E199: The ‘Success’ Trap: How High Achieving Women Get Stuck In Burnout

If you’ve been feeling stuck, off-track, or like life just doesn’t fit the way it used to — this episode is your invitation to stop seeing it as a crisis and start seeing it as a catalyst. In this episode, I share some practical reframing techniques around what we’ve long called the “midlife crisis.” Together, we’ll explore why this season of questioning is actually a call to return to your truth — not a sign of failure. I walk you through three powerful mindset shifts that will help you shed perfectionism, stop people-pleasing, and step into the life you’re meant to live — one small, brave step at a time. This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of everything.   What we’ll explore together: Redefining the “midlife crisis” as a spiritual initiation The hidden cost of perfectionism and people-pleasing Learning to listen inward and trust what you hear Creating space for reinvention, without needing a full life overhaul Returning to your truth after years of playing roles If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone navigating their own dark night of the soul. Your transformation is already underway — and you are not alone.   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

Are you still waiting for success to bring happiness? What if you’ve had it backwards all along? This week I’m thrilled to welcome back the brilliant and grounded Sam Vander Wielen, a former attorney turned legal educator and entrepreneur. Sam has helped over 150,000 online business owners get legally legit through her resources, templates, and signature program The Ultimate Bundle. Her podcast On Your Terms is a favorite of mine, and now she’s launched a new book: When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy — and trust me, it’s a must-read. In our conversation, Sam shares the deep personal story behind her business journey, including health crises, grief, and multiple pivots. But she doesn’t stop at mindset—she gives real talk about building a values-aligned business, making strategic decisions, and why instant success is a myth worth debunking. We talk about how business can become a vehicle for self-discovery and healing, not just a path to profit. This is a heart-centered conversation packed with wisdom for coaches, creators, and anyone navigating the messy, beautiful journey of building something of your own.   What we’ll explore together: Business success doesn’t fix your life — inner work must come first. Mindset and emotional regulation are foundational to financial growth. Entrepreneurship amplifies what already exists within you. You can build a sustainable, values-based business without burnout or gimmicks. Legal clarity = personal confidence (and long-term business health). Connect with Sam: Website: samvanderwielen.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samvanderwielen YouTube: youtube.com/samvanderwielen Sam’s book: When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m diving deep into a question that haunts many of us—especially when we're stuck in careers, relationships, or routines that no longer feel aligned: Should I stay, or should I go? But here’s the truth: that’s not even the real question. There is a deeper invitation waiting for us, that can unlock the answers we need.  We explore how indecision can quietly drain your life force, why staying stuck can feel deceptively “safe,” and how even small micro-steps toward clarity can reconnect you to your inner truth and build courage. This episode is for anyone caught in the in-between, yearning for freedom but paralyzed by fear. I’m here to remind you: you don’t have to blow up your life to be happy – but you do have to begin by listening to yourself.   What we’ll explore together: Indecision may feel safe, but it slowly disconnects you from your truth and drains your energy Action (even small steps) brings clarity and peace faster than overthinking ever can Fear of choosing “wrong” keeps us stuck in loops—but that fear is just a sign of growth You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to take the next small step. Staying stuck may seem easier, but it risks living a life that's only a fraction of what’s possible Clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from reconnecting with your desires and needs Ready to go deeper? If this episode stirred something in you and you’re ready to stop spinning in circles and start living in alignment, I’m here to support you. Explore tools and resources at nancylevin.com and take the next brave step toward the life that’s waiting for you!   Connect with me: Newsletter nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

Welcome to the 200th episode of The Nancy Levin Show! 🎉 In this episode, I’m celebrating this powerful milestone by diving deep into a question I hear all the time: “What if I make a big change… and regret it?” If you’ve ever yearned to begin your journey of transformation, but felt paralyzed by the fear of starting over—whether it's leaving a job, ending a relationship, or simply admitting that your current life isn’t working—this one's for you.  I’m breaking down how fear of regret is often a disguise for fear of the unknown, and why staying in the familiar might actually be the riskier choice.   What We’ll Explore Together: Regret is often fear of the unknown—not a reflection of past decisions. The cost of staying stuck is often greater than the risk of change. Reinvention is not starting from scratch—it's starting from self-knowing. Fear of failure often masks a deeper desire for authenticity and freedom. You already have everything you need to begin again—right now. Ready for More? If you’re ready to stop people-pleasing, get clear on what’s next, and step into a life that truly fulfills you, I have a few spots open for private coaching. Schedule a complimentary conversation with me at nancylevin.com/talk and let’s explore what’s possible—together.   Connect with me: Newsletter nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

If you've ever felt like success has become a shield—something you wear to prove your worth, but deep down, it leaves you feeling isolated and unfulfilled—this episode is for you. Today, we’re uncovering the dark side of being a driven, successful woman and the patterns that keep us overextended, exhausted, and stuck in a cycle of perfectionism. More importantly, we’re talking about how you can redefine success in a way that honors your energy, your well-being, and your deeper need for connection.   Key Takeaways: Success won’t fill the void of self-worth. External validation is fleeting—real fulfillment comes from within. Perfectionism isolates you. The pressure to “do it all” creates burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. Being the strong one doesn’t bring connection—it creates distance. True intimacy comes from allowing yourself to be seen, flaws and all. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s the key to deeper relationships and sustainable success. Redefining success starts with allowing yourself to receive. Where in your life can you soften and let in the support you deserve?   This Week’s Challenge: Share one real, vulnerable truth with someone you trust. Notice how it feels and what shifts in your connection.   PLUS! If you’re ready to create more fulfillment and purpose in your journey—without giving up your ambition—I have a few one-on-one coaching spots available to help you break free from people-pleasing and perfectionism. 🔗 Book a complimentary call: nancylevin.com/talk   Connect with me: Newsletter nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

