Burnout, the modern plague of the ambitious, the hustlers, the relentless grinders. We live in an era where the hustle culture is glorified, where the 24/7 grind is romanticized. But the harsh reality is, we are humans, not machines. And sooner or later, we hit the wall. Burnout is the insidious monster lurking in the shadows of our daily grind, waiting to pounce when we least expect it. But fear not, for wisdom is the weapon we need to slay this beast. Here are seven questions you can ask yourself to get to the bottom of your burnout.
1. What Am I Really Running From?
The first step to understanding burnout is to look beyond the surface. It's not just about being tired; it's about what you're avoiding. Are you running from a toxic boss, a dysfunctional relationship, or perhaps even your own expectations? We often keep ourselves busy to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. Identifying what you're running from can be a game-changer. It shifts the narrative from "I can't handle this workload" to "I'm using this workload to distract myself."
2. Why Do I Feel Guilty About Resting?
Let's face it, the guilt associated with taking a break is real. We live in a culture that equates productivity with worth. The moment we pause, the guilt sets in. But ask yourself, why? Why do you feel guilty for resting? Is it because you've internalized the idea that you must always be productive? Or perhaps you're afraid that slowing down will make you appear less committed or capable? Understanding this guilt is crucial because rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity.
3. What Are My Boundaries, and Are They Being Respected?
Burnout often stems from a lack of boundaries. It's not just about saying no to others, but also about saying yes to yourself. Are your boundaries being respected? Are you constantly available to everyone at the expense of your own well-being? If your boundaries are more porous than a sponge, it's time to reevaluate. Setting and enforcing boundaries is not about being selfish; it's about self-preservation.
4. Am I Aligned with My Values?
Burnout can also be a sign that you're out of alignment with your values. Are you spending your time and energy on things that truly matter to you? Or are you caught in the trap of doing what others expect of you? When there's a disconnect between your values and your actions, burnout is almost inevitable. Take a step back and assess whether your daily activities align with your core values.
5. What Is My Relationship with Failure?
Ah, failure, the F-word no one likes to talk about. But it's essential to understand your relationship with it. Are you so afraid of failing that you push yourself to the brink of exhaustion to avoid it? Or do you see failure as a learning opportunity, a stepping stone to success? Your relationship with failure can significantly impact your stress levels. Embracing failure as part of the journey can help reduce the pressure you put on yourself.
6. How Do I Define Success?
Success is subjective. But often, we adopt society's definition of success without questioning it. More money, higher status, bigger house – these are the common markers. But what does success truly mean to you? Is it about financial freedom, personal growth, meaningful relationships, or something else entirely? Redefining success in a way that resonates with you can relieve some of the pressure and reduce burnout.
7. What Brings Me Joy, and How Often Do I Do It?
Last but not least, joy. When was the last time you did something just for the sheer joy of it? Not because it was productive or beneficial, but simply because it made you happy? Burnout often strips away our capacity for joy. Reconnecting with activities that bring you joy can be incredibly rejuvenating. It's not about finding time; it's about making time for joy in your life.
Complex Meets Deep Breaths
Burnout is a complex, multifaceted beast. It's not just about working too hard; it's about what's driving that work, the narratives we've internalized, and the boundaries we've set (or failed to set). By asking yourself these seven questions, you can start to unravel the root causes of your burnout. Remember, you are more than your productivity. Your worth is intrinsic, not tied to your output. So take a deep breath, reassess, and give yourself the grace to rest and realign.
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Substack, I’m writing the proverbial (no surprise here) sequel to Talk Tech To Me. I take on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplify them for the modern recruiter.