May 14, 2025 • 12 mins
Hey, Friend!
When Monday rolls around, do you dread going to work? Are you bored with your job? Do you feel restless, wondering if there is something better out there? Is this feeling seeping into your personal life?
Or is it your personal life that is boring? Is there a lack of fulfillment that is affecting how you show up at work?
In today’s episode, I share 5 signs that you are feeling restless or bored at work and 5 signs that you are feeling restless or bored in your personal life.
I also share some practical ways to address restlessness and boredom.
I pray this blesses you!
Becky
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
How are you feeling right now?
(00:02):
Like in relation to your work, are you restless, dissatisfied?
This general feeling of something is missing, or are you bored with your work?
Or maybe it's your life?
Do you feel restless in your life, or bored with your personal life?
(00:27):
Sometimes it's a combination of both work and life.
Maybe your job isn't fulfilling right now, and that sense of boredom or restlessness
is bleeding into your personal life.
Or maybe your personal life is not what you want it to be, and that lack of fulfillment
in your personal life is seeping into how you're showing up at work.
(00:51):
But when both areas of work and personal life are impacted, it can feel like your stuck,
or in a rut, and everything starts to feel like, "Lah!"
Does that sound like you?
Well let's dive in to today's episode.
Hey friend, are you a people-pleasing conflict-avoiding leader?
(01:12):
Is your secret relationship with fear affecting your leadership decisions?
Do you want to learn how to build credibility and confidence, or to navigate difficult conversations?
Do you long to manage your time without sacrificing your family or self-care?
Welcome to leadership becomes her.
(01:32):
I'm Becky Burroughs, your host and a minister and life and leadership coach with over 50 years
experience in leadership.
I firmly believe God has given you everything you need to lead well.
You have the toolbox.
You just need to learn how to use the tools.
So get comfy or start a mindless task.
You know how to pause or rewind if you need to.
(01:55):
Let's get started.
So first of all, you know, restlessness and boredom are very common from time to time.
You can be bored on a particular day at home, either because you don't have anything to
(02:15):
do or anything fun to do or you don't have the money to do it or you don't have someone
to do it with.
There's can be all kinds of reasons why you're bored.
Same thing at work.
You could be bored with the tasks that are in front of you because it's not really what
you want to be doing or maybe you don't feel like your giftedness is being utilized.
(02:36):
Restlessness is a little harder to define but we're going to get into it here in a minute.
But restlessness and boredom can feel pretty similar but they have different sources.
Whether it's from your job, your life in general or maybe both, identifying whether it's your
job that you're restless or bored with that's causing these feelings can help you pinpoint
(02:59):
what needs to change and the same with your personal life.
So here's how you can tell the difference.
Here's signs that you're feeling restless or bored at work.
One is lack of motivation.
You wake up and you dread going to work.
That could be a sign that you're bored.
It's like a sense of I just don't care anymore about your tasks, no matter how big or how
(03:25):
small or maybe you're procrastinating.
You find yourself putting off tasks more than you usually would.
Even the ones you used to enjoy or that typically you would you would deem that task important
and the idea now working on it feels exhausting.
That's a red flag.
(03:46):
Maybe you've got symptoms of burnout.
If if work feels like a constant grind with no excitement or challenge that could lead
to burnout which leads to restlessness and you might also feel emotionally drained or
detached from work.
(04:06):
Maybe you have a dissatisfaction with growth.
You feel like you've hit a wall in terms of learning new things or facing challenges or advancing
in any way and you might be bored.
The lack of growth can make everything feel repetitive like you're not getting anywhere.
You're on a hamster wheel.
You're wasting your time.
(04:27):
Maybe your daydreaming about other jobs or hobbies.
You catch yourself fantasizing about doing something else, anything else rather than focusing
on work.
If you're constantly thinking about quitting or switching careers it's probably not just
your job.
It might be a deeper satisfaction.
(04:49):
But maybe you're not so bored with work.
Maybe your restlessness or bored with your life.
Everything feels monotonous.
Even the weekends or your free time seems predictable and unfulfilling.
It could be a sign that you're bored with your life.
Nothing excites you anymore.
You're not motivated to try new experiences.
(05:10):
Maybe you're feeling a lack of meaning or purpose.
You're questioning your overall purpose or you feel like you're just going through the
motions.
It might be an existential restlessness.
You may be seeking something more meaningful outside of just your job.
Maybe you've gotten disconnected from your passions.
