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GrowthReady Podcast
What does it mean to be ready to pursue growth? Should we pursue growth when we don't feel ready? And how do we achieve optimal growth by readying ourselves for everything that comes with it?
The Growth Ready Podcast seeks to form a true appreciation for all facets of the growth process as we learn from high performers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Hosted by Steve Mellor, a seasoned high-performance executive coach and former US Olympic swim coach, each episode explores the pivotal moments that define true growth and the work that went into getting ready for it. Through candid conversation and detailed personal accounts, guests share their unique experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing transformation, and what it takes to get ready for every step of their growth journey.
GrowthReady Podcast
Episode 257: Beyond Resilience: How to Recover from Burnout and Build Bounce Back Ability with Cait Donovan
About the Guest
Cait Donovan is a burnout recovery expert, acupuncturist, speaker, and host of Fried the Burnout Podcast. With a background in Chinese medicine and a deep understanding of resilience, Cait helps high performers recognize, recover from, and prevent burnout by cultivating self-awareness, setting boundaries, and redefining success.
About the Episode:
In this episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with Cait Donovan to explore the concept of bounce back ability—a broader and more sustainable approach to resilience. Cait shares insights on burnout recovery, the importance of interoception (internal self-awareness), and how high performers can create a more sustainable path to success. She also explains why asking for help is the key to true resilience and why burnout prevention isn't always realistic.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Resilience alone isn’t enough. True growth-ready individuals cultivate bounce back ability, which includes resilience, self-trust, surrender, grit, and agility.
✅ Many high performers miss early signs of burnout due to low interoception (body awareness). The focus should be on recovery, not just prevention.
✅ Foundational self-care (listening to your body's signals) is crucial. Simple habits like “pee when you need to pee” are game-changers.
✅ Resentment highlights where your boundaries are being crossed and where you're neglecting yourself. Recognizing it can help you reclaim energy and focus.
✅ True resilience isn’t about pushing through alone; it’s about increasing your resources through asking for help and building a strong support system.
✅ Success isn’t just about productivity; it’s about maintaining energy, presence, and balance in all areas of life.
Links and Resources
🎧 Listen to Cait’s podcast: Fried the Burnout Podcast
🌐 Learn more about Cait: https://www.caitdonovan.com/
🔗 Connect with Cait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/
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