Brilliant Balance

Today, I want to talk with you about giving yourself permission to pause. As we move through a season that's usually packed with busyness and long to-do lists, I'm inviting you to slow down—truly rest and enjoy the present moment without feeling guilty or needing to justify it. In this episode, I'm sharing why stepping out of your normal routine, even just for a little while, can help you feel more clear-headed, creative, and connected with the people around you. I believe taking this kind of pause sets us up to enter the new year feeling grounded and restored. Let's let go of the constant push for productivity and embrace a week of presence, laughter, and simple joy, and enjoy what happens when we allow ourselves to just be. Happy Holidays!  Show Highlights: Permission to pause and rest this holiday. [00:48] Challenging the urge to use downtime for productivity. [01:50] Embracing presence and the magic of slowing down. [03:06] The personal benefits of pausing. [05:52] Explicit permission to release productivity guilt. [06:38] Will you join the collective pause this holiday? [07:51] If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki

Today, I'm discussing the hidden cost of playing it safe, a topic that's secretly all too familiar for women with strong track records of achievement. If you feel restless for that next big leap, yet find yourself sticking to the safe and predictable path, or even avoiding measured, everyday growth opportunities, this episode is for you. I'll help you rethink what responsibility and excellence truly mean, and shed light on why we avoid risk and how to start taking meaningful, supported risks to bring more growth and fulfillment into our lives. From navigating childhood patterns of perfectionism to confronting the fears that keep us boxed in, the insights I'm sharing will help you shift from stagnation to flowing brilliance. This conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking your possibilities and start stretching into your potential and a vibrant next chapter designed just for you!  Show Highlights: Risk aversion in successful women and its disguises. [01:00] The excellence trap of achievement. [04:06] Early social conditioning behind risk aversion. [06:09] Fears that drive safety-seeking behavior. [06:41] Considering the risk of end-of-life regrets. [09:36] How safety breeds stagnation and resentment. [10:15] Is risk-taking a learnable skill? [12:24] My big swing with the Brave initiative. [13:36] How to take your next "Brave" step with Brilliant Balance. [15:25] If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki

Do you feel like your life ticks all the right boxes, yet something's missing under the surface? This week, I'm discussing a surprising paradox many high-achieving women experience—what happens when our dream lives look perfect and applaudable from the outside, but fail to bring fulfillment on the inside. If you've been performing instead of living or started to sense that your ladder to success has been up against the wrong wall, this episode is for you. I'm sharing how to spot the performance trap and signals of misaligned success, plus practical strategies for reconnecting with your essence, auditing energy-drainers, and letting go of obligations that no longer serve you. Let's break the cycle of discontent together and claim a lighter, more satisfying life that both looks and feels great. Are you ready to make your next chapter the one that's truly yours?  Show Highlights: External success vs. inner fulfillment. [00:50] The hidden cost of living for achievement-based validation. [02:00] Rethinking success and missed inflection points. [04:43] The cycle of overwhelm, apathy, and resentment. [06:24] Four powerful signals of misalignment from your true self. [09:00] Permission to change. [13:37] Are you clear on what you really want? [15:20] How to audit what's draining your energy. [16:48] The power of purposely dropping a habitual obligation. [18:14] Check out the new "Brave" program if you're ready for support. [20:19] If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki

As this year winds down, I'm inviting you to give it the fully present ending it deserves before you jump ahead to all that next year holds. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite ways to embrace December with intention, whether that means finishing strong, leaning into rest, or striking a balance between the two. I'll prompt you to reflect on what you're ready to release, and what you still want to accomplish (minus the pressure or perfectionism), trading burnout for brilliance and making space for the magic that lives in the present moment. Plus, I'm sharing an exciting sneak peek into Brave, my brand-new community for women who are ready to make the courageous choices that create a life you love. Let's make these last weeks of the year count!  Show Highlights: The transition between holidays in this festive season. [00:49] My "Be where you are" mantra. [02:40] Finishing strong as a pathway to end the year well. [04:34] Why calling it is a valid way to close out the year. [06:34] Embracing the choice to rest. [09:05] Entering the middle path at the year-end. [10:25] Two powerful reflective questions for December. [13:37] A peek at Brilliant Balance's brand new "Brave" community. [14:53] How to get on the waitlist for "Brave." [18:09] If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki

