In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into one of the most powerful mindset shifts for breaking free from burnout in week 5 of the Burnout Breakthrough series: letting go of “manuals” for how others should act. We explore how much energy we waste trying to control people’s behaviors—believing our happiness depends on them changing—and how freeing it can be to drop those expectations. You’ll learn how to stop people-pleasing, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim your emotional peace by focusing on what you can control: your own thoughts and actions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to find calm and confidence in every relationship.
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Burnout Breakthrough Week 4
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional side of career change—grief. When we outgrow an identity, a job, or a dream, it’s not just a pivot; it’s a loss. I’m joined by grief coach Laverne McKinnon to unpack how letting go of who we thought we’d be can open the door to who we’re becoming. We explore why it’s essential to honor our grief rather than rush past it, how to rebuild self-trust, and how embracing the messy middle can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling next chapter in your life and career.
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Burnout Breakthrough Week 3
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share Week 3 of my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. This session focuses on one of the biggest obstacles to rest and balance: guilt. We explore how guilt—often rooted in cultural, societal, or workplace expectations—keeps us trapped in burnout, pushing us to overwork, people-please, and ignore our own needs. I walk through how guilt feeds into shame, why it’s used as a tool of control, and how to separate cultural norms from your own values. You’ll learn practical strategies to redefine your beliefs and finally let go of unnecessary guilt.
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Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator Week 2
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I continue sharing my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator series. We dive into the second pillar of moving past burnout: uncovering the impossible standards we set for ourselves. From work expectations like never making mistakes or always going above and beyond, to personal standards of being the “perfect” partner, parent, or friend, we explore how these unrealistic bars keep us stuck in exhaustion and self-criticism. Through exercises and real-life examples—including a powerful story from a client—you’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin creating realistic standards that allow for success, joy, and sustainability.
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Burnout Breakthrough Week 1
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I’m kicking off a special six-week series called the Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. After years of coaching professionals through overwhelm, I’ve distilled the key steps to help you move from constant exhaustion to more clarity, space, and joy. In Week 1, we start with an honest self-audit—writing down every “should” that weighs on us in work, home, health, and relationships. This eye-opening purge reveals just how much pressure we pile on ourselves and sets the stage for reclaiming time, energy, and control from burnout.
It is never too late to start over. No matter how much time or money you’ve spent chasing degrees and jobs to get to your current position, if ultimately you’re unhappy, then it is time to quit. Each week, Goli Kalkhoran, a fellow quitter, will interview inspiring guests who have quit lucrative careers to forge their own path and create a life they love. Get insight, inspiration, tools, and resources to help you quit what you hate and figure out what it is that you love.
South Africa