Burnout Proof | Build a Business, Life + Career Without Burnout

What if work-life balance is a lie? What if passion won't save you from burnout? In this episode, Ellyn breaks down the three wrong goals that are setting high achievers up to fail-and reveals the one goal that actually matters: sustainability.Whether you're a student grinding through all-nighters, a corporate employee using PTO to recover instead of live, or an entrepreneur resenting the business you built-this episode will shift how you define success.QUOTES TO SHARE:"You're not burning out because you're doing something wrong. You're burning out because you're chasing the wrong goals entirely.""Passion is fuel, but without proper systems and boundaries, you're just burning faster.""Fast growth feels like success until your body forces you to stop. Until you can't get out of bed. Until you dread the thing you once loved.""You get lucky by staying in the game long enough for luck to find you. Luck, opportunity, timing, momentum-they all require one thing: you still being in the game.""The sustainable path might look less impressive in year one, but by year seven? You're still here. You're still energized. You still love what you do."RESOURCES MENTIONED:Alex Hormozi quote: "You get lucky by staying in the game long enough for luck to find you"Movie reference: Click with Adam Sandler (about fast-forwarding through life)CALLS TO ACTION:Join Burnout-Proof Business - Founding member pricing ends late January 2026Inside: 2x/week Implementation Labs, complete Sustainable Success Framework, community support: Click HereFree Resources:- Sunday CEO Diaries newsletter: coachellyn.com/list- Free Skool community: coachellyn.com/communityFor Students: Student support and mentorship services: Click Here

If you've ever hustled harder than you needed to, created struggle just to feel like you're earning your success, or felt suspicious when things start flowing easily.The big idea: Ease isn't a red flag—it's what competence looks like after years of prep work. But when you've spent your whole life correlating struggle with worthiness, learning to trust ease is its own kind of growth work.What we cover:The unexpected realization that came from a My Girl Monday reflection: I've been suppressing ease itselfWhy high achievers mistake ease for a warning sign instead of recognizing it as readinessThe belief underneath it all: that success should be hard, and if it's not, it doesn't countWhat my AI agent Chelsea said that made me read it four times: "The ease you're feeling isn't a red flag. It's what competence feels like after years of prep work"How I've been grading myself poorly on "growth" because I wasn't grindingThe disconnect between my value statement for fulfillment and what I've actually been doingThree practical shifts I'm making: giving permission to not force, acknowledging growth that's already happened, extending grace to myselfThe harder question: What are you afraid will happen if you let it be easy?Key quote:"We don't build the systems and do the work of growth so that we can keep struggling forever. That's not the freaking point. We do it so that eventually things get easier. And when they do, we get to celebrate that."Your three reflection questions:Where am I forcing challenge or difficulty that doesn't need to be there?What belief am I holding about success that makes me distrust ease?What would it look like to extend grace to myself the way I do to others?The permission slip you needed:You're allowed to let it be good. You're allowed to have things go well without waiting for the other shoe to drop. You're allowed to trust ease and flow and alignment. Success doesn't have to be hard to be real.Next steps:- Join the Sunday CEO Diaries: CoachEllyn.com/list- Join the Skool community: CoachEllyn.com/community- Join Hailey's My Girl Monday Call here- If this resonated, leave a review and subscribe

