Lately, I’ve noticed a theme in conversations with clients, colleagues, and friends: we’re all juggling something…. make that multiple things.
For some, it’s running two businesses. For others, it’s holding down a full-time job while building a side hustle. Or studying while working. Or navigating parenting, care responsibilities, and professional ambition all at once. There’s a lot going on!
No matter the mix, the underlying tension is the same: how do you manage competing priorities without burning out, losing momentum, or feeling like you’re failing at everything?
I recently shared some thoughts on this in an interview with Stuff.co.nz — the article focused on business owners starting second ventures, but the lessons apply far more widely. You can read it here, but I wanted to take a moment to expand on some of the strategies I use (and coach others on) when life feels like a multi-tabbed browser at 1% battery.
Why we add more to our plates (and what that costs)
When we start something new — a project, a routine, a role — it usually comes from a place of hope. We’re moving toward something we want, or away from something we want to avoid. That initial momentum is powerful. It can carry us through late nights, early mornings, and bursts of productivity but only for so long.
Without structure and boundaries, that momentum isn’t sustainable. It’s like riding a go-kart downhill without brakes — exhilarating at first, but likely to end messy.
Structure creates sustainability
One of the best ways to make the juggle more manageable is creating intentional separation between your commitments. Here’s what that can look like:
- Time block for each focus area — and protect that time like a meeting with someone important (because it is).
- Use different tools or environments for different hats: separate notebooks, email folders, browser profiles, or even different physical spaces if you can.
- Watch for task creep — just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Prioritise high-impact work over easy wins or “busy work.”
- Use decision-making frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix or an effort vs. impact matrix. They help cut through the noise and clarify what matters most. [Pro tip: Check out “Performance Tools” on my website for some templates that you can use].
- Schedule recovery time like you would a meeting. And if it helps, refer to yourself in the third person.
High performance feels calm and clear, but not chaotic. It’s powerful, but never frantic.
Less but better
One of the hardest parts of juggling multiple commitments is accepting that you can’t do it all — and certainly not all at once. You need to be honest about the time you actually have, and make deliberate choices about where it goes.
Try:
- Tracking your time for a couple of weeks to see where it really goes
- Making fewer commitments, but following through on them fully
- Reminding yourself that every “yes” comes at the cost of a “no” — make those trade-offs consciously.
Know the warning signs
Burnout doesn’t usually hit out of nowhere. It builds up over time through tiny moments of disconnection, fatigue, and blurred boundaries.
Keep an eye out for:
- Constant task-switching, with little sense of progress
- Losing sight of why you’re doing the activity in the first place
- Feeling wired and tired — always on, yet constantly exhausted and never quite present
- Struggling to enjoy time off, connecting with others or sleeping well.
You don’t have to do it alone
Whether you’re running a business (or two), raising a family, building a career, or all of the above — support makes a huge difference.
Sometimes that looks like a partner picking up more of the housework. Sometimes it’s a friend who checks in. And sometimes it’s a coach or advisor who can hold the big picture when you’re too deep in the details to see straight.
Having someone to challenge your thinking, keep you focused, and remind you of your goals (not just your to-do list) is worth its weight in gold.
If any of this resonates — whether you’re spinning lots of plates or wondering how to get started — I’d love to hear from you. You can sign up to my newsletter for regular tips on sustainable high performance, connect with me on LinkedIn or if you’re ready to take action, book a free Action Game Plan session with me.
And if you’re curious about the original Stuff.co.nz article, you can read it [here].
Take care of yourself — and remember: sustainable success is built on clarity and boundaries, not just hustle.
About the author
Josie Askin is a high performance and productivity coach, speaker, and the founder of Spring Coaching. She works with driven leaders, business owners, and teams who want to achieve more—without burning out in the process.
With nearly two decades in government and advisory roles, Josie saw first-hand the cost of chronic overwork and the pressure to always be “on.” Her work blends evidence-based coaching, lived experience as an athlete, and practical strategies to help people lead themselves—and others—more sustainably.
Through tailored coaching, workshops, wellbeing programmes, and facilitation, Josie helps ambitious people make meaningful progress with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Keen to stay connected?
Follow Josie on LinkedIn, or head to www.spring-coaching.com to book a free Action Game Plan session and explore ways to work together.