Understanding Burnout: A Machine-Like Breakdown

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?? Definitions of Burnout

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Did you know that the initial definitions of burnout in the dictionary refer to machines?

Consider these:

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1. “The reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.”

2. “The failure of an electrical device or component through overheating.”

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This is quite telling. By treating your body-mind system as a machine, you may burn out! Ignoring and overriding the signs and impulses your body sends, and just carrying on, can lead to “internal combustion or overheating”, resulting in an eventual “implosion”.

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The third definition in the dictionary is:

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3. “Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.”

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Do not wait until it’s too late!

Address the causes of impending burnout as soon as possible.

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?? Confusion & Burnout

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I've spoken with many corporate professionals who have "given it all" only to burn out and swing to the opposite extreme, adopting an "I don't care anymore" attitude. Disengagement doesn’t necessarily mean you hate your field of work or specialty. It might mean you need a change in your current environment. Many clients get confused, asking themselves:

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?? Is it this job I hate?

?? Have I been in the wrong career all this time?

?? Is this company not the right fit for me?

?? Is it just my boss, colleagues, or team?

?? Have I fallen out of love with what I used to love about my work?

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Working with a coach can help you gain clarity, process the trauma of burnout, and turn over a new leaf.

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However, please don’t wait till it’s too late. If you've been feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, stressed, “out of sorts,” exhausted, etc., for a while, do something NOW!

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?? Symptoms of Impending Burnout

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??Brain fog

??Exhaustion/Fatigue

??Lack of concentration

??Lack of interest

??Disengagement

??Disillusion/Disappointment

??Sense of perpetual doom and gloom

??Loss of confidence

??And more...

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Also, remember that stress at work leading to burnout doesn’t only come from being overworked. People who are under-utilised, bored, or feel like they are in a dead-end job can also head towards burnout, which can be referred to as "bore out."

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?? Listening to Your Body

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It's imperative to listen to your body. ?Dr. Gabor Mate's "When the Body Says NO" is a powerful study on what neglecting the signs your body gives you can do to your long-term health. Mental and physical wellness go hand in hand, and nourishing both is essential for a happy, healthy life.

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Emotional changes, such as irritability, being snappy, agitated, easily provoked, teary, apathetic, or feeling like you've "lost the will to live," can all be signs of burnout. It's crucial to live your daily life, including at work, with awareness and be in touch with your physical, emotional and spiritual body, rather than trying to "close the stable door after the horse has bolted." The sooner you spot these signs, the sooner you can address and change your (work) situation.

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?? Addressing Reduced Performance

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Reduced performance is another symptom of burnout, signalling that your body-mind system is saying, "I don't want to carry on like this anymore!" Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and procrastination are all alarm bells telling you, “Hey, stop, look at your life, and change...now!"

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?? Seek expert help before you need a burnout specialist!

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By being proactive and attentive to the signs of burnout, you can make necessary changes to avoid reaching a critical point. Your mental and physical health is paramount, and taking steps to preserve it and maintain it is essential for a fulfilling life. If you are unhappy with your current career situation, talk to me – and we will turn it around, together! ????????

#burnout #performance #careercoaching #awareness