#TOW — BURNOUT!

This concept of being exhausted at work has been used since the 70s and according to the definition it’s “a type of psychological stress characterized as exhaustion, frustration, lack of enthusiasm and motivation”.

In any case, I see this concept as being overburdened with work, i.e. when we’re under constant pressure from obligations and assignments and when we can’t handle all of them. In other words, metaphorically speaking, “if we drive the vehicle with 6.000 revolutions per kilometer, it’s only natural that the vehicle will soon break down and collapse”.

From the research I did on this topic, I came to the conclusion that the “Burnout” concept is not only connected with too much work and too many obligations. That is why I’m going to divide the reasons for “Burnout” in 2 groups and depending on your personal characteristics you’ll be able to find out which group you belong to.

1. “Burning out” because of too much work load

If you’re in this group and you’re constantly under stress due to the numerous obligations, and if this is happening to you every day, then you either don’t know how to organize your obligations or the problem is with the manager/company. In that case you have to work on your managerial skills, for example better time management, delegating, prioritizing, planning, organizing or, simply, learning how to say NO. If you’re overburdened with work either ask for an assistant or quit your job. If you’re the one who is piled up with work that means that you fulfill your tasks and are a responsible person and this will make it easier for you to find a new job.

2. “Burning out” because of losing motivation

Contrary to “burning out” due to numerous obligations which you constantly have is “burning out” due to loss of motivation, enthusiasms and a clear goal. When we are in such a state, any amount of work to us seems a lot. We need several times more energy in order to do something that we don’t want to do, than we need when we enjoy the things we do. If you’re losing interest for your work, if you feel that your effort is not valued enough and that you’re giving your maximum in vain, then there’s no doubt that you’re doing your tasks without enthusiasm and that you’re on the way to a “Burnout”.

If you’re in such a situation you can:

1. Find the motive yourselves — do everything you do for yourselves. Try to finish the tasks with maximum professionalism and don’t wait for anybody to motivate you. The experience and knowledge you’ll gain from work is only yours.
2. If you think you lack energy/strength and need encouragement — practice the rule which 40% of the American US Navy SEALs do according to which “When you think you’ve given it your maximum, know that you’re only at 40% of your capacity.”
3. If you’ve lost your goal — find a new one and even bigger than the last one.

Signs that show you’re on the way to a “Burnout”:

• ­Every day is a bad day at work.
• ­You constantly feel exhausted and drained.
• ­You feel repulsed by your working tasks (forced working).
• ­You feel that your effort is not valued.
• ­You’re bored.
• ­Too many obligations.
• ­You feel you’ve not been rewarded for your successes.
• ­You get out of bed in the mornings with difficulty.
• ­Reduced immunity (you often feel under the weather.)
• ­You often have headaches.
• ­You have loss of appetite and problems sleeping.

Anyway, the “burnout” feeling is neither good for you nor the company you work in. It reflects on your health and the company tasks are inefficiently done (errors, mistakes, slips, superficial working, etc.). If you’ve found yourself in the majority of the above mentioned signs, it’s time for a change.

I wish you success with your changes!