Before you set ambitious goals for 2026, ask yourself one critical question: Can your SYSTEMS actually support them? In this episode, burnout & systems strategist Ellyn Schinke walks you through the 3-question system audit that prevents the dreaded Q2 burnout and helps you scale sustainably.Every January, entrepreneurs set big revenue goals, launch goals, and growth goals—then burn out by March because their systems weren't built to handle the scale. If it broke at $200K, it will absolutely shatter at $500K.In this episode, you'll learn:-The 3 system audit questions every entrepreneur needs to ask before setting 2026 goals-How to identify the system gaps that are holding you back from scaling-What to stop doing in 2026 to make room for sustainable growth-The exact 4-step process to map your goals to the systems you needThis episode covers the SYSTEMS pillar of the Sustainable Success Framework.business systems audit, prevent entrepreneur burnout, goal setting for entrepreneurs, scale without burnout, solopreneur systems, sustainable business growth, 2026 business planning, business infrastructure, entrepreneur overwhelm, systems for scalingResources Mentioned-January Systems Workshop - Learn how to build the exact systems you need to support your 2026 goals → [Click Here]-Sunday CEO Diaries Newsletter - Weekly burnout-proof strategies for high achievers → coachellyn.com-Skool Community - Join other ambitious entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses: https://www.coachellyn.com/communityAbout the HostEllyn Schinke is a burnout & Notion systems strategist for high achievers with chaotic-genius brains and unapologetic ambition. She helps entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and corporate professionals build burnout-proof businesses through her Sustainable Success Framework: Systems, Self-Care, and Mindset.Connect with Ellyn-Website: coachellyn.com-Instagram: @coachellyn-LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellynschinke-YouTube: @CoachEllynLeave a ReviewIf this episode helped you rethink your 2026 planning, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more high-achievers discover the show and build burnout-proof businesses!Episode Transcript[Full transcript available at coachellyn.com/podcast]New episodes drop every Tuesday at 5 AM PST. Subscribe so you never miss a strategy that could save you from burnout.Leave a Review

You've tried the morning routines. You've set the boundaries. You've made the plans to eat better, move more, wind down at night. But somehow, by Tuesday, it all falls apart. Here's the real problem: you're treating self-care like something you have to manually remember instead of something that just happens.In this episode, I'm walking you through six systems from my own life that have completely transformed how I take care of myself—without relying on willpower, discipline, or trying to remember one more thing. From smart home automations to daily check-in pages in Notion, recipe trackers to shutdown rituals, you'll learn how to build self-care into your infrastructure so your brain doesn't have to carry the weight anymore.What you'll learn:Why self-care habits fail when they rely on constant mental energyHow to use smart home automation to prompt wind-down and wake-up routinesThe exact Notion pages I use to make my habits visible and automaticCalendar defaults that protect your time boundaries (without the guilt)How to eliminate decision fatigue around food and nutritionThe shutdown ritual checklist that creates a clear end to your workdayThis episode is all about SYSTEMS and SELF-CARE—two of the three pillars of sustainable performance. Because when your self-care is systematized, you don't have to remember it anymore. And that's when it actually sticks.Resources mentioned in this episode:Notion Morning Routine Video Notion Evening Routine VideoMy Girl Monday with HaleyDaily Check-In and Check-Out templates: Available in the Burnout-Proof Business membership or the Solopreneur Life & Business OS templateJoin the community:Subscribe to the Sunday CEO Diaries (weekly email)Join the Skool community

You're drowning in subscriptions. The project management tool you swore would change everything. The automation platform you're "definitely going to set up next month." The design software you used exactly once. Every unused tool is a broken promise to yourself—and it's stealing your mental bandwidth.In this episode, we're doing a ruthless system audit. Not the kind where you reorganize folders and call it a day. The kind where you actually cancel subscriptions, consolidate platforms, and create white space in your brain, your calendar, and your bank account.'You'll learn the 4-step framework to audit your tech stack, the three brutal questions to ask about every tool you're paying for, and how to categorize everything into Keep, Consolidate, Delete, or Trial. Plus, I'm sharing exactly what I'm keeping in my own tech stack as I consolidate down to fewer than 10 core tools.Because strategic restraint is more sustainable than tool hoarding. And your ambition is not the problem—your infrastructure is.Resources mentioned:Join the End of Year CEO Reset Challenge: coachellyn.com/communityEnroll in Burnout-Proof Business: coachellyn.com/bpbSubscribe to Sunday CEO Diaries: coachellyn.com/list

