Living a Life by Design Instead of Autopilot

Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with psychologist and women’s coach Dr. Wendy O’Connor for a relatable and eye-opening conversation about burnout, fulfillment, motherhood, and the pressure so many women feel to “have it all together.” What starts as a discussion about psychology and coaching quickly becomes a deeper exploration of happiness, identity, and why success on paper doesn’t always translate into feeling fulfilled in real life.Dr. Wendy shares how becoming a mother of three—including twins born just 15 months after her first daughter—completely shifted the way she viewed stress, balance, and personal fulfillment. Despite having a successful career, a loving family, and everything she thought she was “supposed” to want, she found herself asking a question many women quietly struggle with: “Is this really as good as it gets?” That experience ultimately led her into the world of positive psychology and coaching women through burnout, overwhelm, and the feeling of losing themselves while trying to keep up with everyone else’s expectations.Adam and Dr. Wendy dive into the science of happiness, the danger of living life on autopilot, and how many people spend years simply checking boxes instead of intentionally building lives that genuinely excite them. Together, they unpack the mental load women often carry, why burnout can happen even in lives we’re grateful for, and how redefining success can completely change the way we experience everyday life.The conversation also explores intentional living, emotional fulfillment, motherhood, relationships, and why so many people struggle to prioritize themselves without guilt. Dr. Wendy explains how small shifts in mindset, routines, and self-awareness can help people reconnect with joy instead of constantly operating in survival mode.If you’ve ever felt burned out despite doing “all the right things,” struggled to balance ambition with fulfillment, or wondered why success doesn’t always feel satisfying, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering perspective on creating a life that actually lights you up.Learn more about Dr. Wendy O’Connor: https://www.drwendyoconnor.com/monthly-reflection-goal-setting-worksheetTune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dcOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce