“How’s work?”
“Oh, crazy busy!”
It’s worn like a badge of honour. But let’s be honest. Is busyness really a sign of success? Or is it a trap?
For years, I thought I had to prove my worth through non-stop action. If I wasn’t the busiest person in the room, was I even valuable?
I pushed harder, did more and filled every moment with work. But instead of feeling accomplished, I felt exhausted, stuck and constantly on edge.
Sounds familiar?
The Cost of Always Being ‘On’
When you never create space, you…
Make reactive decisions instead of strategic ones.
Lose sight of what actually matters.
Burn out from trying to do everything instead of the right things.
Lose connection with yourself and others.
Most leaders don’t need more productivity hacks. They need SPACE.
The SPACE Method: Your Way Out of the Busyness Trap
Here’s what changed everything for me: The SPACE Method—a simple but powerful way to shift from overwhelm to clarity.
1. Stop & Reflect
If you don’t pause, you can’t see the bigger picture. Space starts with breathing room to think.
Try this: Block 30 minutes this week for thinking time. No emails, no meetings—just space to reflect. A C-Suite leader I used to work with blocked 30 mins every morning. He read, he reflected he planned, he enjoyed a cup of coffee in peace. But let’s start with smaller steps, i.e. 30 minutes each week. Let’s achieve consistent behaviour first, before we up our target.
2. Personal Insight
What do you actually care about? What drains you? If you’re constantly reacting, you’re not leading—you’re surviving.
Ask yourself: What do I want my leadership to look and feel like?
3. Address Beliefs
Most leaders I support, hold on to limiting beliefs without realising it:
⚡ “I have to be available all the time.”
⚡ “If I stop, I’ll fall behind.”
⚡ “I need to do more to be seen as valuable.”
⚡” I can’t pause now. Only, if/when…”
These thoughts keep you stuck. It’s time to challenge them.
4. Clear Action Steps
Instead of doing everything, focus on what actually matters. Define 3 key priorities instead of drowning in a to-do list.
Try this: At the start of each day, ask yourself: What’s the most important thing I can achieve today?
5. Execute with Confidence
This is where leadership shifts. Instead of running on autopilot, you lead with intention. You don’t just react—you decide.
Try this: Say no to one unnecessary task this week. Protect your space.
Why This Is Harder for Women Leaders
Women are often praised for being reliable, hardworking and available—but not always for being strategic, visionary and decisive.
We’re conditioned to stay busy, to be helpful, to never drop the ball, to take on multiple roles and juggle all these different plates at the same time.
But the truth? The best leaders aren’t the ones who do the most. They’re the ones who create space to lead.
So, are you ready to lead differently?
If you’re done with the grind and ready for more clarity, confidence and leadership that actually works, let’s talk.
I work with women leaders who are ready to step up, not burn out.
Get in touch and let me know: What’s one way you can create space this week?
