From Overwhelm to Ownership: The Biggest Shifts My Clients Saw in Just One Year

As I reflected on the biggest shifts my client saw in the past year, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud of the women in my coaching group. It’s not just about what they’ve achieved – the promotions, the better work-life balance, the stronger boundaries – but more importantly, how they’ve changed on the inside.

One of the most striking moments this year came from a long-time member of my coaching community. She shared:

“It’s very strange because I can actually measure myself against last December, and I feel so much less overwhelmed. It’s not that I have less to do. It’s not that I have fewer conflicts. It’s just that the way we’ve been working on owning our responses and asking for what we want has helped me feel more in control.”

This, to me, is true transformation. The external demands of life haven’t changed – but the way she experiences them has.

So, what’s really changed? What allowed her (and so many others) to move from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to calm and confident?

Let’s break down the biggest shifts my clients saw in just one year really looked like.

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The Biggest Shifts From Overwhelm to Ownership

We often think that reducing stress means eliminating external problems – clearing the schedule, fixing relationships, making life easier. But in reality, the biggest shifts happen when we stop trying to control everything outside of us and instead focus on how we navigate it from within.

1. Less Reacting, More Responding

Emotions are powerful, and when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated, it’s easy to react without thinking. But reacting impulsively – whether it’s snapping at a colleague, shutting down during a disagreement, or feeling consumed by guilt – often leaves us feeling worse. Learning to respond rather than react creates space for clarity, intention, and self-trust.

THEN:

Many of my clients used to feel completely at the mercy of their emotions. Whether it was frustration at work, guilt at home, or anxiety about their to-do list, their responses were often automatic – dictated by external circumstances rather than intentional choices.

NOW:

They’ve learned to pause before reacting. Instead of snapping at a colleague or spiraling into self-doubt, they take a breath, recognize what’s happening inside, and choose how they want to respond. This ability to create space between trigger and reaction has been game-changing.

Takeaway:

You don’t have to be perfect, but you can practice slowing down. The moment you give yourself space to think before reacting, you start taking back control.

2. Setting Boundaries with Confidence

For many of us, boundaries feel uncomfortable. We worry about how others will perceive us, whether we’ll disappoint someone, or if we’re being selfish. But the truth is, boundaries aren’t about shutting people out – they’re about protecting your energy so you can show up fully for what matters most.

This is one of the biggest shifts I see impacting all areas of you life!

THEN:

Boundaries felt impossible. Saying no to an extra project at work? Unthinkable. Asking for help at home? Too guilt-inducing. The fear of disappointing others or appearing “difficult” kept them in a cycle of overcommitment and resentment.

NOW:

They’ve learned that boundaries are not rejection – they are clarity. Instead of feeling guilty for prioritizing themselves, they now communicate what they need with confidence. They no longer apologize for protecting their time and energy.

Takeaway:

Boundaries are not about saying no to others – they’re about saying yes to what matters most.

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3. Making Decisions with Trust (Instead of Overthinking)

The weight of decision-making can feel exhausting, especially when fear of making the wrong choice holds us back. We second-guess ourselves, delay action, and get stuck in analysis paralysis. But learning to trust yourself – without needing absolute certainty – allows you to move forward with more confidence and ease.

THEN:

Decision-making used to feel exhausting. Should I take that new job? Should I change my child’s school? Am I making the right choice? Fear of making a mistake often led to paralysis, delaying action and increasing stress.

NOW:

They’ve learned to trust themselves more. Instead of waiting for absolute certainty, they focus on what feels most aligned in the moment. They know that no decision is permanent and that they have the resilience to adjust if needed.

Takeaway:

The only way to build confidence in your decisions is to start making them. Trust that you will figure things out along the way.

4. Shifting from “I Have to Do It All” to “I Get to Choose”

We’ve all felt the pressure of trying to do everything – succeed at work, be fully present with family, maintain friendships, take care of ourselves… the list never ends. But when we believe we have to do it all, we set ourselves up for exhaustion and resentment. The shift comes when we realize that we have a choice in how we spend our time and energy.

THEN:

The pressure to be everything to everyone – a great parent, a high-performing employee, a thoughtful friend – felt suffocating. The to-do list never seemed to end, and the guilt of “not doing enough” was overwhelming.

NOW:

Instead of feeling like victims of their schedules, they’ve started choosing where to invest their energy. They’ve learned that saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else – and that’s okay. More importantly, they’ve stopped equating self-worth with productivity.

Takeaway:

Your value is not measured by how much you accomplish in a day. You get to decide what’s important.

What are the Biggest Shifts You Want to Make in the Next 12 Months?

One year ago, the women in my coaching group were in the exact place you might be in right now – stretched thin, doubting themselves, and feeling reactive instead of in control.

Fast forward to today, and they’re handling the same external pressures – but with a completely different internal experience. They’re more grounded, more intentional, and more confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges.

So, the question I’ll leave you with is this:

✨ Where do you want to be a year from now?

Do you want to feel more present? More in control? More at peace with your choices?

Truly reflect on the biggest shifts you want to make this year.

If so, you don’t have to do it alone. My coaching group is here to support you in building the mindset, habits, and tools to make that shift.

While these shifts were seen over the course of a year in my group coaching program, change often happens much faster in a 1:1 setting. In a group, the process unfolds through shared experiences, ongoing accountability, and gradual mindset shifts over time. However, in private coaching, we dive deep into your personal challenges and patterns, allowing for even quicker breakthroughs and tailored strategies.

Whether in a group or 1:1, the goal remains the same: to help you move from overwhelm to ownership—so you can respond with clarity, confidence, and alignment in both work and life.

Let’s chat about what’s possible for you. Reach out here, and let’s start creating the change you’ve been looking for.

You can move from overwhelm to ownership – and I’d love to help you get there. 💛

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