In this episode, we're looking at how we unintentionally contribute to our own holiday overwhelm, and how we can make choices this season that actually work FOR us instead of against us. The holidays are meant to sparkle with joy, but we all know firsthand how it feels to get caught in the whirlwind of picture-perfect expectations (miles of twinkling lights and Pinterest-worthy cookies anyone?). I'm sharing how to take back control, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season instead of running yourself into the ground. You'll learn why doing less isn't a failure (it's liberation) and how giving yourself permission to break traditions or to call in support can make all the difference. I'll offer my favorite practical ways to simplify and clarify what matters most, so you create a holiday that feels magical instead of exhausting. Let's say yes to more connection and a whole lot less chaos this holiday season, and create celebrations that are both meaningful and manageable.  Show Highlights: Permission to savor the season stress-free. [00:48] What do you want to feel this holiday season? [04:58] Freedom to delegate and outsource holiday tasks. [06:46] Being honest about self-created overwhelm. [08:18] Why doing less for the holidays is not failing. [10:39] The joy of spontaneity in breaking with tradition. [13:08] An extended-family gift exchange idea over individual gift giving. [14:04] Tips to manage holiday preparations like a project. [15:56] Setting boundaries around holiday participation. [19:27] The value of connection over perfection. [21:09] Download the Brilliant Balance holiday planning guide. [22:37] To download my Holiday Planning Guide: https://brilliant-balance.com/holiday Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057  

This week, I'm joined by our newest Brilliant Balance coach and a certified Enneagram expert, Heather Warnke, for a conversation about the transformative power of the Enneagram. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Enneagram or just curious about this buzzworthy tool, you'll discover how finding your true Enneagram type can catalyze profound self-awareness, compassion, and growth. We'll break down what the Enneagram really is, why we sometimes mistype ourselves, and how uncovering your correct type can reshape the way you lead, love, and live. For years, I thought I knew my Enneagram type, until Heather walked me through a new assessment, and everything changed. This episode offers a glimpse into how discovering your core motivations can impact every part of your life, and practical wisdom to embrace your essence. Plus, I'll tell you how you can experience this next-level clarity for yourself with a unique opportunity to work directly with Heather and Brilliant Balance! Show Highlights: Heather Warnke's background and Enneagram journey. [03:40] What is the Enneagram? [05:27] Subtleties of alike behaviors with unalike underlying motivations. [06:56] Avoiding Enneagram type misidentification. [10:14] How correct Enneagram typing leads to radical self-integration. [15:38] Managing "shadows" for healthy "strengths" expressions. [25:07] Why ongoing certified Enneagram guidance matters. [28:56] The "act, feel, think" tri-type approach to the Enneagram. [31:34] The powerful positive ripples from embodied change. [34:03] Announcing the new Brilliant Balance Enneagram offering. [35:33] To book an Enneagram Intensive with Heather: https://brilliant-balance.com/enneagram Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

In today's encore episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset reminders: how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Expecting and embracing discomfort is where real growth happens—personally and professionally. I'll revisit a memorable parenting moment to show how stepping into discomfort creates growth, and share the mindset shifts I use with clients and family. If you're facing a new challenge or feeling stretched in your current chapter, this episode is for you. You'll get practical tips on why discomfort is normal, temporary, and totally survivable. Join me for a fresh perspective and actionable insights to help you push past limits and step into new opportunities for brilliance! Show Highlights: Who needs the lesson in this episode the most? [02:06] Beauty-is-pain heels vs. life's necessary discomfort. [03:24] The core story of a child who fears finishing a timed mile last. [05:01] Embrace discomfort instead of de-emphasizing it. [06:46] A strategy to visualize and anticipate discomfort. [07:41] The power of mindset over physical preparation. [11:07] Why you should not "tough it out" with discomfort. [14:33] Understanding the brain's primitive and evolved parts. [15:39] Patterns of growth through discomfort in coaching clients. [18:10] A warning about your inner critic. [21:42] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

