The Silent Killer- Burnout

High performance is often glamorized in our society. Professionals racing against time, entrepreneurs burning the midnight oil, and individuals pushing their boundaries—these are the images we associate with success.

But lurking behind this relentless drive is a silent killer: burnout.

Many high performers thrive under pressure. It fuels them. However, akin to a lawnmower running non-stop, even the most efficient machines eventually run out of gas. In the human context, they just stop working. Suddenly, abruptly, poof!

The Illusion of 'Earning' a Break

Now, one might argue, "Why not just take a break?" But it's not that straightforward. Several factors compel individuals to constantly accelerate. But before we delve into solutions, the very first step is self-awareness. Interestingly, most high performers resist introspection. They avoid the inward gaze, often because it may reveal something they're trying to evade.

In our fast-paced world, we often neglect the art of 'pausing.' Many feel they have to 'earn' their rest, making relaxation and breaks a luxury rather than a necessity. But why is this feeling so prevalent? A significant reason is a lack of clarity in one's goals. Without a clear roadmap, it becomes challenging to discern what genuinely matters, leading to misguided priorities and, ultimately, burnout.

Clarity- The Beacon of Balance

However, envision a scenario where your calendar mirrors your aspirations. Each day brings you one step closer to your dream. By crystallizing your goals and setting milestones, the self-imposed pressure to "earn" a break fades, making way for a more balanced approach to life.

Life's Rollercoaster

Life is unpredictable, full of highs and lows. The basketball legend Kobe Bryant once said, "You're winning, then you're losing, then you're winning." But what if failure wasn't an end, but a means to an end? What if every experience, win or setback, was a lesson in disguise?

By adopting a growth mindset, where every event is a learning opportunity, the constant pressure to succeed diminishes. Each 'failure' becomes feedback, a stepping stone towards mastery. Instead of being bogged down by setbacks, we can use them to refine our strategies and move forward. Growth Mindset gets you off the hamster wheel. The hamster wheel is what triggers the burnout to come much faster. If you’re constantly learning, progressing, the pressure diminishes, allowing you to breathe easier. 

Harnessing Innate Strengths

Gallup's 80 years of research on human nature emphasizes utilizing one's strengths. But how does one identify these strengths? A simple exercise I advocate is 'Name it, Claim it, and Aim it.'

First, introspect. What are you naturally adept at? What tasks do you perform effortlessly? Recognizing these strengths is the initial step. The next is owning them, embracing them as integral parts of your identity. Finally, channel these strengths towards your goals. Harnessing your innate abilities not only makes the journey enjoyable but also more efficient. 

Efficiency with joy is a major hack for avoiding burnout. 

Strategies for the Overwhelmed

For those feeling overwhelmed, consider these three strategies:

Define Clear Goals. Ensure your objectives resonate with your passion and values. These will serve as your guiding light, offering direction and purpose.

Prioritize Effectively. Understand what truly matters. Delegate secondary tasks and focus on activities that align with your strengths and push you toward your goals.

Master Time Management. In our digital age, multitasking is a trap. Embrace focused, uninterrupted work sessions to maximize productivity.

Wrapping Up

While high performance is commendable, it's essential to approach it sustainably. Burnout is a real threat, but with self-awareness, clear goals, growth mindset and effective strategies, it's one that can be mitigated. 

Remember, true success isn't just about achievements but also well-being, joy, and fulfillment. So, strive not just for success but for a balanced, enriched life.