MEET OUR SPONSOR
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Michelle Bourque
Certified Life and Weight Coach |
Meet Michelle: Michelle A. Bourque is a veteran sales professional and Certified Life and Weight Coach. She specializes in helping professional women organize their time in order to gain control of their calendar, find their balance, and eliminate the stress and overwhelm.
Michelle has worked in the sales industry for over 20 years, and, for the past 13 years, she has worked for Medtronic, the top medical device company in the world. Her work entails fast-paced sales, patient care, and operating room coverage (where Michelle works with physicians to ensure proper implant procedures). This is not a nine-to-five job, so she personally understands what it is like to feel out of control when it comes to managing time. Since Michelle began implementing the tools she now shares with others, she has not only started a new business as a Life Coach, but she has generated her top revenue grossing years in the corporate world as well. She has gained control of her calendar and has never felt more at peace. Michelle believes time is one of our most valuable assets - for our careers, for our families, and - most importantly - for ourselves. Michelle loves to exercise on her Peloton, and she meditates daily. She lives in Pawling, NY with her husband and her dog, Tucker. |
Michelle was Sanctuary's expert in OCTOBER 2019.
Find out the comprehensive advice she gave readers regarding the topic
"Not Enough Hours in the Day"
Find out the comprehensive advice she gave readers regarding the topic
"Not Enough Hours in the Day"
Myrna Beth Haskell, managing editor, spoke with Michelle about how she is able to connect with overachieving women, help them reach their goals, and teach them how to decrease stress and overwhelm in order to live a happy, fulfilled life.
Why did you decide to help professional women (those who are often overachievers) with managing work-life balance?
I feel that I speak the same language as these women. I’m still working in the corporate world; and the work that I’ve done to help others is something that I’ve worked through myself – and it made a huge difference in my life. People spend more time and investment on their cars than on their wellness and mental health. And I think it is so important to share these tools in order to make a difference. These tools help women find a sense of balance; and, from there, I believe anything is possible.
Successful women are often looking for more. Many of my clients tell me that they don’t have the time to do the things they want to do. I ask them, ‘What does your dream life look like?’ You know…many of these women aren’t able to answer this question. They haven’t even had the time to think of that! They’re on this hamster wheel that they can’t seem to get off.
I’ve been there, and I’ve come through the other side with a net positive. I’ve been trained to help women get control of their lives again – just as I did.
Why did you decide to help professional women (those who are often overachievers) with managing work-life balance?
I feel that I speak the same language as these women. I’m still working in the corporate world; and the work that I’ve done to help others is something that I’ve worked through myself – and it made a huge difference in my life. People spend more time and investment on their cars than on their wellness and mental health. And I think it is so important to share these tools in order to make a difference. These tools help women find a sense of balance; and, from there, I believe anything is possible.
Successful women are often looking for more. Many of my clients tell me that they don’t have the time to do the things they want to do. I ask them, ‘What does your dream life look like?’ You know…many of these women aren’t able to answer this question. They haven’t even had the time to think of that! They’re on this hamster wheel that they can’t seem to get off.
I’ve been there, and I’ve come through the other side with a net positive. I’ve been trained to help women get control of their lives again – just as I did.
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You help women with stress and overwhelm. What are some of the typical triggers for women?
Well, work is a big trigger. This idea of having to do it all…getting everything balanced…I don’t think there is ever a true balance because that would be 50/50 – just the idea of needing to find a perfect balance can be a stressor. However, I do believe that each woman is capable of finding her own sense of balance. It’s really a matter of what works for each individual. Besides work, family can be a trigger. Parents, in-laws…you need to schedule time there as well. It can be overwhelming. So many women feel guilty at work because they’re not with their kids. Then, when they’re home, they feel guilty about not being at work. The important thing is to be present in whatever you’re doing. |
Readers can find Michelle's "Mindful Moment" video clips HERE.
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Do you think a lot of women are fixated on the concept of needing to do it all, perhaps feeling the need to function as a ‘superwoman?’
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Yes. I know that I’ve had that underlying thinking.
