Should you push through or take a step back from the current hustle?
The Juggling Act We Know Too Well
3 weeks ago I was hosting a workshop during the WELN Summit (Women in Educational Leadership Network) at Hartland International School here in Dubai. The name of my workshop was “Mastering the Balancing Act - how to thrive in your career AND in parenthood”.
I had 10 female leaders in the room, all parents or soon-to-be parents, from very different cultural backgrounds, all highly dedicated to their jobs AND their families, and with one common dilemma: Should I push through and hope things ease up soon, or is it time to take a step back and reassess my priorities?
From my personal experience, this isn’t an easy decision. Stepping back can feel like giving up, while powering through might feel like the only way to maintain momentum - and maybe risk burning out.
Many of us are constantly in motion, fueled by the belief that if we just push a little harder, we’ll reach the light at the end of the tunnel. But what happens when the tunnel seems endless, and exhaustion starts creeping in?
Let’s explore what this tension is really about—and how you can figure out which path is right for you.
“While parenting requires a willingness to embrace interruption, it has never required us to prostrate ourselves at an altar of deferred personal goals.”
When Pushing Through Feels Like the Only Option
Pushing through is a familiar strategy. After all, society celebrates busyness and productivity. For many of us, the habit of "just one more email," "one more meeting," or "one more sacrifice" is deeply ingrained.
Pushing through feels like the safest bet when:
You fear falling behind. You’ve worked hard to get here—how could you risk losing momentum?
You feel responsible for everything. At work, at home, or in your community, you’re the one others rely on. What happens if you slow down?
Rest feels unproductive. There’s always more to do, right? And if you stop now, who will pick up the slack?
But here’s the thing: Constantly running on empty isn’t sustainable. Pushing through without reflection can lead to burnout, resentment, and even loss of clarity about why you’re working so hard in the first place.
When Taking a Step Back Feels Risky
On the other hand, taking a step back can feel unsettling. What if things fall apart while you pause? What if slowing down makes you seem less committed—or worse, leaves you feeling irrelevant?
Taking a step back feels risky when:
You worry about disappointing others. What will your boss, family, or colleagues think if you say "no" or take a break?
You’ve tied your worth to achievement. Resting or re-evaluating your path might trigger thoughts like, “If I’m not doing, what am I worth?”
Uncertainty scares you. If you stop now, how will you know when—or even if—you can jump back in?
Yet sometimes, stepping back isn’t about quitting. It’s about creating space to see clearly what’s working and what isn’t—so your next steps are intentional, not just reactive.
How to Know Which Path to Take: Push Through or Step Back?
The tension between pushing through and stepping back often signals that you’re in need of clarity. You might feel like you’re on a treadmill—moving fast but unsure if you’re going in the right direction. That’s when it’s time to pause and ask yourself a few key questions:
What’s driving me right now—fear or inspiration?
If your main motivation is fear (of missing out, falling behind, or letting others down), it’s worth reflecting on whether those fears are valid. On the other hand, if inspiration is driving you, perhaps pushing through might lead to meaningful progress.What am I sacrificing by not stepping back?
Are you neglecting self-care, relationships, or personal goals that truly matter to you? Sometimes, stepping back is the only way to make space for the things that feed your soul.If I take a break, what’s the worst (and best) that could happen?
Imagine taking a step back. What’s the worst-case scenario—and is it really that bad? Now imagine the best outcome. What if the break allows you to come back stronger, with renewed energy and clarity?Can I adjust my pace instead of stopping entirely?
Taking a step back doesn’t always mean a full stop. Are there ways to slow down while staying engaged with what matters? For example, could you delegate tasks, set clearer boundaries, or scale back your commitments temporarily?
Finding the Balance: Sustainable Success on Your Terms
It’s important to remember that pushing through and stepping back are not opposing forces—they can complement each other. Success doesn’t have to mean endless hustle, nor does rest mean falling behind. What if your ideal rhythm lies somewhere in between?
Creating a sustainable path might look like:
Saying no without guilt. Learning that boundaries are a strength, not a weakness.
Pacing yourself for long-term impact. A marathon, not a sprint.
Checking in with yourself regularly. Making intentional adjustments instead of waiting until burnout forces you to stop.
And the most important for me:
Being OK with doing things differently than other people.
This process isn’t easy, especially when you’re used to juggling many roles. But with the right support, it’s possible to create a life and career that feel both productive and fulfilling—without exhausting yourself in the process.
Need Help Finding Your Rhythm? Let’s Explore It Together.
If you’re caught between the urge to push through and the need to step back, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Sometimes, it takes a trusted thought partner to help you unpack your options and find the path that’s right for you.
In a Free Discovery Call, which lasts around 30 minutes, we’ll explore:
First and foremost if I’m the right coach for you :) - the chemistry needs to be right to do this work together
What’s driving your current hustle and whether it’s still serving you
Where you might benefit from stepping back — and how to do it without guilt
And if we continue to work together we have the space and time to find
Practical ways to a sustainable rhythm that aligns with your values and goals
You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s next—and the confidence to move forward on your terms.
Wherever you are in this moment, remember: It’s okay to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. And it’s okay to keep going, too—just as long as it’s a path that feels aligned with your values and aspirations.
Warmly, Viviane