THE SUNDAY SHIFT: Steer through the storm


February 23, 2025

Hi Reader,

Welcome to The Sunday Shift!

What if the storms of endless emails, meetings, and to-do lists weren't just obstacles to survive, but opportunities to discover your true direction? Like many of us, I found myself exhausted by the modern world's constant demands, my mind overstimulated and my heart yearning for something more.

When the stormy seas of life hit, I found myself caught in a cycle I no longer recognized. I had taken a job that wasn't a good fit—a place where destructive leadership and a lack of genuine curiosity drained my spirit. Day after day, I returned to an environment where I was burdened by flawed work products and the weight of trying to fix every misstep. I was carrying a load that wasn't mine to bear.

⚡️ 1 Habit

Anchor your day with intention.

Start by reclaiming your time with your first cup of coffee, before the chaos begins. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. What if you choose to use them fully? Take five minutes to journal your priorities in two columns:

Must Do

  • Critical tasks
  • Key meetings
  • Important decisions

Need for Me

  • Rest moments
  • Recovery time
  • Joy activities

This daily anchor keeps you steady when the waves of demands crash in.

Why it works: When you set clear boundaries on your time, you shift from reactive survival to proactive leadership of your own life. And, remember, it's okay to include time for the things you love in life–this is your time. Own it, fully.

📖 1 Story

Finding my lighthouse.

I learned this the hard way. I remember the day I reached a breaking point. I was locked into a cycle at a job that drained me, where every day felt like a relentless tide pushing me further away from who I truly wanted to be. I was subconsciously holding onto the belief that I was accountable for every flaw in the work. That burden was suffocating.

Then one day, something shifted. I stopped asking, "Why am I carrying this weight?" and instead, I wondered, "Where do I want to go from here?" In that moment, my intuitive lighthouse appeared—a beacon of psychological safety that reminded me that I wasn't bound by obligations that weren't mine to bear. I made the decision to leave that job and step into a space where my energy could truly lead to transformation.

What I discovered was that unlike a lighthouse keeper, I didn't have to face the storms alone. That feeling of isolation was only at work—a place where I traded time for a paycheck. Beyond those walls, my family and friends are my 'who matter' support system, offering something far more valuable than any compensation: genuine connection and understanding.

🎯 1 Focus

Lean into your empowerment.

Now, when I face new storms, I remember that you have the power to choose your direction. Let your priorities be your anchor. Remind yourself that rest and recovery are as essential as action. Just as a lighthouse guides ships back to safety, let your inner wisdom steer you toward a life that honors your time and well-being.

Ask yourself:

  • What does a balanced day look like for me?
  • How can I reclaim my time to fuel both productivity and peace?
  • What's your inner lighthouse telling you about your next step?

Embrace the habit of setting clear intentions each morning, and let that be the starting point of your journey toward a life designed by you—not dictated by external demands.

Share one morning intention you're setting this week. Hit reply and let me know your shift.

Here's to steering your life by your own light.

See you next Sunday.

Jenn

Let’s keep the conversation going—hit reply, connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, The Blog, or Book a 1:1 Call

82 Wendell Avenue, Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201
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JENN CLOUTIER

Bold leadership starts here. Join a growing list of subscribers who get ⚡️ 1 Habit • 1 Story • 1 Focus in a ⏰ 5-minute reset and recharge every Sunday.

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