5 Simple Steps to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment with my FREE Download the ‘Career Clarity Roadmap’

Is There Anything Wrong With Being A High-achiever?

Is There Anything Wrong With Being A High-achiever?

Is There Anything Wrong With Being A High-achiever?

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Silhouette of Katarina Stoltz on the beach as sunset as she asked if there anything really wrong with being a high-achiever?

As a high-achiever, you’re driven, focused, and capable of making incredible things happen. But what happens when the very traits that propel you forward start to hold you back? 

My story as a high-ahiever

Being a high-achieving woman has helped me get to where I am today, both personally and professionally. I have an unstoppable drive to pursue the things I love, whether it’s taking a sabbatical in Thailand or organizing reunions with my friends.

But my high-achieving nature has also led me to make many unhealthy choices in my past. For example, when I worked as a news photographer, I numbed myself with alcohol to avoid dealing with the pain I was feeling. I only felt worthy when I saw my photo on the front page of a newspaper.

It’s no surprise that many of the women I work with are also ambitious and driven, seeking growth in both their personal and professional lives. And many of them struggle with self-worth.

I understand exactly where they’re coming from—and I know how to help.

When high achievement becomes unhealthy

If this resonates with you, you might still be wondering: Is being a high achiever really wrong?

Of course not! Many high-achieving women are pursuing dreams they’re passionate about. They feel accomplished and achieve amazing things.

The problem isn’t ambition.

It’s when high achievement becomes unhealthy, such as when you:

  • Struggle with health issues because you’re not prioritizing self-care
  • Rely solely on external validation to feel worthy
  • Can’t give yourself credit for your accomplishments in any area of life

I’ve been there, facing all three of these challenges. It took a lot of courage, time, and investment to get to where I am today. I’m proud that I made the decision to invest in myself so I can live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

I still occasionally fall back into seeking external validation, but the difference is that today, I have the awareness and tools to bring myself back to the place within me where I know I’m worthy.

Breaking free from unhealthy patterns

I know how to recognize and stop the unhealthy patterns that so many high-achieving women fall into—constantly doing, doing, doing to fill a void, only to end up feeling empty and lost.

But I had to do the necessary work to get to where I am today.

If you often find yourself seeking validation from the outside and want to break free from this exhausting cycle, I can help.

If you struggle to prioritize your own needs and are always there to please others, I’ve created a process to help you go from exhausted to energized.

If you’re ready to transform your life, join my waitlist for 1:1 coaching in 2025. This could be your opportunity to finally make the changes you’ve been craving—to live a healthier, more meaningful, and fulfilling life.

Here’s what Jennifer said about working with me: 

“You helped me uncover the root of my lack of confidence, it was eye-opening and a huge release. Since then, the fear lifted, and I was able to discover the self-worth that I was lacking.

Now I’m excited about the future and I feel a big sense of relief. I’m happy in my current workplace and got the raise I wished for. Life feels bright, as if a big cloud that was looming above me has finally disappeared.”

Join the waitlist here.

Love

 

 

Life coach and psychotherapist Katarina Stoltz in an orange dress with a lilac background smiling at the camera.
I’m Katarina

Welcome to my blog, where I share real-life stories and offer valuable and practical tips for how to achieve fulfillment without burning out.

FREE GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP

5 Simple Steps for Busy Mid-Career Women to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment.

By signing up to receive my content, you agree to receive emails from me. You can opt out at any time.

Learn the 3 Secrets to Sustainable Career Success with my FREE LIVE WORKSHOP
“The Path to Career Fulfilment.”

Celebrate Every Success: Why Your Achievements Deserve The Spotlight

Celebrate Every Success: Why Your Achievements Deserve The Spotlight

Celebrate Every Success: Why Your Achievements Deserve The Spotlight

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Celebrate success with life coach Katarina Stoltz. Katarina is standing on a beach with an arm raised in the air.

It’s easy to overlook how important celebrating our successes is for our self-worth. Whether they’re big milestones or small wins, taking the time to acknowledge and honour them can profoundly shift how we view ourselves and our achievements. Yet, so many of us skip this crucial step, caught up in the endless cycle of “what’s next.”

The decision that changed everything

It was 2014, and I was sitting on a rooftop bar in Berlin, about to make a decision that would change my career forever.

I felt ready, but I had this toxic habit of second-guessing myself, constantly seeking advice from others—even when my gut was screaming YES.

My friend advised me not to start my psychotherapy training, warning me, “Your German isn’t good enough.” But if I’d listened, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

That night, I made a choice: I would stop waiting for the “right” time and finally follow my intuition. I knew I was ready to say yes to my calling.

So, I began a 4-year Gestalt therapy training in German (my fourth language!), and I graduated exactly 5 years ago.

Recently, I celebrated that milestone with champagne on a rooftop lounge in Fuerteventura.

