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Bone-deep exhaustion, loss of apetite, lethargy, low-level depression. 

That was my symptom list the weekend after The Rest & Success Code.

Diagnosis? Self-criticism-infused adrenaline crash + vulnerability hangover. 

By all accounts, Season 2 was a smashing success! 

→ 11 incredible conversations
→ 2,300+ therapists registered
→ $15,500 raised for charity (!!!)

We surpassed all of our goals! 

Sounds like cause for celebration, right?

But yet… I spent most of Saturday collapsed in my oversized gray Lovesac, staring idly out the window, mindfully noticing the milieu of negative thoughts racing through my mind. 

“No one liked your conversations…” 

“Ugh, I bet people think you sounded so stupid…” 

“Why did you do that?! No one cares about what you think!” 

(It’s a dark place up there sometimes 🤦‍♀️) 

Over the years, I’ve discovered adrenaline crashes + vulnerability hangovers are inevitable whenever I put myself out there in a big, bold way. 

I totally understand the temptation to stay hidden away in your office, staying quiet and small, only allowing 1 person to see your face on Zoom at any given moment. Feels safe, right?

But if you have something to say… if you want people to pay attention to what you have to say… you have to step into the spotlight and allow yourself to be seen. 

And let’s be honest, stepping into the spotlight is scary AF! 

Here’s the truth (I feel like I’m sharing a dirty little secret telling you this)… 

Every single successful entrepreneur I know deals with their own version of the vulnerability hangover after stepping into the spotlight. 

I’m sharing because I think we’re doing each other a huge disservice by keeping the “dark side” of these experiences hidden behind the curtain. 

When you don’t see how fatigued and fragile “successful people” feel after being visible, you’re left to assume it must be easy for them.

That assumption triggers a chain reaction of limiting beliefs that shut you down from believing you are capable of next-level success. 

I hear this all the time from my own business coaching clients… 

“Maegan, I get that YOU can do it, but there’s no way I can do it. I’m too (sensitive, introverted, low-energy, shy, scared, insert-whatever-word-comes-up-for-you).”

You assume the people who are playing big were born with some inherent quality that makes it possible for them to dance their way onto center stage while you’re stuck shuffling awkwardly in the wings. 

You tell yourself you weren’t born with whatever it takes to become the star of the show.

You’re convinced you can’t do it because you’re different, less than, or too afraid.

I’m calling bullshit on that mental nonsense! 

If I can do it, you can do it too. Seriously.

We’re all scared and vulnerable! That’s totally normal.

If you know in your bones you have a message worth spreading, and if you want to build a business beyond private practice that requires less of your emotional energy and more of your playful creativity, being visible is your only option. 

Just make sure you have a plan to nurture yourself when the adrenaline rush subsides! 

Last weekend, my Lovesac was my landing pad, Outlander was my escape, and my beagles were my emotional support. The perfect combo I needed to soothe my activated inner-critic.

One week later, I’m feeling rested, recharged, and really f’ing proud of what we created. 

I’d love to know, is there something inside that you want to share with the world? 

What holds you back from stepping into the spotlight? 

Lack of time? Fear? A vivid memory of your 2nd grade teacher telling you to zip it? 

Remember, moving away from the quiet safety of private practice takes courage. The people you see stepping into the spotlight are not smarter or more talented than you, and they’re definitely not less afraid than you. They’re just doing it anyway. 

Be brave. The world needs to hear what you have to say. 

And hey, if starting with the whole world feels like too much pressure, hit reply and share your thoughts with me! Nothin’ wrong with baby steps.

Seriously, I would LOVE to hear from you. I personally read and reply to all of your emails. 

You can totally do this.