Ever feel like you’re checking all the boxes—career, relationships, success—yet still feel restless, anxious, or unfulfilled? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with internationally renowned executive coach Keren Eldad (aka Coach Keren) to uncover why so many high achievers get stuck in the cycle of perfectionism, burnout, and “the gilded cage”—and how to finally break free.

With clients ranging from Olympians to CEOs to Hollywood stars, Keren has seen firsthand how even the most accomplished people can feel trapped by unrealistic expectations, cultural pressures, and their own inner critics. Together, Wendy and Keren dive into what causes this relentless pursuit of “more,” why breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs, and how embracing imperfection can lead to greater peace, freedom, and fulfillment.

Whether you’re a recovering perfectionist, a chronic overachiever, or simply craving a life that feels good from the inside out, this conversation will help you release what’s holding you back and start designing a life on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to spot the hidden signs of perfectionism and burnout (even when life looks “perfect” on the outside)
• Why breakdowns are often the gateway to breakthroughs
• The difference between healthy high standards and toxic perfectionism
• Why cultural expectations—like success, status, and timelines—keep us stuck
• Practical steps to rewire your mindset, embrace imperfection, and build a life that feels aligned
• How to stop letting fear, uncertainty, and other people’s opinions run your life

🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!

✨Read the blog: 288 🌻 Break Free from Perfectionism & Burnout with Keren Eldad at https://wendyvalentine.com/break-free-from-perfectionism/

👉 Connect with

https://www.instagram.com/coachkeren/?hl=en https://kereneldad.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Breaking-Ambition-Perfectionism-Relentless/dp/1684817579

🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More

https://wendyvalentine.com

📖 Preorder Your Copy of Women Waking Up

https://womenwakingup.com

📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG!

https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/

📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack

https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/