Heal The Root Cause Of Burnout
I’ll let you in on a little secret:
Time off doesn't fix burnout – it actually makes it worse.
Here are 6 ways to identify the root cause of burnout and overcome it.
(Hint: it takes serious integrity and it likely won't be easy at first).
Burnout is actually classified as a disease by the International Classification of Diseases.
And just like any disease we have to move beyond the symptoms and get to the root cause in order for it to really transform.
In the case of burnout, the most common symptom is exhaustion.
And in most cases, we do our best to solve for that by resting, but there are actually 6 core triggers of burnout that have nothing to do with exhaustion, that if solved for, will help you overcome any nagging symptom of the disease.
1. Lack of control – when you feel a lack of control or ownership over your work you lose your creative expression and this diminishes motivation and makes work feel difficult.
2. Values conflict – when your values don't match the values of those you work with/for there is an unconscious moral disconnect and that can lead to cynicism and judgement.
3. Insufficient reward – when you feel taken for granted, you lose your desire to improve and grow.
4. Work overload – too much work, too much complexity, too urgent. All easily solved for when goals are clear.
5. Unfairness – nepotism and favouritism can lead to resentment and resentment is the silent killer of any relationship.
6. Breakdown in community – when you have a lack of social interactions, you work with low performing colleagues, or you have no conflict resolution you begin to shut off, disconnect and isolate yourself against the people you work with.
If you're feeling like you don't have control or autonomy over your work – ask for more.
If your personal values aren't aligned with the people you work with – consider finding other work.
If you aren't being rewarded properly – ask for more.
The best way to overcome burnout is not by relaxing. It's by taking action in a different direction.
It's about having integrity for yourself, standing up for yourself, and making a change because the future health of your mind and body depends on it.
If you're feeling like you don't have control or autonomy over your work – ask for more.
If your personal values aren't aligned with the people you work with – consider finding other work.
If you aren't being rewarded properly – ask for more.
The best way to overcome burnout is not by relaxing. It's by taking action in a different direction.
It's about having integrity for yourself, standing up for yourself, and making a change because the future health of your mind and body depends on it.