Life coach Katarina Stoltz celebrating success in a hot tub drinking champagne

Why celebrating achievements matters

Learning to celebrate my achievements has been a big part of my journey to a healthier mindset. Big or small, I now ‘‘make an event out of it’’—a wonderful lesson from my friend Natasha.

Celebrating, especially when we make a real moment out of it, breaks that constant cycle of “what’s next” and lets us pause to feel proud of what we’ve already achieved. It’s a way of claiming our worth—of really owning it. We’re often so focused on how we could be doing better that we forget just how well we’re already doing.

What are you celebrating?

Don’t wait for others to validate or celebrate you; take the initiative to focus on your accomplishments instead of your perceived shortcomings. It’s one of the best ways to break free from the “not good enough” cycle.

Celebrating what we’ve achieved is as essential to progress as any new goal.

So, let me ask you—what are you celebrating? 

Love

 

 

Life coach and psychotherapist Katarina Stoltz in an orange dress with a lilac background smiling at the camera.
I’m Katarina

Welcome to my blog, where I share real-life stories and offer valuable and practical tips for how to achieve fulfillment without burning out.

FREE GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP

5 Simple Steps for Busy Mid-Career Women to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment.

By signing up to receive my content, you agree to receive emails from me. You can opt out at any time.

Learn the 3 Secrets to Sustainable Career Success with my FREE LIVE WORKSHOP
“The Path to Career Fulfilment.”

Break Free from Limiting Beliefs to Change Your Career

Break Free from Limiting Beliefs to Change Your Career

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Woman watching over the sea at sunset to represent letting go of limiting stories so you can transform your career

During my coaching sessions with clients, a recurring topic that emerges is the impact of the stories we tell ourselves. These ‘old stories’ often dictate our beliefs about who we are and what we’re capable of achieving, and ultimately hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Recently, I had a personal breakthrough that shattered one of my own limiting stories. Let me share how an indoor surfing adventure helped me break free from my fears and how you can use this lesson to transform your career.

My limiting story

My husband’s birthday was approaching, and with his upcoming work trip, I felt it would be nice to create a memorable moment together beforehand.

I had a busy week at work, and not much time to think, which turned out to be a blessing. If I had thought too much about it we would never have ended up going indoor surfing!

For as long as I can remember I’ve held onto the story that ‘I don’t have good balance’ and ‘I can’t put my head underwater without holding my nose’. These beliefs have often prevented me from engaging in activities that require balance, and I’ve never dared diving into swimming pools or putting my head into the ocean.

Maybe you can relate—stories that have shaped your life based on what you’ve seen and heard growing up.

I internalized some of my mum’s stories as my own, including her belief that she had poor balance. I never saw her swim underwater, therefore I grew up with the belief that it was dangerous.

Without overthinking it, I booked three tickets for indoor surfing—for my husband, daughter, and myself. At the venue, among the excited families, I noticed I was the only mom ready to join in rather than watch from the sidelines.

Conquering my fear

During the session the instructor must have sensed my fear and later praised me for being a positive role model for my daughter—a rarity among parents who usually stay back!

When it was my turn I nervously sat at the pool’s edge, grasping the instructor’s hand for support. With intense focus, I surfed from one side to the other, letting out a triumphant scream that echoed through the hall—I did it!

We had to protect ourselves by holding our hands over our heads when falling, which allowed me to overcome my fear of putting my head underwater without holding my nose!

This experience wasn’t just about conquering fear, it also shattered my belief that I lacked balance. Turns out I have a gift for it after all!

Your limiting stories

In my coaching sessions, clients often share similar stories deeply ingrained from childhood: ‘I’m not skilled enough to change jobs’, ‘I lack confidence’, or ‘I’m not ready for a promotion’.

Feeling ‘not enough’ is the most common blocker to living life fully and experiencing career fulfilment.

These stories we tell ourselves are often based on childhood experiences and the behaviors of our caregivers. They shape our lives and limit our potential.

Maybe your limiting story isn’t about balance or water. Maybe it’s about your career. You might believe you’re not skilled enough to change jobs, lack confidence, or aren’t ready for a promotion. Feeling ‘not enough’ is the most common blocker to living life fully and experiencing career fulfillment.

It’s time to shed these limiting stories.

It’s time to do things differently.

It’s time to confront fears.

It’s time to change what’s not working for you—starting with your career.

A gift for you

I’ve put together a resource I believe you’ll find invaluable—the CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP.

It’s a FREE GUIDE designed for professional women like you. In this guide, you’ll discover the 5 simple steps I teach to help busy mid-career women transform near-burnout into career fulfilment.

I’m excited to offer you this step-by-step guide for free!

This FREE GUIDE is your starting point for a career transition—without the pressure to decide your next move immediately.

