Exploring Burnout with Intention

Have you started the commute to your job (even if it is to your home office?) and dreaded the beginning of your day even though you used to love it? Have you woken up but still feel like you could sleep for twelve more hours? Have you shown up to your important job only to find that you question every decision you are making?

Sometimes, workplace burnout can creep in quietly and without fanfare, but it is real and something to be examined. When you think of how and in what context your new feelings of exhaustion, irritation and anxiety have shown up, what do you discover? Did they show up overnight or was it a slow burn, getting a little bit worse each day until one day the job you loved became something you resented.

Exploring your feelings with intention can be helpful. Many of my coaching clients ask me what is the magic antidote to burnout and unfortunately I let them know that the work to overcoming it is slow and steady but can bring great rewards if you put your mind to it, with renewed interest and excitement flowing more freely in your current situation.

I always suggest to my clients to get a journal that you can keep your notes in around your coaching work. It is a great place to not only record your thoughts and aha moments but also can serve as a map to looking back at how far you have come or acknowledging your growth points.

So in your journal, start with what brought you to the job. Was it your need to serve others? Was it your passion for working in the field you have chosen, bringing your unique contribution to the work? Then begin to ask yourself when these new feelings started around the work. Did something happen that started the ball rolling toward burnout?

Once you start exploring with intention, really focusing on finding out the why and how of your current experience, you will have much more to work with in supporting yourself on the journey to higher job satisfaction and joy in your job.

I can partner with you to explore these things in your own personalized and confidential session. Sometimes the session is just a place for you to hear yourself think , and work through things you have not had a chance or the courage to bring to the light.

Happy holidays to you all. I hope you are finding spots of joy in your days!

Sandra