Burnout Doesn’t Come Out of Nowhere
We’ve all been told that burnout is just part of being a high achiever. But what if I told you that burnout gives you warning signs—little blinking lights on the dashboard of your career—long before it forces you to pull over?
In this episode of The Potentialite Podcast, I’m opening up about my own recent burnout warning signs, what I’ve learned coaching women through similar moments, and why you don’t have to wait until the crash to take back control.
What My “Blinking Light” Looked Like
Recently, I’ve been juggling my coaching business along with two major contract roles. On paper, everything looked like a dream. But under the surface, I felt off.
I wasn’t sleeping well. My brain wouldn’t turn off at night. I found myself zoning out in the middle of the day. I felt behind the moment I woke up—and I couldn’t seem to catch up.
And the scariest part? I kept saying yes. Yes to more meetings, more responsibilities, more pressure. Like many high performers, I tied my worth to my output. That only accelerated the spiral.
How Burnout Shows Up (Even When You’re in Denial)
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s the slow disconnect from your own brilliance. You might notice:
- Racing thoughts at night that interrupt your sleep
- Mental “fog” or zoning out for long stretches
- A constant sense of being behind—even on your day off
- Lack of motivation to do things you used to love
- Saying “yes” to everything because “you should”
If any of these hit close to home, your burnout light might be blinking, too.
Step 1: Do a Responsibility Audit
When I hit that wall, the first thing I did was get radically honest about what I was responsible for.
I listed everything: projects, deliverables, ongoing meetings—even “ancestral tasks” I’d inherited but never offloaded. Then I asked: which of these truly move the needle? Which ones align with the impact I want to make?
Spoiler: not all of them did.
If you’re feeling burned out, try this exercise. Get clear on what matters—and what can wait.
Step 2: Rebuild the Habits That Support You
Burnout thrives when your habits fall apart. For me, that meant skipping Pilates, eating whatever was fast, and neglecting quality time with my support system. Sound familiar?
Recommit to what keeps your mind and body steady. That might be sleep hygiene, movement, hydration, therapy, or even simply saying “no” to the next request on your plate.
Step 3: Ask “Future You” What She Would Do
This is one of my favorite coaching tools: future self work.
Picture the version of you who isn’t burned out. The one who is well-rested, creative, calm, and confident. How does she run her calendar? What does she prioritize? What boundaries does she hold?
When I do this exercise, it becomes crystal clear: burnout-me is not the one making the best decisions. Future-me—let’s call her Laura 2.0—knows better. She’s not available for survival mode.
Remember: Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor
You don’t have to hit a breaking point to change your story.
Inside my Personal Power Code framework, I guide women through reclaiming their leadership style from burnout culture. We work on executive presence, motivation, decision-making, and more—all so you can step into your next season with power and clarity.
Burnout happens. But staying burned out? That’s optional.
Want to Take the First Step?
I’ve created a free masterclass, Invisible to Irreplaceable, that walks you through how to align your personal brand, reduce burnout, and get seen for your value—without sacrificing who you are.
Final Thoughts
If you feel your burnout light blinking, don’t ignore it. Don’t wait for a crash. Take one step—just one—to slow down and reassess.
And if this post resonates with you, please share it with a friend who might need it too. Your leadership journey doesn’t have to be powered by exhaustion.
Until next time, keep showing up—and keep thriving.
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Join the movement toward empowered, burnout-free leadership. You don’t have to do it alone—and you shouldn’t.
