Hello and welcome to day 2 of our course.
Yesterday we talked about what burnout is and how it can affect your body,
Mind and emotions.
Today we are going to dive deeper into where burnout really comes from.
Understanding the root causes is key to breaking the cycle.
Sometimes,
Burnout is a result of external factors,
Like workload or lack of control,
But often internal factors play a role too,
Such as our personal values,
Perfectionism or even how we respond to stress.
By identifying these root causes,
We can begin to make meaningful changes.
In today's session,
We'll explore the common causes of burnout and look at how different personality traits can make some of us more susceptible.
I'll also guide you through a reflective journaling exercise to help you identify your own burnout triggers.
The more awareness you bring to these causes,
The more empowered you will be to create positive change.
Now let's explore some common causes of burnout.
Burnout is often the result of a combination of factors,
Both external and internal.
Here are some common causes to consider.
Workload One of the most prevalent contributors to burnout is having too much on your plate.
Whether at work or in life,
When your responsibilities exceed your capacity,
It can lead to feelings of overwhelm.
So ask yourself,
Am I taking on more than I can realistically handle?
Neglecting rest Failing to prioritize rest can be a significant cause of burnout.
In our fast-paced world,
Many of us push aside the need of downtime,
Believing that we can catch up later.
However,
Consistently neglecting rest can lead to chronic fatigue and diminish your ability to cope with stressors.
It's essential to recognize that taking time to recharge is not just a luxury.
It's a necessity for maintaining your overall well-being.
Emotional exhaustion This occurs when you're continually giving yourself without adequate time for recovery.
Caregiving roles,
Whether professional or personal,
Can be especially draining.
If you find yourself emotionally depleted and unable to recharge,
It may be time to assess how much you're giving versus what you're receiving in return.
Lack of support Whether at work or at home,
Feeling unsupported can lead to burnout.
If you're often working solo or feel like no one has your back,
It can be challenging to keep going.
It's essential to recognize that asking for support when you need it is not a sign of weakness,
But rather a proactive step towards maintaining your well-being.
Remember that it's completely okay to ask for help when you need it,
Whether in a work setting or during challenging life situations.
As you listen to these causes,
Think about which resonate most with you.
It can be helpful to jot down your thoughts as we move forward.
Now,
Let's talk about some personality traits prone to burnout.
Certain personality traits can make some individuals more susceptible to burnout.
Recognizing these traits is important for understanding your own experience.
Perfectionists Perfectionism can lead you to set impossibly high standards for yourself and others.
If you're constantly striving for flawlessness,
It can create an unending cycle of stress.
Perfectionists often struggle to delegate,
Fearing that others won't meet their standards.
So,
Ask yourself,
Am I setting unrealistic expectations for myself and others?
Overachievers If you derive your sense of worth from being productive or successful,
You may find it challenging to take breaks or prioritize self-care.
Overachievers often measure their value by their output,
Which can lead to burnout.
Reflect on your achievements.
Are they truly fulfilling or are they simply a way to validate your self-worth?
People-pleasers If you tend to prioritize others' needs over your own and have difficulty saying no,
You may find yourself stretched too thin.
This can lead to emotional exhaustion and resentment.
Consider whether you're neglecting your own needs in favor of others.
Highly sensitive individuals If you're naturally attuned to the emotions and needs of those around you,
You may find yourself overwhelmed by the demands placed upon you.
This sensitivity can lead to burnout if you're not careful to set boundaries and protect your emotional energy.
Understanding whether you identify with any of these traits can help you pinpoint areas for growth and change.
Remember,
These traits don't define you.
They're simply patterns you can recognize and shift.
How personal values and perfectionism contribute to burnout Sometimes burnout arises from a disconnect between your personal values and your current lifestyle.
For example,
If you value balance and family time,
But you find yourself working late hours or sacrificing your personal life for your job,
That misalignment can create stress and contribute to burnout.
Similarly,
Perfectionism can exacerbate this disconnect.
When you strive for unattainable standards,
You may neglect what truly matters to you,
Like spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
Recognizing these values and how they relate to your life can illuminate paths to greater fulfillment.
When your work doesn't align with your true purpose or passions,
It can create a disconnect that often leads to burnout.
In my own experience,
When I worked at a technology company in a high-pressure role,
I was consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.
However,
Deep down,
I felt frustrated,
Unfulfilled,
Because my genuine passion lies in coaching people to help them achieve their full potential.
This misalignment between my job and my purpose left me feeling empty.
Instead of being energized by my work,
I often felt drained,
As if I were merely going through constant motions.
When we pursue work that feels meaningful,
We are more likely to experience joy,
Motivation,
And fulfillment.
This alignment allows us to thrive rather than just survive,
Creating a positive feedback loop that sustains our energy and passion over the long term.
By recognizing where we may be out of alignment,
We can take intentional steps to realign our careers and lives with what truly matters to us.
I invite you to take a moment to reflect.
Are there specific values that you hold dear that aren't being honored in your current work or life situation?
Consider how you might begin to realign your daily actions with those values to create a greater sense of fulfillment.
To wrap up today's session,
Let's take a short journaling exercise.
Grab your journal or a notebook and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
Reflect on these questions.
I will pause after each one to give you time to take some notes.
This journaling exercise is for your eyes only,
So be honest with yourself.
The goal is to uncover personal stressors that may contribute to your burnout.
Take your time with these questions and don't worry if you don't have an answer for each one right now.
You can come back to it later.
Let's begin.
What are the specific situations,
People,
Or responsibilities that currently feel the most draining to you?
Are there reoccurring themes or patterns that you've noticed in your life that lead to feelings of overwhelm?
What do you wish you had more time for in your life?
Are there boundaries that you need to set to protect your well-being?
And now,
Write down one action step you can take this week to address a trigger or stressor you've identified.
And that concludes day two.
Tomorrow,
We'll dive into practical strategies for rebuilding your energy and restoring balance in your life.
For now,
Take a moment to reflect on what you've discovered today.
Remember that this journey takes time and you should feel proud of the progress you're making.
Take care of yourself today and I see you tomorrow.