There’s a catch. Women start to feel that they’re expected to do it all…maybe because they perceive other women are doing it…and doing it so perfectly. In this quest for perfection, they feel stuck. They want something more for themselves, and they haven’t figured out how to find time for that, so they become completely overwhelmed. I had a friend tell me, ‘A good day is when I have time to shave my legs.’ No time for basic self-care is definitely a problem. |
Feedback from one of Michelle's clients: "I am constantly amazed by Michelle's capacity to guide me to create changes that really count." |
What are some of the negative impacts of stress and overwhelm for women?
There are a number of physical manifestations, such as migraines, negative effects on the heart, gut problems, etc. Finding time for sexual intimacy is also a problem. That’s low on the list for many busy women. Perhaps their relationship with a significant other begins to suffer because there’s no time to nurture that. Things then begin to spiral out of control.
So women turn to wine, food or social media to shut it all down. However, this leads to a net negative effect. You feel better in the moment, but the next day you might be extra groggy, not as productive, or you’re beating yourself up because you didn’t get enough done. When women start to have these negative feelings about themselves, they won’t get a positive result.
Was there a time in your own life when you felt completely overwhelmed and wanted to shut down?
I was a victim of my job. I had no personal time. I wanted to be successful in the corporate world, and this meant working myself to the bone. There was no way I could find the time to do the things I wanted to do because my job was too important. I was even putting off important doctor visits on multiple occasions.
But I realized I couldn’t go on with the way I was functioning. I started out by looking for answers through group coaching. Honestly, I initially thought that there was no way I would have the time to coach or to be coached. But I was desperate to find another way, so I tried it.
Since then, I’ve done work with my own coaches. I’ve been involved with group coaching, and I’ve grown my client base. I have time for it all now. You just need the tools to make it possible.
On one of your podcasts, you state, “If you tell yourself you have no control, then there’s nothing you can do about it.” Is this something you help women with: Taking back control over their schedules and responsibilities?
It’s about learning how to set boundaries and learning how to say ‘no.’ You have to commit to the fact that you are in control, and you have to begin to honor commitments to yourself.
I help women with this by getting to the core of what the underlying problem is. In other words, why do they believe they don’t have control? What is the catalyst?
*Find episodes of Michelle's "It's Your Time Podcast."
Do you individualize your program for each client?
Absolutely. Every situation, lifestyle, family dynamic, and work environment is different.
I offer a free, 45 minute consultation call to all potential clients before asking them to make an investment. Am I a good fit for them? Are they a good fit for me?
I help clients become aware of where they’re starting from and where they want to be. We talk about the life she wants to create and some of the goals she’d like to achieve. Everything is customized to a client’s specific situation and specific challenges. My role is to show a client what is currently going on and how her thinking has gotten her negative results.
I often think to myself: If only I had the tools I have now when I was a little girl…the possibilities would have been endless.
What’s one thing you want readers to know about your coaching style? What is it about your coaching style that taps in to what women need to hear to make a positive change?
This is serious work we do, but I do it with a flair that makes it fun! I establish a place where clients feel safe to talk about what’s going on. I will disagree and speak the truth about what I’m seeing from my perspective, but it comes from a place of love and compassion. I relate to and connect with people right away, so there’s a trust that’s built early on in the process.
I like to listen. I don’t do all of the talking, and I come from a place of no judgment. There’s no black and white or right and wrong answer. I help clients figure it out and move forward with a healthier, happier lifestyle.
My 1:1 program runs for twelve weeks. Some clients regale me with a litany of things they want to change – weight, sleep habits, time for self-care, etc. We start with one goal so that overwhelm is not exacerbated. I tell clients that they will continue to use the tools that helped them to accomplish the first goal – basically they build on practices that work as they meet future goals. It’s not about starting all over each time an issue is tackled.
How do you reach clients?
I usually coach clients by phone. These busy women want an easy way to connect. I’ve had one client ask for video conferencing, but most clients opt for the phone. I’m flexible.
