For a long time, I confused being burnt out for taking a break. How did this happen?
The simple answer is having a lack of boundaries, an unclear understanding of my limits and flat out lying to myself. I would work myself so hard, literally day in and day out to complete my tasks and then I literally couldn’t go anymore and I would say to myself “okay now I’ll take a break” but it wasn’t really a break because I literally couldn’t continue even if I tried. It wasn’t until recently when I came to the realization that if I continued on this path, I would not only be less productive but I would ruin my health along the way. Here is how I solved this very unhealthy problem ( and you can too). Step 1: Differentiation Recognizing burnout (Unhealthy)
Step 2: Boundaries I used to take on tasks, and roles that I was good at even though I wasn’t necessarily passionate about doing them. I thought “it would help build my skillset and resume”. But as time went on I realized that not because I am good or even great at something means I should do that thing. Passion is one of my biggest drivers and when I do things that I am not passionate about I can’t show my full self. I decided to create a list of 4 topics (industries) that I was passionate about AND I was good at. Then I went on to create a list of 4 emotions I wanted to feel about any new role/task I was offered. Creating this topic and emotion mash up allowed me to limit the things I said yes to and only participate in things that I could show up and be fully 100% present in. Step 3: Honesty Be honest with yourself and those around you. If you’re tired say so. If a project is due in two days but you know you need 3 days to complete it, say so. You must be honest because if you burn yourself out or push too far beyond your limits you will end up producing half assed work or worse not completing the work at all. These three steps have helped me to separate Burn out from Breaks. It’s important to take care of yourself. Take breaks, relax, hang out with friends and family. Go on social media to socialize sometimes and not to just market or do research. Because as we all know “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. Now ask yourself
Other ways to set boundaries
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