Work it, Live it, Own it!

SaCola Lehr

Are you an educator or woman juggling the demands of career, family, and self-care — and feeling the weight of burnout? Work It, Live It, Own It! is the podcast that empowers women to thrive personally and professionally through work-life harmony — not just balance. I’m SaCola Lehr — an experienced educator, and a Work-Life Harmony Strategist. I’ve lived the stress, overwhelm, and burnout that comes with giving everything to others while trying to maintain a life of my own. Now, I share the practical tools, mindset strategies, and inspiring stories that helped me reclaim energy, confidence, and purpose — and that can help you do the same. Each episode delivers actionable guidance to help you: Prevent burnout and restore well-being in your career and personal life.Build systems that protect your time, energy, and focus.Navigate the complexities of work, family, and caregiving with confidence.Strengthen your mindset and resilience to thrive in any season. Whether you’re an educator striving for harmony in the classroom, a school leader supporting staff well-being, or a woman in the sandwich generation managing family and career responsibilities, Work It, Live It, Own It! gives you the strategies and inspiration to work smarter, live fully, and own your success. Subscribe today — and start creating work-life harmony that works for your life.

  1. Break the Burnout Cycle: Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Time

    2D AGO

    Break the Burnout Cycle: Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Time

    In this final episode of the Suck it Up, Go-it-Alone series, SaCola Lehr addresses the hidden dangers and immense challenges of excessive self-reliance and the habit of 'sucking it up' alone. She revisits three key energy drainers: fear of confrontation, misguided optimism, and persistent availability, and highlights how these combine to create a cycle of burnout and disconnection from what truly matters. The episode is a call to action, providing five practical steps designed to break this cycle and help listeners move from merely surviving to thriving in both their work and personal lives. SaCola offers actionable strategies such as journaling to identify areas of overwhelm, speaking honestly to trusted individuals to break isolation, setting and practicing clear boundaries, and protecting daily energy through intentional self-care. She emphasizes the importance of small consistent actions over time and encourages listeners to be patient and compassionate with themselves throughout this journey. The episode aims to empower women, especially those balancing work, family, and caregiving roles, to reclaim their wellbeing, foster authentic relationships, and live a more energized, supported, and joyful life. Key Problems DiscussedChronic Burnout: The episode tackles the pervasive issue of burnout, especially among self-reliant women who feel the pressure to handle everything on their own.Fear of Confrontation: Listeners will learn how the fear of difficult conversations leads to resentment and emotional exhaustion.Misguided Optimism: The show explores how hoping others will step up without clear communication fuels disappointment and isolation.Constant Availability: The episode highlights the mental drain of being always on and available to others.Key TakeawaysJournal for Clarity: Discover how honest journaling can reveal unsustainable patterns and areas of overcommitment.Speak Your Truth: Learn why sharing your struggles with a trusted person is a powerful step toward breaking the cycle of isolation.Set Small Boundaries: Get practical advice on setting small, manageable boundaries in key areas of your life.Practice Your Scripts: The episode provides guidance on drafting and practicing clear, kind, and firm scripts for setting boundaries.Memorable Quotes"Sucking it up and going alone isn't a badge of honor. It's a recipe for exhaustion, resentment, and burnout." "Thriving means setting loving boundaries that protect your wellbeing. It means speaking up for your needs with confidence and kindness." "You deserve a life where your energy, your presence and your joy is not just afterthoughts, but protected, cherished, and thriving." If today’s conversation hit home, don’t just stop here. I created a free PRONE to Power Worksheet that will help you put these strategies into action. You can grab it now at https://bit.ly/PRONEtoPowerwksht Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    23 min
  2. 84: The Myth of Constant Availability: Why Being "Always On" is Burning You Out