It’s a practical blueprint to reflect on your career, uncover your passions, and take that initial step toward a career that truly excites you!

Whether you’re considering leaving corporate life to start your own business, aiming for a promotion, or unsure of your next career move, this FREE GUIDE is for you. The only requirement is your desire for change.

Are you ready to take the first step today?

Download your FREE GUIDE here.

Love

 

 

Life coach and psychotherapist Katarina Stoltz in an orange dress with a lilac background smiling at the camera.
I’m Katarina

Welcome to my blog, where I share real-life stories and offer valuable and practical tips for how to achieve fulfillment without burning out.

FREE GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP

5 Simple Steps for Busy Mid-Career Women to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment.

By signing up to receive my content, you agree to receive emails from me. You can opt out at any time.

Learn the 3 Secrets to Sustainable Career Success with my FREE LIVE WORKSHOP
“The Path to Career Fulfilment.”

This Is How To Invest In Your Career Dreams

This Is How To Invest In Your Career Dreams

Published on

Life coach Katarina Stoltz smiling at the camera while on the beach inviting you to invest in your career dreams.

Investing in yourself is an integral component of unlocking your true potential. I know that you might think that prioritising yourself can be seen as ‘selfish’ or a ‘weakness’. I’ll show you how to use it as a strength that will propel you forward in your career.

Investing in myself

Recently, I left behind my overstuffed to-do list and my business duties, all to escape the Berlin winter for two glorious weeks at retreats in Portugal. Yes, TWO retreats, and even a solo beach day.

I immediately feel an urge to explain to you ‘we were working hard on those retreats, and it was not a ‘relax and recharge’ kind of retreat.’

It’s that part of me who is trying to prove to mummy that I’m worthy.

That old habit of needing to justify every moment of self-care. Yes, I’ve wrestled with that too. But today, I’ve learned to silence that voice and extend compassion to myself.

Because today, I know my worth. Today I know I must invest in myself and in my health to be a better therapist, coach, mother, wife and friend.

I understand that investing in myself isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s what allows me to show up as the best version of myself.

Building that self-care muscle is a game-changer.

There was a time in my previous corporate career when even the thought of asking for time off would keep me up at night, consumed by guilt and worry about what others might think.

Sounds familiar?

We need time off to get in touch with how we really feel and to make decisions that aligns with who we are.

I used to feel alone with my needs. I didn’t have a community of like-minded people to share with. I wasn’t sure how to take the first step to get clarity on my next career move. That all changed one day at a film studio in Stockholm.

My career journey

It’s easy to stay in a job you’ve worked so hard for. Thoughts like, “I’ll fall behind if I change careers” or “I’m too old to try something new”, can hold you back.

Believe me, I know these thoughts all too well. They tried to stop me too. But I made a decision not to let that inner saboteur compromise my happiness.

In my late 20s, after completing my studies, I found myself freelancing for Swedish state television. I had climbed my way up from making coffee for the actors and crew to the responsible role of second director assistant—a dream job for many.

I excelled at what I did. The actors and extras loved my friendly demeanour, and the director appreciated my organisational skills. But despite outward success, something within me felt unsettled—a persistent feeling of boredom and unfulfillment.

I ignored it and said yes to another film production.

Months passed, and if it hadn’t been for Marek, perhaps I’d still be stuck in the film industry.

One evening at an after-work event, Marek noticed the longing in my eyes and said, ‘Katarina, you don’t seem happy here. Why not travel, see the world, and try different jobs? You strike me as the adventurous type.’

Unknown to him, his words struck a chord deep within me. It was exactly how I felt, but I hadn’t dared to admit it to myself. After investing years in studying and landing one of the best jobs around, could I really just walk away?

A few months later I left Sweden in search of adventure and true fulfilment.

I invested in my well-being.

It took many detours before I landed in my dream job. I don’t want you to have to wait that long!

Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment

I’ve created something I wish I had had back in that film studio in Stockholm and I believe you’ll find it invaluable—the CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP.

It’s a FREE GUIDE designed for professional women like you. In this guide, you’ll discover the five proven steps I teach to help busy mid-career women transform near-burnout into career fulfilment.

I’m excited to offer you this step-by-step guide for free!

This FREE GUIDE is your starting point for a career transition—without the pressure to decide your next move immediately.

It’s a practical blueprint to reflect on your career, uncover your passions, and take that initial step toward a career that truly excites you!

Whether you’re considering leaving corporate life to start your own business, aiming for a promotion, or unsure of your next career move, this FREE GUIDE is for you. The only requirement is your desire for change.

Are you ready to take the first step today?

Download your FREE GUIDE here.

Love,

 

 

Life coach and psychotherapist Katarina Stoltz in an orange dress with a lilac background smiling at the camera.
I’m Katarina

Welcome to my blog, where I share real-life stories and offer valuable and practical tips for how to achieve fulfillment without burning out.

