Here’s what you can do (3 questions to ask yourself)
There are times when our work no longer inspires us. When we feel we’ve lost our spark.
But the burnout I’m talking about is different.
It’s more than just a hard or bad day. It’s the kind that feels like a rut, and like you’ve lost something vital.
Loss of motivation, energy, passion, creativity—can be disconcerting, especially if you’re usually a leader with high energy and don’t know how to get it back.
So, here are some questions to ask yourself to “get your spark back.”
#1 Where have my thoughts been lately?
Many times prolonged stress can cause our thoughts and beliefs to lead us down a path of mental fatigue. It’s important to be aware of where your thoughts may be leading you.
Make a mental list–or even an actual list–of what you think about through the day. Ask yourself if your thought patterns are helping you or hindering you. Are they empowering or disempowering thoughts? Since thoughts produce emotions, this is the first place to begin to address burnout.
#2 Where does my motivation and energy typically come from?
What makes you feel most alive? What makes you lose track of time? What are your gifts and areas of strength? And, are you investing in these things regularly?
Determining where the “spark” for your motivation and energy typically comes from will prompt you to find opportunities to go there again.
I notice for myself, that when I don’t feel like I’m contributing, regularly connecting with people, or bringing value, my energy and motivation dips.
To offset the “dips,” I look for opportunities to contribute to or invest in someone – things that I know I love and that bring me energy.
If you’re feeling burnout working from home, or with limited connection to the people and the outside world around you for example…what are some ways you can reconnect?
#3 How can I give myself the grace and patience I need to recover from burnout?
If you feel burnout, there’s a temptation to feel like a failure. And that’s just not true.
Burnout doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad leader. It doesn’t mean you’re not performing or applying yourself. You just happen to be human. And the good news is that if you recognize it, you’re already on the path to recovering!
Consider…what brings you joy, inspiration? What do you really love doing and being? Begin to introduce more of THAT into your days.
And remember, you lead by example. So taking care of yourself will inspire others to do the same.