Have you ever felt frustrated because a change in your life is happening more slowly than you think it should?

I've worked with countless women, and have gone through it myself, where we're making progress, but our minds tell us it's not enough or not fast enough.

Then, we wind up frustrated and quit, or we end up in a cycle of overwhelm and burnout. Many of the women I work with even end up taking stress leave from their jobs.

The reason: we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards.

How many times have you experienced a full weekend and thought you should be ready to bounce back on Monday morning? Needed a vacation from your vacation? Or starting to come down with a cold, only to end up sicker for way longer than usual?

In this episode, I dive into why we expect our bodies to bounce back in a week when it took years to get to a point of exhaustion. You'll learn about what can help — like setting clear boundaries, normalizing rest, and no longer sacrificing your time for your employer's problems.

You'll also hear about how my own healing from burnout took far longer than I expected, plus the crucial mindset shift that helped me rebuild my life with good habits.

Listen, we're not productivity machines — we're human beings. Today, I invite you to explore how we can swap self-criticism for self-compassion, prioritize our well-being, and adjust our expectations to create real, lasting healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why we need to be patient with progress. Change often happens more slowly than we expect.

• Just because our brains can make a quick decision doesn't mean our bodies have caught up yet.

• How sneaky, unrealistic expectations can fuel burnout — often leaving us feeling more tired after a break than before.

• Suggestions for setting clear boundaries and protecting your time and energy.

• Specific, helpful thoughts to adopt, such as "it takes as long as it takes to feel better."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Slow Progress

02:42 The Impact of Unrealistic Expectations

05:04 The Harmful Cycle of Overwork

06:39 Setting Boundaries and Normalizing Rest

08:34 The Guilt of Taking Time Off

10:46 Understanding the Need for Extended Recovery

15:42 Creating a Supportive Mindset for Healing

20:48 Conclusion: Adjusting Expectations for a Healthier Life

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

I know how overwhelming and difficult life can seem when we jump back into our routines and schedules after the holidays.

We often think of vacations as the only true rest, but what if we could make our everyday lives feel easier?

I believe we are often making our own lives harder than they need to be. In this episode, I share my three-step plan for creating a simpler life. Effectively, it's the "anti-overwhelm formula.

What you'll hear about today:

• How to challenge the belief that everything you do is important — our day-to-day lives are not an emergency room situation.

• Strategies to identify and let go of at least one thing that's draining you.

• Why complaining about recurring problems doesn't help — instead, they need to go to the top of our to-do lists — saving stress and struggle in the future.

• Simple ideas to help you automate parts of your routine.

• Why investing just a little time in planning can help you avoid struggle later.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Life's Overwhelm

02:12 How the Illusion of Importance Creates Overwhelm

06:50 Addressing Recurring Stressors

14:50 Making Life Easier: Practical Tips

20:46 Conclusion: Proactive Living

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

If you're like me, you might have let go of them within a day and a half! This time, my goal is more manageable: to create small, consistent habits.

Did you know that almost half of what we do every day is out of habit? This is good news, because if we can turn the changes we want to make into regular habits we don't need to think about, we can more easily reach our goals.

In this week's episode, I dive into the psychology of why we quit—our brain feels deprived when we focus on taking things away.

Instead, I propose a helpful mindset shift: instead of focusing on sacrifice, let's focus on adding in enjoyable things that support our goals. For example, adding 20 minutes of reading before bed or a morning breathing break to de-stress feels enjoyable and can help us reach our goal of reducing stress.

We also talk about the importance of becoming the person who already has the goal. What would a person with a great marriage or a fit person do? Start making decisions based on that persona.

And importantly, if you "fall off the wagon," I explain why you haven't failed—it's only a chance to adjust and reset. Don't quit, keep learning and going until you achieve your goal!

Discover:

• Why most New Year's resolutions fail and how to be in the successful 10% of those who reach their goals.

• The key mindset shift from "taking away" (deprivation) to "adding in" (abundance) to make positive changes stick.

• Practical examples of habits you can add to boost energy, increase mood, and reduce stress.

• How to use the "Future Self" method to help you make better decisions in the moment.

• The power of consistency, even in small increments like 10 minutes a day.

• A non-judgmental approach to "falling off the wagon" and why you should always reset instead of quitting.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions Check-In

01:28 The Power of Positive Habits

04:29 Adding Instead of Subtracting

08:33 Visualizing Success

10:44 Consistency and Making Adjustments

16:15 Overcoming Setbacks

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

This is the last Overwhelm Cure podcast episode of 2025, and I certainly feel like we need a reset.

2025 was a year full of highs, but I also felt the stress and the weight of the world.

