Burnout is a very real scenario for leaders and if you don't manage and deal with it, it can make your life toxic. When you find yourself really draggin', you need to ask yourself why so you can get back to being that fire breathing dragon you are.
You know the feeling of being unmotivated, unproductive, on edge, dried up, desolate, etc. etc. We've all been there. There is a difference between the "I've been up all night," to the "My soul has seized up". That's burnout. It's claimed many from their mission and team. Recognizing it early is important so it doesn't get out of control. On a spectrum from complacent to fried, I tend to ride the edge of the burnout wave myself. I push hard in my labor and it often gets me into mental/emotional trouble. I've come to know my limits well and when I need to throttle back.
Break the streak: When your engine starts to seize up you need to take a break. Be honest with yourself. Get outside the situation and give yourself some air. Pray and take some time to get clarity. Open up to someone you are close with about it. Take a little time off if needed. Remember what it was like to be at your best and see what's holding you back now. A. Do you need rest? B. Can what is broken be fixed? C. Do you need a new direction?
Lay out a plan: Be intentional on your next steps. Use your break and clarity to set baby steps in either A, B, or C. Set your big goal and test out each step on paper to see what it looks like. Seek another voice for advice, like your spouse, a peer in your industry, mentor, or coach. Which direction gets you moving? Ask yourself "why?" and "how?" along each step.
Get back to action: You have what it takes and it takes effort. Get started. Follow your baby steps and build momentum. Keep moving and digging at it. If you stall, give yourself a push or ask someone you can count on to keep you accountable. Assess along the way but keep your goal in sight, pivot if needed. Burnout will tell you a million reasons why you can't. Build your discipline by acting even when you don't want to. Yes, you can. Inaction will cause you more heartache and keep you down.
A great book I can recommend as a follow up is "Off Balanced" by Matthew Kelly. I've been through it 4-5 times and helped me gain perspective in a larger context.
I know, it's not as easy as 1. 2. 3., there is no magic trick. It's gritty. But you need to deal with it, so let's go!
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