Have you ever found yourself staring at a gratitude journal, knowing you have so much to be thankful for, but just not feeling it? This week, I'm sharing a candid look into why gratitude can feel so out of reach when we're tired, stressed, or running on empty, even as the world tells us it's the season to count our blessings. As ambitious women with full plates and big dreams, it's easy to fall into the trap of forcing gratitude, but in this episode, I reveal why rest and presence (not pressure) are the secret ingredients. I'll show you how letting go of the "gratitude checklist" and learning to savor real moments can reignite that sense of appreciation you crave. If you're ready for a fresh perspective on thankfulness that actually fits your busy, brilliant life, this episode is for you. Let's give ourselves permission to experience gratitude as it was meant to be…joyful, effortless, and truly rewarding. Show Highlights: What is the gratitude gap? [00:49] The neurological reason fatigue blocks positive emotions. [02:55] The importance of rest to restore positivity. [05:41] Why forced gratitude doesn't enter the heart. [06:37] Vividly reliving, embodying, and savoring positive moments. [08:24] How the pace of life affects gratitude. [10:39] Research findings on mindful slowing and pausing. [12:28] Making "gratitude pauses" a threshold ritual. [13:33] The power of being grateful for small joys. [14:36] Inviting you to subscribe and gift someone this episode. [17:39] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

Feeling like you're running on empty, no matter how hard you try to have it all together? Fresh from an inspiring BOLD retreat in Asheville, NC, today I'll share the real reason high-achieving women like us keep slipping back into burnout, even after we swear we've got it handled. It's not about willpower or your to-do list. Burnout is actually a biological loop that our bodies get stuck in, especially when the pace never seems to let up. I'll walk you through the hidden mental loads we carry and why recovery needs to be built into our rhythm, not just crammed in when we're desperate for a break. You'll hear my top three strategies for breaking free from the burnout cycle and creating a life with energy, joy, and true freedom. This episode is your invitation to a new chapter, to make room for brilliance—and finally normalize rest, reclaim your rhythm, and enjoy what you're working so hard to build! Show Highlights: Healing with BOLD coaching group retreats. [00:51] Understand the pattern of the burnout backslide.  [01:21] How burnout is biological, not a weakness. [03:27] The WHO definition of burnout and related data. [04:55] A powerful self-assessment guide for burnout. [05:52] Invisible mental and emotional overload. [06:32] The importance of energy audits to track depletion. [08:56] Why recovery must be rhythmic, not reactive. [09:39] The power of short breaks and scheduled rest. [11:10] Inviting you to connect, share this episode, and subscribe. [15:33] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekl Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

In this episode, I'm joined by Sheri Jacobs, an accomplished entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for creative breakthroughs. She's here to help us rethink everything we know about boundaries! We often hear that endless options drive innovation, but Sheri shows us how setting the right boundaries can actually ignite creativity and teamwork. She brings impactful stories and inspiration, from her arctic wildlife photography adventures to behind-the-scenes moments with leading companies like Bank of America, demonstrating how a few smart limits can lead to sharper solutions. She shares practical ways to create more clarity and space for what matters, at work and at home, even while juggling busy family lives and bold aspirations. If you feel overwhelmed by all you "should" be doing or struggle to find space for your passions, this episode offers fresh tools to help you choose what truly matters and design your most vibrant season yet. Listen in to learn how setting sensible limits can spark your next great idea. Show Highlights: Sheri Jacobs' wisdom on boundaries with a Miles Davis insight. [02:08] The myth that boundaries restrict rather than provide clarity. [03:50] How fewer options within constraints led to a winning arctic wildlife photo. [05:01] Tatiana Goodman's findings on how fences foster creative play. [09:28] Why Bank of America's "Keep the Change" program is successful. [12:33] Advice for women to break through ceilings by narrowing focus. [15:14] Beat FOMO and overwhelm with a priority correction. [16:53] How to get more done by setting a firm bedtime. [19:36] The power of a capsule wardrobe and curbing fashion excess. [21:36] Where are you not setting yourself free by creating a boundary? [22:46] To find Sheri's work and her books, go to https://www.sherijacobs.com/. Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

