Whether you liked the show “Seinfeld” or not, there was an interesting episode where the character George Costanza, a man with many interesting idiosyncrasies, decides to do the opposite of his intuition. He has almost burned himself out on all of the negative consequences of his intuitive choices so he decides to change his philosophy…do the opposite of his normal reaction…and starts experiencing great successes!
Surmising that since over 80% of you opened the newsletter article I did last time on Workplace Burnout, this topic needs more attention. I thought to build on that to provide more assistance with more content. Important to remember and not blow off, there is a tough place that is even further beyond Burnout…Habitual, perpetual burnout. Here are some things to consider to help contain the feelings of burnout and eventual burnout that won’t seem to go away!
Understand that burnout comes in cycles (unless we get stuck it in for years)
Honeymoon phase (things seem so good with this new opportunity)
Stress Awareness (Honeymoon is over and the transition has become stressful!)
Chronic Stress (is not going away, there is frequent stress but no behavior change)
Burnout (when you know you are there it doesn’t take away the stress…change something?)
Perpetual Burnout – (this is going to force you to change things!)
You. Are. Being. Tested. --- Embrace it!
When stressful things happen, remind yourself that you are being tested
When you pass the test you set yourself up for success and future success
When you fail the test, you set yourself back on this situation and future similar ones
Do not be REACTIVE to anything that you hear or see…seems nearly impossible but remember #2
Change or shift behaviors – Do the opposite of what you might normally do
Remember the George character started to do the opposite and found successes…try it! If you normally get upset when someone cuts you off on the road, remember #2 and #3…smile and say, I know this is a test!
Don’t forget the basics: sleep, nutrition, min-meditations, exercise and compassion
Remember that we are not here to be lawyers, doctors, teachers etc…only! We have a spiritual journey that is as important but often gets ignored. That is why we encounter frustrating situations all the time, and yet, we have to be positive even if getting pelted with life’s (tests) negativity.
Add something to your routine that you have not done before. A morning moment of appreciation, a mini-meditation, a Walk and Talk at work/home or something from the last list I provided
Check in with differences in expectations with family or colleagues to have an honest discussion about how changes you make to reduce your own stress can benefit others (i.e. an extra day = higher quality work)
Make sure you are not burning out because you are bored or unchallenged…add some new goals
Let me know if you need some support to head off burnout or get you out of that rut! When we think we can do it on our own and it’s not happening…or not happening fast enough, get support!
Much love,
Dave
Comments