Achieving Success Through 'Sustainable Ambition,' a Two-Time Founder Shares: 'Balance is Key, Though Not Simultaneously'

In her earlier professional life, Amanda Goetz considered her unwavering drive as a symbol of strength.

"It made me proud to test my limits," she reflects.

At 39, Goetz has accumulated years of experience as a marketing leader and has launched two startups. She is also known for her newsletter, "Life's A Game," which inspires individuals with various career pursuits.

Amid the pandemic's upheaval, Goetz took her professional goals to new heights; she resigned from her corporate position and established her second startup, a wellness company named House of Wise. Concurrently, she managed a challenging divorce and was the primary caregiver for her three young children.

Though externally she appeared to be flourishing, the relentless pace led her to a breaking point.

While securing funding for House of Wise, Goetz was hospitalized twice within a single week due to what she later identified as panic attacks.

"You are capable of enduring much, until your body decides otherwise," she notes.

This ordeal prompted a crucial realization for her: "You can pursue everything, just not simultaneously," and necessitated reorganizing and reprioritizing her life.

Goetz elaborates on how she previously approached her endeavors with what she calls "detrimental determination," characterized as exertion lacking clear purpose.

Redefining Priorities

"Many people, especially those with high ambitions, chase goals without pausing to reassess whether they still align with their desires," she explains.

To gain clarity on her true priorities, Goetz devised a new method she terms "sustainable ambition": she alternates between periods of concerted effort and scheduled rest, rather than pushing herself until exhaustion.

"I recognized the need to dial down the intensity in my life before it reached a breaking point," she says.

Adapting to Life's Changes

She emphasizes that having perfect balance all the time is not essential; it is natural and sometimes critical to reorder our priorities in reaction to major life changes.

For instance, Goetz is currently focused on the release of her imminent book, set to launch in October. Post-launch, she plans to de-prioritize work for a few months to decompress and bond with her family.

"Integrating proactive relaxation into your routine is crucial, rather than waiting until your body demands a rest," she advises.

Balancing Work and Leisure

Every several weeks, Goetz reassesses which areas of her life warrant more focus. She has implemented a schedule of alternating intense work and downtime in a 2:1 pattern.

"This approach might involve devoting two weeks to intense professional efforts, followed by a week of easing up, leaving work punctually, and spending time with friends," she explains.

"These 'minimum effort' phases allow for nurturing other vital aspects of life," she notes.

"If only my ambitious nature dominated my decisions, I would perpetually be at work," she concludes. "But that's not the vision I have for a fulfilling life."