Writing a Book Has Been a Truly Humbling Experience
Writing a book has been a truly humbling experience—and probably the biggest project I've taken on since my corporate days!
The past few months of working on this project have reminded me of just how far I've come from the days of overworking and burning out. AND how I still apply SO much of what I've learned to stay balanced as I grow my business—to honor my values, boundaries and priorities, and not let the overwhelming and stressful moments bring me down.
Also, it's important to understand that balance is more about harmony in your life than perfection, allowing for flexibility as needed.
While I stuck to my boundaries for the most part these past few months, I’ve also had to adjust them at times and be more flexible when I worked, so I could write when the words flowed better. There were a couple of times before a big deadline where I ended up working most of the weekend leading up to it. While I could have moved the deadline out, I chose to continue on.
It was temporary and always coming from a place of I have a choice, rather than I have to do this.
Writing the book has also reminded me of all of my coaching clients over the years whose insights and transformations are subtly woven throughout the pages. While I don't tell their stories, their struggles, questions, insights, actions, and experiences have been integral in shaping the guidance offered in the book and the work that I do. It wouldn't have happened without them and their boldness (thank you if you're a client reading this!).
It has also challenged me to embrace my own boldness in putting such a personal piece of work into the world. Once it's published, it's 'out there.' (Not like a blog post I can edit or delete later!) I've been working on myself to focus on the writing process and not get wrapped up in the outcome and how it might be received.
It has taught me to be more accepting of myself and the way I do things—that it's not a flaw if I want to review it AGAIN to get the words just right and not settle for "good enough." Rather, how I approach things is an important part of my process to ensure this is authentic and meets my standards. Hard deadlines are also very good for me because without them I could tweak forever!
I think we ALL can be more bold and accepting of ourselves. It can make for such a more enjoyable experience and takes off the pressure.
My intention has always been for this book to be a highly valuable, practical and enjoyable read for anyone who wants to create this kind of change—to be more balanced in life and within themselves. To share my own messy lessons and wisdom that was hard-won, so that someone else doesn't have to feel alone or figure it out on their own.
I am so excited, humbled and a teeny bit nervous to share this book with you.
Here's the book cover and description below. I wanted a professional-looking cover that offered a smile and the vibe of “come on this journey with me”.
“This book is excellent. A true map to the balanced life we all deserve.”
“Encouraging, empowering, wise, funny.”
In a world with so many demands and expectations, balance is a strategic move.
Do you feel overwhelmed and spread thin most days? Do you want to be more present with your family AND excel in your work? Do you worry that you’re missing out on your life?
Drawing on her own transformation—from burning out and struggling to juggle her career, marriage, and three kids to figuring out how to be happier, balanced, and successful—Stacey Olson shares how you can have more time and presence for what truly matters to you.
You’ll learn how to take back control of your days, calm your busy mind, feel confident in your choices, enjoy your life more, and be there for others while making yourself a priority too. Stacey shares messy lessons through personal stories that will leave you thinking, I’m not alone, or, At least I didn’t do that!
Written from a perspective of empowerment, Your Balanced and Bold Life offers practical strategies, tools, and questions that prompt greater self-awareness and action. You’ll figure out what balance looks like for YOU and how you can work less, live more, and be your best (at work and at home) . . . even with the constant demands and messy everyday life.
This is the permission you’ve been waiting for to create your own balanced—and bold—life.
My book, Your Balanced and Bold Life: Work Less, Live More, and Be Your Best, is available for sale on Amazon.
This book is the result of months and, really, years of thought, effort, and care to create something life-changing and help you be happier, balanced, and successful—whatever that looks like for YOU.
