How do I know when I’m burnt out?
My giant jerk of an ego tells me some pretty harsh nontruths! Some choice examples from my negative self-talk rotation:
- Who cares what you have to say!
- You’re lazy.
- Noone likes you anyways.
- You’re not smart enough.
- You’re an imposter!
Not to mention that when I’m burnt out, I see flaws in the closest people around me while not looking too close at myself, ugh!
I’m reminded of this great quote when my negative ego/imposter syndrome starts spilling into my daily life and gets out of control.
“If another can easily anger you, it’s because you’re off balance with yourself.”
—Good ol’ Anonymous
Oh, hello gut punch!
Enter my number one way to deal with burnout: Travel!
This doesn’t have to be a full-blown trip. It can be a less-than-24-hour trip with a girlfriend to her trailer, a weekend away with my boys, even a staycation with my mom—or, better yet, time alone in my house in the absolute quiet.
Now my ego might chime back in. “Oh, you’re so privileged,” she says with a sneer.
“Yes I am,” I reply. “But I also know my limits, and since you and I go way back, you won’t be surprised when I tell you to get in the backseat so I can take control of the helm.”
We all struggle, that’s real, but you don’t have to do it alone. You’ll notice that my “travel” plans often involve friends and family. I also have a team of coaches who can easily spot my ego blowouts, and they all know how to guide me back into the control seat.
You, too, probably have a best friend or coach waiting to lend you an ear, or a brother or sister who will empathize. Call them—or, heck, call me. I love a good ego check!
As always, I got you, babe,
Xo
Sara
