Overwhelmed Working Woman: Boost Productivity, Master Time Management, Overcome Overwhelm & Stop People Pleasing

As a busy working woman, you probably have a never-ending to-do list filled with emails, deadlines, and requests from other people. Even when you know what matters most, the urgent stuff can easily take priority, leaving your bigger goals and personal projects waiting for a quieter week that never seems to come. In this episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, Michelle Gauthier shares how to use the Eisenhower Matrix to organize your tasks, prioritize what matters, and finally make progress on t...

What if the key to feeling less annoyed by other people isn’t changing their behavior, but changing how you interpret it? When someone ignores your text, drops the ball at work, or does something differently than you would, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and let frustration take over. But when you’re already juggling work, family, and a never-ending to-do list, those assumptions can add even more unnecessary stress to your day. In this revisited episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, Michell...

Are you busy all day but still feel like your most important work isn't getting done? If you're constantly saying yes to everyone, beating yourself up for falling behind, or spending too much time deciding what to do next, you might be dealing with productivity killers you don't even realize are holding you back. In this milestone 300th episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, life coach Michelle Gauthier reveals the three habits that quietly sabotage your productivity before you even get starte...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Do you feel like everything in your life needs to be done at an A-plus level, even when you're already exhausted and overwhelmed? As a high-achieving working woman, you're probably used to holding yourself to high standards. But when you try to give your best to everything — your career, your home, your health, and your family — something eventually has to give. And too often, the people and priorities you love most get wha...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Do you ever check everything off your to-do list and still go to bed feeling like you haven’t done enough? If you’re a busy working woman who constantly feels behind, focuses on what you didn’t accomplish, or struggles to recognize how far you’ve come, your approach to measuring progress might be the problem. In this episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, Michelle Gauthier shares the difference between measuring yourself aga...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Have you ever finally found a free hour to get things done, only to waste the entire time deciding what to work on? When everything on your to-do list feels equally urgent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, lose focus, and end up doing nothing that actually moves you forward. The good news? You don’t need more time to be productive. You need a simple way to decide what matters before your free time arrives. In this episode of O...

Do you feel like you can’t truly relax after work because there’s always one more email, task, or open loop demanding your attention? When your work has no natural finish line, trying to complete everything before you leave can keep you mentally stuck in work mode long after the workday ends. You may technically leave the office, but your brain comes home with you—replaying your to-do list, answering emails, or planning tomorrow instead of being present with the people you love. In this episo...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Being busy can feel like productivity, especially when your inbox is full, your to-do list keeps growing, and you're constantly checking things off. But there’s a difference between doing a lot and making meaningful progress. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier explores why “busy” has become a status symbol, how your brain can prioritize urgency over what actually matters, and why spending your day on “work about work” may b...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if the fastest way to quiet your inner critic isn't to argue with it—but to simply stop giving it your attention? Negative self-talk can drain your confidence, productivity, and energy before your day even gets started. When you try to prove those critical thoughts wrong, you may actually give them more power by continuing the conversation. In this episode, you'll learn a simple way to create distance from your inner c...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Do you ever make a small mistake at work, fix it, and then spend the rest of the day—or even the night—replaying it and beating yourself up? Negative self-talk can turn a minor mistake into hours of lost mental energy and productivity. Instead of simply fixing the problem and moving forward, your inner critic keeps the mistake alive with thoughts like “I’m so stupid” or “Why do I always mess things up?” In this episode, Mich...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if the difference between ending your day feeling calm and ending it completely overwhelmed came down to a handful of small choices you make throughout the day? You don't necessarily need a less busy job, more responsible kids, or fewer things on your to-do list to feel less overwhelmed. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier walks through two versions of the exact same day: overwhelmed Annie and calm Caroline. From the mo...

Are you spending days, weeks, or even months rehearsing a difficult conversation in your head because you're waiting for the “right time” to finally have it? Difficult conversations can feel risky when you're worried about being misunderstood, disappointing someone, damaging a relationship, or being seen as unkind. But avoiding the conversation doesn't necessarily make the discomfort disappear. Instead, you may find yourself caught in what Sara Fisk calls “good girl math”—constantly calculati...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Are you actually stressed—or are you overwhelmed by too many things piling up at once? If you’ve been trying to push through your never-ending to-do list but your brain feels fuzzy, scattered, and unable to figure out where to start, you may be dealing with something very different from ordinary stress. In this episode, Michelle breaks down the important difference between stress and overwhelm—and why knowing which one you’r...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Have you ever said yes because you thought, “If I don’t do it, nobody will”—only to feel resentful, overwhelmed, and frustrated afterward? If you're the capable woman who always figures things out, handles the details, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks, your capability may have quietly turned into an obligation. In this episode, you'll learn what's really happening when you say yes out of guilt or people pleasi...