(05:31):
If hobbies, activities, or relationships that once brought you joy are no longer doing
so, it can point to a larger sense of restlessness or boredom with life.
Maybe you're not feeling the spark anymore in things that used to inspire you.
Or you have a constant need for change.
(05:52):
If you're constantly rearranging your life, you're moving.
You're changing relationships.
You're trying new activities because nothing seems to stick.
This could indicate a broader sense of dissatisfaction.
Or maybe you have anxiety or sense that something's missing.
A feeling of general unease or that you're just not where you want to be in life can be
(06:16):
a sign of restlessness.
Now, it might not be obvious at first, but a vague sense of longing for something more
fulfilling can indicate a deeper dissatisfaction.
A deeper dissatisfaction.
Or is it both?
(06:36):
Sometimes, it's a combination of both work and life.
Maybe your job isn't fulfilling in that sense of restlessness or boredom is bleeding into
your personal life.
Or maybe you're feeling off in your personal life and that lack of fulfillment is seeping
into how you are showing up at work.
And when both areas are impacted, it can feel like you're in a rut or you're stuck and
(07:01):
everything feels blah.
So how do you figure out which is the source?
Well, first of all, I would recommend doing a quick check-in.
spend a few moments reflecting on the things that you feel most restless about.
When do these feelings hit the hardest?
(07:22):
Is it when you're at work?
And are outside of work?
Are you dreading going to work?
Or is it the weight of everything in your personal life that's getting to you?
Notice patterns.
Pay attention to when the restlessness is the strongest.
Are you excited for the weekend or a vacation, but as soon as you're back at work, the feelings
(07:43):
return.
Or do you feel a general sense of apathy that extends to both work and personal time?
try shifting focus make small changes to either your job or your life and see if that feels
better.
Sometimes taking a break, trying a new project at work or doing something different in
(08:04):
your personal life can give you clues as to what is at the root of your restlessness.
And here are some suggestions for how to address restlessness or boredom.
For work, if it's your job making you feel restless, think about whether it's time for
a change or a new challenge.
(08:26):
Maybe you need a new project, maybe a leadership opportunity or to learn a new skill, a change
in environment like a new role or shift to a new department might help or a conversation
with your superior about what opportunities are available to you so that you can grow.
For life, if it's life in general that feels stagnant, maybe it's time to explore new hobbies.
(08:52):
Meet new people or step outside of your comfort zone, travel, volunteer or take up a new passion
that can help reignite your sense of adventure.
Maybe you need to take a break.
Sometimes we just need to disconnect to see things clearly.
Sometimes we have feelings of restlessness or boredom because we are completely burned
(09:16):
out.
It might help you to take a short vacation or time away from routine or to develop a rhythm
of Sabbath where you completely disconnect from everything just to rest.
Maybe that can give you a fresh perspective.
(09:37):
And then I would suggest a period of self-reflection and mindfulness, whether it's meditating or journaling
that can help you tap into what's really causing the restlessness.
It might help you realize what you need.
Maybe you need more freedom, a sense of accomplishment, more connection, etc.
So I'd like you to give it some thought.
(09:58):
Do you think you might be feeling more bored with your job or bored with your life?
Are you feeling more restless at work or restless at home?
Or is it a mixture of all of those things?
Once you have tried to identify the source, then start asking yourself these important questions
(10:20):
that I have mentioned so you can get to the crux of why you're feeling these feelings.
They're real.
They're not to be discounted and they're not going to go away because you're choosing not
to think about it.
It's time to address it because feeling restless and bored whether it's at work or at home
or both, that's no way to live.
(10:42):
You know that.
You know life was meant to be lived with all the gusto we can we can muster.
So I encourage you to dig a little deeper and figure out why you're feeling this way,
what's causing it, if it's more work, if it's more homework, if it's a combination, and
start trying to make some very small, simple shifts.
(11:05):
I think identifying it, owning it, even talking about it with some trusted friends will help
it be better.
You're not alone.
Others have felt this too and maybe you can get some ideas if none of these things work
for you by sharing it with someone in your world that understands your life.
Maybe they can give you some ideas as well.
(11:26):
I hope this has been helpful to you.
Hey, let's do this again next week.
It is my prayer that this podcast inspired you, blessed you, or made you think.
If so, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and please leave a review.
Hey, I want to connect with you.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
(11:49):
Send me a DM or email me at hello@beckyburroughs.com.
