Why pushing through isn’t always the answer

Sharing is caring!

Push through …or maybe not!

In September 2024, I fell out of love with writing.

I stopped working on my book about authenticity, because I just wasn’t feeling it.

Now, I could have listened to what we’re told. To push through. Be consistent. Finish what we started, no matter what.

But what if that’s exactly what’s holding us back?

You see, I believe in only spending time on activities that energise me and where I feel I can add value. So, if something or someone doesn’t energise me …I don’t spend my time there!

My Mum used to say this was very “diva-ish!”

But for me it’s simple.

If I’m not feeling it, and if I’m not energised by it, I know I won’t perform at my best!

And pretending otherwise? Well, that would be the complete opposite of authenticity!

And so, I paused.

People asked about my book. And I could’ve forced myself to keep going. To meet other’s expectations. To do what others thought I “should” do. But my soul was whispering, “You’re doing the right thing.” And sometimes the bravest thing is to listen to your intuition, instead of all the external noise.

Around the same time, I also stopped running (although that was due to a slight injury.) But what I realised was, when I started running again in January 2025, something magical happened. My creativity came flooding back.

I had this big aha moment: running is my gateway to creativity – it’s not just exercise. You see, when I’m running, surrounded by nature, something shifts. The external world falls away. No distractions. No expectations. Just me, my breath, and my thoughts.

Finding my Creativity

So here I am, four months later, back in my creative space again.

But instead of picking up where I left of, I felt pulled to go back and revisit what I’d written. To start from the very beginning and reconnect with my own words.

And wow. As I read it, I sat there with goosebumps. And every now and then, I found myself wiping away a tear.

It felt real.

It felt raw.

It felt like me.

And I remembered exactly why I started this journey in the first place.

You see, we spend so much of our lives going along with what others tell us to do. Following the rules. Meeting expectations. Staying on track. But what if stepping away is exactly what we need to come back stronger, clearer, and more us than ever before?

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, ask yourself, “Am I doing this because I truly want to? Or because I think I should?

Maybe it’s time to pause, breathe, and trust the process.

Creativity, clarity, and energy have a way of coming back to us when we’re ready to receive them.

I’d love to hear your story. Have you ever had the courage to pause? To trust your gut despite the pressure to keep going?

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

 

Next Steps

Exploration

Deeper Insights and Guidance

Personalised Support

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.


Schedule a Call With Andrea

© Content copyright owned by “Ad Florem by Andrea Goodridge”

Let me know if you’d like to use or reference this article – I’m always excited to collaborate and appreciate you asking.

Want to share this post? Please do with my blessing and link back here to adflorem.com/blog

Sharing is caring!

If you believe in the content and ideas I share and would like to be part of this ongoing journey, you can now support me by buying me a coffee – every cup counts!

Add a comment