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Live Class: https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/offers/gAtYyHen/checkout What if you could be around someone who is stressed, frantic, or in a terrible mood without letting their emotions become yours? It’s easy to believe you’ll finally feel calm once everything around you settles down. But life is always going to be a little wild—and other people’s moods, stress, and energy are outside your control. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier talks with the...

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Live Class: https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/offers/gAtYyHen/checkout What if the reason you can't stick to your habits isn't a lack of discipline—but that the habits were never designed for your real life? If you're an overwhelmed working woman juggling invisible labor, unpredictable schedules, changing energy levels, and constant interruptions, traditional habit advice can leave you feeling like you're failing when the real problem is the method...

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Live Class: https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/offers/gAtYyHen/checkout What if the solution to overwhelm is deciding what you simply won't do? If your calendar is packed, your brain is constantly making decisions, and you're tired of trying to squeeze more into every day, a better to-do list may not be the answer. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier shares the final seven rules on her personal to-don't list—simple decisions she has made once so she ...

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Live Class: https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/offers/gAtYyHen/checkout Ever arrive at your destination still gripping the steering wheel, replaying what happened in traffic, and carrying that frustration into the rest of your day? A stressful drive can affect much more than your commute. When someone cuts you off, traffic slows you down, or another driver makes a dangerous move, it's easy to believe the situation itself is causing your overwhelm. B...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Are you bad at time management—or are you simply trying to fit more into your day than your day can physically hold? If you're constantly running late, juggling an unfinished to-do list, double-booking your calendar, and feeling like everyone else has figured out how to manage life except you, this episode will challenge the way you think about your overwhelm. You'll discover why the problem isn't that you're flawed or undis...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if the fastest way to reduce your overwhelming to-do list isn't getting better at checking things off—but deciding what you will never do in the first place? If your calendar and to-do list keep filling up faster than you can clear them, you may not need another productivity system. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier shares her approach to creating a “to-don’t list”: a set of personal rules that automatically eliminate...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Have you ever started decluttering, created an even bigger mess, and immediately regretted opening that can of worms? Clutter can quickly become another source of overwhelm, especially when a decluttering project feels so big that you don't know where to start—or when the mess gets worse before it gets better. In this episode, you'll learn how to reframe that messy middle and use a simple approach to make decluttering feel ...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Are you carrying so much of the emotional and household labor in your marriage that you’re starting to wonder whether the relationship itself is contributing to your overwhelm? For many working women, marriage can quietly become another source of stress when they become the default parent, cleaner, shopper, planner, and emotional caretaker. Therapist and divorce specialist Oona Metz explains why 70% of divorces in straight ...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed isn’t who you are—and calm is actually your natural state? As an overwhelmed working woman, it can be easy to believe you’ll finally feel calm when your inbox is empty, your family needs less from you, or life simply slows down. But the world may never settle down enough to give you the calm you’re waiting for. In this episode, therapist MJ Murray Vachon shares a practical ap...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Could your bedroom be quietly contributing to your overwhelm every night—even when you’re trying to relax? Your bedroom is supposed to be your refuge, but when it becomes a storage space, home office, laundry drop zone, or catch-all for unfinished tasks, your brain may continue scanning the room for everything you still need to do. The good news? You don't need to completely declutter your bedroom to create more calm. In thi...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Do you wake up after a full night’s sleep feeling completely exhausted—and wonder why you can’t seem to catch up no matter how hard you try? If you’re the woman everyone relies on—the one who handles the work, remembers the details, solves the problems, and keeps everything moving—your exhaustion may have very little to do with sleep. It may come from the belief that everything depends on you and that your value is connected...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Do you keep giving yourself more time to get something “just right,” only to find that the task somehow takes even longer? If you’re an overwhelmed, high-achieving working woman, you may believe that more time equals better work. But Parkinson’s Law suggests the opposite: work expands to fill the time you give it. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier explains how perfectionism, overthinking, and unlimited timelines can keep y...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Are you overwhelmed before 8 a.m. because getting dressed has turned into a daily decision-making marathon? Your closet might not be the real problem—it may be the thoughts and decisions you have attached to getting dressed. When you're constantly asking yourself what to wear, trying on multiple outfits, and second-guessing how you look, you're starting your day with unnecessary decision fatigue and overwhelm. In this quick...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme Are you exhausted and numb even though everyone around you thinks you’re absolutely killing it? High-functioning burnout doesn’t always look like burnout. You may be meeting deadlines, managing your household, taking care of everyone else, and checking every box while secretly feeling exhausted and disconnected. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier breaks down what high-functioning burnout really looks like, the “pink flags” ...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if just five quiet minutes each morning could help you feel calmer, more present, and more productive before the busy fall season begins? As summer winds down, it's easy to slip back into rushing, multitasking, and feeling overwhelmed before school schedules and work routines ramp up again. In this episode, Michelle shares an unexpected lesson from an unplugged vacation that shows how a simple morning practice can help ...

