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Remember when being “busy” was everyone’s favourite badge of honour?

“I’m so busy” used to signal importance, productivity, even success. But these days, I feel it’s got a competitor!

“Over” is the new busy.

🔸 Overwhelmed → The to-do list never ends, and you’re so drained you don’t even know where to start.

🔸 Overstimulated → Constant notifications, endless emails, and back-to-back meetings leave your mind buzzing and frazzled.

🔸 Overworked → You’re working so much that sleep, health, and your loved ones are being sacrificed.

🔸 Overconnected → Always online, always answering, always “there” – yet somehow feeling more alone than ever.

🔸 Overcommitted → You keep saying yes to everything, leaving no time for what truly matters.

🔸 Overextended → Stretched so thin that even simple things feel overwhelming.

🔸 Overachieving → Always chasing the next big win, but never feeling like you’ve done enough.

🔸 Overdoing → Pushing through exhaustion because stopping feels like failing.

🔸 Overbooked → Every hour is scheduled, leaving no room for spontaneity or rest.

 

I see it everywhere. I hear it from my clients. I even catch myself doing it.

It’s like we wear these “overs” like trophies. Identities to claim, and prove we’re doing enough, achieving enough, being enough.

But I’m over it.

 

Over being over.

And I’ll be honest – letting go of these “overs” was one of the hardest, most authentic decisions I’ve made.

Because beneath all these “overs” is something no one likes to admit: exhaustion.

We can’t think straight. We skip lunch. We nod in meetings while our mind is somewhere else. We forget what it feels like to just …breathe. And more importantly, we disconnect from what truly matters.

The best leaders – and the happiest – know that clarity beats chaos. That a present, calm “no” serves everyone better than an overwhelmed, scattered “yes.”

 

What if we aimed for just… “enough?”

🔸Enough awareness to recognise when you need rest.

🔸Enough calm to pause before responding.

🔸Enough presence to really listen, instead of just waiting for your turn to speak.

🔸Enough energy to show up be fully present for loved ones.

🔸Enough clarity to prioritise what truly matters.

🔸Enough space to breathe, laugh, and enjoy the little moments of joy.

🔸Enough confidence to say no without explaining.

🔸Enough trust in yourself to keep things simple

 

But shifting from “over” to “enough” requires intention.

1. Which areas of your life feel stretched too thin?
2. Where are you saying yes when you should be saying no?
3. When can you take some time out for you? No meetings, no notifications, no noise. Just you.

What becomes possible when we step away from the “overs?”

More peace. More joy. More ease. More freedom.

Because here’s what I’ve learned:

Real connection, real leadership, and real wellbeing don’t live in the land of “overs.” They live in those quiet moments when we’re brave enough to say “this is enough.” When we choose to be real instead of busy. Present instead of perfect.

So, my challenge to you: Which “over” are you ready to let go of?

Let’s start a conversation. Share in the comments, message me privately, or simply take a moment to reflect. Whatever feels most authentic to you.

 

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The secret to great leadership starts with you.

Remember, the most powerful leadership journey ignites from within.

Ask yourself: How can you spark that inner fire for great leadership to thrive?

About Andrea

Over the last two decades, I’ve supported Executives and Leaders across the NHS, private health, Local Government, transport, consultancy, sports, education, engineering, and marketing.

These have included leaders with job titles like Executive Directors, Clinical Leads, Headteachers, Consultants, Heads of Department, and Managing Directors.

I’m a firm believer that Great Leadership starts with you, which is why I’ve designed the “5 Principles of Great Leadership” – my unique perspective on leadership that emphasises the importance of your inner world (aka the ‘internal stuff’).

If you choose to embrace the ‘internal stuff,’ awaken your inner leader, and put yourself at the heart of leadership, let’s chat! Schedule a 30 minute complimentary call with me to explore how I can help you thrive as a leader by focusing on you.

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