The Real Reason You’re Burned Out—and What You Can Do Differently
Burnout. It’s the unspoken truth for so many women in law, business owners, and high-achieving professionals. We wear our busyness like a badge of honor, but deep down, we know it’s unsustainable. So why do we keep pushing ourselves to the brink?
The answer lies in one word: CONTROL.
As women, we’ve been taught that our worth is tied to how much we can handle. The narrative goes something like this: If you’re not managing everything—perfectly—are you even trying? But here’s the harsh reality: trying to do it all is a direct path to burnout.
The Delegation Dilemma
We know we need help, but we get stuck in a vicious cycle:
- "I don’t have time to train someone."
- "What if they don’t do it like me?"
- "I can’t trust anyone to handle this."
So we do the logical thing—nothing. We don’t hire. We don’t delegate. We just keep piling more onto our already full plates. And then, inevitably, we burn out.
But here’s the truth I want you to hear today: Delegation isn’t about admitting defeat. It’s about growth. It’s about saying, I’m not meant to do it all—and I don’t have to.
Why Delegation is Empowerment
When you delegate, you don’t just lighten your own load—you also empower someone else. Think about it:
- You free yourself to focus on your zone of genius—the things only you can do.
- You give someone else the opportunity to step into their strengths and contribute meaningfully.
- You create space for your business (and your life) to grow.
And let’s be real: isn’t that the goal? To grow, thrive, and live a life that feels fulfilling—not overwhelming?
How to Break the Burnout Cycle
- Acknowledge the stories you’re telling yourself. Ask yourself: What am I holding onto, and why? Maybe it’s a perfectionist mindset (No one can do it as well as me) or fear of vulnerability (What if I fail?). These stories are just that—stories. They’re not facts, and they don’t have to define you.
- Identify your zone of genius. What are the tasks that energize you? What are you uniquely skilled at? Focus there. Everything else? Delegate.
- Start small. Delegation doesn’t mean handing over the keys to the kingdom overnight. Start with one task. Find someone who thrives in that area. Watch what happens when you let go.
- Redefine your worth. Your value isn’t in how much you can juggle. It’s in how effectively you lead and how intentionally you live.
A Powerful Example of Letting Go
On a recent episode of the Powerhouse Lawyers Podcast, I spoke with Raquel Gomez, founder of Stafi, about the power of delegation. Raquel’s mission is to help business owners, especially women, find balance by providing virtual staffing solutions that remove the overwhelm.
Her story is a reminder that we don’t have to choose between success and sanity. With the right support, we can have both.
Raquel shared:
"When you delegate, you’re not just lightening your load—you’re creating space for your life to flourish. You’re empowering others, and in turn, you empower yourself."
Raquel's Call to Action
It’s time to take control of your narrative.
- What’s one thing you can delegate today?
- How can you start creating the space you need to thrive?
Listen into the full podcast episode with Raquel Gomez, and let’s rewrite the story of success, together.
Connect with Raquel:
Stafi Website: https://getstafi.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-gomesstafi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel_gomes2024/
About the Author: Erin Gerner is a former lawyer turned coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast. She helps female lawyers step into their power, break through limiting beliefs, and build lives they can’t wait to wake up for. Learn more about her coaching programs and schedule an obligation free strategy call, connect with her here.