Set up a consultation with me here: www.michellegauthier.com/bookme How many of the things filling your calendar today came from saying "yes" before you even realized you had a choice? If you're constantly wondering how your schedule became so overwhelming, the answer may not be the big commitments—it's the dozens of tiny, automatic yeses you make every day. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier uncovers why capable, high-achieving women default to saying yes, why traditional boundary-setting o...

Are you halfway through the year wondering what happened to the goals you were so excited about in January? If you've been busy checking off everyone else's priorities while your own goals have quietly slipped into the background, you're not alone. In this episode, Michelle shares a refreshing approach to a mid-year review that replaces guilt, hustle, and self-criticism with curiosity, bold thinking, and intentional action. You'll discover how to reconnect with your goals without adding more ...

What if the fastest way to help an anxious teen—or yourself—isn't another strategy, but learning how to pause before stress takes over? Today's teens are facing unprecedented pressure from academics, sports, social media, friendships, and uncertainty about the future. But the truth is, adults experience many of these same stressors every day. In this conversation, health and wellness coach Laura Ollinger shares practical tools that help both teens and adults interrupt stress spirals, regulate...

One of the biggest sources of your overwhelm might be hiding in plain sight. If you've ever walked past a pile of mail, an overstuffed drawer, or a storage room full of things you "might need someday," you're carrying more than physical clutter. Every unfinished pile represents a decision your brain is still tracking, quietly draining your mental energy. In this episode, Michelle explains why clutter feels so heavy, why organizing alone doesn't solve the problem, and how making just a few sim...

Have you ever said "yes" just because you didn't want someone to be disappointed—even when you desperately wanted to say "no"? Many working women believe being "nice" means putting everyone else's needs ahead of their own. But what if that habit isn't kindness at all? In this episode, Michelle unpacks the surprising connection between people-pleasing and control, explains why honesty is actually the kinder choice, and shares a simple mindset shift that helps you set boundaries without guilt. ...

Have you ever agreed to something before you even had a chance to think about whether you actually wanted to say yes? If setting boundaries still feels uncomfortable no matter how much advice you've heard, you're not alone. In this episode, Michelle explains why your nervous system can interpret a simple request as a threat, causing you to default to people-pleasing before your logical brain has a chance to respond. You'll learn how to interrupt that automatic pattern so you can make decision...

Have you ever felt like people keep crossing your boundaries—even after you've clearly communicated them? If you're constantly saying yes when you want to say no, working later than you planned, or feeling responsible for everyone else's reactions, this episode will completely change how you think about boundaries. Instead of trying to control other people's behavior, you'll discover how to make decisions that protect your priorities, reduce burnout, and help you respond with confidence—even ...

What if your overwhelm isn't just draining your energy—but quietly costing you money? Many working women believe the path to earning more is simply working harder. But what if the same habits creating stress, burnout, and constant overwhelm are also limiting your financial growth? In this episode, Michelle explores the surprising connection between building wealth and creating a calmer life through insights from Rachel Rodgers' bestselling book We Should All Be Millionaires. By listening, you...

Many overwhelmed working women believe the answer is to work harder and push through exhaustion. But constantly saying yes and staying available only creates more stress and leaves little room for the life you actually want. In this episode, Michelle shares why one intentional boundary can create positive ripple effects across every area of your life. After listening, you'll discover: Why the temporary discomfort of setting a boundary is worth the lasting benefits. How one cl...

What if the biggest thing standing between you and a relaxing vacation isn't your workload—but the guilt you carry with you? If you're an overwhelmed working woman, taking time off doesn't always feel restful. Maybe you're checking emails by the pool, thinking about your to-do list during family time, or feeling anxious the moment you disconnect. Only 9% of women truly relax on vacation and we want to help you become one of them. In this episode, you will: Learn how to set up a true wor...