What if the key to building a thriving business isn't doing more—it's giving yourself permission to stop being a high achiever?Former Inc 500 sales and marketing director Lindsey Wagnon was on track for VP when she hit the wall every ambitious person eventually faces: the values conflict between career achievement and the life she actually wanted. In this conversation, Lindsey shares how leaving corporate, launching her agency, and redefining success on her own terms unlocked the freedom and flexibility she craved—without sacrificing her income or impact.What we cover:The values conflict high-achievers face (and why wanting it all isn't the problem)How Lindsay shifted from revenue-driven to lifestyle-driven business planningWhy she pulled back one summer—and came back strongerThe toxic hustle culture that shaped early entrepreneurship (and how to unlearn it)Marketing without burnout: pick three things, build rhythms, automate the restWhy "I need to be on social more" is FOMO, not strategyMatching your marketing channels to how you naturally communicateTrading "should" for "one day"—and why patience is part of the strategyPerfect for high-achieving entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable, values-aligned businesses that actually support their lives.About Lindsay Wagnon:Formerly a sales marketing director of an Inc 500 company, Lindsay Wagnon launched Lindsay Wagnon Marketing in 2019 to serve women-owned small businesses through full-service partnerships and her signature turnkey marketing system setup. The Savvy Startup Marketer podcast and coaching support first-time entrepreneurs with practical, shoestring-budget marketing strategies. Lindsay is also a pastor's wife, mom of two girls, and proud owner of an almost-50-pound Australian Shepherd.Connect with Lindsay:Website: https://lindseywagnon.comInstagram: @lindseywagnonmarketingPodcast: The Savvy Startup Marketer

Not Just Ready to Leave, But Done StayingYou've been ready to make the change for months—maybe years. You've run the numbers, made the plan, and told yourself "someday." But something keeps you stuck. In this episode, I'm sharing the scariest decision she's ever made: leaving her full-time job after 7 years. But more importantly, I'm breaking down the crucial difference between being ready to leave and being done staying—and why understanding that distinction is the key to finally taking action.Whether it's a job that undervalues you, a relationship that's shrinking you, a business model that's burning you out, or a version of yourself you've outgrown, this episode will help you identify where you're "ready to leave" but still staying—and what it takes to finally walk away.In this episode:→ The real fear that keeps high-achievers stuck (it's not what you think)→ How to recognize when you've crossed from "ready" to "done"→ Why the universe meets you when you finally trust yourself→ Reflection questions to identify where you're still stayingBlack Friday 5 Days of Deals are live: If you're done staying stuck and ready to get support with your systems, burnout, or business strategy, click here.

Is your productivity system stressing you out more than it's helping?If you're neurodivergent, burned out, or just exhausted by traditional task management—this episode is for you.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to design a Notion system that works with your nervous system, not against it. We're talking ADHD-friendly principles, nervous system regulation tools, and the exact structural elements that make productivity feel sustainable instead of suffocating.In This Episode, You'll Learn:- Why traditional productivity systems trigger stress (and what to do instead)- The 5 core principles of nervous system-safe system design: simplification, visual cues, flexibility, overwhelm reduction, and emotional regulation- Structural design elements like centralized dashboards, filtered views, quick capture pages, and templates- Energy-based task management for sustainable productiity- How to audit your current sytem and make on change that actually helps.If your Notion setup makes you anxious, it's not because you're doing it wrong—it's because it wasn't designed for your brain. Let's fix that.🎁 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Join my FREE Skool community: https://www.coachellyn.com/community- Get started in Notion for FREE: affiliate.notion.so/coachellyn💬 Connect With Me:Join the FREE Skool Community: coachellyn.com/community — This is where the magic happens! Get free templates, frameworks, and ongoing supportInstagram: @coachellynLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachellynNewsletter: coachellyn.com/list✨ Your Challenge:Audit your current system. Ask yourself: Does this reduce overwhelm or create it? Does it help me focus or distract me? Does it let me exhale or am I holding my breath every time I use it?Then make ONE change. Start small. Build slow. And if you need help figuring out what your brain needs, join us inside the free Skool community where I share templates, frameworks, and personalized support.The goal isn't to track everything or replicate someone else's system. It's to build a system that supports you while you do the work that matters.⭐ Loved this episode?Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more high-achievers find this show and build burnout-proof lives.

Your to-do list is stressing you out—but it's not because you have too much to do. It's because your system is broken.In this episode, I'm breaking down the 3 most common system mistakes that turn a helpful productivity tool into a source of daily anxiety—and exactly how to fix them in Notion.You'll discover:→ Why treating your to-do list like a scorecard is sabotaging your productivity (and what to do instead)→ How to use filtered views in Notion to eliminate decision paralysis and create laser focus→ The secret to writing actionable tasks that you'll actually complete—no more staring at vague project namesIf you've ever felt paralyzed looking at your task list, this episode will transform how you organize your work. Your to-do list isn't the enemy—how you've set it up is.Ready to design a calm, efficient business? Join my free Burnout-Proof Community on Skool where we dive deeper into sustainable productivity systems. Click Here >>Keywords: to-do list overwhelm, Notion productivity, task management for entrepreneurs, productivity system, burnout prevention, solopreneur systems, how to organize tasks, Notion tutorial, overwhelm solutions, time management

