Hint: it’s NOT when it’s easy.
Leaders who become great are the ones who are tested.
However, as leaders we can often feel like we are living in a test…and it can result in burnout.
One of the best ways to combat burnout in those intense seasons of testing and stretching is to REMEMBER THE DEEPER PURPOSE BEHIND THE WORK.
You can’t lead others if you’re in a constant state of burnout. And burnout is more than just a hard day. It feels like a RUT that you feel stuck in.
If you’re feeling this, know that your leadership is being REFINED! Good will come of it. But here are some things you can do in the meantime…
#1 Rest.
Sometimes, we’re just downright TIRED. And the best thing is to invest in quality rest and sleep. Take some time off. Spend a day at home. Let your body slow down and catch up with the pace of your life and work.
#2 Relax.
Find things you enjoy doing that take your mind off of the pressures around you. Take a spa day. Go fishing. Some healthy distractions can be good occasionally! And don’t forget to surround yourself with the people you love and who add joy to your life.
#3 Refresh.
Remember the things that inspire you. Think about a time at work when you felt motivated, excited, and productive. Think about what it was at those times that gave you so much energy. Find ways to add those original sources of inspiration back into your day-to-day.
#4 Reframe.
There is really no such thing as ‘time management’…it is really managing our decisions around how we invest time in our priorities. So if you feel stressed, take a look at where you are investing your time to assess whether it truly is your most important priorities.
Burnout doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad leader. It doesn’t mean you’re not performing or putting forth effort. And the good news is that if you recognize it…you are NOT IT. It is POSSIBLE to recover from burnout, and to get the motivation and energy BACK that you feel you’ve lost!
Consider…what brings you joy, inspiration? What do you really love doing and being? Begin to introduce more of THAT into your days.