In this introductory episode, personal growth coach Tara welcomes listeners to The Balanced Badass PodcastTM, aimed at high-achieving professionals feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Sharing her personal journey of stress and burnout, Tara highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters.
She debunks the myth of perfect balance and instead promotes a life where choices align with personal joy and well-being. Tara encourages listeners to identify areas of imbalance and joy in their lives, emphasizing actionable steps to incorporate more of what brings happiness.
The episode sets the tone for future content focused on real, practical strategies for living a balanced and fulfilling life.
I’ve spent over 15 years coaching people from all walks of life — college students, student affairs professionals, corporate leaders — you name it. And one thing I’ve learned over the years is that no matter where you are or what you do, burnout doesn’t discriminate. It comes for all of us when we least expect it.
Why We’re All So Burned Out
Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re lazy or not cut out for the job. It happens because you care… a lot. You care about doing well, making an impact, being there for everyone, and achieving all those goals you set for yourself. But when you’re constantly running on fumes, saying yes to everything, and never taking a breath, it’s only a matter of time before you hit a wall.
And we’re not alone in this. Did you know that over 70% of professionals report feeling overwhelmed by their work and personal lives? It’s not just you. A lot of us are out here, living on the edge of burnout without even realizing it.
My Lightbulb Moment
For me, the breaking point came one day when I found myself having a full-blown panic attack before a Zoom meeting. I was sitting at my desk, staring blankly at my screen, heart racing, palms sweating, tears streaming, and it hit me… I had been so busy trying to prove myself that I’d lost sight of who I even was. I was saying yes to everything and everyone except myself.
That was my wake-up call. I started digging into the research — reading up on burnout, resilience, and stress management. And here’s what I found: Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s about a lack of control over your workload, a lack of recognition, and a misalignment between your values and what you’re doing every day. That hit me hard.
I realized I had to start setting boundaries — not just at work, but in every area of my life. I needed to stop chasing the idea of balance as some perfect state where everything aligns and instead focus on what balance looks like for me, in my real, messy, everyday life.
What Balance Actually Means
Balance isn’t about having it all or doing it all perfectly. Real balance is about knowing where to put your energy, what to let go of, and how to keep moving forward, even when life throws curveballs at you.
It’s about making choices that align with who you are and what you actually want — not what you think you should want, or what everyone else is telling you to do.
Finding Balance and Becoming a Badass
So, how do you start finding that balance? It starts with getting real about where you’re at and what needs to change.
Take a step back and look at your life. Where do you feel most out of balance? What’s draining you? And on the flip side, what brings you joy? What makes you feel like yourself?
Write down one area of your life where you feel totally off-balance right now. It could be work, your health, or just trying to find five minutes of peace. Then, write down one thing that genuinely brings you joy — something that makes you feel alive again.
Now, compare the two. How much time are you spending on what drains you versus what fills you up?
Most of us spend way more time on the things that drain us. But the good news is, we can start closing that gap. And you don’t need to make a massive life overhaul. Focus on making small, intentional changes that add up over time.
Your First Step
So, let’s keep this simple. This week, pick one thing that makes you feel good and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Maybe it’s saying no to something that drains you, taking a midday walk, or finally listening to that podcast you’ve been meaning to check out (hey, hint, hint). Whatever it is, make it happen.
Remember, balance isn’t about finding the perfect mix. It’s about making choices that feel right for you, even when it’s tough. It’s about showing up for yourself, not just going through the motions.
What’s Next?
If you’re nodding your head and thinking, “Yep, this is what I need,” then make sure you tune in to The Balanced Badass PodcastTM. The first full episode drops on October 3, and it’s packed with practical tips for setting boundaries, managing your time, and dealing with all the mental stuff that’s been holding you back.
So, here’s to finding your balance, staying badass, and living a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
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00:00 Welcome to the Balanced Bad-Ass Podcast
00:16 The Struggle of Modern Life
00:46 My Burnout Story
01:18 The Turning Point
01:42 Understanding Burnout
02:30 Creating Your Balanced Life
05:09 Practical Steps to Balance
06:23 Weekly Challenges and Final Thoughts
08:12 Join the Journey
I’m Tara Kermiet, a personal growth coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I help busy multitaskers simplify their schedules, set boundaries, and build habits that create the breathing room they need to stay balanced and badass.
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Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