FREE GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP

5 Simple Steps for Busy Mid-Career Women to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment.

By signing up to receive my content, you agree to receive emails from me. You can opt out at any time.

Learn the 3 Secrets to Sustainable Career Success with my FREE LIVE WORKSHOP "The Path to Career Fulfilment."

How To Learn From And Celebrate The Past Year

How To Learn From And Celebrate The Past Year

How To Learn From And Celebrate The Past Year

Published on

Life coach Katarina Stoltz smiling on a sofa

Even if we refuse to make New Year’s resolutions, most of us feel this is a time for rebirth, renewal and growth. It’s a potent time to reflect back on the year and learn what worked and what didn’t so that we can do things differently moving forward (and properly acknowledge our achievements!).

So before you rush off with all your plans for 2024, use my free workbook ‘COMPLETE & CELEBRATE 2023’, and reflect on, learn from, and celebrate your 2023 experience!

5 of my biggest learnings this year

  1. If you take your health seriously, you will have to invest money and time to find the right people to help you. Good health is the foundation for everything we do, from parenting to managing our work, therefore I made health a priority this year.
  2. Follow YOUR dreams even when other people don’t support you. When I started to plan a semi sabbatical to Thailand, my husband was not on board. When we eventually did it at the beginning of this year, he was thanking me every day!
  3. Your body gives you warning signals. It didn’t matter how much my mind tried to convince me to go against what my gut screamed, in the end, my body was always wiser. When I listened to the warning signals, I made better choices.
  4. Special friends will walk the extra mile for you! I made another dream come true by renting an old finca on Mallorca where I celebrated my 50th birthday with my family and close friends.
  5. Stay with the same mentor/coach if you’re happy. Michaela Boehm has been my mentor for the last four years. This year I went on my first retreat with her to Portugal and had a profound experience!
Life coach Katarina Stoltz on retreat in Portugal

From breakthroughs to breakdowns

Our learnings usually come from our challenges. When we go through a challenge and overcome it, we learn something new and become wiser. When we take time to reflect on what we’ve learned and how we can act differently in the future, this is how we grow personally.

And we all want to grow, don’t we?!

So welcome the breakdowns and the challenges, because without them, you wouldn’t grow as much. Every breakdown leads to a breakthrough. It might not happen immediately, but eventually it will!

And when you come out on the other side, don’t forget to celebrate. This is something I often see my clients neglect – celebrating themselves and their milestones.

5 things I am celebrating this year

  1. Working less and still having the same income. I took 10 weeks of holiday and didn’t work weekends. This enabled me to prioritise my health and spend a lot of quality time with my family.
  2. Creating my first group career coaching programme. I put my best content into the amazing ‘Reignite Your Career’ programme. If you want to join the second cohort, add your name to the VIP list here.
  3. Keeping my promise, staying the course, and not giving a smartphone to my daughter. My hope is that she one day will be able to say: ‘My success in life is partly because I didn’t use a smartphone my first 12 years, and could develop through creative play instead’.
  4. Investing in my health. I finally figured out the best supplements to take and how much I needed to feel my best. I started working with a new expert in women’s health, an ayurveda practitioner and a personal trainer at my gym.
  5. Getting organised with money. It took a couple years of trying to do it on my own to realise I needed a financial manager. It’s just not my zone of genius, so I outsource it!

Reflect with my workbook

I invite you to pause, reflect and take time for YOU.

Look back before you look ahead.

Without looking back and learning from our mistakes, we would keep doing the same things repeatedly without moving forward.

Without celebrating our achievements, we would constantly feel ‘we’re not good enough’ and only focus on what we are lacking, instead of how much we have grown.

So block out some time in your calendar before this year is over, and fill out my  ‘COMPLETE & CELEBRATE 2023’ workbook.

Complete and celebrate 2023 workbook by Katarina Stoltz Coaching and Therapy

How to use the workbook

  • Clear at least one hour in your diary.
  • Find a quiet space where you can focus without interruption.
  • Complete it alone or with a friend.
  • Be honest. You don’t have to share your answers with anyone.
  • Print it or fill it out online.

Love,

 

 

Life coach and psychotherapist Katarina Stoltz in an orange dress with a lilac background smiling at the camera.
I’m Katarina

Welcome to my blog, where I share real-life stories and offer valuable and practical tips for how to achieve fulfillment without burning out.

FREE GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

CAREER CLARITY ROADMAP

5 Simple Steps for Busy Mid-Career Women to Transform Near-Burnout into Career Fulfilment.

By signing up to receive my content, you agree to receive emails from me. You can opt out at any time.

Learn the 3 Secrets to Sustainable Career Success with my FREE LIVE WORKSHOP "The Path to Career Fulfilment."