Fine Is a Trap: Boundaries, Breath, and Becoming Your Own Permission Slip with Lauren Lefkowitz

Send us a text

Executive coach and fractional CHRO Lauren Lefkowitz gets real about how “fine” keeps high-achievers stuck—and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career and life. Lauren shares the jaw-dropping moment that forced her to stop people-pleasing (yes, it involved a Roomba and two broken shoulders), and how she rebuilt with boundaries, therapy, guided meditation, accountability, and celebration. We unpack codependency at work, the fear of being labeled “lazy,” and why saying no isn’t mean—it’s mature. You’ll learn Lauren’s simple Notice → Decide → Do framework, how to use the pause/breath before you act, and why the feelings wheel belongs in every leader’s toolkit. If you’ve ever said “it’s fine” while your body screams otherwise, this conversation is your loving wake-up call. (Grab Lauren’s free Fine Is A Trap inventory and connect with her—links in the show notes.)

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Notice → Decide → Do (with a Pause).
   Slow down first. Notice what you’re saying yes to, decide what truly serves you, then do—after a breath.
2. Boundaries aren’t lazy—they’re leadership.
   Redefine “selfish” as self-honoring. A clear no protects your health, work, and relationships—and you’re still worthy even if others don’t like it.
3. Support and celebration are self-care.
   Therapy, accountability partners, sleep, guided meditation, the feelings wheel—and yes, celebrating wins (even small ones) rewires “fine” into thriving.

LINK to all of Lauren's links

Support the show

If you’ve been struggling with emotional codependency or want to learn how to establish a healthy balance of independence and vulnerability in relationships, join Kathy on this transformative journey. Be sure to subscribe to My Self-Care Sht* and leave a review!

Follow Kathy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

TikTok

X

Books on Amazon