Finish Well: 5 Daily Steps for Embracing A Beautifully Balanced Life

May 29, 20236 min read

Woman looking out over the city with light of the sun shining down on her as she stands in a field. She is free. She is balanced. She is wild.

We've all been there, caught up in the never-ending hustle and bustle of life, juggling multiple responsibilities and feeling the weight of expectations bearing down on us. In the midst of this often chaotic existence, we forget to prioritize our well-being and lose sight of what truly matters. But fear not, my fellow burnout warriors! Today, I want to share my recent steps toward embracing wellness and integrating the concept of finishing well into my life. It's time to step off the burnout treadmill and discover a more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling way of living. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and let's dive into the art of "finishing well."

Finish Well: Balance and Beauty

Bracelets on wrist. One says "Finish Well" and symbolizes the importance of being well and balanced at the end of anything we start.

Picture this: a simple bracelet with the words "finish well" etched into the clay. This bracelet was gifted to me a few weeks ago. It may seem like a small trinket, but it has become a powerful life motto for me. Every day, I slip it onto my wrist, reminding myself that no matter what I'm doing or aspiring to do, I want to be well on the other side. It's about integrating wellness into everything I do and prioritizing balance, even when my desire to do all the things threatens to throw balance to the wind. Because ultimately, what truly matters is being present in our lives, enjoying them, and nurturing the relationships we hold dear.

In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I've embarked on a journey to prioritize my well-being and finish well. Here are five things I've been doing this week that have made a significant impact on my wellness and burnout resilience:

Woman looking out from her hands while sun shines on her. The image is blurry, but her eye is clearly focused. She sees. She knows the importance of a balanced life.

1) Minimized Social Media Use: Less Scroll, More Soul

Raise your hand if you've ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, losing hours of precious time and energy in the process. Raises hand sheepishly. Trust me; you're not alone! However, this week, I decided to take charge and set boundaries for myself. By limiting my social media use to a daily average of just 5 minutes, I freed up ample space for more meaningful activities. Instead of getting lost in the virtual void, I focused on connecting with others genuinely, sharing valuable content, and savoring the beauty of real-life interactions.

A woman hoping a flower out in front of her, but the flower is the only thing in focus. You cannot see her face. She is embracing the natural world. She is peaceful.

2) Shutting Down the "Work Brain": Rest and Play are Not Optional

As a passionate and dedicated individual, I tend to find myself in "work mode" even outside of designated working hours. With numerous projects and responsibilities, it's easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of tasks. However, this week, I've made a conscious effort to shut down my "work brain." I've discovered that finishing well means acknowledging the importance of rest and play. By slowing down my working mind, I create space for rejuvenation and balance.

3) Embracing the Great Outdoors: Get Out of the House

Ah, nature—the ultimate antidote to burnout. I've made it my mission to spend as much time outside as humanly possible. Whether it's tending to my garden, taking leisurely walks, or simply basking in the sunshine near my back door, I've let the elements restore me. The gentle breeze, birds chirping, and the sun's warmth have become a form of therapy for me. Mother Nature has an incredible ability to replenish our spirits and reconnect us with ourselves.

Woman dnacing in the middle of the stress. She's taking a break from daily life. She's free and fun and balanced.

4) Mindful Breaks: Finding the 90/20 Rhythm

Do you ever find yourself in a state of laser-focused productivity, where time seems to vanish, and you become a relentless machine? You're not alone. I've experienced those marathon work sessions where basic human needs like food and water take a backseat. But let me tell you; it's a recipe for disaster. When I finally snap out of it, my body aches, my stomach growls, and exhaustion washes over me like a tidal wave. That's how I realized the importance of recognizing these moments and permitting myself to take intentional, mindful breaks. And guess what? Science has my back on this one. I stumbled upon a fascinating concept called the 90/20 rule—a secret weapon for optimizing our effectiveness. You spend 90 minutes focused on a task and then break for 20 minutes of rest or play. I’ve been using the 90/20 rule to help me know when it’s time to stop, get up, eat, drink, take a walk, talk to people, go outside, etc. It’s been incredibly helpful and keeps me from getting lost in work for hours.

