The Important Difference Between Feeling Stuck and Being Burnt-Out

Feeling Stuck happens when you’ve stopped growing. It can happen when you lose that feeling of purpose and when you lose sight of the big picture because you’re so bogged down with the neverending tasks. You’re no longer learning, which makes you feel tired and complacent.

Being Burnt-Out comes from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been managed correctly. You feel physically, cognitively, and emotionally exhausted, making it difficult to work effectively and feel good about your job. Instead of feeling invested, you feel detached and negative, which leads to losing your connection with the pride you used to have in your work.

The solution to Feeling Stuck?

1. Pursue something NEW that interests you - sign up for a class, learn a 2nd language or try a new hobby.
2. Spend time on the things that matter to you - journaling, going outside, reading a book, or being with friends.
3. Show your team that their work matters - encourage those around you, and share how their work impacts you and others.
4. Refocus and find something to be passionate about - find what brings you joy and pursue that, learn about things that interest you, and share it with others.

The solution to Burn-Out?

1. Prioritize healthy habits - sleep, nutrition, exercise, social connection, meditating, journaling, and enjoying nature.
2. Set boundaries - tell your colleagues, clients, and even family members what and how much your willing to take on.
3. Seek out connections - coaches or mentors can help you create positive relationships and learning opportunities.
4. Take time off - an afternoon, a week, or whatever you need to reset and refuel. Taking a break is a right, not a reward.

I copied this from Mel Robbins. I am not going to pretend I am this evolved. I read this and knew I had to share it! I have struggled with this for a long time and always thought I was losing my edge or just being lazy. Growing up on a farm develops a work ethic that is off the charts because you have to work 365 days a year or animals starve. In my business, you need to be available, or clients go elsewhere, which means you’re on-call a lot. I am a people-pleaser as well, so I have a hard time saying “no.” When I read this, it gave me some clarity, and it offered ways to handle stuck or burnt-out feelings when they come up. I have had them both! I hope that when you read this, the same light bulb goes off, and it helps you to take steps to help yourself and avoid these struggles, rather than just pushing through or simply ignoring them. Life is short; let’s give it our best 😊