We gotta stop this shit

It’s so easy to get caught up in saying yes.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m building real community and growing a ton in my relationships.

But I’m also introverted and have a very short social battery life.

And lately, I’ve been packing my schedule full to the point I’m overdoing it…

And I didn’t even realize it until I hit a wall.

I’ve been so drained socially that my cup has basically stayed empty the last few weeks.

And when your cup is empty, you don’t feel like yourself.

So now I’m having to be more intentional with saying no.

Not accepting every invitation. Not feeling obligated to show up for everyone else. Not sacrificing myself just to make others comfortable.

And I know a lot of you relate to that.

Because this is exactly what so many high achievers struggle with.

You say yes to your job. Yes to your kids. Yes to your friends. Yes to every responsibility that pops up.

And the only person who gets the “no” is you.

And here’s the part I see people get stuck on — even when they know all of this.

It’s not that you don’t understand boundaries or self-care.

It’s that when it comes time to actually choose yourself, the excuses creep in.

“I’ll focus on me when things calm down.” “This just isn’t the season.” “I just need to get through this busy stretch first.” “I can’t pour into myself when everyone else needs me.”

And underneath that is something deeper.

A lot of people don’t actually feel deserving of the time, energy, or space it takes to take care of themselves.

They feel guilty resting.

Guilty saying no.

Guilty prioritizing their health when there are kids to take care of, jobs to show up for, people depending on them.

So they keep putting themselves last — even while knowing it’s hurting them.

But here’s the hard truth:

You don’t get to show up fully for everyone else if you’re constantly depleted.

You don’t magically become more patient, energized, confident, or present by sacrificing yourself harder.

And you don’t earn the right to take care of your body after you’ve handled everything else.

Your health, your routines, your boundaries — they aren’t rewards.

They’re requirements.

This is why so many people struggle to stay consistent with fitness and habits.

Because they keep treating themselves like the lowest priority in their own life.

And no plan — no matter how good — can survive that.

You can’t build a healthy body, strong habits, or consistent routines if you never give yourself any time or space.

Your fitness, your energy, your mental clarity… they all require you to be a priority, not an afterthought.

Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s a non-negotiable.

Protect your time. Protect your peace. And give yourself what you give to everyone else.

Because the more you show up for you, the better you can show up for everyone around you.

Much love,

Coach Mackenzie

P.S. Have you tuned into my podcast yet? We have been pouring so much into each episode and diving deep into all the topics I talk about here.

Listen to the Endless Pursuit Podcast on ​Apple​, ​Spotify​, ​Youtube​, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.