We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Donahue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
Burnout hit me hard back in 2018. I found myself in a place where I couldn’t leave the house for months. Anxiety consumed me, and even the simplest tasks felt overwhelming. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t exercise – I felt trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and despair.
But amidst the darkness, I found a glimmer of hope. I gave myself a challenge: run just one mile every day. It seemed daunting at first, but movement became my medicine. With each step, I reclaimed a sense of control over my body and mind. Running became my lifeline, pulling me out of the depths of burnout and into the light of recovery.
Since then, I’ve made self-care a top priority. I’ve learned to listen to my body and recognize the signs of burnout before it consumes me. I prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to fuel both my body and mind. And I’m not afraid to say no and set boundaries when needed – my well-being comes first.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has also been crucial. I carve out time for hobbies, relaxation, and spending quality time with loved ones. These moments of joy and connection recharge my spirit and help me approach work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Reflecting on my goals and accomplishments has been another key strategy. I celebrate my successes, no matter how small, and use setbacks as opportunities for growth. Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks keeps me focused and motivated without overwhelming myself.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve cultivated a supportive network of colleagues, friends, and family who I can turn to in times of need. Building a community where we can openly discuss our challenges and support each other has been invaluable in preventing burnout.
Through self-care, boundaries, reflection, and support, I’ve been able to overcome burnout and reclaim my life. And while the journey hasn’t always been easy, I’m grateful for the lessons it has taught me and the resilience it has instilled in me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m incredibly passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their true selves and prioritize their well-being. In 2017, I created Unplugged Mornings. Unplugged Mornings was born out of this passion, and it’s a 9-step process designed to help people disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters. Through this program, I guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness, empowering them to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.
In addition to Unplugged Mornings, I also host wellness retreats around the world. These retreats provide a transformative experience for participants, combining elements of fitness, mindfulness, and personal growth in beautiful and serene locations. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact these retreats have on participants as they reconnect with themselves and find renewed energy and purpose. Our next retreat is in Spain May 29th-June 4th and we will be walking the Camino de Santiago. This is a retreat where every step is a story and every path leads to self-discovery. You can find more info about this retreat and our other upcoming retreats on our website www.laleighcoffee.com under ‘SHOP’.
I’m also passionate about supporting aspiring retreat leaders through my online coaching business, Retreat Launch Formula. I provide guidance and resources to help them plan and launch their first retreat, allowing them to share their gifts and create meaningful experiences for others.
Recently, I launched Laleigh Coffee, a brand that honors my grandfather and supports the Parkinson’s Foundation. It’s a project close to my heart, combining my love for quality coffee with my desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Overall, whether it’s through Unplugged Mornings, wellness retreats, coaching, or Laleigh Coffee, my mission remains the same: to provide hope, facilitate connection, and inspire positive change in the lives of others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and make a difference in the world.
I’m constantly striving to expand my reach and create new opportunities for connection and growth. Currently, I’m focusing on expanding the reach of Unplugged Mornings and hosting more wellness retreats in diverse locations to reach a broader audience.
Additionally, I’m excited to continue growing Laleigh Coffee and raising awareness and support for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Every cup of Laleigh Coffee sold contributes to this important cause, and I’m thrilled to see the impact we can make together.
I’m also looking forward to connecting with more individuals through speaking engagements and events across the country, spreading messages of hope, connection, and the importance of prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Overall, I’m committed to continuing my journey of empowerment and inspiration, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say resilience, adaptability, and authenticity have been the cornerstones of my journey. Resilience has been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks, allowing me to bounce back stronger and more determined than ever. It’s the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough.
Adaptability has also played a pivotal role, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness. Being willing to embrace change, learn new skills, and pivot when necessary has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and continue to meet the needs of my clients and community.
And perhaps most importantly, authenticity has been key in building genuine connections and trust with others. By staying true to myself and my values, I’ve been able to create meaningful experiences and resonate with people on a deeper level. Authenticity breeds authenticity, and I believe it’s what sets my brand apart and fosters lasting relationships with my audience.
My advice for folks who are early in their journey would be to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience by facing adversity head-on and learning from setbacks rather than letting them discourage you. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way.
In terms of adaptability, be open to trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Stay curious and continuously seek out opportunities for learning and development. The ability to adapt to change will serve you well in any industry or endeavor.
And when it comes to authenticity, remember that there is power in being true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability or share your unique perspective with the world. Authenticity builds trust and connection, which are essential for success in any field.
Overall, focus on developing these qualities—resilience, adaptability, and authenticity—and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the twists and turns of your journey and achieve your goals. Stay committed to your growth, and remember that every experience, whether positive or challenging, is an opportunity to learn and evolve.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The One Thing” by Gary Keller has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development, offering invaluable insights that have shaped my approach to productivity and goal-setting. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Be like a postage stamp, stick to one thing until you get there.”
This quote encapsulates the essence of the book’s message, emphasizing the importance of singular focus and relentless pursuit of our goals. Like a postage stamp sticks to a letter until it reaches its destination, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to our one thing, refusing to be deterred by distractions or setbacks along the way.
To me, this quote speaks to the power of perseverance and dedication. It reminds us that success often requires sustained effort and unwavering determination. By staying laser-focused on our one thing and seeing it through to completion, we can achieve extraordinary results and create meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of others.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to identify our most important goal or priority and devote our time, energy, and resources to its pursuit. It urges us to resist the temptation to spread ourselves too thin or chase after multiple objectives simultaneously. Instead, we must prioritize ruthlessly and channel our efforts towards the one thing that will move the needle most significantly towards our desired outcome.
Ultimately, being like a postage stamp means embodying resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment in the face of challenges and obstacles. It’s a powerful reminder that success is not achieved overnight but through consistent, focused action over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laleighcoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenldonahue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenschwab/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenldonahue
Image Credits
Greg Fulks Christa Mortimore
