258 | From Burnout to Balance: How to Achieve Career Success Without Overworking with Monique Helstrom

Pinterest pin with light pink background and burgundy type with words: From Burnout to Balance_ How to Achieve Career Success Without Overworking with Monique Helstrom on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez

Have you ever felt like the harder you work, the further you are from success? Many entrepreneurs and business owners push themselves to the limit, only to face burnout and exhaustion. But what if working less could actually make you more successful?

In this episode of the Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast, host Jen Vazquez speaks with Monique Hellstrom, an expert in human development and organizational growth. Monique shares her journey from workaholism to sustainable success and offers actionable strategies to help business owners break free from burnout while achieving long-term growth.

Recognizing Workaholism: The Warning Signs

Monique’s wake-up call came in the form of a health crisis—rushing from a doctor’s office to the emergency room, convinced she was having a heart attack. She was working even while hooked up to medical equipment, unable to step away from her responsibilities.

So how can you recognize the signs of workaholism before reaching that breaking point?

Common Signs of Workaholism

  • Device Obsession – If you can’t eat a meal without checking your phone, it’s a red flag.
  • Working on Weekends & Vacations – True downtime becomes nonexistent.
  • Ignoring Your Body’s Needs – Skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, and feeling constantly exhausted.
  • Feeling Guilty About Rest – If taking a break makes you anxious, it’s time to reassess.

Recognizing these patterns early can help you avoid burnout and reclaim balance in your work and personal life.

Setting Boundaries: How to Take Back Control of Your Time

For solopreneurs and small business owners, setting boundaries can feel impossible—after all, the business depends on you. But without boundaries, you risk long-term damage to your health and productivity.

Practical Ways to Set Boundaries

  1. Define Your Work Hours – Clearly communicate to clients when you are available (and stick to it).
  2. Take a Weekly Break – Even one dedicated day off can boost your energy and creativity.
  3. Turn Off Notifications – Reduce distractions by setting phone-free zones and times.
  4. Delegate and Outsource – Focus on what you do best and get help with the rest.

Jen shared her own experience of taking Tuesdays off to spend with her grandchildren—initially fearing client loss but ultimately realizing that setting boundaries made her business stronger.

Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Success

Many entrepreneurs equate working more with earning more, but real success comes from working smarter.

Key Mindset Shifts to Embrace Balance

  • Success Isn’t About Hours Worked – Your impact, not your time, determines success.
  • Confidence Comes From Doing What You’re Good At – Focus on tasks that align with your strengths and delegate the rest.
  • Rest Fuels Productivity – Stepping away often leads to breakthroughs and creative solutions.

Monique suggests finding non-work activities that bring the same sense of achievement. Whether it’s gardening, exercising, or learning a new skill, having a productive outlet outside of work is essential.

Practical Steps to Reduce Work Stress

1. Use a Project Management System

Whether it’s Asana, Trello, or an old-school notebook, keeping all tasks in one place prevents overwhelm.

2. Schedule Regular Breaks

Monique’s method:

  • Take three deep breaths every hour
  • Step outside for three minutes of sunlight every three hours

Jen also follows the Pomodoro technique, walking around her house every hour to reset her focus.

3. Get Help Where You Need It

If a task isn’t moving your business forward, outsource it. Monique struggled with social media before hiring help—freeing her to focus on what she does best.

Final Thoughts: Take Back Your Power

As a female entrepreneur, you have the power to design your own business and life. Instead of feeling trapped by work, take control by setting healthy boundaries, delegating wisely, and prioritizing well-being.

Ready to take action? Download Monique’s free Positive Feedback Guide to start fostering a more supportive, balanced work environment.

Where to find Monique Helstrom

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest Pin with words: Workaholic No More! How to Break Free from the Hustle Trap Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with words: Feeling Burnt Out_ How to Achieve Success Without Overworking Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez
Pinterest pin with words: From Burnout to Balance_ A Guide for Female Entrepreneurs Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with words: How to Stop Overworking & Still Achieve Your Goals Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with words: Why Working Less Can Make You More Successful Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host jen Vazquez

11 | Planning, Visioning, and Goals – Oh My! Setting Your Business Up for Success in 2025

Pinterest pin with text:  Year in Review 2024 + 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

As 2025 begins, entrepreneurs everywhere are setting intentions, reflecting on the past year, and strategizing for a successful year ahead. In our latest podcast episode, we explored the importance of planning, visioning, and goal-setting to build a sustainable and thriving business.

