Ever had one of those days where you swear you’ve been “go, go, go” — but when you finally crash on the couch at night, you’re left wondering: what did I even get done today? Yeah, me too. Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re lazy, it’s because your to-do list is kind of a liar.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why those long, never-ending lists leave you feeling exhausted but not accomplished. I’ll share the surprising way your brain treats “buy milk” and “land that career-changing opportunity” like they’re the same thing (wild, right?).

We’ll dig into a sneaky trap you probably don’t even realize you’re falling into — and I’ll ask the question that stopped me in my tracks: are you really making progress, or are you just staying busy?

Oh, and there’s one simple, practical shift you can try today that might just change the way you look at your list forever. (Hint: it fits on a sticky note.)

So if you’re tired of ending your day feeling like you worked your butt off but have nothing to show for it, this one’s for you. Hit play now — your future self will thank you.

You’ve made it to the final episode of the Permission to Disappoint series—and let’s be real, we saved the hardest part for last: actually saying the no.

This isn’t about knowing what your boundaries should be. This is about the moment someone asks you for something and your mouth says “Sure!” while your soul quietly packs a bag and tries to escape out the back door.

If you’ve ever:

• Agreed to something just to avoid the awkwardness of saying no

• Felt responsible for other people’s feelings

• Or replayed a conversation 47 times because you’re still second-guessing your “no”...

This episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Pamela’s walking you through the art of delivering a clear, unapologetic no—without spiraling into guilt, overexplaining, or people-pleasing gymnastics. She also breaks down the four most common boundary-pushers (yes, there are types!) and how to handle each one with calm confidence.

✨ Plus, she shares a mindset shift that might just change how you view your relationships forever.

Oh—and if you're wondering what to actually say when you're put on the spot?

That’s where the Boundary Setting Toolkit comes in.
Inside, you’ll find:

• 10 plug-and-play scripts for tricky boundary convos

• A 3-step reset plan for when you slip up

• Quick phrases to buy time (because “I panicked and said yes” is a real thing)

• Text + email templates when you want to say no without a face-to-face showdown

You can grab it for just $27 👉🏻right here in the show notes or through Pamela’s Instagram @pamelahughescoaching (check the link in her bio).

So here’s your invitation:What would your life look like if you stopped abandoning yourself just to keep others comfortable?

Let’s find out.
🎧 Hit play on this episode—and let Pamela show you how to make your “no” powerful, peaceful, and totally guilt-free.

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it, and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

Okay, real talk—
Have you ever said no to something you knew wasn’t right for you…
…only to spend the next 48 hours wondering if you’re a selfish monster who’s just disappointed everyone and ruined everything?

Yeah. You’re not alone.
And also? You’re not a monster. You’re just tangled up in a guilt spiral no one warned you about.

This episode is for the people-pleasers who are so done putting everyone else’s comfort before their own sanity… but still get that pit in their stomach every time they try to set a boundary.

If you’ve ever thought,

"Why does saying no feel so bad, even when it’s the right thing to do?"
—this episode is about to flip that script in a way you didn’t see coming.

Inside, Pamela drops a truth bomb (the kind that feels like a loving slap from your most honest friend):
Guilt isn't your moral compass… it's your withdrawal symptom.
Yep, like caffeine headaches—but for approval.

You'll learn:✨ Where your guilt really comes from (hint: it’s not your fault)
✨ The powerful 3-second move that will save you from a lifetime of regret-yesses
✨ A set of magic questions to ask before you give your next answer
✨ And the surprising reason people get mad when you start saying no (this one will make your jaw drop… and then nod in deep recognition)

There’s even a hilarious moment where Pamela accidentally discovers one of her most effective boundary tools mid-sip of a drink. (Because sometimes clarity shows up when your mouth is full.)

So if you’ve been feeling low-key exhausted from always being the “go-to” person, if your inner monologue sounds like “I should just do it—they’ll be upset if I don’t…”—pause.

And listen.

Because the way out of that guilt trap?
It starts with one small, powerful shift—and Pamela’s handing you the map.

🔥 Want help putting what you just heard into action?
The Boundary Setting Toolkit is your next step. It’s packed with:

• A checklist to spot your automatic yes moments

• 10 word-for-word “no” scripts that don’t sound awkward or mean

• Ready-to-use templates for texts, emails, and real-life convos

• A 3-step reset process for when you slip up (because you will)

• And smart ways to buy time—so you stop saying yes before you even think

👉 Grab the toolkit right now using this link.👈

It’s everything you need to start setting boundaries without the guilt hangover.
Let this be the day you finally make yourself the priority.

