Ancient stories speak of turning water into wine, or coal to pure gold – but is it possible to turn burnout into success in a world filled with pressure and distraction?
We’re here to perform some modern alchemy with the help of business professionals who know how to overcome burnout and reignite their motivation when they need it most.
Stick to Daily Habits
“The best way to deal with burnout is to not fall into that trap in the first place. If you notice yourself falling into bad habits like procrastination, unhealthy eating, and sedentary living, burnout is right around the corner. Catch yourself and reverse course before it’s too late!” – Lindsay McCormick, Founder and CEO of Bite
“Your habits are what determine the trajectory of your day and the direction of your life overall. Be more militant with your habits and you won’t have to deal with heavy stress or burnout. If you do find yourself slipping, go back to basics with discipline and positive habits to get you back on track fast.” – Ramin Oskoui, Director of Growth Marketing at NURO
“When you feel burnout coming on, ask yourself the core questions about your productivity and focus. Are you getting your work done efficiently, or letting it drag on too long? Are you skipping healthy meals or workouts when you shouldn’t? Structuring your habits can help fight burnout while fueling the fire of motivation within you.” – Rachel Jones, Head of Public Relations at Hope Health
Set Strong Boundaries
“The times I’ve dealt with burnout have always come from poor sense of personal boundaries on my part. Anyone can get caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities and end up juggling a million things at once – that’s when burnout can pop up out of nowhere. Set those boundaries and be firm with them no matter what’s happening around you.” – Jeff Goodwin, Vice President of Direct to Consumer and Performance Marketing at Orgain
“Learn the power of the word no if you want to keep burnout at bay. Saying no will help set boundaries without apologizing or having to explain yourself every time. Just imagine! That’s so much mental energy saved that you can channel towards productive things and be a better performer overall.” – Matthew Mundt, CEO and Founder of Hug Sleep
“I asked for help and I set new boundaries. I also prioritized impact. What impact will this choice have on the business long term? What impact will this have on my life? What do I need? Boundaries and priorities help you bounce back strong.” – Kara Cronin, Community Manager on the Community Partnerships Team at Facebook
Take Self Care Seriously
“I am a big advocate of self-care because it allows you to quickly turn burnout into a strong sense of motivation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, having a low-stress evening to yourself can get you centered and focused for the next day. That’s way better than staying glued to your computer and stressing out for no reason.” – Lucas Nudel, Founder and CEO of Pride Palace
“Recognize the difference between real self-care and fake self-care. The real thing means calming down and doing things that are healthy for your mind and body. Self-care is not a shopping spree, an entire pizza, or a wild night out! Those things are fun, but you aren’t helping combat burnout by doing them.” – Olivia Young, Head of Product Design at Conscious Items
“Taking care of yourself is the secret to transforming burnout into fuel for success. You push yourself to the limit each day, then at night you calm the mind and body with relaxation, nutrition, and time with family or friends. That’s the equation that works for everyone across the board.” – Omid Semino, CEO of Diamond Mansion
Switch Gears
“Know who you are and know what you’re capable of. Remember your worth to your firm. When others don’t acknowledge that, it’s probably time to move on. And before you rush to find your next position, take time to heal.” – Margaret Ricci, Founder and CEO of Cultural Strategies
“People see burnout as this end-of-the-world thing, and it’s really not. In fact, it’s a strong signal that it’s time to change direction in your career or try something new in your life. Rather than fighting it 24/7, listen to your internal dialogue and consider making a change.” – Chris Gadek, Head of Growth at AdQuick
“Is burnout a weekly or monthly thing for you? That should be a clear sign that you’re not doing what you want with your life. It may be wiser to take a break, reassess your career, and possibly make some adjustments to your lifestyle. That’s a healthy way to look at things.” – Ben Thompson, CEO of Hardwood Bargains
Eyes on the Prize
“Never forget what motivated you to begin your business journey in the first place. That should be your eternal source of inspiration. You’ll be tested, and that’s when burnout can creep in, but your mission should be the engine that pushes you forward regardless.” – Jeff Meeks, VP of Sales and Marketing at EnergyFit
“Keep post-it notes or posters in your office that serve as a reminder of your ultimate goals. Remember your family and friends when the going gets tough – they’re counting on you, too! The point is that burnout can be turned into motivation if you have the tools, so have them on hand and use them each day.” – Riley Burke, Growth Marketing Manager at Ohza Mimosas
“The power of visualization cannot be understated, no matter what your goal may be. Keep that vision strong in your mind when your energy is low or things look uncertain. That’s how you’ll blast through obstacles, whether they be mental or material.” – Michael Hennessy, Founder and CEO of Diathrive
Burnout doesn’t have to be a dead-end – just ask the pros who have been through it all before. Apply these techniques and turn your burnout into lasting motivation and success.