If you're constantly rushing, saying yes to everyone, and ending every day exhausted, you're not alone. Most overwhelmed women try to solve stress by working harder or becoming more organized, only to feel even more burned out. In this episode, you'll discover a different approach: changing the thoughts that create overwhelm, intentionally doing less, and building habits that lead to lasting calm and confidence. By listening, you will: Discover the hidden mindset patterns that silently ...

Are you avoiding setting boundaries with friends because you're afraid you'll ruin the relationship? If you're a people pleaser or an overwhelmed working woman, you've probably stayed quiet to avoid conflict—even when a friendship leaves you feeling uncomfortable or resentful. In this episode, Michelle shares why the conversations you fear most are often the ones that create healthier, more authentic relationships and greater peace of mind. By listening, you will: Learn the three-step p...

Are you constantly solving everyone else’s problems and wondering why you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and secretly resentful? If you're the person everyone turns to for advice, support, and solutions, you may have fallen into the role of a "serial fixer." While helping others feels compassionate, constantly taking ownership of problems that aren't yours can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a loss of connection with yourself. In this episode, therapist and author Leah Marone explains ...

Have you ever tried someone else’s productivity system only to quit because it just didn’t work for you? If you've been told that you need more discipline, a perfect morning routine, or a color-coded schedule to be productive, this episode offers a different perspective. The real issue may not be your motivation—it may be that you're trying to force yourself into a system that doesn't match how you naturally work. In this episode, you'll learn how understanding your personality, energy, and m...

Do you feel exhausted, irritable, forgetful, or unlike yourself lately—and wonder if it's stress, aging… or something else entirely? Many high-achieving women assume brain fog, mood swings, overwhelm, and declining energy are simply the price of getting older or having too much on their plate. But what if these frustrating changes are actually signs of perimenopause? In this episode, menopause specialist Dana Culp explains why so many women suffer in silence, how to recognize the symptoms, an...

Have you ever walked into a conversation feeling fine and left carrying someone else’s stress, anxiety, or bad mood for the rest of the day? If you're an empathetic person, it's easy to absorb the emotions of friends, coworkers, family members, or even the situations you see on TV. The problem is that taking on someone else’s anxiety doesn’t actually help them—it only leaves you feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and responsible for problems that aren’t yours. By listening, you w...

www.michellegauthier.com/bookme What if your overwhelm has nothing to do with poor time management—and everything to do with your addiction to doing more? If you’re a high-achieving woman constantly searching for better systems, productivity hacks, or the perfect planner, you may be solving the wrong problem. Many successful women believe they’re overwhelmed because they need to get more organized, when the real issue is chronic overcommitment. By listening to this episode, you’ll disco...

What if the frustration you’re feeling right now isn’t actually being caused by the situation itself—but by the story your mind created about it? In this episode, Michelle shares a powerful real-life coaching story about a mom struggling with resentment when her college-aged son comes home and completely disconnects from the household routine. Through one simple mindset shift, she discovers how changing the meaning behind a situation can instantly soften frustration, reduce overwhelm, and cre...

Do you wake up at 2 a.m. doing sleep math in your head and wondering why your body refuses to calm down? If you’re an overwhelmed, stressed-out woman who feels exhausted but still can’t sleep, this episode, featuring life coach and former bad sleeper Lauren Rapaport, will help you understand what’s really keeping you awake. From racing thoughts and nighttime anxiety to stress that builds up during the day, Lauren shares practical tools that help calm your nervous system and make falling back ...

What if procrastination has nothing to do with laziness—and everything to do with the emotions you’re avoiding? If you constantly put off important tasks while staying busy with everything else, this episode will help you understand why. High-achieving women often assume procrastination means they’re undisciplined or bad at time management, but the real issue is usually emotional avoidance. This conversation uncovers the hidden fears, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and resentment that keep y...

Have you ever reached summer hoping life would finally feel lighter—only to find yourself just as overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted as before? For high-achieving working women, summer often brings a different version of stress instead of real relief. Between managing kids, work responsibilities, vacations, household logistics, and the pressure to “enjoy every moment,” it’s easy to feel guilty for not being more present or relaxed. In this episode, Michelle Gauthier explains why summer ove...

When was the last time you truly rested without feeling guilty or thinking about everything you “should” be doing? So many working women have been conditioned to believe their worth is tied to productivity, which makes slowing down feel uncomfortable—even when they desperately need rest. In this episode, Michelle unpacks the hidden belief keeping women stuck in overwhelm and explains why constantly pushing through is costing more than just energy. In this episode, you will: Discover the...

