Hi friends,

Wanted to share a little update: I’m going to take a break from the newsletter for a couple weeks. After you read today’s newsletter, you’ll know why.

See you soon!

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I Burned Out on Burnout.

I used to write about burnout to help people feel less alone.

To share what I had walked through—panic, exhaustion, the quiet fear that maybe this is just how it would always be.

But over time, something shifted.

Every time I scheduled a post about burnout…
it pulled me right back to where I was three years ago.
The stress in my chest.
The 3 a.m. wake-ups.
The deep ache of being tired all the time—
but still pushing through because I thought I had to.

And ironically, I found myself burning out on talking about burnout.

In the middle of chaotic headlines,
a book launch that took every ounce of my energy,
and the quiet nudge to do something different
I kind of disappeared.

I know I did.

I wasn’t showing up like I used to.
Behind the scenes, I was rushing my kid to school while trying to comment on LinkedIn.
I was ending my day drained, designing graphics for the algorithm instead of being present with my family.
And if I’m honest? I was chasing likes the same way I once chased promotions and pats on the back in corporate.

So, I made a choice.

To step back.
Not because I don’t care—
But because I care deeply.

And I knew that to keep going, I had to subtract.

➖ I let go of the need for affirmation.
➖ I stopped caring so much about what people might think.
➖ I closed parts of my business that no longer aligned with who I was becoming.

I started choosing what filled me up:

✅ Time for joy.
✅ Space to be present.
✅ Energy to be intentional—with my work, my time, my people.

You don’t have to be perfect to build a thriving life, career or business.
You don’t have to burn out to prove that you’re committed.

You can choose to subtract.
To slow down.
To feel good again.

If this resonates, I’d love to hear what you might be ready to let go of.

Hit reply. Let’s talk.

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Quote

Question (Journaling Prompt)

"What would your life feel like if you stopped doing the things that no longer serve you?"

Action Step

Try the Subtraction Strategy:

Make a list of 3 things that are draining your time, energy, or joy.

Then ask yourself: What can I release, pause, or delegate—just for now?

Subtraction doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re choosing to breathe.

Statistic

89% of workers have experienced burnout in the past year. And entrepreneurs? Often even higher. Because we carry it all.

(Source: Asana’s Anatomy of Work Report)

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Until next week.

Thanks
Laura

Certified Executive Coach | Advisor | Author
Visit lauranguyen.co