Do you ever feel like no matter how much you rest, you’re still running on empty?
You’re not alone. Many people experience burnout without realizing it’s tied to daily habits.
I used to feel constantly overwhelmed, always trying to keep up with an endless to-do list.
It wasn’t until I recognized certain patterns—like saying “yes” to everything—that I started to feel relief.
Here are nine habits that could be holding you back.
1) Overcommitting yourself
Today’s world is often a pressure cooker of expectations and demands.
We’re constantly told to do more, be more, achieve more.
And in an effort to stay afloat, we tend to overcommit ourselves – at work, in our personal lives, even in our hobbies.
This habit of overcommitting is a common culprit behind burnout.
It’s like running a marathon with no finish line in sight.
You keep pushing your limits, saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity or request that comes your way, until you’re spread so thin that you can barely function.
But here’s the truth: we all have finite time and energy.
We cannot be everything to everyone.
Nor should we try to be. It’s not just about preserving our physical and mental health; it’s also about honoring our own needs, interests, and values.
The key is to establish clear boundaries and learn to say ‘no’ when necessary.
2) Neglecting self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s all too easy to place self-care on the back burner.
We often fall into the trap of believing that taking care of ourselves is a luxury we can’t afford, or worse, a sign of weakness or self-indulgence.
It’s a misconception I’ve grappled with myself.
I used to think that pushing through fatigue, skipping meals, or neglecting my emotional needs was a badge of honor – a testament to my resilience and dedication.
But over time, I realized that neglecting self-care wasn’t making me stronger, it was making me more susceptible to burnout.
Self-care isn’t about indulging in expensive spa treatments or taking extravagant vacations (though both can be wonderful if they align with your values and means).
It’s about the simple but crucial practices that keep us healthy and balanced – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It’s about getting enough sleep, nourishing your body with healthy food, taking time for relaxation and leisure, nurturing your relationships, and tending to your emotional and spiritual needs.
3) Chasing an illusion of happiness
Another habit that contributes to burnout is the relentless pursuit of an idealized version of happiness.
We’re often led to believe that happiness is a constant state of bliss, something we should be feeling all the time.
But this notion can set us up for disappointment, because it doesn’t capture the full spectrum of human experience.
In reality, happiness is not a destination, but a byproduct of living in alignment with our values and purpose.
It’s not about avoiding or suppressing negative emotions, but about embracing all aspects of our emotional landscape and learning from them.
This concept is something I delve into in my video on “the illusion of happiness,” where I explain why chasing this elusive state can actually make us more miserable.
Instead of seeking a constant state of euphoria, we should strive for authenticity, purpose, and depth in our lives.
For a deeper understanding of this concept, take a moment to watch my video:
If you find this perspective insightful and want to explore more topics on living with purpose and freedom, consider joining over 30,000 others who have subscribed to my YouTube channel.
You can do so by clicking here. Together, we can navigate the journey towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.
4) Ignoring the power of authenticity
In our quest to fit into societal expectations, we often lose sight of our true selves.
We put on masks, play roles, and suppress our authentic thoughts and feelings.
This habit of ignoring our authenticity can lead to a profound sense of disconnect and burnout.
Being authentic isn’t about being liked or fitting in.
It’s about aligning our actions with our inner values and expressing ourselves honestly.
It’s about honoring our unique perspectives, strengths, and vulnerabilities instead of hiding them.
This might sound straightforward, but it’s a courageous act in a world that often rewards conformity.
It requires us to face the possibility of rejection or criticism.
But the rewards are immense.
Authenticity fosters a deeper connection with ourselves and others, fuels creativity, and cultivates a sense of fulfillment that no external achievement can match.
5) Not embracing failure
Failure is often seen as something to be avoided at all costs.
We’re taught that it’s a sign of weakness or incompetence.
But this belief can lead to a stifling fear of making mistakes, which in turn can cause us to play it safe, limit our potential, and ultimately contribute to feelings of burnout.
The truth is, failure is an inherent part of life and growth.
Every setback, every mistake, is an opportunity to learn and evolve.
When we view failure through this lens, we free ourselves from the paralyzing fear of making mistakes and open ourselves up to new possibilities.
Each challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.
By shifting our perspective on failure, we not only prevent burnout but also foster resilience and innovation.
To delve deeper into this concept, you might find my video on the imposter syndrome insightful.
In it, I explore how feeling like an ‘imposter’ isn’t a flaw but rather a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.
It’s a reminder that we’re all works in progress, constantly learning and evolving.
Check out the video here:
Ultimately, failure isn’t the enemy.
It’s a teacher, a guide, showing us where we need to grow.
Embrace it, learn from it, and let it fuel your journey towards authenticity and resilience.
6) Prioritizing wealth over purpose
In our society, wealth is often seen as the ultimate measure of success.
We’re conditioned to believe that accumulating money and material possessions will bring us happiness and security.
But this pursuit can leave us feeling empty and burnt out, especially if it’s done at the expense of our values, passions, and purpose.
Contrary to common belief, prosperity isn’t just about financial wealth.
It’s about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.
It’s about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.
When we prioritize purpose over wealth, money becomes a means to an end rather than the end itself.
It becomes a tool that enables us to live authentically and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
7) Neglecting community and relationships
In our fast-paced, individualistic society, it’s easy to get so caught up in our own lives that we neglect our relationships and communities.
We might convince ourselves that we’re too busy or that we can manage everything on our own.
But this mindset can lead to isolation, a lack of support, and ultimately, burnout.
Humans are social creatures by nature. We thrive on connection, collaboration, and shared experiences.
Our relationships and communities are not only a source of joy and fulfillment but also a vital resource for resilience and growth.
It’s important to invest time and energy into nurturing our relationships – with family, friends, colleagues, and wider communities.
It’s also beneficial to seek out new connections, particularly with people who share our values and aspirations.
It’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.
We cannot thrive alone.
8) Avoiding discomfort
Another habit that can lead to burnout is avoiding discomfort.
Whether it’s difficult conversations, challenging tasks, or unfamiliar situations – we often shy away from these experiences in favor of staying in our comfort zones.
However, consistently avoiding discomfort can keep us stuck in unfulfilling patterns and prevent us from growing.
It can also lead to chronic stress and burnout as we exert energy avoiding or resisting uncomfortable situations rather than facing them head-on.
Contrary to what we often believe, discomfort is not always a bad thing.
In fact, it’s a natural part of growth and change.
When we embrace discomfort, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities for learning.
The truth is, comfort zones are where dreams go to die.
While it’s important to take care of ourselves, it’s also essential to challenge ourselves and step into discomfort in order to grow and prevent burnout.
9) Undervaluing your unique contributions
Last but not least, undervaluing your unique contributions can contribute to feelings of burnout.
When we downplay our achievements or compare ourselves unfavorably to others, it can lead to a sense of inadequacy and stress.
Each one of us has unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that we bring to the table.
These contributions are valuable and worthy of recognition – not just from others, but more importantly, from ourselves.
So, celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem.
Recognize your growth and the value you bring.
By doing so, you can cultivate a sense of self-confidence and resilience that protects against burnout.
You are enough just as you are.