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The Three Stages of Burnout

I’ve been studying burnout for quite some time now, and let me tell you, the solution to burnout is NOT spa days and beach vacations.

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired or stressed—it’s an overwhelming wave of exhaustion that hits every aspect of your life. Yet, people often fail to recognize they’re burning out until it’s too late – think “crying every Monday” type late. Btw, I’m guilty of it too.

Why do You Fail to Recognize Burnout Early On?

Reason #1: You mistake burnout for the Monday Blues—when it’s actually intense emotional and physical exhaustion, day after day.

Reason #2: You see burnout as weakness, so you tough it out instead of seeking help.

Reason #3: You fear change or failure, so you ignore burnout signs and the necessary life changes to fix it.

Maybe it’s time for a wake-up call.

Take my burnout test (link below) to find out if you’re burning out and what stage of burnout you are in.

Curious about what the three stages of burnout are? Scroll down to read more.

 

Stage 1: Inner State

(Earliest Signs of Burnout Within)

Picture this: You’re feeling tired, irritable, and unmotivated at work. Sound familiar? Welcome to the early signs of burnout—where your inner state is like a warning sign flashing in neon lights, begging for attention.

Stage 2: Interactions

(The Effect of Your Burnout Reaches Others)

Here’s where things get interesting. Your burnout isn’t just affecting you—it’s spilling over into your interactions with others. Suddenly, communication becomes a chore, and collaboration feels like climbing Mount Everest.

Stage 3: Inefficiency

(Your Burnout Affects Your Work Itself)

Last but not least, we’ve got the grand finale: Your burnout is officially wreaking havoc on your work. Deadlines start slipping, focus becomes a distant memory, and suddenly, your efficiency is about as reliable as a broken clock.

Remember: Self-care won’t fix your burnout.

Go find your flow, then don’t let go.

Quick Tips for Leaders:

  • Encourage Reflection: Share this burnout test with your team so they can self-diagnose.
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate how you prioritize your own well-being in a monthly email to inspire your team.
  • Provide Support: Have “Wellness Wednesdays” where you encourage honest discussions about well-being and workload and offer appropriate support to the team where possible.

 

P.S. Go take the burnout test here, and analyze your results here. Maybe you’ll be surprised!