From Burnout to Balance

Several years ago, I was standing in a funeral home in Pennsylvania, preparing to speak at my grandfather’s service. I should have been present in that moment, reflecting, preparing to honor a man I loved.

Instead, I was running back and forth to a rental car in the parking lot every fifteen minutes, because I had to be “on the air.” We were in a ratings sweep at the radio station, and management had told me that I couldn’t miss two hours of airtime during our morning show, not even for my grandfather's funeral.

I missed the opportunity to simply be his granddaughter and grieve.

I thought I was being professional.

Now I know I was just burning myself out.

Back then, I wore busyness like a badge.

I slept three hours a night.

I said yes to everyone.

And I confused exhaustion with achievement.

Today, things look different. I still have a full schedule, and I’m not pretending it's easy to slow down. But I’ve learned the time value of money, and how to buy back time whenever I can. I accept help when it is offered, I make lists and plan my errands, I order groceries online instead of wandering the aisles, and I’ve learned to say no (without too much guilt).

Most importantly, I’ve stopped measuring my worth by how many things I can cram into a day. I’ve shifted my definition of success. It’s not about being booked and busy. It’s about being present and purposeful.

It’s about choosing what matters, not reacting to everything that doesn’t.

How can you shift from burnout to balance?

• Look at your calendar and ask: “What would actually happen if I didn’t do this?”
• Build in buffers. Give yourself breathing room between meetings or tasks.
• Say no once. And notice how it feels not to overcommit.
• Focus on one thing. Trade the chaos of multitasking for the clarity of single-tasking.
• Stop glorifying exhaustion.

Because here's the truth: It is better on the other side. You’ll sleep better, think clearer, and be present. You’ll stop missing the moments that matter, whether it’s your child’s ballgame or recital, a quiet dinner with someone you love, or the peace of a Sunday afternoon walk with nowhere to be.

This isn’t about slowing down. It’s about building a life and a business that doesn’t burn you out.

You’re still driven. You still have ambition. But now, it’s guided by purpose instead of pressure.

If you’re in that “booked and busy” season, I see you. I was you. And I hope my story reminds you to stop for a second and ask: Is this busyness building the life you want, or stealing the moments you’ll never get back?

Be fearless!

~T.

Shane Tatum and I talk more about going from Burnout to Balance on Episode 266 of the IA Forward podcast. Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or at https://www.integrapartnernetwork.com/iaforward