This week on the podcast, I’m doing something I’ve never done before — I’m interviewing a working dad.

Mike is a coaching client who came into our work stuck in his head, overwhelmed by pressure, and caught in constant rumination. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looked like to question the stories running his life, stop chasing external validation, and learn how to pivot out of spirals faster. We talk about the real tools that helped him feel calmer, more focused, and more present at work and at home.

If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying the same thoughts on repeat or carrying stress from one part of your life into the next, this episode will hit close to home.

What We Cover:

1. Why rumination keeps ambitious parents stuck and how to interrupt it
2. The hidden cost of constantly seeking validation at work
3. How to separate work stress from home life (even in hybrid or remote jobs)
4. Simple mindset pivots that bring calm, clarity, and control
5. What real balance looks like when you stop believing every thought you have

Links + Next Steps

1. Download the Daily Kickstart
2. The exact daily practice I walk all my clients through — a simple 10-minute process to get out of overwhelm and lead your day with intention.
3. 👉 https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart
4. Work with me
5. Curious about coaching for yourself or bringing coaching into your company or organization? Let’s talk.
6. 👉 https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/book

Follow Mike:

1. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelj-garcia/https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/254