"From Perfectionism to Perspective: How your body tells you enough is enough"

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, success often hinges on relentless drive and unwavering perfectionism. For me, the desire to excel became a double-edged sword,  and it all began with deeply ingrained beliefs about success and failure.

The protagonist of my own tale

I found myself locked in a dance with my own perfectionism. 

It drove me to excel at all costs, and I thrived on the adrenaline of success and relentless pursuit of my goals.  But the departure of my business partner shattered the delicate balance I had created.

With a new lease signed and a baby on the way, the weight of responsibility became unbearable. Financial stress, strained relationships, and an overwhelming sense of obligation conspired to push me to the brink of collapse.

The early signs of burnout were subtle yet persistent.

I lost weight rapidly and couldn't gain it back no matter how much I ate. Exhaustion became my constant companion, and my emotional reserves were depleted. I was always on the verge of getting sick, and any attempt at exercise only made things worse. Social withdrawal became my coping mechanism, as I struggled to maintain a facade of competence and control.

 Falling over the burnout edge

Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of respite emerged in the form of a newfound friendship, offering temporary solace from the storm raging within. Yet, as my health faltered and relationships strained under the weight of unrelenting pressure, I teetered on the precipice of despair, unsure of how to reclaim balance.

The impact on my life was profound. My relationship with my partner strained under the pressure, and my work suffered. The quality I prided myself on was slipping through my fingers, and I felt powerless to stop it.

The realisation hit hard when I discovered I was pregnant. My body felt too fragile to support a healthy pregnancy, and I knew something had to change. I needed to make significant changes for the sake of my well-being and my future child.

I was also faced with one of the hardest decisions of my life: closing my business. While an agonising decision, it was also the most necessary. I needed to rest, to step back from the relentless grind, and to reclaim my health. 

Climbing out of the burnout trap

Ultimately, it was the realisation the steep cost my pursuit of success had caused prompted me to hit pause. Stepping back and prioritising family and well-being marked the first steps of healing.

This recovery really began when I shut down my business. This gave me the mental and emotional space I desperately needed. 

It was time to practise what I preach.

I focused on eating nourishing food and engaged only in gentle, restorative exercises for 18 months. I incorporated breath work for downregulation and techniques from NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest), as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to soothe my nervous system. 

Shame led to reconnection

This period of recovery was a time of profound learning. I realised how easy it is to fall into the trap of overwork and perfectionism, and how insidious burnout can be. 

It's a reasonable trap, especially when you love what you do and believe you're immune to its effects. But no one is invincible.

Burnout taught me the importance of self-compassion and the necessity of balance.And I uncovered invaluable lessons about the importance of values, perspective, and listening to one's body.

I now see the value in listening to one's body and prioritising well-being over relentless pursuit. I share my story not as a tale of defeat, but as a testament to resilience and the power of self-care.

Are you listening to what your body is telling you?

Burnout can happen to anyone, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Burnout is also a personalised experience, so much so it’s easy to miss the signs.

The busy culture and non-medicalized diagnosis often make it seem like a personal failing. It's a reasonable trap to fall into—thinking that if you just push a little harder, it won't happen to you because you love your career. But it’s crucial to approach it with self-compassion.

Today, I am stronger and wiser. My journey through burnout has made me a better practitioner, one who understands the deep personal nature of this experience. 

If my story resonates with you, let it be a reminder that it's okay to step back, to rest, and to choose a path that aligns with your true values. 

Self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for a fulfilled and balanced life. 

More on your journey

> Let’s hit reset together
> 5 ways to increase mental and physical resilience