In this episode, I'm inviting you to join me for a much-needed Q4 energy check. As I head off to host a rejuvenating fall retreat with my BOLD coaching circle at the beautiful Grove Park Inn, I want to bring you into that vibe right here on the show. If your calendar is starting to feel like a pressure cooker—with work deadlines, kids' activities, and holiday plans piling up—I get it. You're not alone. I'll walk you through a practical, honest self-audit to help you identify what's draining you and what's fueling you, and I'll share small but powerful strategies to restore your energy before year's end. From finding those micro-breaks in your day, to setting healthier boundaries, and making space for what truly matters, and whether you're approaching exhaustion or simply want to preserve your spark this season, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize your well-being so you can finish the year feeling energized, present, and brilliant!  Show Highlights: BOLD coaching circle fall retreat and restorative self-care. [00:51] The importance of energy management in Q4. [02:45] How to give yourself an energy audit. [04:39] Rituals that make you feel "healthy, whole, and human." [08:36] Embrace micro-breaks for energy. [11:00] Saying the unselfish "no" to protect your bandwidth. [12:35] Planning ahead for the Q4 holiday chaos and fewer workweeks. [14:21] Remember that the end of the year is just a milestone. [17:07] Have you signed up for "The Weekly" newsletter? [20:35] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

In today's episode, I'm exploring a topic that impacts all of us—falling into the "Comparison Trap." Have you ever felt perfectly content with your life until a quick scroll through Instagram left you questioning if you were doing enough? I'll share a personal story about a recent episode of backyard envy to show just how quickly other people's highlight reels can undermine our own satisfaction. I'll walk you through three powerful truths about comparison: how it drains your energy, distorts reality, and distracts you from your true purpose. If you're ready to stop measuring yourself against others and want to reclaim the joy and momentum in your own journey, this episode will help you break the cycle and focus on your unique path to brilliance. Show Highlights: A personal story of the instant impact of Instagram comparison. [00:49] The hidden energy cost of comparison. [04:53] How comparison distorts perspective. [08:55] Recognizing the illusion of perfection and unseen struggles. [11:06] What comparison does to purpose. [13:18] Embrace the philosophy of running your own race. [15:05] How to weaken comparison with purpose. [15:41] Why is it important to celebrate others? [17:12] The sign that you haven't yet found your path. [18:19] Action steps and reflection. [19:29] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

If you feel like your calendar is running your life, this episode is for you. Today, I'm shining a light on a struggle so many ambitious women know all too well…the trap of overcommitment. Why do we automatically say yes before we've even thought things through? How do we stop equating being needed with being valuable? I'm exploring how our standards of what's reasonable might be setting us up for exhaustion, and the profound difference intentionally creating white space in our schedules can make before we desperately need it. I'll share personal stories and real-world strategies to help you slow down the reflexive yes and redefine what's actually reasonable for the seasons of life. If you're ready for more breathing room and less burnout, this episode is your perfect starting point. Show Highlights: The reality of overcommitment. [00:50] Awareness of the automatic "Yes" Reflex. [03:28] The power of the pause—and learning to say no. [04:59] Your standards of what's "reasonable" to take on. [08:03] Let others step up with self-compassion. [10:45] Building white space before you need it. [13:20] Why you need to protect your calendar. [16:55] Experiment with one shift and observe the impact. [17:19] Inviting you to share and try BOLD for community strength. [17:39] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057  

