Ever had that nagging feeling in your stomach that something about your work just isn’t right? Maybe it’s the exhaustion that doesn’t shift, or the low-key dread creeping in before another packed-out week.
That feeling? That’s misalignment. And no amount of productivity hacks or “just push through it” mentality is going to fix it.
The way you work—the structure, pace and systems—has to actually work for you. If it doesn’t, your business will start feeling like a never-ending to-do list instead of something that brings you joy and that sinking feeling in your stomach will start to have further reaching effects on your health. In the words of Bessel Van Der Kolk, the body keeps the score!
So how do you figure out what actually fits? Here’s where to start.
Most of us know that feeling—something about our work just isn’t right, but we push through anyway. Maybe it’s the creeping anxiety, the exhaustion that won’t shift, or the gut feeling we ignore in favour of what seems practical. I’ve been there myself, stepping into a job that looked great on paper but left me completely out of sync with what I needed to thrive. It took a toll—physically, mentally, emotionally. And that’s the thing—there’s no manual for this. No step-by-step guide on how to work in a way that truly fits you. But there is a way to figure it out, and that’s what we’re diving into today.
1. Check In With Your Values
Work should feel good—not just look good on paper. But if your daily habits are clashing with your core values, something is going to feel off.
Ask yourself:
- What really matters to me in how I run my business? (Freedom? Stability? Creativity?)
- Where do I feel resentment creeping in?
- Am I making decisions from a place of alignment, or just prioritising what seems “practical” or “expected”?
I see this a lot with wellness entrepreneurs who built their businesses to help people—only to find themselves drowning in admin and tech instead of doing the actual work they love. If that’s you, something needs to shift.
2. Pay Attention to Your Energy
Not everyone thrives in a rigid 9-to-5, and not everyone can handle an open-ended “just go with the flow” approach either.
Think about:
- When do I feel the most focused and energised?
- When do I hit a wall?
- What activities drain me vs. recharge me?
If you’re constantly forcing yourself into a schedule that doesn’t match your natural rhythm, you’re going to burn out fast. Maybe you’re a morning person trying to work late, or an introvert exhausting yourself with constant calls. Pay attention. Your body is already telling you what works.
3. Notice What Feels Heavy vs. Light
Some tasks fire you up. Others make you want to throw your laptop out the window.
Try this:
- Make a list of everything you do in a week.
- Highlight the ones that feel easy, fun, or rewarding.
- Circle the ones that feel heavy, frustrating, or energy-draining.
See a pattern? If half your time is spent on things that make you miserable, it’s time to automate, delegate or scrap them entirely. You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do what moves the needle and feels good.
4. Set Boundaries That Actually Work
It’s one thing to know what aligns with you. It’s another to protect that alignment. Talking the talk is easy but walking the walk is a next level super power. This is perhaps the piece of work I find hardest.
- Do you have clear working hours (or are you always “on”)?
- Are you saying yes to things that make you groan inside?
- Are you constantly over-delivering at the expense of your own well-being?
- Boundaries aren’t just about saying no. They’re about saying yes to what actually serves you.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Change
Alignment isn’t a one-time decision. It’s something you have to check in with regularly.
- What worked last year might not work now.
- The “dream routine” that works for someone else might be a nightmare for you.
- You’re allowed to tweak, refine and throw out what doesn’t fit.
I learned this the hard way when I took a corporate job after years of flexible, remote work. It ticked all the boxes logically, but my body told a different story—exhaustion, stress, and that deep knowing that I was forcing something that wasn’t right for me.
Turns out, no amount of mindful practises or treating myself to nice coffees can fix misalignment. You just have to feel your way through it.
Final Thought
When you find the work rhythms, structures and systems that actually support you, everything flows better. You feel lighter. Clearer. Less resentful. More you.
If your business still feels like a constant uphill battle, let’s chat. Book a free discovery call and we’ll work out a plan to get you back into alignment.
Because the way you work should work for you, not against you.
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Hello!
With over 23 years of experience helping businesses thrive through streamlined operations, strategic planning, and exceptional team collaboration, I specialise in supporting purpose-driven creative entrepreneurs and wellness practitioners—visionaries like you who are committed to healing, teaching, and inspiring others.
My career journey has been a rich tapestry of roles across content strategy, project management, and client success, giving me a unique ability to translate big ideas into actionable results. I’ve learnt a lot the hard way and been my own worst enemy too.
But my passion goes beyond systems and strategies. I’m dedicated to empowering wellness businesses to scale sustainably while staying true to their values. As a fellow creative and wellness advocate (I’m also a yoga and meditation teacher), I understand the delicate balance between the practical demands of business and the deep desire to make an impact.
Let’s work together to take your wellness business to the next level—because when your operations are thriving, so are you.
Want to work with me?
I’m looking forward to meeting you and discussing your current business challenges!
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