the problem is you!
The reason you are burning out, can’t find work-life or life-work balance is because of YOU.
Sure, you can blame your environment. Things like:
Your Boss.
Your Company.
The People you are forced to connect with at work.
The toxic workplace you are currently in.
The city you live in.
We can go on and on with examples of how you might point the finger at your environment rather than the mirror.
But what good has that done you so far? We all have heard the saying, “doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is the definition of insanity”. Well that must mean that we are all insane because the majority of us are burnt out and crave a better balance in our lives. Now more than ever.
Since the problem is YOU, it’s going to take you doing something different to solve it.
My advice is stop being so general in your language around work-life or life-work. In these two examples, only “2” elements exist. Life and Work and supposedly which word you put first means you care more about it. I get it, words matter, but really?
The real reason you are burnt out is because you are missing the 3rd element which is YOU.
You have work
You have personal and …
You have your well-being
It’s about integrating all three of these aspects of life into a harmonious whole. It’s like orchestrating a symphony where each part contributes to the overall melody of your life.
In this scenario you have “3” elements and if we are going to follow the same cadence above and put these three elements in order of priority it would be wellbeing-work-life or wellbeing-life-work. I couldn't care less which of these two you chose, what I do care about is that wellbeing is first.
Why put wellbeing first? Anyone has flown on an airplane has heard that YOU are supposed to put the oxygen on first so you can be alive to help those next to you.
There’s a lot of buzz about morning routines, and I happen to believe in them. However, it’s not just about mornings — it’s about priming. It’s about the time you invest in yourself before you have to invest in others, both at work and in your personal life.
If your workday begins at noon, your priming routine might kick off at 9 a.m. Similarly, if you’re on the third shift and start at midnight, your priming could commence at 9 p.m. This preparation mirrors an athlete’s warm-up before a game, ensuring both physical and mental readiness for the challenges ahead. Just as athletes need to be primed for optimal performance and to avoid burnout, your job demands the same level of preparation.
Alright, let’s consider this: You’ve primed yourself for the workday, investing time in your well-being. But what about your personal life? Do you make the same effort to prime yourself before spending time with friends and family? I’m talking about those moments after work or on your days off. Do you carve out time to recharge yourself for these interactions?
I’d venture to say that often, you don’t. Perhaps you prioritize relaxation, sleeping in, or simply doing less — or even nothing at all. But what does that say about the importance you truly place on the “life” aspect of this equation?
You have to find a way to take care of your wellbeing before you walk in the door after a long days work and before you get your days off started. This is more difficult and that’s because its more important.
When you prime yourself, you equip yourself with the energy needed not just to cope, but to thrive in challenging situations like a difficult boss, a toxic workplace, or gossiping co-workers. With a clear mind and ample energy, primed for success, you can navigate these challenges while also focusing on what truly matters to you, all at the same time.
I recently came across a statement suggesting that many of life’s challenges seem less daunting after a good night’s sleep. While I’m not entirely convinced of its accuracy, I do believe that when you’re primed and clear-headed, you’re better equipped to tackle the challenges of work and life more effectively.
Do yourselves a favor. Enough with the blame game. Take a hard look in the mirror and start prioritizing your well-being over everything else — before work, before life — because it’s what gives you the energy to navigate both.
Your well-being is comparable to the blood flow for your mind and body. When it flows freely, you’re able to think and act more efficiently. However, when it’s obstructed, you may find both your thoughts and breath to be strained.
If all else fails and you’re still feeling burned out, consider changing your environment. Whether it’s finding a new boss, a different company, healthier relationships, or even relocating to a new city, the option is there. However, before making such a significant change, ensure you’ve thoroughly invested in your well-being. Without addressing underlying issues, you will find yourself facing similar challenges in your new environment.