In today's show, I'm trying something new—an "Ask Cherylanne" episode where I'm answering real-life questions from listeners just like you. We're digging into topics around from balance to burnout, from caregiving to commutes, and handling imposter syndrome, especially during major career changes. Drawing from my coaching experience and personal journey, I'm sharing practical tips and relatable insights that you can easily put into action. I'll also let you in on my "golden rule" for maintaining balance, no matter how hectic life becomes. So, settle in for some honest coaching that just might help you in the week ahead. And if this sparks questions of your own, reach out via DM or email  because what you ask just may inspire a future episode! Show Highlights: Introducing the "Ask Cherylanne" special episode format. [00:43] Inverting resilience-building practices to combat burnout. [04:48] Advice for sandwich generation struggles. [07:28] Why emotional processing with external support matters. [11:18] Making commutes meaningful with a dual purpose. [12:27] Imposter syndrome during a career change. [16:07] Do you have a "wins" file? [17:52] Discover the golden rule for peace and balance. [19:27] How to send in your questions for future Q&A episodes. [21:26] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite and most practical topics: how to get your mornings running smoothly without all the stress. With the school year underway and work routines in full gear, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get everyone out the door calmly. From missing shoes to uncharged laptops, those frantic mornings can throw off your whole day! Are you ready to turn those mornings from a stressful scramble into a calm, productive launch pad for success? I'm laying out my tried-and-true framework that I call the "morning launch"—three simple, actionable keys that you can use starting tonight to set a positive tone for your mornings. Whether you're managing school drop-offs, early meetings, or just looking for a more peaceful start, this episode is about making your mornings and days a whole lot easier and brighter. Show Highlights: The chaos of frantic mornings. [01:00] The importance of a smooth morning routine. [02:42] What to prep the night before for a stress-free morning. [04:48] Staging bedtimes and managing devices for good sleep. [08:42] Establishing an ideal step-by-step morning sequence. [10:10] Handle personal tasks first as much as possible. [12:31] Time-stamping steps and optimizing with adjustments. [14:22] Including space with a buffer time for disruptions. [16:12] Where to find more free resources like the morning launch. [20:24] Join the Brilliant Balance community on Facebook. [20:44] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

I'm so happy to have workplace strategist, bestselling author, and people-connection expert Erica Keswin join me in this episode for a timely conversation about life and workplace transformations in this age of AI. How can we stay connected in our technology-reshaped realities without sacrificing the values that make us uniquely human? Erica and I reflect on her journey as a lifelong connector, how technology has both empowered and challenged our ability to build meaningful relationships, and why intentionality is now more important than ever. She shares practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries with technology, fostering connection in hybrid and remote workplaces, and re-centering human purpose and presence in an increasingly digital era. We also discuss the anxieties around AI and job security, and why staying curious and learning about these changes (especially for women) is essential. Whether you're embracing new tech or feeling cautious, I hope this episode offers inspiring guidance and helps you focus on what matters most: your relationships, rituals, and sense of purpose. Show Highlights: The need to rethink perpetual multi-device connectivity. [03:01] Consider setting daily limits to default tech use. [06:12] Why intentional touchpoints matter in remote and hybrid work. [10:21] Discover the 3 Ps of people-centered leadership. [12:59] Does technology empower or hinder relationships? [16:31] Fears and opportunities related to AI and the future of work. [22:09] What the data reveals about women's disadvantage with AI. [26:25] The power of handwritten to-do lists. [28:24] Protect human uniqueness while integrating tech. [29:40] To find Erica's work, go to www.ericakeswin.com. Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

This week, let's confront an enemy many of us deal with: ourselves. If you find yourself stuck in a pattern of perfectionism, second-guessing your work, or feeling unsatisfied no matter what you accomplish, you're definitely not alone, and this episode is for you. I'm taking a closer look at how we sometimes pile pressure on ourselves, whether that's thanks to our inner critic, tying our self-worth to how much we get done, or just moving the goalposts on what "success" even means—but this isn't about stacking on more guilt. I want to call out these patterns and talk about practical ways we can be kinder to ourselves, get out of burnout mode, and enjoy our wins. Join me to find out how self-compassion can create greater energy, creativity, and true fulfillment for you, and how to become your own biggest supporter before you write your next brilliant chapter. Show Highlights: Understanding self-created pressure. [00:47] Why overpreparing is a negative achievement pattern. [02:43] Signs of an overdeveloped inner critic. [05:30] The trap of equating effort with worth. [07:05] Moving goalposts vs. celebrating accomplishments. [09:07] Give yourself the empathy you would give others. [10:42] What is compassion as a performance strategy? [11:16] The power of coaching and peer support to end self-sabotage. [14:27] Inviting you to join BOLD or schedule an exploratory call. [16:04] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

