TAKING BACK CONTROL
The First 3 Simple Steps to Regaining Control and Direction in Your Life
There was an overwhelming response to my last blog post, which made me realize just how many people are quietly struggling behind the scenes. Most people suffer in silence, pushing through stress and challenges while trying to keep everything together. If that’s you, take a deep breath and acknowledge it — that in itself is a powerful first step. Once you see it clearly, you can begin to show yourself more kindness and care moving forward.
When I experienced burnout, I didn’t tell a soul. I masked it well. On the outside, I was high-functioning, but inside, I was depleted. I didn’t want anyone to know something was off. Sound familiar? As women — as leaders, professionals, business owners, moms — we often feel we need to do it all without ever showing signs of struggle. But it shouldn't come at the cost of our well-being.
Despite the internal battles, I achieved a lot. But recurring burnout was the wall I kept hitting — again and again — until I made real, lasting changes. As an Executive Coach and Burnout Coach, I now guide women through the same steps I took to rebuild a life with energy, confidence, and control. Here are the first three changes that helped me the most.
Tip 1: Slow Down
It sounds simple, but it’s anything but easy. Especially for those of us living fast, busy, performance-driven lives. I used to thrive on adrenaline — ticking boxes, taking on more, and constantly volunteering. Until it started taking more from me than it gave.
My first change? I said no. Just once. When a volunteer opportunity came up at work, I didn’t raise my hand. I felt guilty — but I also felt relief. I realized that constantly saying yes wasn’t sustainable. And I wasn’t the only one who could carry the load.
As a Life Coach and CEO Coach, I see this all the time. Slowing down doesn’t mean quitting everything — it means choosing consciously, conserving energy, and prioritizing what truly matters.
How to start slowing down:
Pinpoint one area causing overwhelm and list three simple changes you could make.
Give yourself a week or month to focus on that one shift.
Allow yourself to build from there — one small win at a time.
Tip 2: Accountability
Back then, I was saying “yes” to everything. Not because I had the time — but because I felt bad saying no. I had created unrealistic standards for myself, and no one was pushing harder than me.
Eventually, I realized that in saying yes to everything and everyone else, I was constantly saying no to myself.
As a Business Coach and Executive Coach, I help clients realign their energy with what truly matters to them. That starts with accountability — not just for tasks, but for the life you’re creating.
How to hold yourself accountable:
List what you’re responsible for each day or week — work, family, etc.
Identify where you're overstretching and reclaim time for the things you love.
Schedule your priorities. Don’t let your calendar dictate your life. Own it.
Tip 3: Boundaries
This was the hardest of all. I didn’t know how to say no without guilt. My version of “helping out” often meant pouring time, energy, and perfectionism into projects that were draining me.
Until one friend gave me a simple script: “Let me check my diary and get back to you.” That changed everything.
Now, as a Burnout Coach, I pass that same advice to clients: give yourself permission to pause before responding. You’re allowed to check in with your energy and capacity.
How to start setting boundaries:
Do a quick diary check before taking on new requests.
Align your boundaries with your values — say yes to what fuels you, not what drains you.
Stick to them. Boundaries only work when you protect them consistently.
These shifts may seem small, but they changed everything. The secret? Consistency over perfection.
Start with the 1% rule — make one tiny change a day. James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) says that doing this will make you 37x better in one year. That’s real transformation — slow, sustainable, and powerful.
If you’re feeling exhausted, overcommitted, or unsure how to move forward, know this: you're not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
I’m Claire O’Connor — Executive Coach, Life Coach, Business Coach, Burnout Coach, and CEO Coach.
I help high-achieving women and corporate teams overcome stress, prevent burnout, and improve personal and professional performance. Through 1:1 coaching, workshops, and my Back to Brilliance program, I’ll guide you in building clarity, confidence, and calm — on your terms.
Book a free 30-minute discovery call — no pressure, just a supportive conversation about where you are and where you want to go.
Click here to schedule your call: https://claireoconnor.co/discovery-call
Live Well,
Claire x