If you are a Christian woman who leads and you are interested in one of my Leadership Boot
camps for Women in Ministry, this is a four week workshop, or becoming part of a Kairos
Cohort, year-long group coaching.
Send me a DM or an email for more information.
(12:10):
We'll talk soon.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music plays)
How are you feeling right now?
(00:02):
Like in relation to your work, are you restless, dissatisfied?
This general feeling of something is missing, or are you bored with your work?
Or maybe it's your life?
Do you feel restless in your life, or bored with your personal life?
(00:27):
Sometimes it's a combination of both work and life.
Maybe your job isn't fulfilling right now, and that sense of boredom or restlessness
is bleeding into your personal life.
Or maybe your personal life is not what you want it to be, and that lack of fulfillment
in your personal life is seeping into how you're showing up at work.
(00:51):
But when both areas of work and personal life are impacted, it can feel like your stuck,
or in a rut, and everything starts to feel like, "Lah!"
Does that sound like you?
Well let's dive in to today's episode.
Hey friend, are you a people-pleasing conflict-avoiding leader?
(01:12):
Is your secret relationship with fear affecting your leadership decisions?
Do you want to learn how to build credibility and confidence, or to navigate difficult conversations?
Do you long to manage your time without sacrificing your family or self-care?
Welcome to leadership becomes her.
(01:32):
I'm Becky Burroughs, your host and a minister and life and leadership coach with over 50 years
experience in leadership.
I firmly believe God has given you everything you need to lead well.
You have the toolbox.
You just need to learn how to use the tools.
So get comfy or start a mindless task.
You know how to pause or rewind if you need to.
(01:55):
Let's get started.
So first of all, you know, restlessness and boredom are very common from time to time.
You can be bored on a particular day at home, either because you don't have anything to
(02:15):
do or anything fun to do or you don't have the money to do it or you don't have someone
to do it with.
There's can be all kinds of reasons why you're bored.
Same thing at work.
You could be bored with the tasks that are in front of you because it's not really what
you want to be doing or maybe you don't feel like your giftedness is being utilized.
(02:36):
Restlessness is a little harder to define but we're going to get into it here in a minute.
But restlessness and boredom can feel pretty similar but they have different sources.
Whether it's from your job, your life in general or maybe both, identifying whether it's your
job that you're restless or bored with that's causing these feelings can help you pinpoint
(02:59):
what needs to change and the same with your personal life.
So here's how you can tell the difference.
Here's signs that you're feeling restless or bored at work.
One is lack of motivation.
You wake up and you dread going to work.
That could be a sign that you're bored.
It's like a sense of I just don't care anymore about your tasks, no matter how big or how
(03:25):
small or maybe you're procrastinating.
You find yourself putting off tasks more than you usually would.
Even the ones you used to enjoy or that typically you would you would deem that task important
and the idea now working on it feels exhausting.
That's a red flag.
(03:46):
Maybe you've got symptoms of burnout.
If if work feels like a constant grind with no excitement or challenge that could lead
to burnout which leads to restlessness and you might also feel emotionally drained or
detached from work.
(04:06):
Maybe you have a dissatisfaction with growth.
You feel like you've hit a wall in terms of learning new things or facing challenges or advancing
in any way and you might be bored.
The lack of growth can make everything feel repetitive like you're not getting anywhere.
You're on a hamster wheel.
You're wasting your time.
(04:27):
Maybe your daydreaming about other jobs or hobbies.
You catch yourself fantasizing about doing something else, anything else rather than focusing
on work.
If you're constantly thinking about quitting or switching careers it's probably not just
your job.
It might be a deeper satisfaction.
(04:49):
But maybe you're not so bored with work.
Maybe your restlessness or bored with your life.
Everything feels monotonous.
Even the weekends or your free time seems predictable and unfulfilling.
It could be a sign that you're bored with your life.
Nothing excites you anymore.
You're not motivated to try new experiences.
(05:10):
Maybe you're feeling a lack of meaning or purpose.
You're questioning your overall purpose or you feel like you're just going through the
motions.
It might be an existential restlessness.
You may be seeking something more meaningful outside of just your job.
Maybe you've gotten disconnected from your passions.
(05:31):
If hobbies, activities, or relationships that once brought you joy are no longer doing
so, it can point to a larger sense of restlessness or boredom with life.
Maybe you're not feeling the spark anymore in things that used to inspire you.
Or you have a constant need for change.
