‘”I fear I’m a bad mother,” my client confessed during a recent coaching session. Her words, heavy with emotion, revealed a common struggle for many working parents: the constant juggling act between the demands of work and the responsibilities of family life.

She described feeling overworked, tired, and exhausted, yet pressured to give even more to a job that felt increasingly unsatisfying. She had started this role a few years ago with a vision, a passion for making a difference, but somewhere along the way, that spark had faded. She felt a lost sense of agency, a disconnect from her purpose, and a growing fear that she was failing both at work and at home.

The guilt and worry were taking a toll. She longed to spend more time with her children, to be more present with them, but the demands of her job seemed to consume every waking moment. The fear that her children might perceive her as a “bad mum” added another layer of stress to an already overwhelming situation.

The “Doing More” Trap

This client, like many others I’ve worked with, had fallen into the “doing more” trap. She believed that the solution to her overwhelm was to work harder, to push herself further, to somehow squeeze more hours out of the day. But this approach only led to more exhaustion, more stress, and a deeper sense of disconnection.

It’s a common misconception that the answer to work overload is to simply do more. We try to power through, to check off every item on our to-do list, to meet every expectation, to be everything to everyone. But this relentless pursuit of productivity can be unsustainable and ultimately counterproductive.

The Power of Nothingness

So, what’s the alternative? What if, instead of trying to do more, we allowed ourselves to do less? What if we embraced the power of nothingness, the stillness and quiet that can often lead to the greatest clarity and insight?

This is what I explored with my client during that coaching session. Instead of diving into a structured agenda or a problem-solving exercise, we simply created a space for stillness and reflection. We started with 15 minutes of silence, allowing her to simply be present with her thoughts and emotions, without judgment, without the need to do anything.

Then, we engaged in some gentle reflection, exploring her feelings, her fears, and her aspirations. We allowed the conversation to unfold organically, without a set direction or outcome. We created a safe space for her to simply be herself, to connect with her inner wisdom, and to explore her own solutions.

The Shift in Perspective

This approach might seem counterintuitive, especially in a results-oriented world. But sometimes, the most effective way to solve a problem is to stop trying to solve it. It’s about creating space for reflection, for stillness, for the emergence of new perspectives and possibilities.

By the end of our session, my client had experienced a subtle yet profound shift. She felt a sense of relief, a release of tension, and a renewed sense of clarity. She recognized that she didn’t need to have all the answers, that she didn’t need to be everything to everyone. She could simply be herself, present and aware, and allow the solutions to emerge organically.

The Journey to Balance

This experience highlighted the importance of creating space for stillness and reflection in our lives, especially when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It’s about recognizing that we don’t always need to be “on,” that we don’t always need to be doing something. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to simply be.

It’s also about recognizing that work is not the only thing that matters. Our well-being, our relationships, our passions – these are all essential aspects of a fulfilling life. By prioritizing these things, by creating space for them in our lives, we can find greater balance, joy, and purpose.

The Invitation

So, I invite you to consider: Where can you create space for stillness and reflection in your own life? How can you prioritize your well-being and create a more balanced and fulfilling existence?

Remember, you don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to have all the answers. You can simply be yourself, present and aware, and allow the solutions to emerge organically.

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