Navigating the Risk of Success: A Coach’s Journey Back to Balance
“Out of office due to health issues. I expect to be back on the 10th of June.”
This was the automated response you received if you tried to connect with me during mid-May. Little did you know, behind those succinct words lay a profound realization—one that transformed my perspective as a coach and human being.
The Unseen Struggle
For months, the symptoms were evident to everyone except me. My fuse grew shorter, and even my dear partners’ well-intentioned words grated on my nerves. I struggled to focus deeply on any single task, easily derailed by distractions. My emotional state shifted from happiness to despair. It was time to confront the truth: my life had veered far from balance.
The Myth of Saying Yes
My calendar overflowed with activities I loved: coaching clients, teaching, collaborating with partners, and shaping visionary programs. I thrived on serving others—it was my passion. But hidden beneath the surface were the unexpected fires I extinguished, the additional tasks I accepted, and the family matters that demanded attention. Nights blurred into days, and exhaustion crept in.
The Breaking Point
One Tuesday morning, after yet another exhilarating week, I snapped. The person I saw in the mirror was unrecognizable—a coach who had lost touch with her own well-being. I yelled at my soul mate, and that was my wake-up call. The plug had to be pulled.
The Healing Journey
Rest became my lifeline. I walked my dog, covering kilometers as my mind wandered freely. I tended to my garden, disconnected from relentless notifications, and rediscovered the joy of Qi-Gong. Cranio sacral therapy became my refuge—a gentle rocking that restored my spirit.
The Profound Realizations
Home Within: My everyday life begins within my body. I’ve learned to listen—to honor the whispers of fatigue and the yearnings for balance.
Selective Service: Serving everyone isn’t necessary. Disappointing others, though scary, won’t break them—or me.
Beyond Hustle: Success no longer hinges on relentless hustle. Instead, I discern what truly matters from a self-care perspective. This leads me to choose projects from a very different point of view. Not being led by excitement but nourishment.
Prioritizing Self-Care: The Unsung Hero of Success
As you envision YOUR successful future, brimming with flourishing projects and awe-inspiring journeys, pause for a moment. Amid the hustle and the full client calendar, have you carved out space to exhale? Those private moments of self-connection—often overlooked—are where resilience thrives.
Imagine a cycle: conceiving an idea, meticulously planning, designing, executing, and finally reaping the outcomes. Now, insert self-care as the golden thread woven through each stage. It’s not an afterthought; it’s the heartbeat of sustainable achievement.
Success, my friend, isn’t merely about external achievements. It’s the harmony between ambition and well-being. So, what might hinder you from prioritizing yourself? Perhaps the relentless pursuit of goals, the fear of missing out, or the myth that self-care is synonymous with selfishness?
Remember this: You are the vessel that carries your dreams. Nurture it. Celebrate it. And watch your success story unfold with grace.
From now on…
As I return, not at full capacity but with newfound wisdom, I embrace healthy habits. Outdoor activities and morning Qi-Gong set the tone. And my faithful dog? Well, he’s always ready for our next walk.
May my journey inspire you to choose differently—to honor your well-being, even amidst success.
Warmly, Pernille