    OCT 23

    84: The Myth of Constant Availability: Why Being "Always On" is Burning You Out

    The Myth of Constant Availability: Why Being "Always On" is Burning You OutIn this powerful fourth installment of the "Suck It Up, Go It Alone" series, Work-Life Harmony Strategist SaCola Lehr dives deep into a subtle, yet deeply damaging habit: persistent availability. We live in a world of endless pings, emails, Slack messages, group texts, and notifications that never stop. This episode unpacks the profound cost of feeling like you always have to be "on" for everyone else, and how this belief is silently draining your emotional battery and sabotaging your peace. What You'll Uncover in This Episode:1. The Hidden Roots of Hyper-Responsiveness More Than Modern Tech: While technology amplifies the problem, Sokola reveals that the need for constant availability is often deeply rooted in childhood. For many, being needed became an identity, a survival strategy learned early on to earn love, keep the peace, or prove value.The Identity Trap: The dangerous belief that we internalize: "If I'm not available, I'm not valuable." Your worth is not tied to how quickly you respond or how many fires you put out. 2. The Drain: Burnout Disguised as Dedication The Nervous System Never Rests: Constant responsiveness keeps your nervous system in a perpetual state of "alert mode." This chips away at your peace of mind, leading to chronic irritability, fatigue, and even resentment toward the very people you care about. Addiction to Chaos: Being constantly "on" is often burnout disguised as dedication. We split our energy between too many things trying to prove dependability at work and being the emotional glue at home leading to emotional exhaustion and hypervigilance. The Trauma Response: For some, this "always on" state is a trauma response carried into adulthood, a hyper-awareness learned in homes where love or peace had to be earned. 3. Four Brave Actions to Reclaim Your Energy and Peace The good news? You can unlearn this habit and reclaim your time, energy, and peace without losing your impact. SaCola  provides four practical, brave actions to start implementing today: 1. Set a Tech Boundary Turn off all notifications outside of work hours. Create "no phone zones" during dinner, family time, or personal rest. To give your brain and nervous system a much-needed break from constant pings and demands. 2. Communicate Your Availability Clearly state your response times. Example: "I check emails three times a day," or "My cut-off time is 6:30 p.m. for family time." People will respect your boundaries when they are clearly communicated and consistently enforced. 3. Create Micro-Breaks to Reset Implement 5-minute deep breathing or stretching breaks, or a 30-minute "just sit, just be" ritual after work. These small, intentional pauses calm your nervous system and restore focus, preventing the buildup of stress. 4. Remind Yourself of the Truth Internalize the truth: You are allowed to rest, and you are allowed to be unavailable. The world will keep spinning. Your value is inherent, not conditional on your responsiveness. The Takeaway: Persistent availability is a silent burnout trap. By taking these brave actions, you can stop trading survival mode for strategies that help you truly thrive in your career, life, and everything in between. If today’s conversation hit home, don’t just stop here. I created a free PRONE to Power Worksheet that will help you put these strategies into action. You can grab it now at https://bit.ly/PRONEtoPowerwksht Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    12 min
  3. 82: Can the Fear of Confrontation Drain You Emotionally?

    SEP 24

    82: Can the Fear of Confrontation Drain You Emotionally?

    Have you ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d spoken up — but instead, you stayed silent to avoid conflict? You’re not alone. For so many sandwich generation women, the fear of confrontation quietly drains energy at work, at home, and in caregiving roles. In this episode of Work it, Live it, Own it!, we’re unpacking how avoiding hard conversations becomes a pressure cooker effect: the more we hold in, the more stress and resentment build. From saying yes to extra projects at work to keeping the peace in family caregiving, silence often comes at the cost of our emotional well-being and relationships. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How fear of confrontation shows up in daily life — at work, at home, and everywhere in between.The hidden connection between silence, burnout prevention, and emotional labor in families.Why “kind but clear” boundaries can protect your energy without damaging relationships.Practical steps to practice speaking up (even if you’re not ready to deliver the words yet). Take Action This Week Write down a boundary you’ve been afraid to set.Draft a “kind but clear” script you could use.Practice saying it out loud — even if you don’t deliver it yet.The truth is, confrontation doesn’t have to mean conflict. It’s about advocating for your needs with compassion and clarity. The more you practice, the less drained you’ll feel. If today’s conversation hit home, don’t just stop here. I created a free PRONE to Power Worksheet that will help you put these strategies into action. You can grab it now at https://bit.ly/PRONEtoPowerwksht Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Subscribe to Work it, Live it, Own it! On YouTube: https://bit.ly/2lxB1TS Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    18 min
  4. 81: Why Suffering in Silence is Holding You Back

    SEP 10

    81: Why Suffering in Silence is Holding You Back

    In this episode of "Work It, Live It, Own It," host SaCola Lehr delves into the hidden costs of the 'suck it up' mentality. Discover how this mindset, often mistaken for strength, leads to burnout, resentment, and silence. SaCola shares personal insights and practical strategies to break free from survival mode and embrace a life rooted in honesty and sustainable strength. Tune in to learn how to set boundaries, speak your truth, and thrive authentically. Don't miss the first episode of a five part "Suck it Up & Go it Alone" series. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to start shifting today, including: Journaling one place you’ve been “sucking it up” and naming the cost.Saying it out loud to a trusted friend, partner, or colleague to begin breaking the silence.Taking a small but powerful step to set boundaries at work or home without guilt.This episode is designed to help you recognize the signs of caregiver burnout, stop people-pleasing, and begin protecting your well-being with sustainable self-care strategies. If you’ve been carrying the weight of emotional labor in families, over-functioning at work, or struggling with work-life balance as a caregiver, you’re not alone. There is a better way—and it starts with letting go of the martyr mindset. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “sucking it up” keeps women stuck in burnout cycles.How fear of confrontation and saying “yes” too often fuel exhaustion.The risks of persistent availability and technology overload.Simple, sustainable first steps to reclaim your energy and voice. This series is about moving from survival to thriving. And it all begins with this first step: breaking the silence and permitting yourself to stop going it alone. Ready to join the WLO community to receive exclusive updates? Click the link: https://workitliveitownit.com/ Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Subscribe to Work it, Live it, Own it! On YouTube: https://bit.ly/2lxB1TS Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    15 min
  5. 80: The Nutrition Reset: Boost Energy, Beat Burnout with Alana Bonnemann

