Episode 9: Running on Fumes

The subject of burnout is popping right now. I'm seeing it within our community especially for women writing to meet a deadline, but I'm sure it can help all of you not writing a dissertation too. We are all juggling multiple competing priorities in life. 

Burnout first technically coined by Herbert Freudenberger in 1975.

He defined "Burnout" was defined by three components:

1. Emotional Exhaustion - the fatigue that comes from caring too much, for too long;
2. Depersonalization - the depletion of empathy, caring, and compassion; and
3. Decreased sense of accomplishment - an unconquerable sense of futility: feeling that nothing you do makes any difference

I wanted to bring in a few different perspectives on burnout from books that I have read, to the teachings of other thought leaders, because I’ve done so much research on burnout. So much of the coaching I’ve done is around burnout and overwhelm. 

Burnout or Overwhelm?

For those of you who are in overwhelm (and not actually burn out)… What do you have to believe in order to plan and do more? 

Solution to BURNOUT

1. Pay attention to your thoughts… be aware of what you’re thinking. Your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings inspire you to do or not do things. Your thoughts drive the actions you take. I teach a WHOLE module on this inside our Breakthrough program. 

What are your thoughts that are causing you to feel BURNOUT RIGHT NOW?

So how can you think about your to-do list in a way that feels BETTER and gives you some relief, but is also a “doable” thought… meaning you BELIEVE IT. 

So one you do this first, then you can move on to the strategies below as part of the actions you are going to take. 

2.  Let go of how you think it should be. That thinking is not useful. "Shoulding" thoughts over yourself in general is only going to cause you to feel like crap.

3. Be okay with B- Work… take imperfect action with a focus on growth and normalize failing. Embrace “good enough”. You aren’t going to get an A on your dissertation, and most of you won’t win an award. 

4. Celebrate wins… ALL of them. Instead of looking at the mountain in front of you, take time to tie off and enjoy the view from how far you’ve come. 

5. Find the good stuff… you are transforming into another version of yourself right now as you are growing and evolving. You are taking action and failing on purpose.

6. Disconnect from technology - Take a break from screen time and spend some time looking out the window... connect with your breathing and daydream.

7. Connected to a community - Join our Pod Squad private group and connect with other amazing women with big dreams!

8. Future Pace -  imagine yourself already having achieved everything you want in life. Place yourself as already having achieved it. Tap into that feeling now and take action as your future self. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Dr. Tangie and Success Exhaustion
• Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski 

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