Woman blowing on her hands as they light up in magical sparks of light. It implies that the magic is in her. She is magical and the ordinary world is magical. There is beauty waiting for us to see it and discover it.

5) Celebrating the Little Things: Embrace Ordinary Magic

Life is full of mundane moments, but within them lie hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. I've made it a point to celebrate the little victories and moments of joy that come my way. Whether it's witnessing my garden seeds sprouting or simply relishing a spontaneous "cheers to love" moment with my husband, these small gestures of appreciation remind me of the everyday magic we often overlook. Embracing life with child-like excitement and gratitude keeps me energized, excited, and grounded.

Woman holding a sparkler out towards the camera. Bits of light explosions surround the image making it look magical. She's having fun. She's embracing her inner child.

Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because as a burnout resilience and leadership coach, I believe in practicing what I preach. I'm not immune to the pressures of society, and I've fallen prey to burnout more times than I can count. But through my journey, I've discovered the importance of living and leading in a new way—one that is balanced, internally guided, and rooted in love.

So, my fellow burnout warriors, let's embark on this journey together. Here are some practical tips to help you integrate burnout resilience into your own life:

Define Your Life Motto:

Find a mantra or symbol that resonates with you. It could be a bracelet, like mine, or a quote that inspires you. Use this as a daily reminder to prioritize your well-being and strive to finish well in all that you do.

Leaves laying on rocks with the words "find joy in everything" painted on the leaves in white.

Set Boundaries with Social Media:

While social media has its benefits, it can also be a major time sink. Set specific limits on your usage and create purposeful interactions. Use your time online to uplift others and share content that truly adds value to your life and those around you.

Create Work-Life Separation:

It's easy to let work spill into every aspect of your life, but it's crucial to establish boundaries. Set designated working hours and stick to them. When you're off the clock, allow yourself to fully engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Woman looking out through a small hole in large leaf. The leaf covers her whole face except for her eye and eyebrow. She is part of nature. She is embracing her natural balance. She sees the truth of the world.

Connect with Nature:

Nature has a profound ability to restore our minds and bodies. Make it a habit to spend time outdoors, whether it's a walk in the park, tending to plants, or simply sitting under a tree. Let the sights, sounds, and smells of nature rejuvenate you.

Practice Mindful Breaks:

Avoid getting lost in long periods of intense focus without breaks. Adopt the 90/20 rule, where you work for 90 minutes and then take a 20-minute break. During these breaks, nourish your body with food and water, stretch your limbs, or engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Find Joy in the Ordinary:

Life is a tapestry woven with both extraordinary and ordinary moments. Train yourself to appreciate the simple pleasures, celebrate small victories, and find beauty in the everyday. Embrace the child-like wonder within you and infuse your life with excitement and gratitude.

Sun shining through the clouds over mountains and forrests. It's a beautiful natural landscape of warm colors.

As burnout resilience warriors and internally guided leaders, we're redefining what it means to live and lead. We're embracing a way of being that prioritizes self-care, balance, and love. Remember, finishing well is not just about completing tasks; it's about nurturing ourselves along the way and savoring the journey.

So, my friends, let's embark on this transformative journey together. Let's finish well, not just in our tasks but in our lives as a whole. Embrace the power of self-care, find joy in the ordinary, and become living models of balanced and beautiful lives.

Here's to a life well-lived, filled with nourishment, and overflowing with love.

Warmly,

Kayla

If you are on the verge of burnout and ready to take your life back, schedule a free discovery call with me today. You will leave the call with clarity about what you need to transform your life from Burnout to Balance.

Kayla M. Sweet is the owner, operator, and primary service provider at Internally Guided Leadership Consulting LLC.

Kayla has her BA in Psychology and her MA in Consciousness and Transformative Studies. She specializes in Transformational Leadership and Consciousness and Healing.

Kayla has over a decade of experience in leadership and management and has most recently served in human resources and mental health settings. She currently offers leadership coaching, consulting, and training in alignment with her mission to make the world a more loving place by empowering heart-centered leaders to live with balance and purpose.

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