If you did too, I invite you to close that chapter, take what we learned, and plan for 2026.

The Chinese zodiac brings the Year of the Horse, which signifies power, freedom, energy, and success. It encourages bold action, pursuing dreams, and overcoming obstacles through determination. 2025 was the Year of the Snake — a year of shedding what no longer fits our lives.

As we approach a fresh new year, let's be honest about resolutions.

How long do yours last?

Did you know the average is 3.5 weeks? Mine is about a day and a half. I love making resolutions, but I often lack a plan.

Forming a new habit takes work, discomfort, and dedication, and when I realize how hard it is, I usually give up. This year, let's pick resolutions that are reasonable and realistic, and make a plan to support ourselves.

Before we set 2026 goals, we need to first reflect on 2025.

In today's episode, you'll hear why most resolutions fail — and what you can do instead to make them stick in 2026.

Discover:

• The problem with resolutions and why most fail fast.

• How to embrace the Year of the Horse (2026), which encourages power, freedom, energy, success, and bold action.

• The secret to creating goals that are genuinely achievable (hint: they need to provide joy and meaning).

• Why planning and support (even external) are essential.

• A counterintuitive approach to creating a consistent habit by going slow.

• How to create a plan for setbacks to help you stay on track.

Connect with Kimberly:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

The busy holiday season is coming up fast. It might already be here for you when you listen to this.

This year, I'm doing holidays differently, and I invite you to do the same.

I'm challenging you to treat this busy period like the high-performance athlete you are. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and we need a strategy to make sure you can actually enjoy it without spiraling into overwhelm.

In this episode, I'm sharing my essential six-step plan you can start on today to feel better.

We dive into why prioritizing your health over everything else is the ultimate game-changer, how to be relentless about decluttering your to-do list, and the incredible freedom that comes from embracing the mantra: done is better than perfect. (my favourite mantra these days!)

By taking the time to plan now, you'll return to work in the new year without needing a holiday from your holiday!

What you'll discover today:

• How to put your health at the absolute top of your priority list (above baking, presents, and wrapping).

• A simple process to help you declutter and delegate your holiday to-do list while embracing the mindset that "done is better than perfect."

• How to take a realistic look at your holiday priority list — you might need to let go of some things!

• Building in time to rest and recover after your busy period (as a professional athlete would) will help you return to work in January feeling restored and rejuvenated.

• After the season, evaluate what worked, what you loved, and what you'd do differently to ensure you continue focusing on joy.

• If gift-giving is overwhelming for you, you'll love the 4-gift rule (it's my favourite!)

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Preparing for the Busy Holiday Season

00:55 Mindset of a High-Performance Leader

03:38 The Six-Step Plan for a Stress-Free Holiday

03:48 Prioritizing Health and Essential Tasks

05:28 Decluttering and Delegating Holiday Tasks

08:45 Effective Planning and Time Management

10:12 Daily Check-ins and Adjustments

13:23 Rest and Recovery

15:39 Evaluating and Learning from the Season

18:27 Conclusion and Invitation to The Overwhelm Cure Program

Join the Overwhelm Cure Program to learn step-by-step how to create a life that nurtures and supports you by taking things off your to-do list that aren't bringing you joy. You'll find a life much more in line with what you truly enjoy, lighting you up even with a busy household and job.

Invest in yourself this season and sign up for the Overwhelm Cure Program. Sign up is open now! We start in January 2026.

Join The Overwhelm Cure Program

Connect with Kimberly:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

With the holiday season filled with a stream of office parties, celebrations, and family gatherings, it's inevitable …

We're going to run into "that person."

You know who it is.

The person you constantly find yourself judging or complaining about.

These people might even make you think twice about even attending the holiday party, because you'd rather not even deal with them.

Or you go to the event and end up having to participate in conversations you don't want to have, endure their boisterous behavior, or even feel like you need to take care of them.

Perhaps they simply agitate us.

They make us feel angry, frustrated, confused, and resentful. We might think, "If only they could have some self-awareness, they could see how they're impacting people!"

Then, even worse, we end up talking about them behind their back, making snide comments, avoiding them, and sometimes confronting them out of sheer frustration.

Unfortunately, this doesn't resolve anything. It only makes us feel like terrible people, even though we're the ones getting our buttons pushed.

In this week's episode, I'm asking a potentially controversial question:

How we answer this question might surprise you.

What you'll discover in today's episode:

• Find out why asking, "Are people doing the best they can?" might be the most transformative (and controversial) question we can ask this holiday season.

• Discover how harsh judgment of others is actually a mirror of our own internal perfectionism.

• Learn when and how to set firm boundaries, even with family, to protect your mental health and choose peace.

