of my business (or day-to-day life) feel heavy—and why? Get honest. Is it the task itself, the expectation behind it, or the way you’re approaching it? Name it so you can begin to shift it.
2. When was the last time I felt joy, lightness, or fun in my work? What was I doing—and what might it look like to bring more of that back? Let this be an invitation to reconnect with what lights you up, even in small ways
3. If I gave myself permission to take one aligned step forward this week—not a big leap, just a small, doable action—what would it be?

Think tiny but intentional. This is about building momentum, not perfection.

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

Anonymous Question: I’ve got a million things on my plate, and half of them feel important, but I’m stuck, overwhelmed, and honestly a little embarrassed that I still don’t have it all figured out. How do you know where to start with someone like me who doesn’t even know what to ask for help with?

Answer: I start with you. We begin with a few simple reflection exercises—just enough to help you slow down and tune back in to what actually matters to you and your business.

Then we meet for a deep session to sort through everything that’s swirling around—in your head, on paper, and in all the places your ideas live. I ask thoughtful questions that help us get to the heart of what’s really going on—what’s keeping you stuck and what’s ready to move.

What I’ve found is that most people don’t need more ideas. They need space to sort through the ones they already have—and someone to help them cut through the noise.

That’s what I bring.

Every person is different. Every business is different. That’s why the plan we create together is as individual as you are. I honor your pace, your priorities, and your process.

Offerings & Invitations

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready to see real progress. I invite you to join the 5-Week Jumpstarter Program. You can spend the next six months stuck in the same loop… or you can choose a new path–one that’s clear, intentional, and designed just for you. 

This is 1:1 support for the version of you who’s ready to clear the noise, get unstuck, and finally move forward with ease.