Today’s email to you is a little different and I’m curious to know if you can relate to Alex’s story. Imagine you’re Alex, a respected manager known for your drive, expertise, and results. You’re the go-to person for problem-solving, constantly tackling a mountain of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
And today, like many days, the workload feels heavy. You’re pouring endless hours into managing it all—often at the expense of your personal time—leaving you feeling drained and questioning whether you’re truly making an impact.
As someone who has coached professionals in your shoes, I want to share a letter I’d write to YOU, (and Alex) to help you navigate a tough day:
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Hi
I hope you’re finding a moment to pause, even if just briefly (maybe you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat between meetings, while reading this email).
I see the energy you put into your work—you’re more than a manager; you’re a crucial anchor for your team and a vital part of the business. Yet, I know that sometimes, it can feel like you’re spinning your wheels, not getting enough support, constantly busy, and unsure of your impact or progress.
Recently, I worked with someone, like you, who shared how they felt trapped in a cycle of “putting out fires” instead of focusing on the strategic impact they want to make. Their days were filled with a growing to-do list and late nights, and the nagging feeling that things are just not progressing fast enough.
Sound familiar?
A recent study from McKinsey found that nearly 50% of managers feel overworked, spending a third of their time on tasks they should hand over, if only they had the time or trust to do so.
It’s a constant balancing act between your heavy workload and the amount of team support you can draw on, at any given moment.
It can often leave you feeling stuck and exhausted.
But there’s good news: within the chaos lies an opportunity for growth—the opportunity to build new habits and learn how to do things even better!
Imagine moving from feeling overwhelmed to empowered—making powerful strategic decisions, being able to rely on your team fully, leading with confidence, and reigniting your passion for the work you do.
What would it look like for you to have a clear plan that not only lightens your load but brings out your best and empowers your team to excel?
What if, instead of feeling trapped in your role, you could enjoy it and really see your impact and progress?
As you explore these questions, know that you are not alone. Many talented professionals face these challenges, and you have the power to shift your story.
Here are 3 things you can try right away (and they’ll only take a minute):
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Pause and Reset Take three deep breaths and do a quick scan of your body. Are there areas holding tension? Stand up, stretch, or shake it out to release any tightness. Ask yourself: Do you need a snack, some water, or a quick walk in fresh air? Even a few minutes to care for your basic needs can help shift your energy and clear your mind.
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Ask Yourself: What Would You Tell a Friend? Imagine your best friend is in your shoes right now. What advice would you give them? Chances are, you’d tell them to take a step back, acknowledge their hard work, and tackle things one step at a time. Now, give yourself the same compassion and permission to follow your own advice.
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Remind Yourself of Your Strengths—and Seek Support Remember that you’ve earned your reputation through hard work and expertise. You’re doing a great job, even if today feels tough. Know that you don’t have to carry it all alone. Identify one task you can delegate, or a small responsibility you can share with a team member to ease your load right now. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As you read this, you’re probably thinking—I don’t even have time to read this letter, let alone do any of those things mentioned—and you’re right! Those tips are quick fixes that may or may not give you temporary relief before the feeling of overwhelm catches you again. I want you to know that I’ve worked with many people who felt (notice past tense!) exactly as you do.
Together, we created the appropriate strategies for them that relieved immediate pressures and laid a foundation for long-term ease and success. If this sounds like a path you’d like to explore, I’d love to have a conversation.
Let’s transform your drive and commitment to excellence into empowered, impactful leadership. Does this letter resonate with you? Does it help take a breath?
If so, take a moment to reflect on how a fresh perspective could transform the way you perform your role—with energy, enthusiasm and satisfaction.
Here’s to transforming stress into strength, and stepping into impactful leadership