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When Growth Feels Exhausting
Episode snapshot
Key takeaways
Small shifts that help
Quotes & reflections“You’re chasing a sunset you’ll never catch — so pause, turn around, and notice how far you’ve come.”“Rest is not the reward for growth; it’s the requirement.”“Even growth needs recovery days.”Glimmers
Connect
Personal growth is beautiful — until it’s not. In this episode, Andrew and Cat talk about the hidden fatigue that comes with healing, self-development, and “always improving.” They unpack why the messy middle is normal, why growth never really ends, and how to rest without guilt.
Big ideas- Growth is cyclical, not linear. You’re not failing — you’re just in a different season.
- The messy middle matters. No one talks about the “in-between” years where progress feels invisible.
- Fatigue is feedback, not failure. Your body and mind need recovery as much as your muscles do.
- Judgment makes it worse. Beating yourself up for being human delays your healing.
- Rest is part of growth. Pausing helps new habits take root.
Key takeaways
1️⃣ Redefine success. There’s no “finish line” to personal growth. It’s a lifelong practice.
2️⃣ Accept regression as recalibration. Two steps forward, one pizza back (as Andrew says). It’s all part of the process.
3️⃣ Track what you did, not what you missed. Cat’s “reverse to-do list” builds perspective and gratitude.
4️⃣ Beware the comparison trap. Everyone has a different deck of cards — focus on your own hand.
5️⃣ Switch it up. If your routines feel heavy, try a new form of movement, journaling, or rest.
6️⃣ Recognize seasons. Some months are for pushing forward; others are for digesting what you’ve learned.
Signs you might be burned out from growth- Constant fatigue or mental fog
- Loss of joy in “self-care” routines
- Guilt for resting or taking breaks
- Feeling like nothing is ever enough
Small shifts that help
- Write a “done list” instead of a to-do list.
- Take micro-breaks during the day — stillness counts.
- Build seasonal awareness: winter = rest, spring = renewal.
- Remind yourself: “I am not behind. I’m evolving.”
Quotes & reflections“You’re chasing a sunset you’ll never catch — so pause, turn around, and notice how far you’ve come.”“Rest is not the reward for growth; it’s the requirement.”“Even growth needs recovery days.”Glimmers
- Cat: A golden fall day in Chicago — crisp air, bright sun, and a long peaceful walk. 🍂
- Andrew: Cozy weekend show (“Nobody Wants This”) — proof that slowing down can feel just as good as achieving.
Connect
- Website: fiveyearyou.com
- Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou
- Email: [email protected]
Affiliate note: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20 | Tracking ID: 5yy-20).
View all episodes
By Andrew Dewar and Catherine CollinsEpisode snapshot
Key takeaways
Small shifts that help
Quotes & reflections“You’re chasing a sunset you’ll never catch — so pause, turn around, and notice how far you’ve come.”“Rest is not the reward for growth; it’s the requirement.”“Even growth needs recovery days.”Glimmers
Connect
Personal growth is beautiful — until it’s not. In this episode, Andrew and Cat talk about the hidden fatigue that comes with healing, self-development, and “always improving.” They unpack why the messy middle is normal, why growth never really ends, and how to rest without guilt.
Big ideas- Growth is cyclical, not linear. You’re not failing — you’re just in a different season.
- The messy middle matters. No one talks about the “in-between” years where progress feels invisible.
- Fatigue is feedback, not failure. Your body and mind need recovery as much as your muscles do.
- Judgment makes it worse. Beating yourself up for being human delays your healing.
- Rest is part of growth. Pausing helps new habits take root.
Key takeaways
1️⃣ Redefine success. There’s no “finish line” to personal growth. It’s a lifelong practice.
2️⃣ Accept regression as recalibration. Two steps forward, one pizza back (as Andrew says). It’s all part of the process.
3️⃣ Track what you did, not what you missed. Cat’s “reverse to-do list” builds perspective and gratitude.
4️⃣ Beware the comparison trap. Everyone has a different deck of cards — focus on your own hand.
5️⃣ Switch it up. If your routines feel heavy, try a new form of movement, journaling, or rest.
6️⃣ Recognize seasons. Some months are for pushing forward; others are for digesting what you’ve learned.
Signs you might be burned out from growth- Constant fatigue or mental fog
- Loss of joy in “self-care” routines
- Guilt for resting or taking breaks
- Feeling like nothing is ever enough
Small shifts that help
- Write a “done list” instead of a to-do list.
- Take micro-breaks during the day — stillness counts.
- Build seasonal awareness: winter = rest, spring = renewal.
- Remind yourself: “I am not behind. I’m evolving.”
Quotes & reflections“You’re chasing a sunset you’ll never catch — so pause, turn around, and notice how far you’ve come.”“Rest is not the reward for growth; it’s the requirement.”“Even growth needs recovery days.”Glimmers
- Cat: A golden fall day in Chicago — crisp air, bright sun, and a long peaceful walk. 🍂
- Andrew: Cozy weekend show (“Nobody Wants This”) — proof that slowing down can feel just as good as achieving.
Connect
- Website: fiveyearyou.com
- Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou
- Email: [email protected]
Affiliate note: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20 | Tracking ID: 5yy-20).