Here are the highlights from our conversation and practical tips to help you create a roadmap for success in 2025.

Lessons from 2024: Challenges and Wins

The past year presented unique challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. From economic uncertainty to increased scrutiny over expenses, business owners tightened their budgets and refined their priorities. While it was a tougher year to win new business, many entrepreneurs found that consistency and intentionality led to unexpected growth.

One key takeaway: hard work pays off over time. The snowball effect of years of effort often becomes apparent during challenging times. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent blog, repurposing content, or refining workflows, staying committed to your strategy builds momentum.

What Worked in 2024: Consistency and Focus

1. Content Creation

Consistently publishing weekly blogs, videos, and emails was a game-changer. Regular content not only nurtures your audience but also builds authority and trust over time. Many business owners found success by revisiting old content, repurposing it, and giving it new life.

2. Email Marketing

Email continues to deliver strong results. By nurturing your audience with consistent emails and valuable content, you can drive more engagement and conversions. Cleaning up email lists and maintaining a clear, intentional strategy made a noticeable difference.

3. Simplified Workflows

Breaking down processes and focusing on efficiency saved time and energy. By streamlining content creation workflows, business owners reclaimed hours that could be reinvested into growth-oriented activities.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Goals for 2025

1. Embrace Planning and Flexibility

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid. Instead of locking in an annual plan, consider setting high-level monthly themes and goals. This approach allows flexibility while providing a clear focus for each month. Use tools like Asana or Trello to centralize your plans and stay organized.

2. Prioritize Intentionality Over Hustle

2025 is about working smarter, not harder. Block out time for deep work, creative thinking, and rest. Schedule intentional breaks, family time, and even personal self-care activities like hair or lash appointments to create balance and clarity.

3. Commit to Selling

One of the most significant insights from last year was the realization that consistent selling drives revenue growth. Whether you’re launching a new service, offering an evergreen course, or promoting products, plan regular campaigns to keep your business top of mind.

Practical Steps for Planning in 2025

Start with Your Calendar

Begin by marking personal priorities, like vacations and family commitments. Then, add key business events such as product launches, campaigns, or live events. Use a large visual calendar for brainstorming, then translate it into your preferred digital tool.

Batch Content Creation

Dedicate two days each month to content planning and creation. Whether it’s blogs, videos, or social media posts, batching ensures you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Refine Your Offerings

Look at your services and products. Is there something new you’d like to launch? Could you refine an existing offering to make it more appealing or accessible? Focus on creating value and aligning your offerings with your audience’s needs.

Simplify Workflows

Evaluate your tools and processes. Are there areas where you can improve efficiency? For example, using project management tools like Asana can keep your team aligned and reduce the chaos of juggling multiple priorities.

2025: A Year for Intentional Growth

2025 is the year to lean into clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Whether you’re building on momentum from 2024 or starting fresh with new goals, the key is to create a system that works for you. Stay consistent, embrace flexibility, and don’t be afraid to refine your strategies along the way.

How are you planning for success in 2025? Share your goals and strategies with us on Instagram at the Marketing Duo Podcast, and let’s build a thriving community of business owners who support and inspire each other.

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: 2025 Marketing Trends for Entrepreneurs on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Balancing Creativity and Business Growth on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: How to Simplify Your Workflow in 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Creative Marketing Tips for Small Businesses on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with text: Top Content Creation Tips for Small Businesses in 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

Here is more information that may be helpful!

How to Create a Weekly Marketing Workflow That’s Smarter, Not Harder (with Pinterest)

Pinterst Pin with words: How to Create a Weekly Marketing Workflow That’s Smarter, Not Harder (with Pinterest) on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

If marketing feels like an endless to-do list, I hear you. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify your marketing, save time, and get more eyes on your business? It all starts with a weekly content plan that is smarter, not harder. This step-by-step workflow will help female service providers create one piece of content and repurpose it across multiple platforms. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Step 1: Start with a Blog

Your blog is the foundation of your content plan. Write about a topic that speaks directly to your ideal client and solves a problem they’re struggling with.

