I see you out there striving to build a phenomenal life and become the woman you were created to be. You have a dream and a plan, but things keep getting in the way. The truth is, you cannot build a healthy, satisfying, high impact life from a place of frustration, fatigue, and overwhelm.

It’s not your fault. The world is riddled with distractions and demands. We are in a constant battle for our time and attention. During the struggle, sometimes we feel powerless to resist. What can you do, it all has to get done, right?

I remember feeling that way as a new mom, new wife, and physician. I was trying to be everything to and for everyone else and sacrificed myself in the process. After I was able to shut out the noise and get clear on my true desires, I went all in on building a foundation of wellness – mind, body, and spirit. Prioritizing my physical, mental, and spiritual health gave me the fuel I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and reclaim the reigns of my life.

If you are trying to make bold moves but keep getting derailed, here are 6 things that helped me increase my peace and stop giving my power away:

1. Stop waiting for life to slow down before you rest. Spoiler alert, life never slows down. You have to intentionally create opportunities for rest and restoration. Nobody is going to do it for you.

2. Stop letting the news and social media dictate your mood. You have a responsibility to be informed, but don’t allow the news and social media to consume your thoughts. Our nervous systems are not designed for constant crisis. Set boundaries about when and how much you will engage.

3. Stop waiting for permission to rest. Rest is not something you have to earn. It is essential to your wellbeing. You are the CEO of your life. You don’t need anybody’s permission to make yourself a priority.

4. Stop letting your calendar determine your capacity. There is no rule that every opening in your schedule must be filled. Reserve the white spaces for things that feed your soul and your spirit and/or get you closer to your dreams.

5. Stop letting guilt shape your boundaries. When you say yes to things you want to say no to, it puts other people’s comfort or approval ahead of your wellbeing. Setting boundaries that protect your energy doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you strategic.

6. Stop looking for external validation. It’s wise to seek counsel, but understand, not everyone shares your vision. Trust your instincts. Make sound decisions based on your values and needs. Ignore the naysayers. Group consensus is not required.

Your peace, rest, and healing are not conditional. It is your responsibility to make daily, intentional choices that center your needs, values, and well-being no matter what is happening around you or what anyone else has to say about it. You must be your own best friend, advocate, and protector. Your future self and your dreams aredepending on you.

Don’t let them down!