This week, I’m unpacking the “work harder and you’ll succeed” narrative and why it keeps missing the mark.

I break down the real reason this messaging doesn’t land for so many women, especially Black women and mothers. Spoiler, we aren't lacking ambition or discipline. But we are lacking acknowledgment around capacity.

I explore what capacity actually means, how your nervous system impacts your ability to follow through, and why one-size-fits-all success advice often leads to burnout, shame, and self-doubt. I also share practical ways to start working with your capacity instead of constantly overriding it.

This Sunday, May 3rd in LA, I'm also Gathered: Sunday In The Park a free event for moms where we slow down, regulate the nervous system, and intentionally enter the week ahead together. RSVP here.

Connect with me:

• Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
• Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/

In this episode, I’m sharing a bit about the season I’m currently in and how it’s reflecting the same patterns I’m seeing with my clients.

I also talk about the truth behind feeling “stuck,” why you probably already know what you want, and what actually gets in the way of going after it.

Lastly, I'm opening up a few 1:1 coaching spots, beginning in April. Apply here.

Connect with me:

• Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
• Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/

For National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA), we’re going beyond awareness and into accountability.

Today’s guest, Akiera Holloway-Gilbert, is a national speaker, mental health leader, and CEO of Project HEAL, the leading U.S. organization dedicated to equitable mental healthcare for people struggling with eating disorders. Under her leadership, Project HEAL has delivered millions of dollars in services, including free treatment placement for individuals who otherwise would not have access to care. Her work has been recognized by outlets like Forbes, Fortune, TIME, NBC, Refinery29, CNN, Yahoo, and The Washington Post.

Before stepping into her current role, Akiera founded Body Reborn to support BIPOC communities navigating mental health challenges. She also serves as a Board Member of the Eating Disorders Coalition, advancing federal mental health legislation and fighting for systemic change.

In our convo, we talk about what it means to lead in close proximity to suffering.
How access to care is shaped by race, class, and policy. The emotional weight of advocating for change in systems that resist it. And how to hold rigor and humanity at the same time.

This episode is about justice, who gets to be seen and what real healing requires, both individually and collectively.

I’m also introducing No More Sunday Scaries, a free weekly space where we slow down, regulate the nervous system, and intentionally enter the week ahead together.

Sign-up {HERE}

Connect with me:

• Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
• Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/