Welcome to Episode 104 of the Your Next Move Podcast!

In today's episode, I'm getting real with you. I'm sharing six powerful reminders that I constantly rotate for both myself and my clients especially when we find ourselves stuck, scared, or playing small.

This is more of a truth-telling episode where I want to give you the advice that I give my clients. But especially recently, I've had some experiences where I realized I need to remind myself of these things too.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why fear actually means "go" and not "stop," and how it's often the biggest thing standing between you and your goals

• How taking just one hour to plan your week can transform your productivity and mindset

• Why saying "no" when it's not a "hell yes" is crucial for your satisfaction and success

• The importance of using your voice even when it shakes

• Why rest isn't a reward for overworking but a power move and essential part of your plan

• The liberating truth that you don't have to prove your worth—you already belong

I also share a recent experience where I faced serious imposter syndrome before a speaking engagement, and how I used these same reminders to pull myself back from spiraling.

You'll get practical advice on:

• Recognizing when fear is causing you to choose "Plan B" when you really want "Plan A"

• Setting yourself up for success by planning in a way that works for your brain

• How to determine if an opportunity is truly a "hell yes" (and a simple test I use for client work)

• Practical ways to advocate for yourself even when it makes you nervous

• Building rest into your schedule as a non-negotiable part of your success strategy

• Reminding yourself that you are enough exactly as you are

At the end of the episode, I share an unofficial seventh reminder that emerged naturally: The more you lean into being your authentic self, the better.

[0:00] Introduction: A different kind of episode - six reminders I keep in rotation

[1:15] Reminder #1: Show up when you're scared - fear means GO

[3:30] Story about choosing Plan B instead of Plan A because of fear

[5:25] Reminder #2: Take time to plan for your success

[7:45] Reminder #3: Say no when it's not a hell yes

[9:20] My test for deciding which one-on-one clients to take

[11:10] Reminder #4: Use your voice even when it shakes

[12:55] Reminder #5: Rest is a power move, not a reward

[15:30] How I've improved my relationship with rest over the years

[17:20] Reminder #6: You don't have to prove your worth

[18:45] My backstage experience with imposter syndrome

[21:30] The unofficial 7th reminder: The more you lean into being you, the better

[23:10] Closing thoughts and encouragement to share

Let's connect on social media:

• Follow Your Next Move Podcast on Instagram/TikTok: @YourNextMovePodcast

• Follow me on Instagram/TikTok: @KimberlyBOnline

• Learn more about Brown Leadership: https://brownleadership.com

Ask me a question that I'll answer on the podcast: Share your question in a 90 second voice message and I may answer your question on a future episode of the podcast. Submit your voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YourNextMove

Submit to join me on the show for a 1:1 coaching session: You'll be able to participate in a 20-30 minute live coaching session that may be aired on a future episode of the podcast. Apply here.

In today's episode, I explore something that affects so many of us but rarely gets the attention it deserves - knowing when it's time to take a break from work. While our always-on culture makes stepping away feel impossible, I'll share why taking a strategic break might be the most productive move for your long-term career success.

I guide you through five clear signs that indicate you need a work break - not just a vacation where you're checking email poolside, but a true, intentional step back to recharge and reset. I also provide actionable insights on what to do if you recognize these signs in yourself.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why needing a break isn't a sign of weakness or failure, but often a sign of self-awareness and leadership

• How physical symptoms like insomnia, frequent headaches, constant fatigue, digestive issues, and getting sick more often can be your body's way of saying "enough"

• What emotional exhaustion looks like - feeling empty, cynical, or detached - and why you can't think your way out of it

• The irony of declining performance despite longer hours and what neuroscience tells us about why our brains require periods of rest

• How disconnection from purpose and meaning in your work can signal burnout rather than a true misalignment

• Why an inability to unplug - checking email during dinner, thinking about work in the shower, feeling anxious when trying to relax - indicates work has expanded beyond healthy boundaries

You'll also hear personal reflections about my own experiences with recognizing when it's time to pause in order to move forward stronger.

This episode empowers you to:

• Recognize the warning signs before they lead to more serious consequences

• Understand why your body and mind need genuine rest to function optimally

• Take a strategic break without derailing your career trajectory

• Remember that you are not your job - you're a whole person whose identity extends beyond your professional role

TIMELINE

• 00:00 The Importance of Taking a Work Break

• 02:20 Recognizing Physical Symptoms of Burnout

• 05:09 Understanding Emotional Exhaustion

• 07:57 Declining Performance and Overworking

• 10:00 Disconnection from Purpose and Meaning

• 11:49 Inability to Unplug and Enjoy Time Off

• 13:43 Strategies for Taking a Work Break

At the end of the episode, I introduce my comprehensive guide, "Taking a Work Break Without the Panic," which provides everything from understanding your legal rights and benefits to creating a communication strategy to planning your return to work after a break.

Stay In Touch → Connect with our leadership community:

• Follow Your Next Move Podcast on Instagram/TikTok: @YourNextMovePodcast

• Follow me on Instagram/TikTok: @KimberlyBOnline

• Explore Brown Leadership: https://brownleadership.com

→ Share your question: Submit your question in a 90-second voice message, and I may address it in an upcoming episode. Submit here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YourNextMove

→ Apply for a 1:1 coaching session: Participate in a 20-30 minute coaching session that may be featured in a future episode. Apply here: https://bit.ly/YNMCoaching

→ Get your guide: Visit kimberlybonline.com/workbreak and use code YourNextMove to get 50% off my comprehensive guide "Taking a Work Break Without the Panic" or click the link in the show notes.

In this live coaching session, I sit down with Abriana Walton, a media professional from Detroit who's navigating the challenges of her first full-time job. We dive deep into overcoming perfectionism, building genuine confidence, and mapping out a fulfilling career path that aligns with your purpose.

• Learn how to handle workplace mistakes with grace and use them as growth opportunities

• Discover strategies for tracking your wins to boost confidence when facing challenges

• Understand why high achievers often struggle to accept praise for their exceptional work

• Explore the balance between career planning and leaving room for unexpected opportunities

• Gain insights on prioritizing multiple passions without burning out

Whether you're starting your career or seeking your next professional challenge, this episode offers practical guidance for embracing imperfection while still pursuing excellence in your work and life.

Timeline
00:24 - Meet Abriana: Career Background & Coaching Goals
01:50 - Struggles with Confidence & Workplace Mistakes
04:28 - The Reality of Making Mistakes at Work
07:50 - Learning Through Trial & Error in a Dual Role
10:08 - The Importance of Tracking Wins & Building Confidence
12:54 - The High Achiever’s Perspective on Praise
16:28 - Career Mapping: Setting Long-Term Goals
21:40 - The Power of Goal-Setting & Strategic Planning
26:28 - Passion vs. Profession: Managing Multiple Interests
30:28 - Visualizing Your Ideal Career & Life
35:14 - Final Advice & Next Steps
37:22 - Closing Thoughts & Invitation for Future Coaching Sessions

Next Steps:

Ask me a question that I’ll answer on the podcast: Share your question in a 90 second voice message and I may answer your question on a future episode of the podcast. Submit your voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YourNextMove

Submit to join me on the show for a 1:1 coaching session: You’ll be able to participate in a 20-30 minute live coaching session that may be aired on a future episode of the podcast. Apply here: https://bit.ly/YNMCoaching

Let’s connect on social media:

• Follow Your Next Move Podcast on Instagram/TikTok: @YourNextMovePodcast

• Follow me on Instagram/TikTok: @KimberlyBOnline

• Learn more about Brown Leadership: https://brownleadership.com

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe. Let's make your next move your best move.