John O’Leary welcomes science journalist Elizabeth Svoboda to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how intentional pacing can prevent burnout and create a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Scientific American. In her latest book, The Art of Pacing, she explores how we can meet the demands of today without sacrificing our ability to thrive tomorrow.
Today, Elizabeth shares why so many of us bounce between pushing too hard and pulling away completely, how athletes inspired her to rethink our relationship with effort and rest, and what it means to move through life at a more sustainable pace. We discuss how to recognize the warning signs of burnout, adjust our pace before we crash and make daily choices that support what matters most in the long run.
My friends, if you’re tired of feeling like your only options are to keep grinding or give up entirely, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a healthier way to think about productivity, practical permission to change your pace and a reminder that slowing down at the right moment may be what allows you to keep moving forward.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio or listen here:
Or click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube!
- Elizabeth shares how vulnerability and meaningful friendships helped her realize she wasn’t alone, giving her permission to step back and find breathing room.
- Fascinated by the difference between bystanders and rescuers, Elizabeth began studying what inspires ordinary people to act heroically. She found that heroism is not something reserved for a select few. It is a capacity we can strengthen through small, everyday acts of service.
- Pushing ourselves beyond our limits creates a debt that eventually comes due. Elizabeth explains why recognizing the warning signs of burnout is far easier than recovering from a full collapse.
- Pausing is not only about rest and renewal. It also gives us space to ask whether we are still moving in the right direction.
- Instead of pacing ourselves toward maximum productivity, Elizabeth encourages us to pursue flourishing: a life that feels grounded, connected, meaningful and genuinely useful to others.
- Stillness creates room for deeper thinking. Even brief pauses can help us reconnect with ourselves, reconsider our direction and devote more energy to what matters most.
- When stress puts the body into fight-or-flight mode, we are more likely to make choices we later regret. Elizabeth shares how resonance frequency breathing can calm the nervous system and help us approach our next decision with greater clarity.
- “You have to learn to sit in things not being okay for a little while.”
- Serving others can improve our own well-being, but Elizabeth reminds us that meaningful contribution also requires “healthy selfishness,” including the rest and renewal needed to serve from a full tank.
- Pacing is not simply about slowing down. It is about pulling back from what matters less so we can move forward with greater energy toward what matters most.
- Get a copy of Elizabeth Svoboda’s book The Art of Pacing here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with psychotherapist and toxic productivity expert Israa Nasir. Israa shares how the constant pressure to achieve can quietly erode our well-being and offers practical ways to redefine success, establish healthier boundaries and build a life that feels as good as it looks. Listen to Israa Nasir on ep. 790.
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
ELIZABETH SVOBODA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. An Interrupted Life the Diaries of Etty Hillesum by Etty Hillesum. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. A lack of self-consciousness. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. My computer. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Anne Frank. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Ajeé Wilson is an Olympic middle-distance runner who taught me the importance of slowing down. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Don't take every single decision that you make on a daily basis so seriously. Things that seem like a crisis now, you're not even gonna remember in five years. Stay focused on what, what matters the most and developing your talent, developing your gifts so that you can give back someday. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. She gave as much as she could, and she helped other people to see the best in themselves and see their true potential.
