Nervous System

4 Non-Negotiables for Nervous System Regulation

I'm Michelle!

Master Life Coach, Wife & Mom, Certified Nervous System Fitness Expert, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Podcaster, Attorney, and Deep Believer in Curiosity and Self-Compassion

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Here’s the thing: these pledges aren’t just feel-good affirmations. I’m not a fan of empty words. I am a fan of interrupting the old patterns that led to burnout and dysregulation in the first place. And that’s exactly what these four commitments are designed to do.

They serve as crucial reminders because they run counter to the hustle, overachieving, and perfectionism most of us have lived with for far too long. They’re about showing up differently—more intentionally, more gently, and with genuine self-compassion.

So, whether you’re enrolled in my Burnout Recovery Blueprint (BRB) or simply looking for ways to create real, lasting change, these pledges are for you. I hope you’ll find some powerful insights—and maybe commit to a pledge (or four!) of your own.

Before We Dive In…

If you love what you’re reading, I’d appreciate it if you leave a quick review or share this post with a friend who could use it. It helps me reach more high-achieving women who are ready to ditch the burnout cycle. Now, let’s jump in!


Pledge 1: I Will Take Small Actions, Consistently

Burnout recovery and nervous system regulation don’t require you to overhaul your entire life overnight. Real, sustainable change happens within the flow of your everyday routine—through small, intentional actions that build up over time.

Think about it: life doesn’t suddenly pause so you can focus on healing. You still have work, family, and a million other responsibilities. That’s why in BRB, I emphasize short, simple, and sustainable practices. The key is weaving these small steps into your day, even when you feel like nothing’s changing.

Imagine it like planting seeds. Every brief moment of practice waters those seeds, and over time, they blossom into something resilient and vibrant. Yes, you’ll have “aha” moments along the way, but true transformation comes from steady, consistent action. Each small step is a message to your nervous system: “I’m safe. I’m healing. I’m growing.” Eventually, those signals rewire your brain and body, creating more ease, balance, and flexibility in daily life.

So don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Small, consistent actions will take you farther than you ever imagined.


Pledge 2: I Will Take It Slowly

Healing a dysregulated nervous system is not a race; it’s a journey. Sure, many BRB practices are quick—some taking just five or fifteen minutes—but it’s tempting to go from zero to sixty and tackle everything at once. That impulse to hurry can actually undermine your progress. Nothing truly heals if you push yourself harder.

It’s natural to feel urgency when you want results: “Why am I not better yet? Can’t this happen faster?” That’s just the stress-based part of your mind talking—the very pattern we’re learning to rewire. Slowing down and listening to your body’s signals is essential. Jumping in too hard or juggling too many new practices often triggers more stress, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.

When you honor a slow, steady pace, you give your nervous system space to rebuild trust in a safe, lasting way. Healing isn’t about speeding through a checklist; it’s about meeting yourself where you are—patiently and compassionately.

Remember, there’s no finish line here. You’re not behind, and there’s no prize for getting there the quickest. True recovery happens in gentle, consistent steps forward.


Pledge 3: I Will Focus on One Thing at a Time

Multitasking can leave you feeling like you’re juggling flaming torches—your mind is everywhere, your to-do list never ends, and you’re always on high alert. The last thing you need is to treat Burnout Recovery Blueprint (or any healing process) as just another chore.

Let’s simplify. BRB is deliberately structured so you can focus on one small step at a time without adding to the chaos:

  1. Trust the Framework: Each step builds on the last, ensuring you’re layering your healing in the right order.
  2. Choose 1–2 Tools Per Week: Experiment with one or two somatic practices that resonate with you. Give them time to work before adding more.
  3. Stick With What Works: If a certain practice is helping, keep doing it! There’s zero rush to jump to the next thing.

When you allow yourself to focus on one practice at a time, your nervous system senses safety rather than overwhelm. Ironically, you’ll make faster, more meaningful progress because you’re building true resilience, not just checking off boxes.

Healing should be as uncomplicated as possible. By doing one practice at a time—fully—you nurture a sense of calm, connection, and alignment that feels sustainable for the long haul.


Pledge 4: Every Obstacle Is a Chance to Grow

Healing a dysregulated nervous system is no small feat. You’ll run into obstacles—unexpected stressors, slow progress, or life events that throw you off course. It’s easy to think you’re “failing” when balance suddenly feels out of reach.

But here’s the truth: every obstacle is an invitation to grow.

Researchers tell us there are two mindsets we can adopt when we face challenges:

  • Obstacles as Threats: You feel anger, fear, or frustration because your plans are disrupted.
  • Obstacles as Challenges: You see hurdles as opportunities to build resilience and learn new skills.

The difference is huge. When you view stress as a challenge, you bounce back faster and with less overwhelm. So, expect setbacks as part of the process. Remind yourself, “I knew this would happen—it’s part of the journey,” and you’ll free yourself from the emotional weight.

Each stumbling block is a chance to practice your regulation tools and strengthen your capacity for stress. Healing is about comparing yourself to you, not to anyone else. If your baseline was high stress and burnout, any movement toward feeling more grounded is a major win. Celebrate that progress, no matter how small.


These four pledges—small actions, a slow pace, a single focus, and seeing obstacles as growth opportunities—aren’t optional extras. They’re foundational promises you make to yourself, especially if you’re serious about breaking the burnout cycle and rewiring your nervous system for good.

Your homework? Pick at least one pledge to carry forward. Write it down, set it as your phone’s wallpaper, or tape it to your bathroom mirror—somewhere you’ll see it daily. Give it time, stay consistent, and remember that you’re laying the groundwork for a more peaceful, resilient, and joyful life.

Ready to deepen your journey? If you want more support, check out my Burnout Recovery Blueprint. But even if you’re not joining BRB, these pledges can guide you toward meaningful, lasting change.

You’ve got this—one small, slow, focused step at a time. And when obstacles arise? Face them head-on with a heart ready to grow. After all, that’s where the real transformation happens.

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You my friend, are called to a life of fullness and abundance - no matter how wild this motherhood journey is. It's time to trade the exhaustion and overwhelm for peace and joy.  No more hot-mess express.  I've got you. 

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Let's redefine what's possible in motherhood.

cool as a cucumber, ENNEAGRAM 3, book hoarder, MATCHA LATTE LOVER, growth seeker, accountability partner, and your biggest cheerleader

I'm Michelle.
Your Master Coach.

You my friend, are called to a life of fullness and abundance - no matter how wild this motherhood journey is. It's time to trade the exhaustion and overwhelm for peace and joy.  No more hot-mess express.  I've got you. 

Learn more

Let's redefine what's possible in motherhood.

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Cheers to starting your day right!  Make yourself comfortable and get ready to dig in, learn, and most importantly, take action!

You got it, Mama!

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© Michelle Grosser  2023. All rights reserved.

MICHELLE GROSSER

NEUROHACKING MASTERY

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