Have you ever felt like your to-do list is multiplying before your eyes and you're barely able to keep up? In this episode, I'm sharing my own experiences with overwhelm and why so many ambitious women struggle with it as they juggle big dreams, demanding careers, and packed lives. You'll hear how to spot the subtle signs that overwhelm has crept in—not just as panic, but also as irritability, indecision, perfectionism, and even mental clutter—and discover the common triggers that set us up for that exhausting cycle. Most importantly, I break down the simple steps I use to clear my head, regain momentum, and create space for joy again. If you're craving more balance and want to trade chaos for clarity, you're in the right place to find your way back to a lighter, more manageable life as you create your next chapter. Show Highlights: Recognizing overwhelm. [00:47] Recent themes of reasonable limits and preventing burnout. [01:28] What overwhelm feels and looks like. [02:58] Is being overwhelmed having too much to do? [05:10] The unrealistic basis of chronic overwhelm. [05:48] Learning to delegate responsibility. [07:07] Poor or nonexistent boundaries. [11:02] How to do a brain dump. [12:54] The most powerful antidote to overwhelm. [15:35] Declare a daily finish line. [17:44] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

I'm thrilled to introduce Michelle Grosser, a powerhouse former trial lawyer, law professor, and a mom of two, with a story so many of us can relate to: outward success paired with hidden exhaustion and stress. She seemed to be managing it all until her body and mind hit their limits. Today, she's a nervous system strategist and the host of the Alive and Well podcast, who helps high-achieving women build burnout-proof lives. She'll guide you through science-backed strategies and simple, impactful daily habits that you can start using right away to break free from chronic stress and reclaim mental wellness. Together, we'll bust the cultural myths about success and perfection, and explore ways to create more energy, presence, and joy in our lives. If you crave a fuller, healthier chapter and practical, empowering tools to support a vibrant, resilient life, join us for this energizing, wisdom-packed conversation. Show Highlights: Fast-tracking to burnout and the roots of a driven nature. [02:23] Physical and mental signs of burnout. [05:30] Shift both the state and traits of burnout—recover and prevent. [07:37] The power of addition by subtraction to shed unneeded routines. [09:41] A simple tip to tune into your body and mind every day. [11:52] "Movement, stillness, play" daily trio for nervous system support. [19:23] What are somatic cues? [19:23] Life-changing tools to safely release emotions at home or work. [22:47] The role of the prefrontal cortex in nervous system strategy. [29:51] Access Michelle Grosser's podcast and her 17-page free guide. [33:02] To find Michelle's work, including the Alive and Well podcast, please visit https://michellegrosser.com. Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057

In this episode, I'm exploring a topic that touches all of us, yet one we so rarely anticipate: setbacks. I'll also reveal the art (and the necessity) of bouncing back from setbacks, how instead of defining us, they can shape us, helping us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I'm going to talk about the two different types of setbacks—permanent losses and temporary obstacles—and help you understand which ones require letting go and which call for persistence. I'm going to walk you through my "Bounce-Back Blueprint," a straightforward, three-step process that can help you recover from disappointments, extract meaningful lessons, reexamine your goals, and move forward with fresh energy and clarity. If you've ever gotten thrown off course, whether in your career, relationships, or personal pursuits, this episode will offer practical advice and encouragement to help you regain your momentum and step boldly into your next chapter. Show Highlights: Making sense of setbacks and resilience before bouncing back. [01:19] The type of setback the Bounce-Back Blueprint resolves. [02:47] The art of finding the lesson in a setback. [05:43] The power of seeing that life is "for" you. [07:01] Reevaluating goals after learning from a setback. [08:16] Learn to pause, recover, and then recommit. [09:58] A real-life scenario with the Bounce-Back Blueprint in action. [12:00] Plateauing with setbacks vs. rising with a comeback. [14:20] Do you need support from the Brilliant Balance community? [15:27] Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057