"It'll Be Better When" Loop: The Hidden Cycle Draining High Achievers

"It'll Be Better When" Loop: The Hidden Cycle Draining High Achievers

Have you ever tried to tell yourself, "as soon as this is over, things will calm down"? Maybe it's a big project at work, a hectic transition with your organization, or something pressing in your family life.

That's what's called the "it'll be better when" burnout loop. And while it sounds harmless, this pattern is quietly fueling chronic burnout for so many high achievers.

The truth? It's not the big moments creating stress that are burning you out. It's the way your daily life is structured. 

If your everyday life already has you running on fumes, then it's time to recognize that your burnout is the product of daily working conditions that don't leave any room for you to recover. 

In this episode, you'll learn why traditional productivity hacks aren't enough, and why real change only happens when you address the deeper patterns and beliefs driving the career burnout cycle. You'll learn small shifts to daily routines that can prevent burnout from occurring in the first place. Most importantly, you'll learn how to create lasting transformation by uncovering and resolving the root causes that have been keeping you stuck in this loop. 

Episode Highlights

Signs of Burnout for High Achievers 

[01:45] - Why it doesn't look like a full collapse 

[02:30] - Chronic mild fatigue, foggy thinking & disconnection from joy 

[03:15] - Your nervous system sending sustainability signals

 

The "Better When" Loop Pattern & How to Break the Burnout Cycle 

[04:20] - How the loop works 

[05:10] - Why productivity feels so good

 [06:00] - Your brain and body are wired for cycles, not constant output

 

Daily Habits That Prevent Burnout: 3 Practical Steps 

[06:45] - Track your energy with the color-coding system 

[07:30] - Build in micro recovery 

[08:00] - Redefining success beyond just output

 

The Deeper Root Causes 

[08:30] - Hidden beliefs about proving worth through productivity 

[08:50] - Why tactics and willpower can't override your subconscious mind

 

Powerful Quotes

"Burnout is systemic and chronic. It's the product of daily working and living conditions that don't leave any room for you to recover." -Blake Schofield

"This isn't laziness or lack of discipline. It's your nervous system sending signals that your current life is not sustainable." -Blake Schofield

"Tactics and willpower will never override your subconscious mind or your nervous system. They will always win out." -Blake Schofield

 

Resources Mentioned 

• Take the 5-minute Burnout Type™ quiz to reveal what's fueling your stress, exhaustion, or lack of fulfillment and get personalized next steps to help reclaim your energy & passion, lead with clarity & confidence, and create more ease in work & life by going to: www.impactwithease.com/burnout-type

• Save your seat​ for our FREE live workshop (closes Oct 8th @ 11:59 pm): We'll dive into the 3 silent misalignments that create burnout, complete a live Energy Leak Audit to identify your biggest daily and weekly energy drains, and you'll walk away with a One-Move Action Plan designed for your first aligned shift to feel momentum again. Save your spot by going to https://impactwithease.com/group-coaching-community-waitlist/ 

Feeling drained at the end of the day? My 1:1 coaching helps high-achieving professionals realign their life and leadership so they can create success with clarity, confidence, and ease. Apply by going to: impactwithease.com/coaching/