You finally did the thing — got the promotion, hit the goal, made it through another hard week — but instead of feeling proud, you're already asking, "What's next?" Why is it so hard to just pause and celebrate yourself?

My client Kristi became CFO after 3 years of working toward it. When she told me, she said, "So I guess that means I'm officially the CFO"—like she'd just completed another Tuesday task. No excitement. No pride. Just... what's next?

If you're someone who keeps raising the bar higher every time you reach it, you're not alone. Most high-achieving women were taught that humility and hustle matter more than satisfaction. So even when you've earned the right to rest or be proud, it feels... uncomfortable. Like celebrating might make you lazy, or ungrateful, or seen as "too much."

1. What’s the last thing you accomplished that you didn’t celebrate?
2. When you think about celebrating it, what thought immediately follows?
3. If your child achieved the same thing, what would you tell them to believe about their worth?
4. What are you afraid might happen if you actually celebrated your wins?

These 10 minutes will help you see how the pattern started—and what it's costing you. Not just celebration, but the ability to feel successful no matter what you accomplish.

• Calm Mind Blueprint: http://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• 90 min Breakthrough Intensives: (We get to the root of what keeps you performing instead of enjoying. You leave with a custom plan to feel fulfilled at work and present at home. Plus a 30-minute follow-up call 2 weeks later.) https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/offers/LN9xep94

• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call
• Private coaching - 2 spots left: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

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You love your kids more than anything… but sometimes it feels like every ounce of energy you pour into them leaves nothing for you. And on the rare days you do want to focus on yourself — a class, a coach, even just quiet time — that whisper of guilt shows up: “Shouldn’t I be doing something for them...or for work...instead?”

Most women I work with tell me they feel selfish spending money or time on themselves. But what if investing in your own leadership, clarity, and growth is actually the most selfless thing you could do? Not because it sounds good, but because it literally ripples into every area of your life.

In this episode (celebrating 3 years of Journal Entries!), you'll hear:

• Why the "selfish vs. selfless" question is the wrong one to ask
• The two types of fear (and which one means you should actually say yes)
• How my $2,500/month business coach investment led to this podcast existing
• The Bali retreat I didn't take — and why I still think about it

After listening, you'll stop apologizing for wanting more. You'll see that investing in yourself isn't taking from your family or team — it's giving them the best version of you.

• Calm Mind Blueprint: http://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• 90 min Breakthrough Intensives: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/offers/LN9xep94

• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call
• Private coaching - 2 spots left: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

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You keep telling yourself you should be excited — the holidays are coming, right? But instead of peace or joy, it just feels like one long performance. Like no matter how early you start or how much you cross off the list, you’re still on all the time.

You’re managing a dozen invisible jobs — gifts, kids, deadlines, emotions — while trying to be grateful and present. You want to slow down, but your brain doesn’t know how to stop running ahead. The pressure to make everyone else’s season special is stealing the calm you keep promising yourself.

Strategic Journal Prompts:

1. Who am I trying to be for everyone else right now — and what’s it costing me?
2. What would I actually choose to do if no one expected anything?
3. Where do I stay busy as proof that I’m fine?
4. What does being present look like for me this season — not just in theory, but in practice?

After journaling through these prompts, you'll understand why you can't seem to turn off—and that awareness alone will help you stop going through the motions and start actually being there. Don't forget to DM me on Instagram (samantha.s.says) or email me (hello@samantha-says.com) and tell me what came up for you — I love hearing what these prompts unlock for you.

• Calm Mind Blueprint: http://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• Breakthrough Intensives: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/offers/LN9xep94

• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call
• Private coaching: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

Connect: Instagram | Facebook | Reply to my newsletter