(05:52):
If you're constantly rearranging your life, you're moving.
You're changing relationships.
You're trying new activities because nothing seems to stick.
This could indicate a broader sense of dissatisfaction.
Or maybe you have anxiety or sense that something's missing.
A feeling of general unease or that you're just not where you want to be in life can be
(06:16):
a sign of restlessness.
Now, it might not be obvious at first, but a vague sense of longing for something more
fulfilling can indicate a deeper dissatisfaction.
A deeper dissatisfaction.
Or is it both?
(06:36):
Sometimes, it's a combination of both work and life.
Maybe your job isn't fulfilling in that sense of restlessness or boredom is bleeding into
your personal life.
Or maybe you're feeling off in your personal life and that lack of fulfillment is seeping
into how you are showing up at work.
And when both areas are impacted, it can feel like you're in a rut or you're stuck and
(07:01):
everything feels blah.
So how do you figure out which is the source?
Well, first of all, I would recommend doing a quick check-in.
spend a few moments reflecting on the things that you feel most restless about.
When do these feelings hit the hardest?
(07:22):
Is it when you're at work?
And are outside of work?
Are you dreading going to work?
Or is it the weight of everything in your personal life that's getting to you?
Notice patterns.
Pay attention to when the restlessness is the strongest.
Are you excited for the weekend or a vacation, but as soon as you're back at work, the feelings
(07:43):
return.
Or do you feel a general sense of apathy that extends to both work and personal time?
try shifting focus make small changes to either your job or your life and see if that feels
better.
Sometimes taking a break, trying a new project at work or doing something different in
(08:04):
your personal life can give you clues as to what is at the root of your restlessness.
And here are some suggestions for how to address restlessness or boredom.
For work, if it's your job making you feel restless, think about whether it's time for
a change or a new challenge.
(08:26):
Maybe you need a new project, maybe a leadership opportunity or to learn a new skill, a change
in environment like a new role or shift to a new department might help or a conversation
with your superior about what opportunities are available to you so that you can grow.
For life, if it's life in general that feels stagnant, maybe it's time to explore new hobbies.
(08:52):
Meet new people or step outside of your comfort zone, travel, volunteer or take up a new passion
that can help reignite your sense of adventure.
Maybe you need to take a break.
Sometimes we just need to disconnect to see things clearly.
Sometimes we have feelings of restlessness or boredom because we are completely burned
(09:16):
out.
It might help you to take a short vacation or time away from routine or to develop a rhythm
of Sabbath where you completely disconnect from everything just to rest.
Maybe that can give you a fresh perspective.
(09:37):
And then I would suggest a period of self-reflection and mindfulness, whether it's meditating or journaling
that can help you tap into what's really causing the restlessness.
It might help you realize what you need.
Maybe you need more freedom, a sense of accomplishment, more connection, etc.
So I'd like you to give it some thought.
(09:58):
Do you think you might be feeling more bored with your job or bored with your life?
Are you feeling more restless at work or restless at home?
Or is it a mixture of all of those things?
Once you have tried to identify the source, then start asking yourself these important questions
(10:20):
that I have mentioned so you can get to the crux of why you're feeling these feelings.
They're real.
They're not to be discounted and they're not going to go away because you're choosing not
to think about it.
It's time to address it because feeling restless and bored whether it's at work or at home
or both, that's no way to live.
(10:42):
You know that.
You know life was meant to be lived with all the gusto we can we can muster.
So I encourage you to dig a little deeper and figure out why you're feeling this way,
what's causing it, if it's more work, if it's more homework, if it's a combination, and
start trying to make some very small, simple shifts.
(11:05):
I think identifying it, owning it, even talking about it with some trusted friends will help
it be better.
You're not alone.
Others have felt this too and maybe you can get some ideas if none of these things work
for you by sharing it with someone in your world that understands your life.
Maybe they can give you some ideas as well.
(11:26):
I hope this has been helpful to you.
Hey, let's do this again next week.
It is my prayer that this podcast inspired you, blessed you, or made you think.
If so, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and please leave a review.
Hey, I want to connect with you.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
(11:49):
Send me a DM or email me at hello@beckyburroughs.com.
If you are a Christian woman who leads and you are interested in one of my Leadership Boot
camps for Women in Ministry, this is a four week workshop, or becoming part of a Kairos
Cohort, year-long group coaching.
Send me a DM or an email for more information.
(12:10):
We'll talk soon.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music plays)
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