Are You Slip-Sliding into Burnout?

Recognize the 12 phases of burnout while you can still do something about it

Burnout has a way of sneaking up on you. Disguised in the noble cloaks of “hard work,” and “loyalty,” and “paying your dues,” it can steal your fire before you even realize what you’ve lost. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

No one is immune. No matter where you are in your career, take arms against burnout’s slow smolder by recognizing its stealthy attack.

Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger (who coined the phrase “burnout” in 1974) and Gail North identified 12 phases of burnout. Do you see any of these in yourself?

The Compulsion to Prove Yourself – this looks like strong ambition, but with an undercurrent of people-pleasing and self-neglect.

Working Harder – doubling down to prove your value as you ignore other areas of your life.

Neglecting Your Needs – work comes before eating, sleeping, and socializing. Fooling yourself that you don’t need these things.

Displacement of Conflicts – becoming aware that there is a problem, and blaming it on others; you’re the victim.

Revision of Values – increasing isolation, conflict avoidance and denial of needs because the job is now the top priority.

Denial of Emerging Problems – marked by intolerance, aggression, sarcasm and avoidance of social contact.

Withdrawal – efforts to minimize contact, possible increase in binge-watching, drugs or alcohol, feelings of hopelessness. Checking-out.

Obvious Behavioral Changes – people are noticing and commenting on the ways you’ve changed.

Depersonalization – life becomes a series of mechanical functions with no thoughts, hopes or specific plans for the future.

Inner Emptiness – a gnawing sense of emptiness causes you to seek overeating, sex, alcohol, or drugs. Trying to fill an unfillable hole.

Depression – signs of clinical depression including exhaustion, hopelessness, indifference and, possibly, suicidal thoughts. Get help now.

Full Burnout Syndrome – physical and mental collapse necessitating immediate medical attention.

Now you’re wondering, “How many signs is too many?” Your inner flame is precious! No amount of dimming is okay. If you recognize ANY signs of burnout, take action now. Burnout prevention is a lifestyle. For you to have the best life possible, you’ll need tools and practices you will reach for all day, every day, for the rest of your life. Build your toolkit now, beginning with my book, “The Opposite of Burnout.”

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Whole-being well-being expert, Liz Garrett, translates scientific and metaphysical principles into PRACTICAL APPLICATION leaders use to change their lives, their relationships, their work and, ultimately, the world.