Are you constantly worried you’re forgetting a school event, appointment, birthday party, or important family detail? Modern parenting comes with an invisible mental load that many working women silently carry every single day. In this episode, Amy Briggs shares how witnessing overwhelmed moms struggle behind closed doors inspired her to build Aviva — a smart scheduling app designed to reduce stress, save time, and give parents more mental bandwidth for what matters most. In this episode, you...

Do you ever say “yes” to requests before you’ve even had time to think about whether you actually want to? Many overwhelmed, high-achieving women have been conditioned to believe that being agreeable keeps them safe, successful, and liked. But constantly saying yes can quietly lead to resentment, exhaustion, and feeling disconnected from your own needs. In this episode, Michelle unpacks the hidden “fawning” response behind people pleasing and explains why learning to pause before responding c...

Do you constantly find yourself running just a few minutes late — and starting your day already feeling stressed and frazzled? For many overwhelmed working women, chronic lateness isn’t about laziness or poor planning. It’s often driven by hidden thinking patterns like optimism bias, people pleasing, and overpacking every minute of the day. In this episode, Michelle unpacks why running late creates unnecessary mental stress, how it impacts your nervous system and focus, and the simple mindset...

What if saying “no” to just one thing this week could instantly make you feel calmer and less overwhelmed? For many working women, May feels like a pressure cooker filled with work deadlines, school events, family obligations, and endless expectations to “handle it all.” In this episode, Michelle shares why constantly saying yes keeps you stuck in overwhelm—and how one small, intentional no can help you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind. In this episode, you will: Learn how t...

What if your stress and anxiety aren’t just happening in your mind—but are actually signals from a nervous system that desperately needs recovery? If you constantly feel overwhelmed, tense, exhausted, or stuck in “go mode,” this episode will help you understand why traditional self-care often isn’t enough. Michelle Bloyd-Fink explains how chronic stress impacts the body, why intentional rest is biologically necessary, and how even five minutes of simple breathwork can dramatically shift the w...

Are you staying busy because you’re productive… or because you’re avoiding something deeper? For many working women, constant busyness feels like responsibility—but it can quietly become a way to avoid uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. When every moment is filled, there’s no space to process what’s really going on, which can lead to burnout, disconnection, and feeling stuck despite doing “all the right things.” After listening, you will: Understand what a “buffer” is and how busyness...

What if everything you believe about overwhelm is actually keeping you stuck? If you’re constantly trying to do more, push harder, and stay on top of everything—but still feel overwhelmed—this episode flips that approach on its head. After 3 years, 250+ episodes, and coaching countless women, Michelle is using this special anniversary episode to break down the core truths that reveal why overwhelm persists and what actually creates calm and control. In this episode, you will: Understand...

What if your overwhelm isn’t coming from big projects—but from the tiny tasks you keep avoiding? If your to-do list feels endless and your brain never seems to shut off, the real problem might be the small, unfinished tasks constantly pulling at your attention. Every time you delay something quick—like replying to an email or scheduling an appointment—you’re reopening that mental loop again and again, adding unnecessary stress and mental clutter. In this episode, you will: Learn why sma...

Ever stood in front of a full closet and still felt like you had nothing to wear? If getting dressed feels like the most stressful decision of your day, you’re not alone. Many overwhelmed working women waste time overthinking outfits, chasing trends, or buying more clothes—only to feel less confident. This episode, featuring self-processed outfit formula lady Lauren Owens, introduces a refreshingly simple approach to getting dressed that removes decision fatigue and helps you feel put-togethe...

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed has nothing to do with your to-do list, and everything to do with your thinking? If you’re constantly juggling too much, overthinking decisions, or trying to keep everyone happy, it’s easy to blame your schedule or circumstances. But what if the root cause of your overwhelm is actually the thoughts running through your mind? In this episode, you’ll discover how your thinking patterns are quietly fueling your stress—and how a simple shift can change...

What would your life look like if you stopped worrying about what everyone else thinks of you? If you constantly replay conversations, say yes when you want to say no, or feel stretched thin trying to keep everyone happy, you’re not alone. People pleasing feels like the “right” thing to do—but it often leads to overwhelm, exhaustion, and surface-level relationships. This episode breaks down what really happens when you let go of that habit. In this episode, you will: Gain mental clarity...

Why does Mother’s Day so often leave you feeling disappointed—even when, on paper, everything went “fine”? If you’ve ever ended Mother’s Day feeling unseen, frustrated, or oddly let down, you’re not alone. Many working moms carry invisible expectations into the day—hoping to feel appreciated, relaxed, and cared for—without ever clearly asking for what they actually want. This episode uncovers why that gap between expectation and reality creates stress, and how to take back control of your exp...