Are you drowning in AI subscriptions? Spending more time choosing which tool to use than actually getting work done? You're not alone—and it's not helping your productivity.In this episode, I'm breaking down the hidden cost of AI tool overwhelm: the decision fatigue, the subscription creep, the cognitive load that's quietly dysregulating your nervous system. We'll talk about why having access to every AI tool doesn't make you more productive—it just makes you more paralyzed.Join the Skool Community: Click HereCheck out the Burnout Memberships: Click HereWhat you'll learn:Why AI tool overwhelm is the new productivity trap for high-achieversThe hidden costs of multiple AI subscriptions (beyond just money)How constant tool-switching dysregulates your nervous systemThe paradox of choice: when "options" become overwhelmMy framework for evaluating which AI tools actually serve your businessWhy strategic restraint is a strength, not a weaknessHow I built my minimal AI stack (spoiler: it's just two tools)Key takeaway: More tools don't equal more productivity—they just equal more stress. The best tool is the one you'll actually use consistently.If you're feeling overwhelmed by the explosion of AI platforms, this episode will give you permission to simplify, clarity on what actually matters, and a strategic framework for building a tech stack that supports your nervous system instead of dysregulating it.Keywords: AI tools for entrepreneurs, managing AI subscriptions, AI overwhelm, burnout prevention, business systems, solopreneur productivity, nervous system regulation, sustainable business practices, decision fatigue, cognitive load, productivity tools, tech stack simplificationReady to simplify your systems and protect your capacity? Join the Burnout-Proof Business™ Community where we build sustainable systems that actually work. Links above!

Amanda Nowak built a seven-figure interior design business—and still found herself absolutely miserable. In this raw, real conversation, Amanda (burnout coach and Reiki master) sits down with Ellyn to unpack the "million dollar wake-up call" that changed everything: success metrics don't equal fulfillment, and burnout doesn't care how passionate you are about your work.If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still burning out, this episode is your permission slip to redefine success on your own terms.What You'll Learn:👉🏻Why hitting revenue milestones won't automatically fix burnout (and what will)👉🏻The dangerous myth that "passion prevents burnout" (spoiler: it doesn't)👉🏻How to spot the difference between building the business you should have vs. the one you actually want👉🏻Small, sustainable self-care changes that actually work (no week-long spa retreats required)👉🏻Why high achievers are most at risk for severe burnout—and how to break the cycle👉🏻The "self-care snack" concept: bite-sized practices for busy entrepreneurs👉🏻How to set boundaries with yourself (not just with clients)Key Takeaways:📊 Vanity metrics don't equal success: Million-dollar revenue, big teams, and office space sound impressive—but do they align with your values of peace and freedom?🔥 Burnout is a "you" problem: High achievers burn out because we're perfectionists who say yes to everything. Lazy people don't get burnt out—they say no.🧘 Start small, stay sustainable: One glass of water in the morning. Ten minutes of meditation at lunch. Micro-changes create lasting transformation.🚫 Stop "just-ing" yourself: "Just hire someone" or "just do this" minimizes the 20 steps involved in any business decision. Give yourself grace.💡 Self-care isn't always spa days: Watching a YouTube video during your break instead of checking email? That's self-care. Slow mornings? Self-care.About Amanda Nowak:Amanda is a burnout coach specializing in helping high-achieving women entrepreneurs who look successful on the outside but feel miserable on the inside. After exiting her seven-figure interior design business in 2023, she launched Elements 8 Coaching, combining traditional coaching with Reiki and energy work to address burnout at multiple levels.Resources Mentioned:👉🏻The Gap and the Gain (book) - Click HereAmanda's "What Do I Really Want?" workbook (free download) - Click HereEntrepreneurs Retreat at Home kit - Click HereConnect with Amanda:Instagram: @element.eight.coachingWebsite: element-8.comKeywords: burnout recovery, entrepreneur burnout, high achiever burnout, work-life balance, business boundaries, self-care for entrepreneurs, seven-figure burnout, burnout coach, sustainable success, redefining success

