Burnout is caused by having unclear expectations, lack of control, over-working, and failing to maintain balance. But now that we know what causes it, we can get ahead of burnout by using these 5 ways to prevent it!
- Pace Yourself
It’s easy to get excited about a new goal and go full speed ahead, but you have to remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint. Marathon runners pace themselves and save their energy for when they get weary later on in the race. That’s essentially what you should do with your goal. Ease into it and save your energy for when you start to get weary later on down the road.
- Have realistic expectations
The clearer you are about your goal, the better. Once you know what needs to be done, you can create realistic expectations for yourself. It’s all good and great to believe you will go above and beyond and actually stick with it long enough for you to accomplish your goal, but give yourself room to grow.
Changing your habits and doing something new requires a process. You can’t expect everything to automatically change just because you created a goal. Pay attention to the requirements of your goals that may present a possible challenge for you. Plan to do your best, but offer yourself a little grace so that you don’t beat yourself up if you slip up or make a mistake along the way.
- Start with the right intentions
Knowing why you want to do something is even more important than figuring out what you want to do. If your reasons for doing something are superficial or misguided, then chances are you won’t do what it takes to get it done for long. For every goal you commit to doing, make sure that you have a good reason for achieving it. Don’t create goals just because it’s a popular thing to do or because you’re being pressured into it. Start with the right intentions so that you don’t lose your motivation.
- Make it bigger than you
It’s easy to give up on yourself. If you’re tired, frustrated, or just feeling lazy, it’s easy to let yourself off the hook when it comes to your goals. But once you realize that your goals benefit people outside of yourself – people that you love and care about – it’s harder to give up on them, even if you feel like it.
Think about how it would change or improve the lives of your family, friends, and community if you are successful at reaching your goals. And when you start to get weary, thinking about them will provide that extra boost you need to push through to the finish.
- Count the cost before you start
Most people get burned out because they didn’t actually realize all they would have to do in order to reach the goals they set for themselves. Once they get into it and see how much work, dedication, and consistency it takes, they feel like they’re in over their heads and begin to get overwhelmed.
Make sure that you do your research before you start. Count the cost of the life you want to live. Doing this beforehand will not only prevent burnout, but it will also save you time, effort, and resources that you might waste on something you don’t intent to complete.
This year, don’t be impulsive or overly excited about the goals you want to set. Instead, approach the year with confidence – armed with a plan for clearly defined goals and knowing what to expect from yourself and others on the road to achieving the life of your dreams. Keep these things fresh on your mind and watch how many goals you manage to crush!
Stay Encouraged & Be Blessed!
Constance