Are you doing everything “right” with your health—but still feel exhausted, anxious, and stuck? My guest today, personal trainer and hormone health coach Molly McNamee, knows all about that, because she's lived it. If you’re an overwhelmed woman juggling work, life, and wellness, this episode uncovers the hidden reason your efforts aren’t paying off—chronic stress. Even when you’re eating well and exercising, elevated cortisol can block weight loss, drain your energy, and keep your body stuck...

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed isn’t your workload—but your inability to say no to things that aren't essential? If you’re constantly busy but still feel behind, this episode, a review of Essentialism by Greg McKeown, will hit home. Most working women are told to manage their time better or try new productivity hacks, but the real issue is prioritizing what actually matters. Without that clarity, your to-do list keeps growing while your energy drains. In this episode, you will: ...

Do you say yes when you really mean no—and instantly regret it? If you constantly feel overcommitted, drained, or guilty for wanting time to yourself, this episode tackles the real reason saying no feels so hard—and why it keeps you stuck in overwhelm. In this episode, you will: Learn three simple types of “no” you can use in any situation Get nine ready-to-use phrases that make setting boundaries easier Shift your mindset so saying no feels honest instead of self...

Are you physically present—but mentally stuck replaying the past or worrying about what’s next? If you constantly feel overwhelmed, distracted, or disconnected, your brain may be pulling you out of the present moment without you even realizing it. This episode breaks down why that happens and how it quietly fuels stress, anxiety, and lack of focus in your daily life. In this episode, you will: Learn why your brain defaults to the past and future—and how it increases overwhelm &nbs...

Are your “relaxing nights” (hello, Netflix + snacks) actually a hidden sign of burnout? My guest this week, Wendy Meadows, knows all about having a life that looks good on paper but leaves you burned out. Sound familiar? Burnout doesn’t always show up as total exhaustion or a breakdown—it can sneak in through brain fog, irritability, clumsiness, and coping mechanisms you don’t even question. This conversation breaks down what’s really happening and how to catch it early. In this episode, you ...

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances—but the way you talk to yourself every day? Many women struggle with constant negative self-talk. Even when life looks successful on the outside, the inner voice can be full of criticism, doubt, and pressure. In this episode, Michelle explores powerful insights from the book Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant and explains how learning to practice self-love can dramatically change the way you think, f...

Have you ever noticed headaches, back pain, or exhaustion showing up before you even realize how stressed you are? Many working women assume stress is only happening in their thoughts—overthinking, worrying, or feeling overwhelmed. But your body is often the first place stress shows up. High achievers and people pleasers are especially skilled at pushing through discomfort, ignoring physical warning signs until the stress builds so much that their body forces them to slow down. In this episod...

Do you ever say, “Sure, no problem!” to a request—only to regret it seconds later when you remember how full your schedule already is? Many working women fall into the habit of saying yes automatically because they want to be helpful, avoid awkwardness, or keep others happy. But every quick yes adds another commitment to your already full plate. In this episode, you’ll learn how a simple pause—and one powerful sentence—can help you stop reacting in the moment and start making intentional deci...

Have you ever thought, “I know what I should be doing for my health… so why can’t I actually do it?” For many overwhelmed working women, the struggle with health isn’t about knowledge—it’s about the relationship we have with our bodies. Comparing ourselves to social media, unrealistic standards, or even our younger selves often creates shame and frustration. In this episode, nutritionist and personal trainer Elizabeth Dall explains why sustainable change starts with self-acceptance, not restr...

What if your success had far less to do with talent—and far more to do with one skill you can build starting today? That's the premise behind of one my favorite books: Grit, by Angela Duckworth. It’s easy to believe you’re either naturally good at something, or you’re not. When things feel hard, uncomfortable, or slow, you might assume it’s a sign to cut your losses and quit. But what if the real predictor of success isn’t talent, intelligence, or even motivation—but your ability to stay cons...

What if the reason you’re still overwhelmed isn’t your workload—but the belief that working harder will fix it? If you’re an overwhelmed working woman who responds to stress by doubling down and pushing through, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. When your nervous system is fried, your brain literally functions worse—leading to slower processing, decision fatigue, procrastination, and shame spirals. The problem isn’t your time management skills. It’s your energy regulation. And th...