Ruthless self-awareness isn't about beating yourself up—it's about getting brutally honest with yourself so you can actually do something about burnout before it takes you down. In this episode, we're breaking down the foundation of burnout prevention: the ability to see yourself clearly—your patterns, your triggers, your limits—without sugarcoating or denial.If you're a high achiever who's constantly pushing through, ignoring warning signs, and wondering why you're always exhausted, this episode is for you. You'll learn the seven key areas where ruthless self-awareness shows up, the practices that build it, and why awareness alone isn't enough—you need action.In This Episode, You'll Discover:— What ruthless self-awareness actually means (and why high achievers need it most)— The 7 key areas of self-awareness that prevent burnout: values clarity, capacity awareness, energy audits, emotional honesty, pattern recognition, identity vs. output, and shame vs. guilt— Practical self-awareness practices: meditation, journaling, spending time alone, and the 3-step weekly review framework— Why self-awareness without action keeps you stuck in burnout— Common self-awareness traps that high achievers fall into (and how to avoid them)— Action steps you can implement this week to start building ruthless self-awarenessKey Takeaways:— You can't change what you won't acknowledge—ruthless self-awareness is the first step to burnout-proofing your life— High achievers are experts at pushing through, which means they often ignore burnout warning signs until it's too late— Self-awareness isn't about self-criticism—it's about getting honest with yourself so you can course-correct— The 3-step weekly review framework: What's working? What's not working? What's stressing me out?— Awareness alone isn't enough—you need systems, self-care, and mindset shifts to make it stickWho This Episode Is For:— High-achieving entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and leaders experiencing burnout or chronic stress— Anyone who feels stuck in survival mode and ready to shift into thriving mode— Ambitious professionals who want to prevent burnout before it destroys their health, relationships, or career— Leaders who are tired of being the bottleneck and want to reclaim their time and energyResources Mentioned:— The High Achiever Burnout Cycle (6 stages) - Check out the old podcast— Old Podcast "How to Find your Worth Outside of Your Work" - Click Here >>— Values Mini-Course - Click Here— Burnout-Proof Business - Click Here— Work Well HQ Membership - Click HereConnect With Ellyn:— Instagram: @coachellyn— Website: coachellyn.comKeywords: burnout prevention, self-awareness, high achievers, prevent burnout, burnout recovery, self-awareness practices, burnout symptoms, high-performing professionals, how to prevent burnout, building self-awareness, ruthless self-awareness, burnout-proof, corporate burnout, entrepreneur burnout, sustainable successClosing: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Burnout-Proof Podcast and leave a review—it helps other high achievers find the support they need. And remember: ruthless self-awareness isn't about being hard on yourself—it's about being honest with yourself. Because you deserve a life where you're not just surviving—you're thriving.Stay relentless, achiever!

You’ve got tools. You’ve got automations. You’ve got dashboards.But are your systems helping you — or burning you out?In this episode of The Burnout-Proof Podcast, burnout coach + systems strategist Ellyn Schinke shares five powerful questions every entrepreneur and solopreneur should ask before consolidating, automating, or switching platforms.Learn how to:– Simplify your business systems without breaking your backend– Save money by cutting tool bloat– Build ease and automation into your daily operations– Choose systems that scale your growth instead of your stressBurnout-proof systems aren’t built by accident — they’re built with intention.🔗 Join The Solopreneur Systems Summit (Click Here) this week and grab your All-Access Pass for the C-Suite AI Agent Documentation — Ellyn’s exact framework for training AI to help you work less and earn more.Keywords / Tags: burnout, burnout-proof systems, solopreneur burnout, systems for entrepreneurs, simplify your tech, automation tips, business productivity, entrepreneur stress, sustainable success

