Burning Down The House...
Brian Waild
Problem Solver & Efficiency Expert. Do you Start With The Answer or do you let the answer find you?
Moments of Clarity – Episode 042/2025
Burnout: The Fire That Consumes You Slowly
A Personal Story
Earlier in my career, I took a job post-acquisition, hired by the new management team to fix a business with terrible on-time delivery and uncompetitive costs. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I had to earn my team’s trust while driving massive improvements. Talk about a big ask.
I took the challenge head-on. Soon, I was working 18-hour days, 3-4 days a week. I even slept at the office a few times. This went on for months.
And it worked. The flywheel started to turn. Within a year, service was fixed, and costs were under control. But in that pursuit, I was focused 100% on work—and not enough on my family. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I made it through. My family gave me a lot more grace than I deserved.
What Does Burnout Look Like?
Burnout isn’t just exhaustion. It’s mental, physical, and emotional depletion. It shows up as:
? Physical Signs: Constant fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia.
? Mental Signs: Brain fog, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating.
? Emotional Signs: Detachment, irritability, feeling like nothing you do matters.
What Other Conditions Resemble Burnout?
? Depression – Similar symptoms, but depression persists outside of work.
? Chronic Stress – Stress keeps you in fight-or-flight mode. Burnout leaves you numb.
? Compassion Fatigue – Common in caregivers, the emotional toll of constantly giving without replenishing.
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How to Prevent Burnout
? Set Boundaries: Work expands to fill the time you give it—be intentional.
? Recharge Regularly: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s fuel. Take breaks before you need them.
? Recognize Overload: If you ignore the warning signs, your body will force you to listen.
? Find Purpose in Small Wins: Shift focus from what’s left to do to what you’ve accomplished.
How to Recover from Burnout
?? Stop the Overload: Reduce unnecessary obligations—even if temporarily.
?? Prioritize Recovery: Sleep, move, nourish your body. Your energy bank is overdrawn.
?? Talk About It: Shame keeps burnout hidden. Share your struggle with someone you trust.
?? Rediscover Meaning: What once brought you joy? Reintroduce it—slowly, without pressure.
?? Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a flashing red warning sign. Listen to it before it takes more than you’re willing to lose.
Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you recover? Let’s talk.
#MomentsOfClarity #Burnout #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #Healing #PersonalGrowth