Let me guess:
Your juggle game feels heavy right now. School just ended, vacation planning is in full swing, and if you weren’t already, you are now the lunch-maker, taxi-driver, and you’re still trying to remember where you stashed the dang swim towels.
But you know what hasn’t ended?
Oh right — your job.
If your brain has 27 tabs open (same, girl, same), and you’re reprising your yearly balancing act between getting some summer sunshine and actually getting your work done…
you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about it.
I was recently chatting with another mom who is also juggling a business and a family, and we started swapping stories about our wild summer schedules: camp drop-offs, client meetings, team check-ins, snack refills every 20 minutes. You name it, we’re doing it.
I know we’re not the only ones who are spinning so many plates it’s starting to feel like an Olympic sport. If you’re feeling stretched, stressed, or like your life has descended into straight-up chaos — I’m right there with you.
And it’s not just struggling with all of the obligations that are pulling my attention in a million different directions…
…it’s also being unable to be fully present and keyed into family fun because I’m thinking about X, Y, Z.
You’re Not Failing — You’re Just Outnumbered and Out-Snacked
Great, so now in addition to my one-woman balancing act, I’m ALSO playing Olympic mental ping-pong.
“Ping: I want to be present with my family.”
“Pong: I need to show up for my team and clients.”
Do you feel it too?
Tell me it’s not just me.
If I may speak for both of us, I am SICK and tired of constantly feeling like I am dropping the ball somewhere. Especially because I’m not trying to play an Olympic sport or start a one-woman circus act.
I’m just trying to be a human.
If you’re ready to throw down your paddle and kick that crappy guilt to the curb, keep reading. We’re about to lock in so we can focus on solutions that actually help.
5 Mindset Shifts so You Can Live Your Life, Lead Your Team, and Keep Your Summer Sanity
We all know summer doesn’t come with fewer responsibilities — it actually comes with MORE!
Here are some pro tips to pull the cord and step off (read: RUN AWAY FROM) the struggle bus.
1. Build in Breaks That Actually Work
If you’re planning to still have energy by August, you’re going to need to treat this like you’re training for a marathon. And that means pacing yourself and choosing to rest before the burnout hits.
Research shows that even a 15-minute mental pause can restore focus and improve problem-solving.
Take a walk.
Breathe deep.
Do nothing on purpose.
The Leadership Level-Up Journal launches June 1st — built for leaders who are also humans with messy lives and big goals. It’s a perfect place to build in breaks and brainstorm what is actually going to recharge your brain (and body)… not burn you out even further.
2. Be Present (Not Perfect)
You don’t have to do it all. Even just fifteen intentional minutes with your kid (or your team) will count more than three distracted hours.
The “good-enough parenting” theory backs this — what counts most is being consistent, not constant.
Put the phone down.
Take a deep breath.
Be all there, even if it’s just for five minutes.
3. Revisit Your Why
If you can’t see the finish line, get re-centered on the reason you started.
- What kind of parent do you want to be this summer?
- What inspired you to take this position or start this business?
When everything feels loud, that clarity becomes your peace.
Pro tip: After reading this newsletter, take 5 minutes to write down why you’re doing what you’re doing—for your business, your family, your future self.
Let that “why” be your anchor on the messy days.
4. Let Good Enough Be Great
Your worth isn’t measured in Pinterest-level plans or color-coded calendars.
You don’t need to be everything for everyone this summer.
Research shows perfectionism is tied to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
Just surviving is actually a strategy — and a smart one.
(And no, you don’t need a full day off or a tropical vacation to recharge. See Tip #1.)
5. Ask for Help (Like, Actually Ask)
It’s not weak to need support. It’s wise to build a village – especially if you and all the other parents on your street are all dealing with the same struggles.
Studies show leaders who ask for help reduce overload and build stronger team trust.
You’re delegating at work — delegate outside of work too.
(Funny thing, leadership. It tends to show up in all aspects of your life.)
You’re showing up for so many people around you.
Let people show up for you.
If You Don’t WANT to Work, but You HAVE To (and You Feel Guilty About It)
Some of you aren’t choosing to juggle all the things — you’re required to.
You’re holding it down at work, keeping your household afloat, and all the while navigating the weight of guilt that whispers, “You’re missing it.”
Let me be clear:
You are modeling resilience — for your family, your team, and yourself.
You’re not behind.
You’re not broken.
You’re not doing it wrong.
You are showing up — for your people, your work, your dreams.
Even if you’re doing it with unbrushed hair and a Capri Sun in hand.
So here’s your “moving into summer” message from me to you:
You’ve got this.
It’s okay to pause.
And no, you’re not the only one eating leftover Goldfish for lunch.
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P.S.S. If you’re a female entrepreneur craving more honest encouragement and leadership tips like this, sign up for the Bravo Bravery Newsletter. It’s where the retreat energy lives on — real talk, mindset shifts, and pep talks straight to your inbox.