Boundaries not burnout

Hi there,?

Welcome to the latest edition of Moxy Matters.?

It's been a busy couple of weeks since we spoke last. I’ve been continuing to travels around the country working with our amazing clients and started a couple of very exciting new projects. I’ve even been down to Exeter for the boldest photoshoot Moxy has ever had the pleasure to be part of!??

However, being busy means that boundaries can be challenged. So, three years on from burning out the hard way, I went back to the spot on my floor where my world changed to film the latest Moxy Vlog.?

I believe strongly that it's important to look back on all I’ve learned, celebrate how far I’ve come and remind us all how important looking after ourselves really is. That’s what all our moxiest moments are about this edition:?

• The face of someone with burnout?
• Burnout doesn't just affect you
• Getting help from unexpected places

So grab a cuppa, maybe a cheeky biscuit, and tuck in…?

Be brave?

Be bold??

Be different??

And look after yourself!???? ?

All the best,?

Suzanne??

Why I talk about my burnout?? ?

To be honest it's not for fun - it's probably one of the most terrifying things that I’ve done!?I talk about it for three main reasons:? ?

1. It really happened, without warning, on my living room floor?
2. Up until that point I genuinely thought I was invincible?
3. Because I'm not the only one who has been there??

The terrifying thing about burnout is it isn't something that is better for a week's holiday - it can lead to chronic fatigue, M.E. or even worse - you can push your body that hard.? ?

That’s why it’s important we need to talk about it and even more important that you take care of yourself.? ?

You won’t find me looking at my best in today’s vlog, business is very busy and I'm really challenging my boundaries. So I filmed this to remind myself as well as all of you that you've got to take care of yourself….?

The face of someone with burnout?

On the 3 year anniversary of my burnout I posted a photo of me on holiday looking miserable:?

• It was the face of someone who was about to be told she was burnt out. Physically. Emotionally. Absolutely.? ? ?

• It was the face of someone who had recently been told that her request to take 4-6 weeks leave wasn’t convenient right now.?

• It was the face of someone who has had enough and - though doesn't didn’t know it yet - would walk away from her job before the year was out.?

The more senior you are in an organisation, the better you’re expected to weather a storm, BUT the truth is leaders struggle just as much, they just get better at masking it. ? ?

No one is infallible and we all have a breaking point - don’t be tricked into thinking ‘resilience’ is a good thing.?

Instead, focus on getting the best out of yourself and protecting your own physical and mental health...and be kind – especially to yourself.?

Burnout doesn’t just affect you

It affects everyone around you. Colleagues. Friends. Family.

I’ve had some incredible people in my corner the last three years and I never want to take them for granted again

We’re all guiltily of it when things get busy: a late arrival here, a missed event there, an ever-interrupting work phone. It won't be your organisation who picks up the pieces...

? Sitting with you on the floor when you don't know how to face the world

? Reminding you that you're worth more than what you do for a living

? Inspiring you to believe in yourself again

Don’t wait until a quieter time to prioritise yourself and those you care about.

Getting help from unexpected places? ?

What do you do when you start to despair....? ?

??♀? Keep struggling?

??♀? Pray for a magic solution?

??♀? Suffer in silence? ?

OR? you could ask for advice from someone who knows more and/or has been where you are right now.? ?

Last weekend, I?demonstrated this point in the most bizarre way by sharing extracts from an unexpected feature I found myself in the middle of live radio feature on the Dick & Dom Sunday radio show!

?? Have a listen ??

A question before you go?

How moxy are you feeling today???

Do you want to know which areas you need to prioritise to have more impact at work??

If so, our communications leadership quiz will help identify where you’re already smashing it and set out the areas you need to focus on in order to thrive and shine!?

Simply visit Test your moxy to find out how.?

If you fancy chatting through your results, then just drop me a line or book a chat.?

? Moxy Communications Ltd 2024 All rights reserved?