Are you trying to be more productive by following advice that doesn’t actually fit who you are? If you’re a working woman who feels constantly overwhelmed, distracted, or behind, the problem might not be your discipline — it might be that you’re planning your days around what works for someone else. Productivity culture pushes rigid schedules, early mornings, and hyper-detailed plans, but those approaches can actually increase stress when they don’t match your personality, energy, or fo...

Are you surviving your life… or actually thriving in it? If you’ve ever dreaded Monday morning, questioned your career path, or felt like you “should” want the next promotion but don’t, you’re not alone. My guest this week, engineer and positive psychology expert Karli Auble knows that high-achieving professionals—especially women in demanding industries—often push through burnout, ignore their instincts, and settle for “fine.” This episode explores how positive psychology can help you ...

Why do some women stick to habits effortlessly while others feel like they’re constantly failing—no matter how hard they try? If you’ve ever labeled yourself as lazy, undisciplined, or bad at time management, this episode may completely shift your perspective. In The Four Tendencies, author Gretchen Rubin explains that productivity and habit-building aren’t about trying harder—they’re about understanding how you naturally respond to expectations. When you work against your personality, you cr...

What if your overwhelm isn’t a time management or motivation problem… but a volume problem? If you constantly feel behind, stretched thin, and responsible for everything, you’re not alone. So many working women believe they should be able to do it all — but that belief is exactly what keeps you overwhelmed. This episode breaks down a simple, practical framework to immediately reduce the number of things on your plate without sacrificing what matters most. In this episode, you’ll learn: A powe...

Have you ever had one small email instantly spiral into a full-blown fear about losing your job, your home, and your entire future? If your brain tends to jump to worst-case scenarios—especially at work—this episode is for you. Spiraling doesn’t mean you’re bad at handling stress or that something is actually wrong; it means your nervous system is activated and craving safety. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize a spiral as it’s happening and stop it before it hijacks your focus, e...

What if the rules you’ve been following—at work, in leadership, or even in parenting—are the very thing holding you back? If you’ve ever felt stuck, guilty, or unsure whether you’re allowed to want something different, this episode is for you. Lauren Wittenberg Weiner shares how she built—and sold—a $100M company in one of the most rule-bound industries imaginable by learning which rules to follow, which to question, and which to change. This conversation speaks directly to high-achieving wom...

Have you ever felt deeply disappointed even though, technically, nothing went wrong? If you’ve ever walked away from a day, a weekend, or a relationship feeling frustrated and stressed — without knowing exactly why — this episode will hit home. You’ll see how unspoken expectations quietly create emotional overwhelm and how easily we project our plans onto others without realizing it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most disappointment comes from expectations you never said out loudHow assu...

What if being “so busy” isn’t proof that you’re doing life right—but a pink flag that something deeper needs your attention? Many women have learned to equate packed calendars with worth, productivity, and success—yet still feel exhausted, guilty when resting, or uneasy when things slow down. This episode explores why busyness feels validating, how culture rewards hustle, and how staying busy can quietly keep you from facing what you really need. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn: Ho...

Have you ever said, “I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now”—and felt completely stuck because of it? If you’re a busy, overwhelmed woman trying to manage stress, emotions, relationships, and responsibilities all at once, Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart can help. This episode breaks down why understanding your emotions—not ignoring them—is the key to feeling calmer, more connected, and more in control. By listening to this episode, you’ll: Understand the critical difference between str...

Have you ever reached a level of success and thought, “I don’t want the next promotion… but I don’t know what I want instead”? My guest this week, author and coach (and former aerospace engineer!) Cassie Leonard lived it. High-achieving women — especially in demanding fields like STEM — are burning out not because they’re failing, but because they’re succeeding inside a system that was never designed to support their full lives. This episode explores why burnout isn’t about working har...

Do you feel a rush of anxiety the moment a text or email comes in — like you have to reply immediately? If you’re trying to stop people pleasing, your phone might be one of your biggest practice tools. Texts and emails give you something people pleasers rarely take advantage of: time. In this episode, you’ll learn how slowing down your responses can help you stop saying yes out of guilt and start responding with intention. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to break the habit of replying imme...

What if the reason you haven’t manifested what you want yet isn’t because it “doesn’t work,” but because you’re missing one critical step? If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated that your life isn’t changing fast enough—despite trying to “think positive”—this episode breaks down what manifestation actually looks like in real life. You’ll learn how to stop wishing and start intentionally creating more joy, peace, and fulfillment using simple, practical shifts you can start today...