    AUG 27

    80: The Nutrition Reset: Boost Energy, Beat Burnout with Alana Bonnemann

    The Nutrition Reset: Boost Energy, Beat Burnout: Simple Food Shifts for Women Ready to Feel Like Themselves Again Tired of feeling exhausted, foggy, and stressed—even after a full night’s sleep? The solution might be closer than you think… on your plate. In this episode of Work it, Live it, Own it!, holistic nutritionist and naturopath Alana Bonnemann joins me to share how simple food choices can dramatically impact your energy, focus, and overall well-being. You’ll learn: ✔ Why your current eating habits may be draining your energy ✔ How to balance blood sugar to improve mood and focus ✔ Realistic nutrition tips for women who “don’t have time” ✔ Ways to stop cravings without giving up everything you love If you’re ready to reset your energy and feel like yourself again, this episode is your starting point. Listen now and start your Nutrition Reset today. Resources & Links: Connect with Alana: https://alanabonnemann.comFollow for more episodes on burnout recovery and work-life harmony#NutritionReset #BeatBurnout #EnergyBoost #HolisticHealth #WomenOver35 #SelfCareMatters Ready to join the WLO community to receive exclusive updates? Click the link: https://workitliveitownit.com/ Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Subscribe to Work it, Live it, Own it! On YouTube: https://bit.ly/2lxB1TS Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    42 min
  6. 78: What to Do When You Think Your Best Isn’t Enough

    JUL 30

    78: What to Do When You Think Your Best Isn’t Enough

    Do you ever feel like you’re giving your all—and it still isn’t enough? You’re showing up, working hard, doing everything “right,” and yet you feel like you’re falling short. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode of Work It, Live It, Own It!, we’re getting real about those moments when your best doesn’t feel like enough and what to do about it. You’ll discover: Why doing more isn’t always the solution How to stop measuring your worth by your productivity 3 ways to redefine success without burning out The mindset shift that frees you from perfectionism A simple journal prompt to reset your definition of “enough” If you’ve ever whispered, “What more can I possibly do?”—this conversation is for you. You don’t have to prove your worth to deserve rest, peace, and joy. What we're discussing: what to do when your best isn’t enoughburnout recovery tips for womenredefining success without burnouthow to stop feeling like you’re not enoughself-worth and work-life balance podcastperfectionism and burnout podcast episodepractical steps to avoid burnout If this episode resonated, rate and review Work It, Live It, Own It! and share with someone who needs this reminder: You are enough. Ready to join the WLO community to receive exclusive updates? Click the link: https://workitliveitownit.com/ Follow SaCola on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit   Subscribe to Work it, Live it, Own it! On YouTube: https://bit.ly/2lxB1TS Email for business inquiries: info@workitliveitownit.com

    18 min

Trailers

5
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About

Are you an educator or woman juggling the demands of career, family, and self-care — and feeling the weight of burnout? Work It, Live It, Own It! is the podcast that empowers women to thrive personally and professionally through work-life harmony — not just balance. I’m SaCola Lehr — an experienced educator, and a Work-Life Harmony Strategist. I’ve lived the stress, overwhelm, and burnout that comes with giving everything to others while trying to maintain a life of my own. Now, I share the practical tools, mindset strategies, and inspiring stories that helped me reclaim energy, confidence, and purpose — and that can help you do the same. Each episode delivers actionable guidance to help you: Prevent burnout and restore well-being in your career and personal life.Build systems that protect your time, energy, and focus.Navigate the complexities of work, family, and caregiving with confidence.Strengthen your mindset and resilience to thrive in any season. Whether you’re an educator striving for harmony in the classroom, a school leader supporting staff well-being, or a woman in the sandwich generation managing family and career responsibilities, Work It, Live It, Own It! gives you the strategies and inspiration to work smarter, live fully, and own your success. Subscribe today — and start creating work-life harmony that works for your life.