• How to let go of magical thinking and hoping others will miraculously change overnight is a recipe for frustration (and what we should focus on changing instead).

• Understand the importance of accepting a relationship for what it is to find peace.

This season doesn't have to be a repeat of every December past. I invite you to do things differently this year.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Dreaded Holiday Gatherings

01:26 The Problem with Difficult People

03:34 A Controversial Question: Are People Doing Their Best?

05:33 Empathy and Compassion: Changing Our Perspective

08:20 Setting Boundaries for Your Well-being

11:52 Self-Compassion and Extending Grace to Others

14:14 Conclusion: Prioritizing Peace and Joy This Holiday Season

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

Are you tired of feeling obligated to do all the domestic duties during the holidays, rushing around while everyone else is making memories?

In this episode, I address the elephant sitting around the Christmas tree. It's this … the common thread of resentment and exhaustion that many women face, despite their best efforts to create a "magical time" for everyone else.

Listen: Your worth is not defined by what you can do for others this holiday season. It's time to put yourself on your Christmas wishlist and truly participate in the holiday fun.

What you'll discover today:

• How to break the cycle of overworking and feeling guilty for accepting help.

• Why the "I make it look easy" façade is built on exhausting yourself in the kitchen days ahead.

• Three crucial steps to having a fun, joyful, and connected holiday.

• How sharing the mental and physical load instills new family values — and specific tips to help get your family on board.

• How to reconnect with what you genuinely love about the holidays (beyond presents), such as childhood traditions or simple activities that bring you joy.

• How to manage the inevitable feelings that come up (like guilt and anxiety).

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Surviving and Thriving as Women During the Holidays

00:15 The Burden of Hosting: A Common Struggle for Women

01:02 The Hidden Resentment: Unseen Struggles

02:59 Breaking the Holiday Overwhelm Cycle: A New Approach

04:55 What Do You Really Want for Christmas?

06:34 Sharing the Load: A Family Effort

11:37 Managing Feelings of Guilt and Anxiety

15:35 Conclusion: Make This the Best Christmas Ever

16:21 Gift Yourself the Overwhelm Care Program

Invest in yourself this season and sign up for the Overwhelm Cure Program. Sign up is open now! We start in January 2026.

Links from today:

• Sign up for The Overwhelm Cure Program

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram

Have you heard of the book, The Courage to Be Disliked, by Japanese authors Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga?

Full disclosure: I haven't read it yet, but I know many people who have and highly recommend it.

The title made me wonder …

In this episode, we dive into the concept of cultivating the courage to be disliked. This is a powerful idea that's foundational to overcoming overwhelm and burnout.

Because if we're making decisions from a place of wanting to be liked and accepted, we can easily overcommit and overwork—landing us in burnout.

Humans have a deep-seated fear of being disliked, which leads us to make unconscious choices that sabotage our happiness and prevent us from thriving.

A significant source of stress is the constant worry about what others think, often leading us to go against our own wants and needs. There are, however, some "thought errors" that fuel this fear, such as believing we can read minds or that our actions directly cause other people's feelings.

Let's dispel them today.

What you'll discover today:

• How the fear of being disliked contributes to overwhelm and burnout.

• Why the primitive brain's drive to "fit in" often leads to choices that prevent us from thriving and living our best lives.

• How "Living BIG" — a concept from Brené Brown (Boundaries, Integrity, Generosity) helps us release the fear of being disliked and align with a more wholehearted life.

• Why firm boundaries are essential to keeping resentment at bay.

• Ways to have more integrity by choosing to do the right thing, even when it's challenging.

• How bringing generous assumptions to our interactions reduces anger and gives us a more freeing perspective.

Embracing the possibility of being disliked allows us to show up with more authenticity. Ultimately, being willing to be disliked is about honoring yourself, being authentic, and creating a life aligned with your true desires, which, ironically, is what people find most magnetic.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Courage to Be Disliked

00:48 Understanding the Fear of Being Disliked

02:02 The Impact of Social Perception

04:16 Overcoming the Fear of Judgement

08:47 Living BIG: Boundaries, Integrity, and Generosity

17:45 Embracing Authenticity

19:04 Conclusion and Invitation to The Overwhelm Cure Program

If you're ready for change, I'd love for you to join me for the Overwhelm Cure Program starting in January 2026. It's an eight-week online program, where you'll participate in regular exercises, and we'll come together each week to discuss ways to help you finally overcome feelings of overwhelm. We start in January! Sign up.

Links from today:

• Sign up for The Overwhelm Cure Program

• The Courage to Be Disliked book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Connect with me:

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Connect on Facebook

• Connect on Instagram