Let's be real—Notion can feel like a digital playground one minute and a hot mess the next. You're spending hours setting up databases, only to end up with a system that leaves you more stressed than when you started. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.Here's the deal: Notion isn't the problem. It's how we're using it. And after working with hundreds of high-achieving solopreneurs, I've spotted three major mistakes that are keeping your Notion setup from actually working for you instead of against you.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by your current setup or wondering why your productivity is still stuck in the mud despite that shiny new template, this episode breaks down the most common Notion pitfalls and gives you actionable fixes to transform your workspace from digital chaos to burnout-proof brilliance.So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let's turn your Notion frustrations into systems that actually support your ambition—without burning you out in the process.Episode Highlights:🚨 Why complexity is killing your productivity and the counterintuitive power of simplification [6:25]🛠️ How to properly customize templates instead of drowning in someone else's system [12:18]💡 The truth about what Notion can (and absolutely cannot) fix in your business [21:57]⚡ Actionable frameworks to transform your relationship with Notion and build systems that don't suck [27:44]RESOURCES MENTIONED:🔗 Solopreneur System Summit: http://www.coachellyn.com/summit - Register for free!🔗 All-Access Pass to the Systems Summit - Click here🔗 Check out Burnout-Proof Business - Click HereConnect With Ellyn:🔗 Instagram: @CoachEllyn🔗 Website: coachellen.comIf this episode helped you rethink your relationship with Notion, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow the show! Your support helps other ambitious high-achievers find their way to burnout-proof productivity.#NotionTips #ProductivityTips #SolopreneurSystems #BurnoutProofBusiness #NotionForBusiness #DigitalOrganization #ProductivityHacks #SystemsAndProcesses

Join Ellyn and 20+ experts at the Solopreneur System Summit in just under two weeks! Register for your free ticket at ⁠coachellyn.com/summit⁠.In this episode, Ellyn explores how small, intentional systems can create massive shifts in your productivity and prevent burnout. She breaks down three powerful micro-systems that are easy to implement but deliver outsized results.Key Points:The One Spot Rule: Create a single trusted system for capturing all informationThe Two Minute Rule: Handle small tasks immediately to prevent them from accumulatingThe Intentional Systems Filter: A framework to evaluate which systems are worth buildingEpisode Highlights:🧠 Learn why having multiple capture systems creates unnecessary cognitive load⏱️ Discover how the two-minute rule keeps both your digital and physical spaces organized🔍 Understand the four questions of the Intentional Systems Filter:What specific problem does the system solve?Will I actually use it consistently?What would make me ignore or abandon this system?What's my simple success signal that tells me the system is working?Resources Mentioned:System School - https://www.coachellyn.com/systemsBurnout-Proof Business - https://www.coachellyn.com/bpbConnect With Ellyn:Instagram: @coachellynWebsite: coachellyn.comFree Training: coachellyn.com/summit - Solar Primer System SummitJoin Ellyn and 20+ experts at the Solopreneur System Summit in just under two weeks! Register for your free ticket at coachellyn.com/summit.Pick ONE of these tiny systems to implement for the next seven days, then tag Ellyn on Instagram @coachellyn to share your experience. For personalized help building these systems, visit coachellyn.com/services.

Join us at the Solopreneur Systems Summit -⁠ click here⁠In this eye-opening episode of The Burnout-Proof Podcast, I dive into why most productivity tools fail to deliver and how to transform them into complete systems that prevent burnout and maximize efficiency. If you've ever downloaded a new app hoping it would fix your workflow issues, only to find yourself with the same problems (and another subscription fee), this episode is for you.What You'll LearnThe critical difference between having a tool and having a complete systemA simple two-question diagnostic test to identify where your productivity systems are breaking downSix micro-systems you can implement in under 20 minutes to instantly reduce frictionThe "Fix the Friction" framework to troubleshoot systems that aren't workingHow to match the right micro-system to your specific business bottlenecksKey TakeawaysA complete system requires four components: The tool, the process, the ritual, and the outcome (most people only focus on the tool)The two-question test: "Do I have a system for this?" and "If yes, is it working—or does it have friction?"Micro-systems for immediate implementation: Capture Inbox, Running Grocery List, Waiting On List, Calendar Block, Quick Links Dock, and Weekly ResetSystem friction typically stems from: Too many steps, wrong tool, poor visibility, unclear next actions, or missing ritualsResources MentionedJoin us at the Solopreneur Systems Summit - click hereConnect with Ellyn:Website: https://www.coachellyn.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachellynLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachellynPerfect for high-achieving entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who want to create sustainable systems that prevent burnout and increase productivity without adding more digital clutter to their lives.

