We’ve been taught that success means pushing harder, doing more, and staying productive at all costs. But what if the real secret to sustainable success isn’t grinding harder — it’s learning how to pace yourself? In this episode, Nicole sits down with award-winning journalist and author Elizabeth Svoboda to unpack the science, psychology, and strategy behind pacing. From elite athletes to ambitious women juggling careers, relationships, and impossible expectations, this conversation explores why burnout isn’t proof of dedication — it’s often proof that something needs to change. Elizabeth shares how elite performers actually use rest, recovery, flexibility, and energy management to stay at the top of their game for the long haul. Together, Nicole and Elizabeth challenge hustle culture, perfectionism, and the toxic belief that women should operate at 110% all the time. They discuss: Why ambitious women tend to swing between overworking and complete exhaustion The surprising pacing lessons we can learn from Olympic athletes How burnout impacts confidence, relationships, health, and creativity The concept of “rigid flexibility” and why structure alone doesn’t work Why rest should match effort — not just be treated as a reward How to recognize your personal energy rhythms and work with them instead of against them The connection between pacing, longevity, and sustainable success Why slowing down can actually make you more effective, focused, and fulfilled Because constantly running yourself into the ground isn’t strength — it’s just a socially rewarded form of self-destruction. Thank you to our sponsors! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/WOMAN - and make sure to tell them we sent you! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they’re working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect with Elizabeth: Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Art-of-Pacing/Elizabeth-Svoboda/9781668022412  Website: https://www.elizabethsvoboda.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/svobodster/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethsvoboda/  Newsletter: https://elizabeth-svoboda.beehiiv.com  Related Podcast Episodes: Burnout 2.0: BurnBOLD with Cait Donovan | 331 How To Take A Sabbatical with Katrina McGhee | 336  How Our Dysregulated Nervous Systems Are Impacting Us with Victoria Albina | 244 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices