Did you know that “burnout” is an occupational hazard?

Neither did I!

“Burnout” is defined as chronic stress that is not successfully managed. It leaves you feeling exhausted, aloof and just not quite yourself.

Has anyone every felt like this? Or are you currently feeling like this?

This month marks 2 years since I walked away from my career of 18 years due to ‘burnout.” That decision took quite some time to come to and a whole lot of prayer and pushing from those that love me. The truth is while I was aware that I was “burned out”,” I loved most of the people I worked with and most aspects of the position but it came to the point where I had to choose “power” over the position. I had transferred ownership of my happiness for a position that did not play to my strengths and it was physically and emotionally draining.

Sometimes it is not your job but maybe your family & friends. Maybe they are constantly withdrawing from your pockets and energy but hardly ever, if at all adding anything back. Or, it could be your relationship that you are holding on to with everything you have while the other person is nonchalant in their feelings, behavior and contributions.

If any of these situations resonate with you, it is time to Push Pause!!

At the TEDx event Rachel O’Meara said we need to “make pushing pause both active & intentional to establish strength.” People will lead you to believe that taking a break to collect your thoughts, sort your feelings and to decide on your next steps is a display of weakness but it is just the opposite. Pushing Pause allows time to respond to life in a proactive and productive way.

We have to master turning “burnout” into “fuel.” To do that we must navigate negativity that includes people, things and situations. We must get courageously curious in options we have yet to choose, in the path unknown. And we must be our own disruptor, do not wait for someone else to tell you that you are off-course, discern that for yourself because then you can create a plan!

This plan should include at least one challenge in your life, you then have to set an intention; what outcome you want to see from your plan, and then establish a time frame, how long will it take you to free yourself of this situation causing burnout!

Feel free to share your plans with me or someone else that you love so that we can celebrate together!