Burnout Is A Loss of Humanity
Stop working like a machine. Be human!
“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.” — Michael Gungor
Burnout has many causes.
But it is rooted in a loss of humanity. And what is the culprit? All known causes derive from two evils: no meaning and no rest.
No meaning is the game of expectations.
You act on the expectations of others. Get that degree. Get a great job. Climb the ladder. Pay your dues. No wonder so many people are stressed out! You betray your dreams for the expectations of others.
No rest is the dark side of “working hard.”
You can rest when you die, right? Neglect family. Neglect health. Work your fingers to the bone, because that’s what it takes to be the revered entrepreneur. Hogwash! You aren’t a robot.
Combine no meaning with no rest and you get the perfect storm of burnout. This kind of burnout is spectacular to witness and leaves behind a burned out husk of what was once a precious human life.
Don’t follow the traditional path. Try something new:
Stop trying to please others. The world is better when you are at your best. And this cannot happen unless you honor your dreams.
Focus your best efforts on what is meaningful. If you don’t know what that is, simply chase after your dreams. Focus on what brings you joy.
Cycle times of action with times of rest and reflection. Times of action bring knowledge and understanding. Times of rest bring wisdom, adaptation and reorientation.
Don’t play the game of expectations.
Don’t work yourself like a machine.
Work on meaningful things.
Rest, reflect and grow.
Your productivity and happiness will soar!
🤔 Food for Thought:
How much longer will you tolerate the game of expectations?
Have you been treating yourself as a machine?
Are you honoring your dreams?
⚙️ One Small Step:
Whenever work feels like a chore, ask yourself this question. Does this work honor my dreams?
If the answer is Yes, it is time to rest.
If the answer is No, it is time to let go of what no longer serves you.