My Burnout Cure ??

The escape from hustle culture is real. Just the other day, I found myself sitting in a meeting, lost in thought. My mind wandered to a place far from the office—a cool summer day, walking through the woods, feeling the refreshing breeze and the tranquility of nature. That serene image resonated with me so much more than the reality of my busy work environment.

Don’t get me wrong, I am immensely grateful for where I am. I love my consulting gig, the company I support, and the colleagues I am surrounded by. However, despite my appreciation for my current position, I have learned from personal experience and over a decade of working with clients that the hustle culture, as we know it, is far from productive. It’s a pervasive mindset that leads to burnout, and it’s time we address it.

The Hustle Culture Trap

We are constantly bombarded with messages that we are not enough. These messages come from every corner of the media, urging us to buy things we don’t need in a fleeting attempt to feel better about ourselves.

The truth is, we are not provided with the tools to genuinely feel better about ourselves because that wouldn’t be profitable. Instead, we are trapped in a cycle of perpetual striving, believing that if we just work harder, we will achieve the elusive “enough.”

So, how does hustle culture work?

Maybe you’ve seen the concept of the “soft life” on the Internet. It looks appealing, doesn’t it? A life of ease and tranquility. But I guarantee you, whatever soft life is being sold online requires a tremendous amount of work to set up. It’s a paradox that many of us face: in the pursuit of a seemingly effortless life, we find ourselves working harder than ever before.

The Reality of Burnout

To be honest, burnout has hit me in a way I’ve never experienced before. I feel like my battery is never fully recharged, no matter how much work I do or how much I try to relax. Whether I’m spending time with friends or curling up with a fuzzy blanket, I just can’t seem to reach that state of complete rest and rejuvenation.

Over the last six months, I’ve been propelled by a relentless energy—a combination of panic and determination. Running my first group program for women - the Wild Ambition Alliance, the fear of letting them down, the demands of my consulting gig, moving into a new home, and adjusting to an entirely new life have all taken their toll.

I talk a lot about ambition and productivity, but I am constantly grappling with my own. How do I design work that doesn’t burn me out or tip me into overwhelm? How do I help other people uncover this balance and make it a reality?

Finding What Works

What I’ve learned is that it’s a process. There is no final destination because our needs and circumstances change throughout different stages of our lives. However, there three strategies that have proven effective for me and my clients.

1. Accountability

Accountability is crucial. Having someone to hold you gently and firmly to your commitments can make all the difference.

This person asks you questions, ensures you’re following through on what you said you would do, and if you haven’t, they help you reflect on what you learned from the experience. For me, having a team sit with me while I work has been transformative. We work together in silence, and it’s astonishing how much we can accomplish in such a short amount of time.

2. Radical Self-Approval

Radical self-approval goes a step beyond self-compassion.

It’s not easy, especially in moments of pain, but it’s incredibly powerful. Being in the presence of people who practice radical self-approval is energizing. If you can find a group that fosters this mindset, it can have a profound impact on your well-being.

3. Resilience

Resilience is about understanding that you are not wrong for not getting everything done. It’s about being kind to yourself when setting new goals and recognizing that failure is a part of the process. Working that resilience muscle involves repeatedly asking yourself questions like, “What will I do differently next time?” and “How do I set myself up for success?” These questions help you see the bigger picture and remind your body and nervous system that it’s OK to fail and make mistakes. It’s about getting up and trying again, knowing that every misstep is a redirection, not a failure.

My message to you: Embrace Your Own Path

If you’re feeling burnt out, frustrated, or overwhelmed because you’re not accomplishing what you want to, remember that your way of getting things done might look different from others, and that’s perfectly fine. We often think we can get more done in a day by pushing ourselves harder, but the reality is that being more nourished and cared for allows us to achieve more in the long run. When we prioritize our well-being, we are better equipped to give, to transform, and to make a meaningful impact in this world.

In conclusion, escaping hustle culture requires a conscious effort to redefine success and productivity on our own terms. It involves embracing accountability, practicing radical self-approval, and building resilience. By doing so, we can break free from the burnout cycle and create a life that is fulfilling, balanced, and true to ourselves.

I love you, and I believe in your journey towards a more sustainable and joyful way of living.

Need help overcoming burnout? Want to find your accountability group?

Join Wild Ambition Alliance - we got you.

Wild Ambition Alliance is a Mastermind Collective designed to inspire you to step into your power, smash your goals and redefine your success all in the community of women who are cheering you on every step of the way!

The WAA is a space where women come together to not just dream, but achieve; not just hope, but manifest. A place where the magic of supportive sisterhood could elevate every ambition, no matter how wild.

This mastermind is designed for those ready to embrace their wild ambitions with both hands and run toward their dreams with the support of a sisterhood that believes in the beauty of their goals.

So can you think about the wild ambitions that stir within you?

What dreams have you kept at bay?

What goals have you deemed too audacious to pursue?

The Wild Ambition Alliance might just be the crucible where those dreams take flight.

Your dreams are valid, your ambitions are worthy, and...

?? Your place in the Wild Ambition Alliance awaits!