Amanda Nowak built a seven-figure interior design business—and still found herself absolutely miserable. In this raw, real conversation, Amanda (burnout coach and Reiki master) sits down with Ellyn to unpack the "million dollar wake-up call" that changed everything: success metrics don't equal fulfillment, and burnout doesn't care how passionate you are about your work.
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still burning out, this episode is your permission slip to redefine success on your own terms.
What You'll Learn:
👉🏻Why hitting revenue milestones won't automatically fix burnout (and what will)
👉🏻The dangerous myth that "passion prevents burnout" (spoiler: it doesn't)
👉🏻How to spot the difference between building the business you should have vs. the one you actually want
👉🏻Small, sustainable self-care changes that actually work (no week-long spa retreats required)
👉🏻Why high achievers are most at risk for severe burnout—and how to break the cycle
👉🏻The "self-care snack" concept: bite-sized practices for busy entrepreneurs
👉🏻How to set boundaries with yourself (not just with clients)
Key Takeaways:
📊 Vanity metrics don't equal success: Million-dollar revenue, big teams, and office space sound impressive—but do they align with your values of peace and freedom?
🔥 Burnout is a "you" problem: High achievers burn out because we're perfectionists who say yes to everything. Lazy people don't get burnt out—they say no.
🧘 Start small, stay sustainable: One glass of water in the morning. Ten minutes of meditation at lunch. Micro-changes create lasting transformation.
🚫 Stop "just-ing" yourself: "Just hire someone" or "just do this" minimizes the 20 steps involved in any business decision. Give yourself grace.
💡 Self-care isn't always spa days: Watching a YouTube video during your break instead of checking email? That's self-care. Slow mornings? Self-care.
About Amanda Nowak:
Amanda is a burnout coach specializing in helping high-achieving women entrepreneurs who look successful on the outside but feel miserable on the inside. After exiting her seven-figure interior design business in 2023, she launched Elements 8 Coaching, combining traditional coaching with Reiki and energy work to address burnout at multiple levels.
Resources Mentioned:
👉🏻The Gap and the Gain (book) - Click Here
Amanda's "What Do I Really Want?" workbook (free download) - Click Here
Entrepreneurs Retreat at Home kit - Click Here
Connect with Amanda:
Instagram: @element.eight.coaching
Website: element-8.com
Keywords: burnout recovery, entrepreneur burnout, high achiever burnout, work-life balance, business boundaries, self-care for entrepreneurs, seven-figure burnout, burnout coach, sustainable success, redefining success