Third Degree.
Burnout isn't supposed to be your baseline.
Burnout isn’t just an occasional setback; it’s a critical issue that undermines our efficiency and satisfaction. Don’t wait until you’re sick and struggling to function to correct course. Practice self-awareness and do a professional pulse check right now. Do any of these early warning signs of burnout ring true for you?
Exhaustion That Won’t Quit: You’re tired, all the time. Even after a full night’s sleep, you wake up feeling like you’ve run a marathon. That ever-present fatigue isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental too.
When Work Feels Like a Chore: Tasks that used to energize you now feel like a slog. Your productivity has taken a nosedive, and you find it hard to focus on even the simplest things. The sense of satisfaction from a job well done is slipping through your fingers.
The Great Disconnect: You’re finding it harder to care. Whether it’s about the work itself, your colleagues, or the clients you serve, there’s a growing distance. Passion and purpose? They’ve packed up and left.
Short Fuse: The little things set you off. Whether it’s your coworker’s tapping pen or a minor mistake, your patience is running thin, and you’re finding it harder to keep a lid on your emotions.
The Cynic is Center Stage: Negativity is creeping in. You’ve noticed a shift in your outlook—suddenly, everything feels pointless, and you’re questioning why you even bother.
The Procrastination Trap: You’re avoiding the work that used to come easily. Tasks that should be quick and painless now feel insurmountable, and you’re kicking the can down the road.
Restless Nights: Sleep isn’t the refuge it once was. You’re tossing and turning, waking up multiple times, or just staring at the ceiling, unable to switch off your mind.
Your Body’s Cry for Help: Your body is speaking up—headaches, stomachaches, muscle pain, or getting sick more often. Stress is taking a physical toll, and it’s harder to ignore.
Isolated and Alone: You’re pulling away from others, whether it’s avoiding chats with coworkers or skipping out on social gatherings. The desire to retreat and be alone is stronger than ever.
The Lost Drive: That spark of motivation is dimming. What used to get you out of bed in the morning now feels like a weight. You’re dragging yourself through the motions.
Scatterbrained: You’re forgetting things—whether it’s a deadline, a meeting, or even simple details. Your once sharp mind feels foggy and scattered.
Overwhelm at Every Turn: What once felt manageable now feels like it’s all too much. Even small tasks can make you feel like you’re drowning.
Neglecting Self-Care: The healthy habits that used to be a part of your routine are falling by the wayside. Exercise, eating well, or engaging in hobbies you love—those things are starting to take a backseat.
Reaching for the Crutches: You’re leaning more on alcohol, caffeine, or other substances to get through the day or unwind. It’s becoming more of a coping mechanism than just a casual indulgence.
Elusive Joy: There’s a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction creeping into all areas of your life. That deep-seated joy you once felt? It’s becoming harder and harder to find.
How’d you do? Importantly, how are you *really* doing?
You weren’t meant to live in a survival state, barely getting by. This life is meant to be lived, full of love. You deserve to thrive. If you’re struggling, don’t settle. Reach out. None of us were ever meant to do this alone.
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If you’re interested in more strategies for strengthening self-awareness and raising your EQ, don’t miss Finding Joy:
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