Are You In True Burnout? How To Tell and What To Do
You’d think that I’d be thankful that we’re finally talking about burnout in our culture; that I’d be happy that burnout has become a huge topic for self help books and Instagram influencers alike.
After all, as a life balance and leadership coach, my number one goal is to prevent and heal burnout in high achievers.
But, honestly, all of this talk about burnout leaves me feeling (forgive me) … burned out!
I bristle a bit, every time I hear things like:
“I’m burned out from my pilates class.”
“I’m fried, just completely burned out.”
“I’m totally burned out on Netflix binges”.
It’s tempting to think that the prevalence of the word burnout would help support our society’s over extended and exhausted workforce.
And yet it’s doing the exact opposite.
The word BURNOUT has replaced BUSY as the new workplace badge of honor.
In order to give ourselves a fighting chance to thrive in always on, hustle culture, we need to stop brushing over the word and start solving the problem.
Let’s go back to 1997, when Dr. Christina Maslach, author of The Truth About Burnout, and Banishing Burnout, and developer of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, gave a name to the phenomenon.
Three components need to be present in true burnout.
Exhaustion: Burnout is lost energy.
Cynicism: Burnout is lost enthusiasm
Lack of Personal Efficacy: Burnout is lost confidence
And here’s the troubling thing about burnout; it’s a gradual process. Burnout is an erosion of sorts, and when we’re in it, it’s hard for us to see it; not too dissimilar to that proverbial frog in the pot of hot water, never noticing that he’s actually being boiled alive. YIKES!
Burnout often goes unnoticed by those in it.
So, what can we do about this often talked about yet rarely solved phenomenon?
First, we can stop using the word burnout when we’re really only bored, tired or distracted. Know what true burnout is and only use the word when referring to the syndrome.
And then, after we’ve checked in with how we use the word burnout, we can check in with ourselves.
These questions can help you do a quick assessment for yourself.
Do you wonder if you’re truly burned out? I’ve got something for you.
As a licensed Maslach Burnout Inventory administrator, I can offer you the industry standard in burnout assessments. The MBI measures individual burnout levels and provides context for why your burnout is occurring.
By identifying where and why you’re burning out, you and I can create systems and strategies that are realistic for your current life. These strategies assure that your energy and time are going to the things and people that matter most.
Burnout doesn’t have to be the cost of living in an always-on society.
Let’s take the fixation on burnout and actually fix it.
Lisa Bobyak, Life Balance Consultant, Leadership Coach and founder of Living Fully Balanced™, has been elevating the performance, perspective and peace of mind of high-achieving professionals on the brink of burnout for nearly a decade. Through her Living Fully Balanced™ methodology, she equips her clients with both the self-awareness and planning tools to thrive in our fast-paced, work-driven society. Her inspiring and educational presentations challenge the current hustle culture and offer strategies to prevent burnout and create balance.