January 2025 RoundUp

Editor’s Note: Reclaiming Joy Through the Written Word

There was a season when I was in the thick of burnout. I had spent so much time helping others tell their stories that I lost sight of my own. Writing, which had always been my creative outlet, had become just another thing I wasn’t getting to.

But then, I began to write again for myself.

I needed the energy writing generates for me. ⚡️

Slowly, with every byline, I felt something shift. The act of writing and sharing my words became my way of reclaiming joy. It wasn’t just about crafting sentences or sharing insights; it was about reconnecting with the thing that gave me energy and purpose.

Figuring out how to essentially plug myself back into my purpose and energy source transformed everything. Now, I work with leaders to help them identify what’s missing from their lives: the spark of joy, the clarity of purpose, and the dormant interests and hobbies that have the potential to generate much-needed energy. Together, we uncover those pieces, tapping into them so they can lead, create, and live more energized lives beyond burnout.

Writing has become my way of honoring that journey, and today, it brings me so much joy to share my first monthly digest of my latest words in the world. Each piece reflects the questions I’m pondering or the professional answers I have to share that I think will help you navigate your career and your life.

Please take a read and if something resonates, leave me a comment. Then share the piece(s) with a friend who could use these words.

With gratitude and purpose,

Amanda

January 2025 Writing by Amanda Miller Littlejohn

Here are my stories…

Resist The Urge to Attempt to ‘Outwork Discrimination’

These conditions are ripe for a “work twice as hard for half as much” mindset to thrive. Don’t set yourself up for burnout. Resist!

🔗Read Resist the urge to attempt to "outwork discrimination” on Substack

What We Lose When Our Personal Landmarks Burn

When the places that shaped you are lost, how do you hold on to your sense of self?

🔗 Read What We Lose When Our Personal Landmarks Burn on Substack

Do We Really Know Ourselves?

And if we don’t what is this lack of self-knowledge costing us?

🔗 Read Do we really know ourselves? On Substack

Fear of ‘Fading by February’

Is a fear of crashing or “fading by February” why so many of us are now rejecting the New Year, New You energy?

🔗 Read Fear of ‘Fading by February’ on Substack

From Collective Burnout to Collective Rest

More and more people are awakening to the power and reward of rest, and I must admit, I LOVE it here.

🔗Read From Collective Burnout to Collective Rest on Substack

How to Stop ‘Doomscrolling’ And Stay Informed Without Burning Out

For those struggling to stay informed while preserving their well-being, a cross-section of thought leaders offered their best strategies for navigating the news cycle.

🔗 Read How To Stop ‘Doomscrolling’ And Stay Informed Without Burning Out on Forbes

Amid DEI Rollbacks And Boycotts, Experts Urge Consumers to Buy Less

When Target rolled back its DEI commitments, many Black consumers wondered where to shop. But experts say now is the perfect time to challenge ideas about consumerism.

🔗Read Amid DEI Rollbacks And Boycotts, Experts Urge Consumers To Buy Less on Forbes

How to Find Your Purpose and Identify What Sets You Apart

Think about the moments when you’ve felt most alive and engaged in your work.

🔗 Read How To Find Your Purpose And Identify What Sets You Apart on Forbes

Tap Into Your ‘Personal Brand Equity’ To Get Ahead Without Burning Out

Over time, the personal branding grind like any other grind can lead to burnout. Here’s how to tap into your personal brand equity to reclaim your time.

🔗 Read Tap Into Your ‘Personal Brand Equity’ To Get Ahead Without Burning Out on Forbes

How To Start Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Peace

Saying no shouldn’t feel revolutionary, but for many of us, particularly women, it does. Here’s how to make it easier.

🔗 Read How To Start Setting Boundaries To Protect Your Peace on Forbes

5 Ways to Stop Underselling Yourself And Earn More Without Overworking

Underselling your skills sets you up to be overworked, undercompensated, and on the road to burnout. But reclaiming your narrative can set you apart as a professional.

🔗Read 5 Ways To Stop Underselling Yourself And Earn More Without Overworking on Forbes

7 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand Without Social Media

Personal branding has never been confined to social media. Here are 7 ways to build your brand without it.

🔗 Read 7 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand Without Social Media on Forbes

5 Clues From Your Past To Make A Career Pivot Or Job Search Easier

The key to a successful pivot sometimes lies in leveraging your foundation, not abandoning it completely.

🔗 Read 5 Clues From Your Past To Make A Career Pivot Or Job Search Easier

7 Podcasts To Help You Earn More And Work Smarter Without Burnout

These must-listen podcasts hosted by women will help you sustainably approach ambition, giving you more time for what matters most to you in 2025.

🔗 Read 7 Podcasts To Help You Earn More And Work Smarter Without Burnout on Forbes

5 Way to Monetize Your Personal Brand Quickly After Burnout

With a little strategy and courage, you can leverage your personal brand, skills, and network to generate revenue quickly without burnout.

🔗 Read 5 Ways To Monetize Your Personal Brand Quickly After Burnout on Forbes

About Amanda Miller Littlejohn

Hi there!

If we haven't yet met, I'm Amanda Miller Littlejohn and I am a nationally recognized executive coach, personal branding strategist, mental health advocate, and author of The Rest Revolution. For over a decade, I've helped high achievers—from corporate executives to creative entrepreneurs—clarify their genius, package their expertise, and achieve visibility and influence in their fields. I am a 2024-2025 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Fellow whose work has been featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, and Fast Company, among other major outlets. I love to write, inspire, and coach others toward purpose.

Drop me a line, say hi!