Ever sit down to rest and your brain won’t shut off? Instead of calm, you get hit with a flood of reminders—emails, groceries, to-dos, Zoom links. That’s not distraction—it’s your nervous system showing you exactly where you’re missing systems.In this episode of the Burnout-Proof Podcast, burnout coach + systems strategist Ellyn Schinke kicks off a 3-part series on creating burnout-proof systems that actually support your brain, your business, and your life.What you’ll learn today:Why stillness acts like a “check-engine light” for your productivity and mental health.How to reframe racing thoughts as clues about missing systems.Real examples: meal planning, follow-ups, launch checklists, and more.A simple practice for capturing these distractions and turning them into system priorities.👉 This is Part 1 of a 3-part mini-series on building systems that prevent burnout:Next week: Do You Have a System… or Just a Tool?Week 3: Tiny Systems, Big Shifts.🎟️ Register now for the Solopreneur Systems Summit → coachellyn.com/summit. It’s where we’re building nervous-system-friendly systems together.Because success shouldn’t suck—and burnout isn’t the price you have to pay.

How many times have you skipped a workout, shut your laptop early, or rescheduled a commitment—and immediately judged yourself for “making excuses”?Here’s the truth: not everything is an excuse. Sometimes, it’s a reason. And knowing the difference can be the thing that saves you from endless guilt and burnout.In this episode of the Burnout-Proof Podcast, I’m pulling straight from a chapter of my upcoming book to break down:The real difference between an excuse and a reason (and why it matters)Why high-achievers confuse rest or imperfection with failureEveryday examples that show you how to tell the differenceHow self-compassion flips the script so you stop shaming yourself and start trusting yourselfSimple mindset shifts—like “I have to” → “I choose to”—that anchor you back in choice and alignmentIf you’re tired of beating yourself up for every no, every boundary, or every skipped task, this episode will help you finally see the truth: excuses drain you, reasons empower you.✨ Resources + Links Mentioned in This Episode:Take the free Burnout Quiz → coachellyn.com/quizRegister for the Solopreneur Systems Summit (October) → coachellyn.com/summitJoin the Sunday CEO Reset → coachellyn.com/resetGet on the waitlist for my upcoming book → coachellyn.com/bookStay Relentless, Achievers.

I'm building You're Too Picky episodes into the Burnout-Proof podcast on FRIDAYS if and when I have something to say...like today!Being the last single cousin comes with its own emotional Olympics. I wanna talk about driving to a family baby shower while bracing for “you’re next” comments, why “you’ll want kids when you have them” is garbage advice, and the quiet exhaustion of anticipating judgment before it even happens. If you’ve ever felt like you’re defending your life choices—and your peace of mind—in advance, you’re not alone. I share the push-pull of liking my life, not wanting kids, still wanting partnership, and refusing to settle just to appease the family script. Consider this your reminder: different ≠ behind. Your timeline is yours.🎧 If you’re single, I’m in the trenches with you. If you’re not, here’s insight into what your single friends are navigating.👉 DM me your story after you listen: @coachellynWhat's coming up: 📅 Sunday CEO Reset - Join us for our first Sunday CEO Reset on September 8th - Click here to join >>

You’re not burned out because you’re too ambitious—you’re burned out because you’re still doing too much manually. In this episode, I break down the four automations every solopreneur (and smart professional) needs to set up now so you can buy back hours each week and protect your energy:Client Onboarding: Form → contract → invoice → welcome email → calendar…handled. No more chase-and-pray admin.Recurring Tasks & Templates: Notion buttons/templates (or your tool of choice) to one-click spin up weekly reviews, podcast workflows, content plans, and client dashboards.Email List & Nurture: A simple, values-driven welcome sequence that builds trust and warms leads—without turning you into a spam bot.Scheduling: Kill the “does Tuesday at 2 work?” loop. Let people book within your boundaries and collect payments automatically.This isn’t about being robotic—it’s about letting systems carry the mental and energetic load so you can stay in CEO mode.Ready for the glow-up?My Sunday CEO Reset is a monthly, behind-the-scenes session where I show you exactly how I reset my systems, schedule, and mindset for a new month. Join us here: coachellyn.com/resetAnd yes—the Community just got a major upgrade. Free resources, events, challenges, and deeper support for building a burnout-proof business and life: coachellyn.com/communityIf you’re done running your business on vibes and to-do lists, this episode is your starting line. Stay relentless, achievers.