Leading Through Burnout & Managing Your Energy

Do you find yourself feeling particularly exhausted or on the verge of burnout?

If so, you’re not alone. Late February and March often mark the onset of burnout for many individuals. But why does this happen?

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we dive headfirst into the new year, fueled by renewed energy and resolutions. Yet, as we charge ahead, we often neglect to take the necessary breaks, leading to a gradual depletion of energy and resilience.

Here’s a short video I recorded to help you manage your energy and stay resilient.

Redefining Resilience

Resilience, often misunderstood as sheer toughness or stoicism, is more nuanced than just ploughing forward relentlessly.

It’s about cultivating a positive mindset, being adaptable, and prioritising self-care through proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and regular breaks to recharge.

Reflecting on Loer and Schwartz’s groundbreaking Harvard Business Review article, “The Making of a Corporate Athlete,” we can draw parallels between elite athletes and business professionals.

 

The Corporate Soldier

However, let’s shift our perspective to that of a corporate soldier. Like soldiers, we must demonstrate resilience, but we must also recognise the importance of strategic rest.

Drawing on my military experience, I remember the structured approach to rest during deployments.

As soldiers, we weren’t constantly sprinting; there were designated periods for rest and recuperation. Similarly, in our professional lives, we mustn’t sprint relentlessly until external events force us to stop.

Instead, we should strategically incorporate breaks into our schedules, akin to jogging, to conserve energy for when we truly need to sprint.

 

Taking Action

So, here’s your challenge: take a strategic and intentional approach to rest and relaxation.

Identify the peaks and valleys in your schedule and plan micro-rest breaks accordingly. By prioritising self-care and managing our energy effectively, we not only safeguard our well-being but also enhance our capacity to lead with clarity and resilience.

It’s time to shift from merely surviving to thriving as leaders.

Let’s embrace the art of balancing productivity with self-care, fostering a culture of resilience and well-being within our teams.

 

One More Thing To Do Right Now

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Until next time, keep looking after those you have the privilege and responsibility to lead.

Your coach,