Where do you find sanctuary? (#WheresYourSanctuary)
The beach! Fisherman’s Beach in Nantucket is my happy place and where I love to vacation with my husband. It’s where I escape from work and get from away daily responsibilities. The service out there isn’t the greatest…and this helps me to shut out the world and just relax. For everyday sanctuary, I enjoy just spending time at home with my husband and my dog. I also meditate in the morning which helps me center myself for the day.
There are a number of physical manifestations, such as migraines, negative effects on the heart, gut problems, etc. Finding time for sexual intimacy is also a problem. That’s low on the list for many busy women. Perhaps their relationship with a significant other begins to suffer because there’s no time to nurture that. Things then begin to spiral out of control.
So women turn to wine, food or social media to shut it all down. However, this leads to a net negative effect. You feel better in the moment, but the next day you might be extra groggy, not as productive, or you’re beating yourself up because you didn’t get enough done. When women start to have these negative feelings about themselves, they won’t get a positive result.
Was there a time in your own life when you felt completely overwhelmed and wanted to shut down?
I was a victim of my job. I had no personal time. I wanted to be successful in the corporate world, and this meant working myself to the bone. There was no way I could find the time to do the things I wanted to do because my job was too important. I was even putting off important doctor visits on multiple occasions.
But I realized I couldn’t go on with the way I was functioning. I started out by looking for answers through group coaching. Honestly, I initially thought that there was no way I would have the time to coach or to be coached. But I was desperate to find another way, so I tried it.
Since then, I’ve done work with my own coaches. I’ve been involved with group coaching, and I’ve grown my client base. I have time for it all now. You just need the tools to make it possible.
On one of your podcasts, you state, “If you tell yourself you have no control, then there’s nothing you can do about it.” Is this something you help women with: Taking back control over their schedules and responsibilities?
It’s about learning how to set boundaries and learning how to say ‘no.’ You have to commit to the fact that you are in control, and you have to begin to honor commitments to yourself.
I help women with this by getting to the core of what the underlying problem is. In other words, why do they believe they don’t have control? What is the catalyst?
*Find episodes of Michelle's "It's Your Time Podcast."
Do you individualize your program for each client?
Absolutely. Every situation, lifestyle, family dynamic, and work environment is different.
I offer a free, 45 minute consultation call to all potential clients before asking them to make an investment. Am I a good fit for them? Are they a good fit for me?
I help clients become aware of where they’re starting from and where they want to be. We talk about the life she wants to create and some of the goals she’d like to achieve. Everything is customized to a client’s specific situation and specific challenges. My role is to show a client what is currently going on and how her thinking has gotten her negative results.
I often think to myself: If only I had the tools I have now when I was a little girl…the possibilities would have been endless.
What’s one thing you want readers to know about your coaching style? What is it about your coaching style that taps in to what women need to hear to make a positive change?
This is serious work we do, but I do it with a flair that makes it fun! I establish a place where clients feel safe to talk about what’s going on. I will disagree and speak the truth about what I’m seeing from my perspective, but it comes from a place of love and compassion. I relate to and connect with people right away, so there’s a trust that’s built early on in the process.
I like to listen. I don’t do all of the talking, and I come from a place of no judgment. There’s no black and white or right and wrong answer. I help clients figure it out and move forward with a healthier, happier lifestyle.
My 1:1 program runs for twelve weeks. Some clients regale me with a litany of things they want to change – weight, sleep habits, time for self-care, etc. We start with one goal so that overwhelm is not exacerbated. I tell clients that they will continue to use the tools that helped them to accomplish the first goal – basically they build on practices that work as they meet future goals. It’s not about starting all over each time an issue is tackled.
How do you reach clients?
I usually coach clients by phone. These busy women want an easy way to connect. I’ve had one client ask for video conferencing, but most clients opt for the phone. I’m flexible.
Where do you find sanctuary? (#WheresYourSanctuary)
The beach! Fisherman’s Beach in Nantucket is my happy place and where I love to vacation with my husband. It’s where I escape from work and get from away daily responsibilities. The service out there isn’t the greatest…and this helps me to shut out the world and just relax. For everyday sanctuary, I enjoy just spending time at home with my husband and my dog. I also meditate in the morning which helps me center myself for the day.
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