If you've been stuck in an endless loop of fixing, planning, and managing your way to happiness—only to find yourself right back where you started—this episode is for you. I know how easy it is to believe that if we just learn more, plan better, or control every detail, we’ll finally feel safe and happy. But the truth is, happiness isn’t found in the perfect plan, and real reinvention doesn’t happen through fixing.  In this episode, I invite you to look at discomfort in a whole new way. Discomfort isn’t a sign that something is wrong—it’s actually proof that something is shifting. And when we stop resisting it, we create space for clarity, self-discovery, and profound transformation. I’ll share why extra productivity and over-planning can actually keep you stuck, how our need for control can block true fulfillment, and how to shift from fixing to trusting. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on how to navigate uncertainty and reinvention, and step into the life you’re truly meant to live.   What We’ll Explore Together: Why discomfort is the key to growth—not a problem to be solved How over-planning and "fixing" can actually lead to more unfulfillment The power of trusting yourself instead of seeking external validation Why stopping to listen is the first step to true reinvention A powerful shift that will help you move from controlling to allowing   Ready for More? If you’re navigating a life transition and want in-depth support, I’ve opened a few spots for one-on-one coaching to help you turn a tough transition into your greatest transformation. Let’s connect—visit nancylevin.com/talk to book a time. I look forward to being with you again next time on The Nancy Levin Show!   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

Are you feeling caught between two worlds—the life you’ve outgrown and the one you’re afraid to fully step into? If so, this episode is for you. In this episode, I explore the mindset shifts needed to break free from the past and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence. We’ll explore why we resist change—even when we deeply crave it—and how embracing self-development can help you move forward with courage.   What We’ll Explore In This Episode: Why romanticizing the past keeps you stuck The truth about why we resist change—even when we crave it How trying to recreate the past prevents you from building a fulfilling future Why stepping into the unknown is where your true freedom lies How a ‘life coach’ approach can help you trust yourself and take aligned action   If you’re feeling that pull—the one that’s telling you it’s time to let go and embrace the next version of yourself—this conversation will help you take that first step forward. PS – Next week, I’ll be sharing new ways to connect and receive support on your growth journey. Don’t miss it!   Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook  

In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I sit down with Sara Surani—an activist, entrepreneur, educator, and co-founder of She is the Universe—to explore the transformative power of storytelling, identity, and intergenerational healing.  Sara shares her journey as a first-time author of her debut poetry and prose collection, Songs of My Grandmother, and how her hyphenated identity as a Pakistani-American shapes her work.  Together, we delve into the importance of honoring our ancestors, processing grief and hope through community, and reclaiming feminine strength. Prepare to be inspired by Sara’s profound insights and heartfelt storytelling.   What we’ll explore together Writing can be both a healing process and a necessity rather than just a creative outlet. Community and collective healing are vital for processing grief and finding hope. Intergenerational trauma and healing are intricately connected, with storytelling acting as a bridge. Feminine wisdom, anger, and resilience are powerful tools for transformation and social change. Colors can be used as an emotional lens to understand and organize our feelings. Honoring one’s cultural heritage enriches personal growth and global connection. Exploring intergenerational trauma, healing, and the hope found in collective experiences. Reclaiming anger as a protective force and embracing the full spectrum of feminine power. How community rituals and shared experiences foster belonging and resilience.   Connect with Sara: WebsiteInstagram Pre-order Sara Surani’s Songs of My Grandmother, available now wherever books are sold.    Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook

In this special episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m reflecting on a milestone—turning 60—and the journey that brought me here.  Fifteen years ago I found myself at a turning point. I was living a life that looked perfect on the outside, yet I was completely disconnected from myself. One weekend I attended a retreat led by my dear friend Debbie Ford. Debbie asked me a question that still reverberates in my bones, because it led to a moment of truth that changed everything and set me on a path of deep inner work, personal transformation, and self-liberation.  It wasn’t easy—healing never is—but choosing myself again and again led me to the life I have now –  a life of authenticity, freedom, and alignment. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned over the past 15 years, the incredible transformational power of saying yes to you, and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story.   What we’ll explore together: How transformation isn’t instant—it happens in small, consistent choices. Why choosing yourself—even when it’s hard—is the most courageous act of all. The cost of staying stuck is greater than the discomfort of change. You don’t have to wait for the “right” moment—your true life begins when you choose yourself. Your shadows aren’t something to fear; they are a doorway to freedom. It’s never too late to begin again, at 30, 45, 60, or beyond.   I hope this episode serves as an invitation for you to reflect on your own journey and the choices ahead. Remember it’s never too late to say yes to you, and begin living your truth.

Does the thought of saying no stir up guilt, fear, or resistance in you? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Nancy Levin Show, I’m unpacking one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal growth, relationships, and boundaries—saying no.  Many of us have been conditioned to believe that saying yes is the path to being a good person. But what if saying no is actually the most generous and loving thing you can do? Join me as I challenge the myth that people-pleasing is kindness and show you how to reclaim your time, energy, and authenticity by embracing the power of a confident, compassionate no. What We’ll Explore Together: Why people-pleasing isn’t generosity—it’s fear in disguise. How overcommitting is actually draining, not virtuous. The hidden cost of saying yes when you really want to say no. How saying no strengthens your relationships and inspires others. Practical steps to set clear, guilt-free boundaries. Key Insights: Every yes is a no to something else—choose wisely. Boundaries are bridges, not barriers—they foster deeper connections. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you self-honoring. A clear, confident no leads to a more aligned, fulfilling life. Practicing small no’s builds the courage for bigger, life-changing ones. Ready to reclaim your time and energy? Start practicing your intentional no today!    Connect with me: Newsletter  nancylevin.com Instagram Facebook