Achieving Work-Life Harmony: Insights from Erin Harrington of Soul Values
In the fast-paced world of high achievers, burnout is a common companion. Many of us relentlessly chase success while inadvertently neglecting our well-being. Erin Harrington, founder of Soul Values and author of “The Whole Life Planner,” offers a refreshing perspective on how to integrate work-life harmony by aligning with one’s values and purpose. In this blog post, we delve into Erin’s journey, her strategies for overcoming burnout, and her tools for maintaining balance.
Erin’s Journey: From Burnout to Balance
Erin Harrington’s path to founding Soul Values was sparked by her personal experiences with burnout. Diagnosed with executive dysfunction and dealing with a rare mitochondrial disease, Erin faced significant challenges. Her drive for success led her to achieve top sales in the MarTech industry, but the relentless 80-hour workweeks took a toll, leading to severe burnout before she turned 30.
Her second burnout came after the birth of her second child, prompting a deep exploration of brain function and stress management. Through neural rehab and purposeful self-reflection, Erin discovered the power of aligning with her core values to mitigate stress and boost productivity.
Understanding Executive Dysfunction and High Achiever Traits
Executive dysfunction, often linked to ADHD-like traits, can be exacerbated by stress and lack of alignment with personal values. Erin explains that our “high achiever” mindset, if unchecked, can turn into a saboteur, trapping us in a cycle of perfectionism and self-criticism. Instead, she advises reframing this mindset by celebrating small wins and aligning with values to create a sense of ease and accomplishment.
Daily Prompts and Tools for Success
Erin has developed a set of daily prompts that serve as a cornerstone of her success. These prompts take just five minutes a day and include gratitude journaling, affirmations, and task prioritisation. A particularly powerful tool is the “dump zone,” a space for jotting down sudden ideas to prevent distraction and maintain focus.
One key takeaway is the importance of celebrating small victories, like sending an important email or making time for self-care. These actions release feel-good chemicals that help the brain relax and improve overall effectiveness.
Managing Burnout and Stress
A critical aspect of Erin’s philosophy is the belief that stress, while real, is partly a choice. Developing an acute self-awareness of stress triggers and employing techniques like box breathing or engaging in joyful activities can shift the brain into a state conducive to creativity and strategic thinking.
Erin highlights the need for flexibility in how we manage our days, proposing “standard operating procedures” for various energy levels. By acknowledging and planning for days of low energy, we can maintain productivity without self-judgement.
Free Writing and Self-Judgment
Erin champions the use of free writing as a tool for releasing self-judgement and processing thoughts. This practice, whether typed or handwritten, can unearth underlying doubts and pave the way for greater self-compassion.
Working with Erin Harrington and Soul Values
For those seeking to deepen their understanding and application of these principles, Erin offers workshops, group coaching, and one-on-one sessions. Her programs are designed to guide participants through setting attainable goals, aligning with core values, and establishing practices that foster both professional success and personal fulfilment.
You can learn more about Erin Harrington and download valuable resources at soulvalues.com
As we navigate the challenges of being high achievers, Erin’s insights remind us of the importance of aligning with our values, celebrating our wins, and maintaining a balanced approach to work and life. Through simple, consistent practices, we can move closer to a life of ease, joy, and sustainable success.
In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, host Laurence interviews Erin Harrington, founder of Soul Values and author of ‘The Whole Life Planner.’ Erin shares her journey of overcoming executive dysfunction and burnout, emphasising the integration of work-life harmony by prioritising wellbeing. Key topics include managing a high achiever mindset, balancing strengths with saboteurs, and effective strategies to prevent burnout. The discussion highlights practical tips for organising time, avoiding distractions, and celebrating small wins. Erin also elaborates on the importance of daily reflection, personalised stress relief techniques, and using affirmations and free writing for personal growth. The episode concludes with an overview of Erin’s coaching services and goal-setting workshops, underscoring the interconnectedness of personal and professional lives, and advocating for activities that bring joy and mental clarity.
Soul Values Daily Pages: https://soulvalues.com/dailypages
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:06 Erin’s Journey to Founding Soul Values
02:49 Understanding Executive Dysfunction and Burnout
05:32 Daily Prompts and Tools for Success
07:23 High Achiever Traits and Positive Intelligence
11:34 Aligning Values and Purpose to Avoid Burnout
15:54 Time Management Strategies
28:06 Stress Management Techniques
34:35 Dog Care Services: Rover and Borrow My Doggy
37:09 Tiny Actions for Overcoming Overwhelm
39:30 Creating Standard Operating Procedures
41:38 The Power of Gratitude and Affirmations
50:59 Free Writing and Self-Judgment
56:34 Working with Erin Harrington and Soul Values
59:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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