High performers, founders and CEO’s are more likely to face it than most, but also least likely to seek help.
Let’s say someone you care for has a serious problem that threatens their livelihood and affects their health, personality and relationships.
Yet they “Don’t have the time,” to seek help, or think they can just tough it out. Even as you see them sinking further and further…
What would you say?
“Please do something.” Right?
Think of the product or service that you sell. Imagine a threat that takes away 90% of its effectiveness, overnight.
Now imagine if you lost 90% of you.
This is burnout.
Also not good for your team, your customers and those you provide for.
There are 3 warning signs you’re risking burnout:
1. PHYSICAL SIGNS
- Headaches
- Stomach aches / intestinal issues
- Fatigue
- Frequent illness
- Changes in appetite / sleep
2. EMOTIONAL SIGNS
- Helplessness
- Cynicism
- Sense of failure or self-doubt
- Decreased satisfaction
- Feeling detached or alone in the world
- Loss of motivation
3. BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS
- Reduced performance in everyday tasks
- Withdrawal / isolation
- Procrastination
- Outbursts
- Substance abuse
If you tick several boxes, it’s ok. Many do.
Here’s a simple 7 step plan to emerge from the fog
It needn’t involve anyone else, unless you want it to.
1. TREAT YOURSELF LIKE YOU’RE SOMEONE YOU CARE FOR
Self sacrifice is not noble if it hurts those who depend on you.
**From here on in, you’re a mentor advising yourself**
2. RECOGNISE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS
- When a plane runs out of fuel, it crashes.
- You can’t pour from an empty cup.
The thing about clichés is, they’re true.
Burnout is when you don’t have anything left to give.
It’s physically impossible.
3. CONSIDER ASKING FOR HELP
A problem shared is a problem halved.
Could be someone you trust, or a pro. Professional counsellors have the strictest codes of confidentiality.
If this isn’t possible, that’s ok. On to #4.
4. ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
- Why are you burning out? What can you do to reduce it?
- Can you delegate more? (the answer’s nearly always yes)
- What more can you say no to?
Whatever the cause, circle back to #2. Is anything worth this?
5. MAKE SURE YOUR FOUNDATIONS ARE SOLID
- Food
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Relationships
Not got time? Refer to #2.
6. TOP UP THE FOUNDATIONS WITH COPING SKILLS
Obviously personal but consider one or more from:
- Going for a walk
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Listening to music
- Playing music
- Any creative hobby
- Learning something non work related
Google ‘coping skills’…
7. WRITE A STRATPLAN AS IF LAUNCHING A FLAGSHIP PRODUCT
- Journal steps 1 to 3.
- Plan steps 4 to 6.
- Set review dates (probably weekly then monthly but whatever works).
You can change the plan, but you can’t deviate from the plan.
I said it was simple, not easy. But when you’re facing burnout, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Treat yourself like someone you care for.
#TheFifthSkill
