Rediscovering Inspiration: Caroline Biesalski’s Journey Through Burnout

In this compelling episode, host Avery dives into a candid conversation with Caroline, an entrepreneur who shares her personal journey of experiencing burnout and finding her path to recovery and inspiration. Avery, offers insightful perspectives on how burnout is more about energy management than stress management. Together, they explore the nuances of burnout, its signs, and effective strategies for recovery and sustained well-being. Caroline reveals how, after closing her company due to burnout, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and now hosts a podcast that features inspiring stories, helping others navigate through their own burnout experiences.

Episode Highlights:

02:53 - Caroline's Disrupted Cruise Plans

Caroline discusses how her cruise plans were disrupted by her mother's accident and the cruise company’s cancellation due to COVID-19, forcing her to navigate these challenges and reflect on her life.

04:24 - Energy Management in Burnout

Avery reiterates that burnout is an issue of energy management. She explains how feeling like you just want to sleep all the time is a typical response when your energy is depleted.

04:55 - Caroline's High Achiever Traits and Burnout

Caroline talks about being a high achiever and how it contributed to her burnout. She explains the pressure she felt from running her own company and how it led to anxiety and eventually closing the company.

06:36 - Realization and Acceptance of Burnout

Caroline shares her realization of burnout after returning from her travels and confronting the reality of her situation. She highlights the importance of recognizing subtle signs of burnout and accepting them.

07:16 - Identifying Subtle Signs of Burnout

Avery and Caroline discuss how subtle signs of burnout can be missed. Caroline shares anecdotes about people around her who were experiencing burnout, which helped her identify her own signs.

09:47 - Persistent Patterns and Thoughts Leading to Burnout

Caroline reflects on the persistent patterns and thoughts that perpetuated her burnout, even while on holidays. She shares her struggle with constantly questioning her future and the uncertainty that added to her stress.

10:44 - Recovery and Moving Forward

Caroline talks about facing her burnout honestly, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in activities she loves, such as coaching and podcasting. She stresses the importance of being true to oneself to avoid burnout.

11:40 - Starting the Podcast and Finding Inspiration

Caroline shares the inspiration behind starting her podcast and how it helps her and her listeners find motivation. She describes how interviewing inspiring guests has reignited her passion and curiosity.

12:59 - Podcast Journey and Connecting with Guests

Caroline discusses how her podcast journey began and how she connects with her guests. She describes the serendipitous way guests come to her and the joy she finds in sharing diverse perspectives.

14:47 - Daily Practices and Personal Growth

Caroline talks about her daily practice of reading "Think and Grow Rich" and how it has been inspiring for her. She mentions her engagement in communities and platforms that support her growth and connections.

16:09 - Encouragement and Support

Caroline encourages listeners to never give up and to seek support when needed. She emphasizes that there is always a way out of burnout and that reaching out to others can provide the necessary help.

Guest links:

Freebie: https://bit.ly/m/reflection8inc

Instagram: caroline_biesalski

Facebook: Caroline Biesalski

TikTok: queen_beekonnected
LinkedIn: Caroline Biesalski