Why 2025 Must Be the Year You Stop Sacrificing Your Wellbeing—and Start Taking Control of Your Life.

How much longer can you keep going like this?

How have the last few years felt if you’re honest with yourself? Exhausting? Overwhelming? Like you’re constantly giving to everyone else and leaving nothing for yourself?

Here’s the thing: you might not even realise how much self-neglect costs you—or how deeply it’s affecting your life.

Let me ask you:

• How many more nights will you sacrifice sleep for work or worry?
• How many more days will you push through exhaustion, convincing yourself it’ll get better “soon”?
• How much more of yourself can you give before there’s nothing left?

If this sounds harsh, it’s because it needs to be. Ignoring your health, happiness, and well-being isn’t harmless—it’s destructive. It silently steals time from your loved ones, drains your energy, and robs you of the life you deserve.

Are You Ignoring Yourself? Take the Consultation Quiz

Most people don’t realise how far they’ve let things slide until they stop and ask the hard questions. When I work with clients, these are the questions I use to uncover whether they’re at risk of burnout or need immediate support. Take a moment to reflect honestly:

• Do you wake up tired, even after what should be a full night’s sleep?
• Are you constantly saying yes to others, even when completely overwhelmed?
• Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself—or avoid taking it altogether?
• Have you stopped doing things you once loved, like hobbies or spending time with friends, because work or family always comes first?
• Do you feel irritable, “numb,” or stuck on autopilot just to get through the day?
• Have you told yourself, “I’ll focus on myself later,” but that “later” never seems to come?

If you answered “yes” to even two or three of these questions, it’s a wake-up call.

Here’s what this could mean:

• Your energy reserves are dangerously low, and you live in survival mode.
• You’re ignoring early signs of burnout, and these patterns don’t just stay the same—they get worse.
• Your health, relationships, and happiness are at serious risk.

So, how much longer can you keep going like this?

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Yourself

When you put yourself last, the damage spreads further than you think. And if you’re a high-achiever, the risks are even more alarming. Studies show that high performers are more likely to experience burnout due to their relentless drive for success Gallup (2020) – The Burnout Crisis in America

But here’s the reality: I hear it more and more—whether chatting with friends, in my local gym’s sauna, or during networking events—not just with clients or while delivering mental health first aid courses and talks. Conversations are filled with negative sentiments about the country’s state, the economy, rising living costs, and financial strains.

Yet, despite this pervasive self-talk and the constant influx of distressing news, many people continue neglecting their self-care. They absorb the negativity, scroll through endless headlines, and dismiss their own needs.

I constantly ask myself: Why don’t they do anything about it? How many of us would still do it if we weren’t required to insure our homes or MOT our cars in the UK? When it comes to our wellbeing, most of us don’t act until we’re in crisis—and by then, it’s often too late.

This mindset is having real consequences. In 2022, 38% of Americans delayed or skipped medical treatment due to costs, marking the highest rate since Gallup began tracking in 2001. Similarly, over one in ten Australians in disadvantaged areas delayed or skipped purchasing prescription medication because of high costs (CBS News).

Ignoring our wellbeing isn’t just risky—it’s costing us our health, happiness, and future.

Your Health Deteriorates
Chronic stress isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a ticking time bomb. It weakens your immune system, disrupts your sleep, and puts you at risk of severe health problems like heart disease, anxiety, and depression. In the UK, 86% of adults report feeling stressed at least once a month, with work pressures leading cause (Ciphr).

Your Relationships Suffer
Running on fumes doesn’t just affect you—it hurts the people you love. Frustration, distance, and resentment replace connection and joy. Nearly half of high-achievers admit their career negatively impacts their relationships (APA).

Your Work Takes Over
The very thing you’re sacrificing yourself for—your career or business—starts falling apart. Exhaustion drains your creativity, focus, and productivity, leaving you less effective. Globally, 67% of employees say burnout has worsened their performance, and many haven’t recovered since the pandemic (Spill Chat).

Your Identity Disappears
When was the last time you felt like yourself? Not the caregiver, the problem-solver, or the overachiever—but you. If you don’t prioritise yourself, what’s left?

2025: The Year to Reclaim Your Life

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to wait for burnout, illness, or a breaking point to make a change. 2025 can be the year you take back control—if you’re willing to prioritise yourself.

• Imagine waking up with energy and focus.
• Imagine having time for the people and activities you love.
• Imagine feeling in control of your schedule rather than at its mercy.
• Imagine finally recognising yourself in the mirror—not just physically, but emotionally too.

This isn’t about surviving—it’s about thriving.

Three Steps to Start Right Now

1. Set Non-Negotiable Boundaries
   You’ve spent years saying yes to everything—but where has that left you? Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re survival. Choose one area where you need stronger limits, whether it’s ending your workday on time, protecting your weekends, or carving out time for yourself. Saying no isn’t failing—it’s protecting your energy for what matters most.
2. Reclaim Five Minutes for Yourself
   Success isn’t built on burnout. Even five minutes of intentional time—journaling, stretching, or stepping outside—can reset your mindset and start rebuilding your energy. Small actions create big transformations.
3. Ask for Support
   High-achievers often think they must carry the weight alone—but you don’t. Share your goals with someone you trust, or work with a professional who can help you create a clear plan. Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a power move.

This Is Your Moment—Don’t Wait

Every day you put yourself last, you’re losing time, energy, and pieces of yourself that you can’t get back.

In the US alone, burnout contributes to $125 billion—$190 billion in healthcare costs each year (Forbes). The cost of waiting is too high.

If you keep ignoring yourself, what will 2025 look like? Will it be the year you finally take control—or the year you keep waiting for “the right time”?

The choice is yours—but know this: the best time to prioritise yourself is now.

P.S. Don’t wait until burnout hits to take action. Let’s create a plan together that fits your life and helps you reclaim your energy and wellbeing. Reach out to me today—it could be the most important step you take for yourself.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!