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it, and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

Ever catch yourself saying “It’s fine, I’ll handle it” when it is definitely not fine and you absolutely do not have the time, energy, or patience to handle it?

Yeah… same.

If you’re constantly overcommitting, over-explaining, and over-functioning for everyone but yourself, this episode is your wake-up call. Because here’s the thing—saying yes all the time doesn’t make you a good person. It makes you an exhausted one. And the worst part? You probably don’t even realize just how much it’s costing you.

That’s exactly why I’m kicking off a brand-new, 3-part series called Permission to Disappoint: The Boundary-Setting Masterclass—because setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to stop living for everyone else and start showing up for yourself.

🚨 Ever wonder why you’re always drained, even after a full night’s sleep?

🚨 Or why certain people seem to take more from you than others?

🚨 And what if trying to keep the peace is actually destroying your relationships?

Yeah… we’re going there today.

In Part 1, I’m breaking down the hidden cost of chronic helpfulness—how people-pleasing is draining your energy, disconnecting you from who you really are, and (plot twist!) damaging your relationships more than protecting them.

Plus, if setting boundaries feels impossible—don’t worry, I’ve got you. 

👇 Need help setting real boundaries? Start here. 

THE BOUNDARY SETTING TOOLKIT

💥 Ready to stop people-pleasing and actually start setting boundaries that stick? The Boundary Setting Toolkit is your next step. This isn't just something to read—it's something to use. Inside, you’ll find:

✔️ A checklist to catch your automatic yes moments before they slip out

✔️ 10 plug-and-play scripts to say no—without overexplaining or feeling rude

✔️ Phrases to help you buy time when you feel put on the spot

✔️ Email, text, and meeting templates for real-life digital boundary setting

✔️ A 3-step reset process to help you bounce back when you slip up

If you've ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I say yes to that?”—this toolkit is for you.

You don’t have to keep guessing or winging it. These are the exact tools that will help you go from constantly overcommitting to confidently protecting your time, energy, and sanity.

👉 CLICK HERE to grab it here for just $27: (You can also find the link on Instagram @pamelahughescoaching)

No fluff. Just the tools you wish you had years ago.

Ever catch yourself standing in front of your closet for 20 minutes trying to pick the "perfect" outfit? Or maybe you've got a note app full of business ideas that you're still "researching" months later?

Yeah, we've all been there. And that's exactly why this topic needed to be tackled in this week's episode.

This episode dives into that murky territory between being thoughtfully prepared and being completely stuck in your head. You know that place—where you convince yourself that "just one more Google search" or "just one more pro/con list" will finally give you the clarity you need.

What might surprise you is the complete flip of the script on what we think helps us make better decisions. There's a mind-blowing moment that explains why adding MORE information to your decision-making process can actually make your choices WORSE. (You might need to pause and replay that part!)

The episode explores a question that might stop you in your tracks: "Are you planning to take action, or are you planning to avoid discomfort?" Ouch, right?

And for anyone with a habit of researching vacation destinations for weeks only to never book the trip, there's a ridiculously simple 2-minute technique shared that has helped make decisions that were on hold for months.

The funniest part? There's a confession about overthinking tendencies that you'll probably relate to. Let's just say it involves a project that should have taken days but stretched into months (and we've all been there).

Do yourself a favor and listen to this episode on your commute today. Your future self—the one who actually takes action instead of just thinking about it—will thank you.

P.S. If you've got a friend who's still "planning" to start that side hustle from three years ago, this episode might be the gentle nudge they need. Share the love!

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

You know that moment when you're crushing it at work, checking all the boxes, doing ALL the right things... and then that sneaky little voice in your head whispers "but what if you're not good enough?"

Yeah, that voice. The one that shows up uninvited, like that relative who always has an opinion about your life choices.

🙄

In this week's episode, we're diving into something that might just blow your mind: what if those thoughts aren't even yours? What if, like an old computer running Windows 95, your brain is just operating on an outdated system someone else installed?

Pamela shares a personal story about a recent "aha moment" that completely changed how she thinks about success (spoiler alert: it involves cold coffee and a sunset, and it's not what you'd expect).

You'll discover:

• Why working harder isn't always the answer (and what actually is)

• A mind-bending question that instantly reveals which thoughts are holding you back

• The surprising truth about what successful people actually think about all day

• A practical tool you can use next time that voice shows up (no meditation required!)

  
  

Fair warning: This episode might make you question everything you thought you knew about success. But in the best possible way.

Ready to upgrade your mental operating system? Hit play now. Your future self will thank you.

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

Ever catch yourself scrolling through Instagram at midnight, looking at people doing exactly what you dream of doing, and think "I could do that... if only..."?

Yeah, I see you there. That little voice in your head that whispers "you're meant for more" while another voice quickly jumps in with "but what if you fail?"

In this week's episode, we're diving deep into that space between knowing your potential and actually living it. (And trust me, as someone who spent two decades in one career before making a massive pivot, I know this territory well!)

What's waiting for you in this episode:

This episode is for you if:

Real talk: This isn't another "just believe in yourself" pep talk. We're going way deeper than that. I'm sharing actual, science-backed strategies that helped me navigate my own journey from "someday" to "starting today."

🎯 Your Next Step: Hit play now and grab a notebook - trust me, you're going to want to write some of this down. This is the conversation I wish someone had had with me years ago, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Ready to go deeper? DM me @PamelaHughesCoaching with "EPISODE 123" and let me know which part of this episode hits home for you. I read and respond to every message personally.

P.S. If this episode description is already making you think "Oh wow, I needed this," just wait until you hear the full thing. Your future self will thank you for hitting play today.

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

"I'll do it when things calm down..." "I just need to get through this busy season..." "Once I finish this project, I'll have more time..."

Sound familiar? (Yeah, I thought so.)

In this week's episode of Unstuck Your Life, we're diving into the one excuse that's probably costing you more than you realize. Hint: It's not about time management – it's about something way deeper.

Ever notice how the busiest people you know are often the ones accomplishing the least? Or how about that friend who seems to "have it all together" but is constantly telling you how overwhelmed they are? There's a reason for that, and it's probably not what you think.

This episode might make you a little uncomfortable. Good. Because we're about to challenge everything you think you know about being "busy" – including the real reason you might be wearing it like a badge of honor.

Warning: If you're looking for another productivity hack or time management system, this isn't it. But if you're ready to get honest about what's really keeping you stuck in the hamster wheel of busy, this episode is for you.

You'll discover:

The surprising link between "busy" and fear (this one hit me hard)

What your schedule actually reveals about your priorities (even if you don't want it to)

The generational impact of our "busy" addiction (parents, this one's especially for you)

A radical new way to think about time that changes everything

Plus, we'll explore the question nobody's asking but everyone needs to answer: What if being busy isn't the problem – or the solution?

P.S. If you've ever caught yourself saying "I don't have time" while scrolling social media for an hour, this episode is definitely for you. Just saying... 😉

How to Connect With Pamela:

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About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

Ever catch yourself in a quiet moment, looking at your life and all you've accomplished, and feeling like something's still... missing?

You're not the only one secretly wondering if you missed a memo about how success is supposed to feel.

This week, we're diving into that confusing space between achieving goals and actually feeling fulfilled. (Spoiler alert: If you've ever felt guilty for not being "happy enough" with your success, this episode is going to be a game-changer.)

In this conversation, we're exploring:

Plus, a revealing exercise that shows you exactly where fulfillment has been hiding all along. Hint: It's closer than you think.

💫 THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF:

Ready to discover what's really going on when success leaves you feeling empty? Hit play to join the conversation that might just change how you think about achievement forever.

Got thoughts after listening? Share them with me on Instagram @PamelaHughesCoaching using #UnstuckLife – I read every comment and love hearing your insights!

P.S. Know someone who needs to hear this? Share this episode with them. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is letting others know they're not alone in their struggles.

How to Connect With Pamela:

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the host:

Hi, friend! My name is Pamela Hughes and I’m a former talk show host turned life coach. After 20 years in the news business, I walked away from what people thought I should do and I did what I wanted to do … coach people who are stuck like I was and help them find relief, awareness and control within themselves.

This was no easy task and I’m not here telling you it was. I had to take full responsibility for where my life was and then decide where I wanted it to go. It was time to stop complaining about my situation and do something about it. I had to stop looking for others to validate me and start having my own back. This required looking inside myself for the answers instead of looking outside myself.

I told you it wasn’t easy … but I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey because it led me right here to you reading about it, maybe identifying with aspects of it and hopefully being inspired to get UNSTUCK.

Ever catch yourself crafting the "perfect" text message for 15 minutes? Or lying awake at night replaying that "awkward" comment you made in a meeting three weeks ago? (No judgment - we've all been there!)

In this episode, we're diving deep into why we're all so hooked on seeking validation, and more importantly, how to break free from this exhausting cycle. Because let's face it - being your own worst critic is a full-time job none of us applied for.

What you'll discover:

Plus, you'll learn a mind-blowing reframe about self-trust that will change how you view every decision you make moving forward.

Ready to break free from the validation hamster wheel? Listen now and discover how to trust yourself without having to pretend you're immune to human emotions.

📱 Connect with Pamela:

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