Have you ever wondered why you’re exhausted even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, Michelle talks about Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski. If you’re an overwhelmed working woman who’s constantly busy, people-pleasing, and holding it all together while feeling emotionally drained, this episode breaks down why burnout isn’t about your schedule—it’s about what your body is carrying. In this epis...

Does budgeting feel stressful, restrictive, or like something you should be doing—but secretly avoid? If you make good money but still feel confused about where it’s all going, you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, Michelle sits down with the Budget Besties to unpack why budgeting feels overwhelming for so many working women—and how to replace chaos with a calm, automated system that actually works with your life. After listening, you’ll: Understand why traditional budgeting metho...

What if the reason you feel stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed has less to do with your circumstances—and more to do with what your brain is trained to notice? If you’re skeptical of manifesting or feel like vision boards and positive thinking don’t fit into your real, busy life, this episode offers a refreshing and practical perspective. You’ll learn how your brain’s built-in filtering system shapes what you notice, experience, and ultimately attract—without requiring blind belief or magical th...

Have you ever started the year determined to change everything — only to feel overwhelmed before January is even over? If you’re a driven, capable working woman who feels pressure to do more, try harder, and improve every area of your life at once, this episode will help you understand why that approach backfires — and what actually creates calm, sustainable change. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “confetti goals” create more overwhelm instead of real progressHow the belief that doing more...

What if the reason last year didn’t go the way you hoped isn’t because you failed — but because no one ever taught you how to evaluate it properly? As a working woman, you’re juggling career, family, relationships, health, and endless expectations — and when a year doesn’t feel great, it’s easy to default to self-criticism. In this episode, Michelle shares a real, vulnerable look at her own year and walks you through a calm, compassionate way to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to...

What if you didn’t need to totally reinvent yourself this year to finally feel calm, focused, and in control? If you’re an overwhelmed working woman who feels pressure every January to fix everything at once, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Instead of chasing unrealistic resolutions, Michelle invites you to a grounded, intentional way to plan your year—one that builds on what’s already working in your life without adding more stress. By signing up for Your Best Year 2026, y...

Do you ever hit big goals—but still feel like you’re failing? In this episode of Overwhelmed Working Woman, Michelle talks about The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. If you’re ambitious, growth-minded, and constantly pushing for more, this episode explains why success can feel so unsatisfying—and how a simple mindset shift can completely change the way you experience progress, motivation, and confidence. By listening, you’ll discover: How to stop feeling behind no matt...

Have you ever collapsed into bed at the end of the day wondering why you’re so exhausted—before the holidays even arrive? If the holidays feel overwhelming, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong—it’s because you’re carrying an enormous amount of invisible work. From tracking gifts and budgets to coordinating schedules and making everything feel “magical,” this episode speaks directly to the mental load working women quietly manage every holiday season. In this episode, you’ll discover...

Are you actually struggling with time management—or is perfectionism quietly keeping you stuck and overwhelmed? If you constantly feel busy but still struggle to finish things, second-guess your work, or delay putting yourself out there, this episode will help you understand why. Perfectionism often disguises itself as productivity, planning, or “high standards,” but underneath it is fear that keeps you from taking meaningful action. When you listen, you'll gain: A clear understanding o...

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you’re either completely frozen—or running at full speed with no relief in sight? If you’re juggling work, family, and responsibilities that never seem to end, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. My former client, Jenny Connors, is busy — she's a nonprofit founder, foster parent, and artist — and her life felt like total chaos until coaching helped her finally step out of survival mode. In this episode, you will: Learn how unrealistic self-exp...

Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with a life that looks good on the outside but feels overwhelming on the inside? So many women silently battle the pressure to achieve, overperform, and stay constantly available—yet still wonder why they feel disconnected, frantic, or numb. This episode unpacks the powerful lessons from Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist and shows how slowing down can restore presence, peace, and your true sense of self. In this episode, you’ll discover: Wh...

Feeling that holiday pressure building already—and wishing you could actually enjoy the season instead of just surviving it? If December always leaves you overwhelmed, overstretched, or quietly resentful, this episode breaks down exactly why the holidays feel so heavy—and how a few simple shifts can finally bring you the peace, calm, and breathing room you've been craving. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to prioritize what actually matters so your holiday season becomes lighter and m...

Is your workspace quietly adding to your overwhelm without you even realizing it? In a world where we work from dining tables, couches, bedrooms, or crowded offices, the lack of boundaries around where and how we work has become a major—and often overlooked—source of stress. This episode helps you understand why your environment may be working against you and how a few simple questions can dramatically reduce your overwhelm. Listeners will discover: • The real reasons your physical work...