Positioned at the end of a Busy Season, we are perfectly poised to experience burnout.
Like many of us, you might have been caught up in a whirlwind of activity during the Busy Season. Always moving from one activity or task to the next, rarely taking the time to check in or take stock of your motivation level. As the days get longer and summer approaches, tanning season will inevitably begin to slow in the traditional sense, and you are left feeling burned out.
Many times, after excess exertion coupled with long days and busy schedules, we find ourselves experiencing a disconnected feeling. Once the adrenaline wears off, and our bodies start to catch up, we suddenly start to feel exhausted and disengaged.
Burnout is something we’ve all experienced, whether we like to admit it or not; positioned at the end of a Busy Season, we are perfectly poised to experience it in droves. Not to worry, though – it is not the burnout itself that is cause for concern; it’s how you move forward from burnout that will set you apart from the pack and reinforce lasting qualities in your professional life.
Routines
Many of us live and die by our schedules and routines – I am certainly guilty of this. However, after long periods of exertion, taking a look at an already packed schedule can be counterproductive. Use this opportunity to create a departure from your routines and schedule. Shake up the system, inject some new energy or new activities into your schedule, even if you think you don’t have time or don’t feel like it. Work to break the cycle of stress in your thought patterns and make space for new ideas and inspiration. Be patient with yourself, let your body recuperate and your attitude will follow suit.
Momentum
Following burnout, it can be difficult to know how to get started again, how to regain that former level of productivity. It’s important just to get started, even if you’re unsure of the outcome. Momentum begets inspiration. Once you get moving in a direction, it is easier to make changes, course corrections and see the path ahead. As leaders in our businesses and companies, others rely on us for energy, ideas and motivation, but sometimes we need to recharge, as well. Make sure that you are taking the time to “fuel the machine” even during periods of intense stress. The demands on our time and energy are not going away, and at times, burnout happens. Be graceful with yourself, take a breather; but focus on the things you love and get right back up and back in the game. As industry leaders, we set the tone for others to follow, and our momentum creates the standard. So, remember your spark, roll your shoulders back and create some magic!
