There's this thing that happens when I get really excited about what I'm working on.

I don't just want to work—I want to work all the time.

I wake up with ideas, fall asleep thinking about workflows, and find myself slipping to my office on my days off to "just jot something down real quick." 

My brain is on fire in the best way possible, and everything in me wants to lean in.

And right now I'm definitely in one of those seasons.

I just launched my new Ruth Soukup Business brand yesterday to replace Elite Blog Academy, and it’s a move that has honestly felt more exciting and aligned than anything I've done in a long time. 

I feel SO clear on exactly who I'm here to help, what I want to help them with, and how I want it all to come together.

And between the rebrand and all the work I'm doing to revamp my Powerhouse program for that brand, the new business-focused podcast I'll be launching in June (more on that coming soon!), the new AI systems workshop I’m hosting in a few weeks, not to mention our new Unstoppable Weight Loss audio masterclass we launched for Thinlicious last week... my brain has basically been running a creative marathon for a few months now.

I'm SO fired up about all of it, and I honestly feel like it's some of the best work I've ever done.

It's thrilling.

But also? It's a little dangerous.

Because I know me. And when I get into this place—this firestorm of productivity and possibility—there's a big part of me that just wants to abandon the boundaries I've worked so hard to build. To go back to working seven days a week, to pour it all out while the momentum is there. To push myself harder and harder.

But here's what I've learned after more than 15 years of doing this work: just because I'm excited doesn't mean I'm invincible.

And just because I love what I'm doing doesn't mean I should let it take over my life.

At the beginning of this year, I made the decision to work just three days a week. 

Not because I don't have enough to do (believe me, the list is never short), but because I wanted to protect my energy, my family, and my peace.

I wanted to make sure I was building a business that actually gives me the freedom I talk about—not just more responsibilities and longer hours.

And deep down, I also know that the biggest reason I'm feeling so intensely creative in my work life right now is because I've been so intentional about carving out so much more personal space.

But let's be real: sometimes discipline is hardest when things are good.

It's easy to justify overworking when it doesn't feel like burnout, when I’m having fun and it feels like momentum. When it feels like purpose. When it feels like everything you've worked so hard to create is finally happening.

But that's actually when the boundaries matter most.

So these days, I'm trying to hold that tension—to fully enjoy the thrill of building something new while still keeping the promises I've made to myself and to my people.

Because at the end of the day, the life I'm creating outside of work matters just as much as the work itself.

For me, that means staying focused on my health goals—my weekly meal planning & cooking healthy meals every night for my family, making sure I’m fitting in walking + strength training every day, and that I’m getting enough rest. 

It also means being intentional about spending time with the people I love, even if it’s just binge watching the Rookie or playing Boggle as a family. We're in such a busy season right now, with my oldest daughter home from college, graduation parties and weddings and birthdays. 

But I want to be present for all of it.

Balance is never easy, especially if you’re the kind of person that gets obsessive (like I am!).

But I've also experienced the fallout of pushing too hard for too long, and it's definitely not a place I want to go back to.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." Along those same lines, David Allen reminds us, "You can do anything, but not everything."

In other words? Just because you're capable doesn't mean it's wise to keep going. Passion without limits will still burn you out.

And so, my challenge for you this week is to ask yourself that question–where might you need to slow down—not because you're tired, but because you love what you're doing too much to let it consume you? Where do you need to protect your peace—even from the things that light you up?

Live with purpose, friend, and have an amazing week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. What's lighting you up right now—or threatening to take over your balance? Hit reply and tell me what you're working on. I'd truly love to hear.

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