Ilene is a professional coach and former emergency nurse specializing in helping healthcare professionals overcome burnout and build lives of purpose and well-being. She brings deep industry insight and proven strategies to empower nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals to succeed personally and professionally.
When she first sat down across from me, she looked like she was running on fumes. A full-time nurse and mom of three, my client confessed something I’ve heard from countless others: “I don’t have time.” She felt like she was barely holding it all together exhausted, pulled in 75 directions. Sound familiar?
When I asked her a simple question: what would make coaching worth it for you? Her response was surprisingly focused, honest, and achievable. She said, “I just want time and energy to go to the gym.” That’s it. Just the gym. But we both knew it wasn’t really about the gym. It was about reclaiming herself.
The first step: Finding the patterns over time
Here’s the thing about time: We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The challenge isn’t having enough time; it’s about how we spend it. So, we started with a simple exercise: tracking where her time actually went. The results? Eye-opening. Social media? Four hours a day. She was shocked.
When you track your time, you see patterns you can’t unsee. For her, those four hours weren’t giving her the fulfillment she craved; they were draining her energy. By making small changes, she carved out time to get back to running, something she hadn’t done in years but loved.
It’s never just about one change
Once she started running again, something shifted. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about running; it was about reshaping her life. One intentional change led to others: better sleep, less alcohol, skipping the drive-thru, and reconnecting with her kids. She began building coping mechanisms to feel in control again rather than letting life run her into the ground.
The transformation wasn’t easy. It never is. But as anyone who’s been through it will tell you, it’s worth it. Change rarely feels comfortable in the moment, but staying stuck often feels worse.
The ripple effect
Not only did she find time to run, but she also started feeling better about everything else: her job, her health, and her family life. This wasn’t a dramatic overnight reinvention. It was a series of little shifts that made a big difference over time.
Here’s the truth: She did the hard work. All I did was hold the space for her to figure it out and support her through the process. She was ready for change because staying stuck felt worse than taking the leap. And that’s where real transformation begins when you decide that moving forward, no matter how slowly, is better than staying where you are.
Are you there yet?
If this story resonates with you, it might be time to ask yourself: What’s one meaningful change you’d make if you had the right support? What would your life look like if you stopped saying, “I don’t have time,” and started taking small steps toward what really matters?
You don’t need a massive overhaul to start feeling better. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making one bold decision and following through. Whether it’s carving out 15 minutes for yourself, saying no to something that drains you, or finally prioritizing what lights you up, those little shifts can create a ripple effect in your life.
So, let me ask you: What’s one small change you’d make today to move closer to the life you want?
Message me. I’d love to hear your story. Because here’s the thing: Little shifts make big differences, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Read more from Ilene Sipp RN, BSN, NC-BC
Ilene Sipp RN, BSN, NC-BC, Transformational Coach
Ilene is a professional coach specializing in helping nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals bridge the gap between career fulfillment and personal well-being. As a former emergency nurse, she deeply understands healthcare professionals' challenges and uses her expertise to guide clients out of burnout and into alignment. Ilene’s mission is to empower the healers to heal themselves, creating transformational change in their lives and careers. Based just outside of Detroit, MI, she combines compassion and strategy to help her clients flourish in all areas of life.
