Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin

Are you exhausted from doing all the things, checking all the boxes, and still feeling like you're drowning?
You're not broken. You've just been sold the wrong version of resilience.
In this episode, I'm breaking down why "staying positive" and "bouncing back" is actually heightening your stress—and what to do instead.
What you'll learn:
The #1 thing stealing your energy (and how to set boundaries with your own brain)
Why that word "should" is keeping you trapped in burnout
The difference between being fear-driven vs. value-driven (and why it matters)
How to make progress when you're completely overwhelmed
Why people-pleasing isn't actually kindness—it's self-abandonment
Real talk: I'm teetering on the edge of burnout myself right now. So I'm not just teaching these strategies—I'm actively using them to protect my capacity through a really challenging season.
If you're tired of performing optimism while your nervous system screams for help, this episode is your permission slip to stop.
A quick update: I'm hitting pause on the podcast through February to protect my energy ahead of the trial for the driver who killed mum and our March 8th concert celebrating her legacy. 
If you're in Sydney or surrounding areas, please join us for Because of Julie: Her Legacy Takes Centre Stage on March 8th at The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre. Let's pack the auditorium and celebrate that love always wins. Get your tickets here.
Stuck in the people-pleasing, burnout cycle and can't seem to break it on your own? Book a free consultation at kategladdin.com. I'll help you identify what's actually draining you and give you personalized strategies you can use immediately. I respond within 24 hours because I know waiting when you're burned out feels impossible.
See you in mid-March. 💛

Ever catch yourself thinking, "Why am I like this?" Too much. Too quiet. Too emotional. Too in your head.
What if the thing you criticize yourself for most… isn't a flaw at all?
In this episode, I unpack a powerful reframe that challenges the way we try to "fix" ourselves. Because what if your so-called weakness is actually a strength that's just been turned up too high?
If you've ever called yourself an overthinker, a people-pleaser, disorganized, shy, or "too much"—and felt stuck in shame because of it—this one will hit close to home.
No fluffy self-love. No personality overhaul. Just a simple shift that brings clarity, balance, and relief.
Less "What's wrong with me?" More "How do I work with who I already am?"
Press play if you're ready for self-improvement without self-loathing.
Ready to stop self sabotaging? I've got limited one-on-one coaching spots opening up where we dig into your specific patterns and create practical strategies that actually work for you. Visit https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching to book your call.

For the high achievers who think they need to be harder on themselves.
You're holding yourself accountable, chasing your goals, refusing to waste time. But somewhere along the way, self-discipline turned into self-loathing. And now you're wondering: if I stop being so hard on myself, will I just... stop trying?
This episode breaks down why hating yourself into change is like taking a 36-hour flight with unnecessary layovers. You'll eventually get there, but you'll be exhausted, depleted, and resentful. There's a direct flight available.
In this episode:
Why shame triggers your nervous system into protection mode (and kills your follow-through)
The cycle that keeps you stuck: shame → avoidance → more shame
Why loving your body BEFORE it changes is what actually creates change
Four mantras to redirect your brain when the shame spiral starts
The difference between self-discipline and self-attack (and which one actually works)
You don't need more discipline. You need to stop taking the long way around.
Ready to stop self sabotaging? If you need someone to help you push through (not just give you another pep talk), I've got limited one-on-one coaching consult spots available each week. Visit https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching to book your call.

You're three weeks into your goal. The excitement's worn off. You're questioning everything. Your brain is screaming at you to quit.
And then someone tells you to "just stay motivated."
Here's the truth: motivation doesn't last. It's not supposed to. And the reason you keep quitting your goals has nothing to do with willpower, laziness, or not wanting it badly enough.
There are five predictable emotional stages every single person goes through when making real change—and most people quit at Stage 3 because no one told them it was coming.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why that initial excitement is designed to fade (and what happens when reality hits in Stage 2)
The Valley of Despair—where dreams go to die and your only job is to not quit
How to recognize when your brain is throwing a tantrum versus when something's actually wrong
Why the struggle isn't evidence you're failing—it's evidence you're growing
The one mindset shift that changes everything: seeing discomfort as proof it's working, not breaking
Here's what nobody tells you: every successful person you admire has stood exactly where you're standing right now—in the messy middle, doubting everything, wanting to quit. The difference isn't that they didn't experience the Valley of Despair. It's that they expected it, prepared for it, and pushed through it.
This episode gives you the framework to do the same. Whether you're building a fitness routine, launching a side hustle, or finally going after that goal you've been putting off—understanding these five stages will change how you approach change forever.
Because once you know Stage 3 is coming, you stop using it as a reason to quit.
Ready to stop quitting on yourself? If you're in Stage 2 or 3 right now and need someone to help you push through (not just give you another pep talk), I've got limited one-on-one coaching consult spots available each week. Visit https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching to book your call.
Remember: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

After such a heartbreaking, life-shattering year, I wanted to record this little message for you as we head into 2026. ❤️
Ready to Stop Forcing Happiness and Actually Start Healing?
You can know all the "right" things to say to yourself, all the strategies, all the steps—but if you're still trying to push through grief, anxiety, or life's hardest moments alone, nothing truly shifts.
That's where coaching comes in.
I help women navigate the messy, non-linear process of healing—not by forcing happiness or bypassing pain, but by figuring out what YOU actually need (not what others think you should need), how to honor your grief while still moving forward, and most importantly—how to trust your own healing timeline without guilt.
Book your free Coaching Clarity Call: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching
It's one-on-one with me, completely private, and you'll walk away with actionable strategies whether or not coaching is right for you.
A huge shoutout to Kevin Lowe at K-Lowe Music, the talent behind my intro song. Listen to the full version here. Or explore custom music options here.
Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @kategladdin
Website: https://www.kategladdin.com/