I have run myself ragged more times in my business than I care to admit.

My therapist jokes that I’m more of a human doing than a human being—and as much as I laughed, it hit me hard because it’s true.

So much of my self-worth has been tied to my productivity. My value, in my own eyes, was always measured by what I did for others.

• What I accomplished.

• What I produced.

• What I created.

That wiring has had real consequences.

I’ve hit physical burnout multiple times. And I know that many of my health struggles are caused or exacerbated by stress. Long COVID, Hashimoto’s, even my ADHD.

It’s taken a toll on my physical health. On my mental health. On my joy. On my relationships. On my life.

And the thing is, I didn’t even realize how deep it ran until I started trying to change it. Until I said, “I want more ease.” Until I started building a business that supported me, instead of draining me dry.

Because that’s when the resistance showed up.

This voice in my head that whispered, “Who do you think you are, making things easier for yourself?”

This guilt that crept in when I dared to slow down or prioritize my needs.

This fear that if I stopped doing so damn much, people would stop valuing me.

That’s the hard truth no one talks about when we start discussing things like leverage, systems, AI, or automation.

We say we want to stop doing it all. We say we’re ready to let go of the grind.

But when we’re handed the tools to make that happen?

We hesitate. We overcomplicate. We self-sabotage.

Not because we’re lazy. Not because we suck at systems.

Because there’s an identity shift that has to happen first.

• If your confidence has been built on being the one who always does the most…

• If you’ve been praised your whole life for being the go-to person…

• If you've learned that your worth is in your output…

Then, letting go of any of that can feel like a threat.

And I get it. Because that has been me, too.

But here’s what I’ve learned (and am still learning):

Your worth is not in how much you do. It’s not in how exhausted you are. It’s not in how much you sacrifice.

Your worth is innate. You are valuable not for what you do but for who you are.

And your greatest power as a Solo CEO lies not in doing everything—but in choosing wisely. In putting your energy where it matters most. In creating space for joy, creativity, and growth.

So, if this is resonating, I want to offer a simple framework to get curious:

🧠 The Worth & Work Reflection:

I highly recommend getting curious about what arises from these questions. Consider journaling about them, meditating on them, or simply sitting with them and seeing what comes up.

1. Where does your sense of worth come from?

What messages did you receive growing up or early in your career about what makes someone valuable? How does that play out in your current life?

2. What stories do you tell yourself about slowing down?

Does ease feel lazy? Does rest feel unsafe? Do you notice yourself getting anxious or uncomfortable when you slow down? What does “productivity” mean to you?

3. What would it mean to believe you are worthy of a business that supports you?

Not just one you have to constantly support. Does that feel dangerous, frivolous, or selfish? Does it feel rebellious or revolutionary? What comes up in your mind, body, and heart when you imagine this?

4. Where do you notice guilt or resistance when you consider doing less?

What is familiar about that guilt or resistance? Can you remember the first time you felt similarly? That’s where the healing and the shift begin.

And listen—this isn’t about shaming yourself for the wiring you’ve internalized. It’s about bringing awareness to the patterns that are holding you back from the business (and life) you actually want.

This is deep work. But it’s also where everything changes.

And in the next newsletter, I’m going to share a brand-new resource that will help you map out what’s draining you, what’s lighting you up, and how to start redesigning your business around your energy and your strengths.

You deserve a business that doesn’t just grow—but one that nourishes you, too.

In love and growth,
Kasey

Want more help to evolve from solopreneur to Solo CEO?

1. Want to land your first (or next) $10K+ client without relying on referrals or working 24/7? Get my FREE 5-day email course, ​The Solo CEO Launchpad​, and learn how to build a high-ticket, repeatable business. ​

2. Ready to build a high-ticket, scalable business with hands-on support? The Solo CEO Premium Launchpad is my small-group program, where I personally help you refine your offer, attract $10K+ clients, and build a repeatable sales system. ​Apply here.​

3. Your business won’t outgrow your mindset. Becoming the Solo CEO is my other newsletter, where I share the behind-the-scenes of what it really takes to grow yourself while building a business you love.​