For example, if your audience is overwhelmed by marketing, you could write a blog titled, “5 Easy Marketing Workflows to Simplify Your Week.” Share actionable tips that are valuable and easy to implement.

This blog sets the tone for your entire weekly marketing workflow by giving you a starting point to create additional content that’s focused and intentional.

Step 2: Repurpose into Social Media Captions

Once your blog is live, break it down into bite-sized pieces for social media. Aim for 3-5 captions that pull key points from the blog.

For instance:

  • Caption 1: “Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Try this simple workflow: 1) Start with a blog. 2) Repurpose for social media. 3) Use Pinterest to drive traffic. Get the full breakdown on the blog [link in bio].”
  • Caption 2: “What if I told you one blog could create all your content for the week? It’s possible! Read the blog to learn how [link in bio].”

Want more options? Use ChatGPT to generate additional caption ideas tailored to your brand voice.

These captions allow you to reach your audience where they already are while keeping your message consistent across platforms.

Step 3: Create a Short-Form Video

Film a quick, behind-the-scenes video. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Show yourself working at your computer, sipping tea, or scrolling on your phone. Use text overlays to highlight your tips:

Text Overlay Option 1:

  1. Write a blog for your ideal client.
  2. Repurpose it for social media.
  3. Use Pinterest to amplify your reach.

Text Overlay Option 2: “How I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest.”

Text Overlay Option 3: “Content planning made easy: Start with a blog, repurpose it, and share on Pinterest!”

Caption Example: “Here’s how I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest. Ready to simplify your marketing? Read the full breakdown on the blog! [link in bio]”

Use ChatGPT to generate 1-3 more text overlay and caption options for variety. Short-form videos are quick to create, engaging, and highly shareable—perfect for boosting your reach.

Step 4: Design Canva Covers for Reels

Create eye-catching covers for your short-form videos. Use Canva Pro for fresh designs that stand out. Options include:

  • A photo of you with bold text overlay.
  • A professional stock photo with your tips highlighted.

These covers will double as Pinterest pins, saving you even more time.

Step 5: Publish Pinterest Pins

Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic to your blog and other content. Use an SEO-optimized title and description for each pin. For example:

Pin Title: “Simplify Your Marketing with This Weekly Content Workflow”

Pin Description: “Discover an easy weekly content workflow to grow your business. Learn how to write a blog for your ideal client, repurpose it for social media, and use Pinterest to drive traffic and increase engagement. Perfect for female service providers looking to save time while scaling their marketing efforts.”

Publish one pin as the blog header image and add the others at the bottom of your blog with the title: Don’t Forget to Pin It. This encourages readers to save your blog to Pinterest for future reference and helps grow your Pinterest account by increasing engagement.

Step 6: Publish and Schedule Content

  • Blog: Publish your blog with one pin as the header image.
  • Pins: Upload the remaining pins to Pinterest and link back to the blog.
  • Reels: Schedule your short-form videos with engaging captions.

Step 7: Measure and Adjust

It takes time to build momentum. Stick to this process weekly and refine as you go. Think of it like driving to a new destination for the first time—it takes effort initially, but soon, it’ll feel second nature.

Bottom Line

This smarter, not harder weekly marketing workflow lets female service providers turn one piece of content into multiple touchpoints for their audience. With consistent effort, you’ll save time, expand your reach, and grow your business. Ready to give it a try? Let me know how it works for you in the comments below.

Happy content planning—see you next week!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with words: Repurpose Content Like a Pro on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin with words: Save Time With a Smarter Marketing Workflow on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin with words: simplify Your Weekly Marketing Plan on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest pin with words: Turn One Blog Into a Week’s Worth of Content on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin with words: Weekly Marketing Made Simple on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Social Sessions

Social Sessions

Elevate Your Online Presence with Social Sessions by Jen Vazquez Photography! Is Your Social Media Feeling Stale? Are you tired of using the same images repeatedly on your social media? Does your profile lack excitement and fail to capture your audience's attention?...