FRIED. The Burnout Podcast Coaching with Sarah: Letting Go of Shame from Failing to Meet Unrealistic Expectations
Nov 2, 2025
Burnout can feel like failure, but admitting it may be the first step toward healing. During a live coaching session, Heather grapples with the fear that slowing down will undermine her achievements. Sarah helps her understand that shame is not a reflection of worth and that burnout stems from exceeded capacity, not personal failure. They discuss the importance of recognizing the need for a longer break and reframing rest as an opportunity for recovery and redefinition of success. It's a powerful reminder that stepping back can be a brave choice for rebuilding one's life.
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Episode notes
Name The Burnout
- Admit you are burnt out so you can meet yourself where you are and begin recovery.
- Speak it aloud to reduce shame and open the path to concrete steps.
Capacity, Not Worth
- Shame treats burnout as a moral failure, but it is often a capacity mismatch, not a value judgment.
- Reframe burnout as depleted capacity, not diminished worth.
Sarah's Recovery Career Pivot
- Sarah stopped clinical work, waited tables, and later returned to healing work after recovering.
- She re-entered care work through coaching, showing recovery can lead to new paths.