Welcome to the Goldilocks Era: Finding "Just Right" After Burnout

Move over, Taylor Swift—there's a new era in town. Just like Taylor's iconic eras, from country sweetheart to pop powerhouse, I’ve found myself in my post burnout: “Goldilocks era."

Burnout: Been There, Done That

Burnout isn't just a trendy term; it's a gut punch that leaves you questioning everything (and I mean EVERYTHING). It seems like not so long ago, I was there—running on fumes, ignoring the glaring neon signs, and crying at the slightest inconvenience. Sally Clarke reminds us that Post Burnout Growth is a THING and for me, it's been years in the making.

The Quest for 'Just Right'

Burnout recovery wasn’t a walk in the park. It was more like a series of trial-and-error escapades. I used coaching, therapy, nutritional support, proprioceptive writing, energy medicine, somatic work and more to move through burnout. Even though I've considered myself out of burnout for a few years now, it seems that only recently have I found my sweet spot—my “just right.” This Goldilocks era is all about balance—not too much, not too little, but juuuust right.

Physical Health: Tune into the Body

Once upon a time, I’d either beast-mode my workouts or ghost the gym altogether. Now? I’ve hit the sweet spot. Whether it’s strutting on a power walk, getting zen with yoga, or busting a move in my living room, I’m all about movements that energize me without draining the tank. Right now, I'm going through some health stuff so exercise that might have felt good a few months ago doesn't right now and I'm okay with it. The thing about 'Just Right' is that it changes as you change - it's a guideline based on a feeling - not on a list you created one day when you were super ambitious or hopeful (new year's resolutions anyone??!).

Mental Health: Screen Breaks and Not Always On

Mental health is non-negotiable. I truly believed that unless I was working non stop, I wasn't valuable. When I was seeing patients, having a full patient load helped me feel like 'enough'. As an entrepreneur who works in a cloffice, I have had to learn that I'm not actually tied to my desk 40+ hours a week. I get to DECIDE and I get to shift those decisions daily based on what 'just right' means on that day! (wild, I know). Somedays I clock 10 hours because I'm in a flow. Somedays I watch Bridgerton at noon. Somedays I walk through forest paths for an hour or two mid day... why? Because that's just right on that day.

Community and Connection

Burnout can make you feel like a lone wolf, so I’ve made it a mission to stay connected. Professional networks, friends, family—I keep a tight circle of positive vibes. These connections feed my soul and remind me I’m not in this alone. This is something, if I'm honest - that I have to push myself to do a little. It's really easy to want to hide, to stay home, to not expose myself and because it can be a challenge, I limit my time at networking events. I go to the ones that I REALLY LOVE and work through any FOMO that might pop up when one is happening that sounds good but doesn't feel right, right now.

Owning the 'Just Right'

This Goldilocks era isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about finding what clicks for you and being willing to adjust it as you go along. It’s about tuning in, tweaking, and embracing life’s ups and downs with some self compassion and a whole lot of grace.

If you’re on the burnout recovery train, know that your Goldilocks era is possible. It takes time, it takes practice, and you'll sometimes take the soup that is too hot - but even that is a reminder that you can give it time to cool down and wait until it's "just right".

Tell me, what's your 'just right' today?

Can't wait to hear,

Cait

Hi! My name is Cait Donovan and you're here because either you subscribed to my LinkedIn Newsletter "End Burnout Culture" or because someone shared this on their page and you were intrigued. Either way, welcome!

My goal in life is to #endburnoutculture and I believe that we make that happen together, one 'just right' decision at a time. I believe that leaders and teams can collaborate to create cultures that don't perpetuate burnout and I love sharing with them how to make that happen with their company mission and values.

You can hire me for in person keynotes, virtual sessions, workshops, fireside chats, leadership development days and more.

Check out more at: https://caitdonovan.com