Burnout Warning Signs I Missed | Burn Out 20 Years Later, Part 1

I was 41 years old I was 41 years old and to be completely candid, I was this and to be completely candid, I was this and to be completely candid, I was this close to being ministry roadkill. close to being ministry roadkill. close to being ministry roadkill. Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. I'm so glad you joined us. This Podcast. I'm so glad you joined us. This Podcast. I'm so glad you joined us. This is a bit of a different episode. In is a bit of a different episode. In is a bit of a different episode. In fact, there's going to be two. fact, there's going to be two. fact, there's going to be two. Uh it was 20 years ago this month that I Uh it was 20 years ago this month that I Uh it was 20 years ago this month that I burned out and I want to talk to you burned out and I want to talk to you burned out and I want to talk to you about that and I want to break down how about that and I want to break down how about that and I want to break down how it happened, how it can happen to you it happened, how it can happen to you it happened, how it can happen to you and then in the next episode, I want to and then in the next episode, I want to and then in the next episode, I want to talk about getting out of burnout, talk about getting out of burnout, talk about getting out of burnout, staying out of burnout and a whole lot staying out of burnout and a whole lot staying out of burnout and a whole lot more. It's such a big issue. I just talk more. It's such a big issue. I just talk more. It's such a big issue. I just talk to leaders all the time who are to leaders all the time who are to leaders all the time who are struggling and if you're really struggling and if you're really struggling and if you're really struggling, struggling, struggling, you've come to the right place. you've come to the right place. you've come to the right place. I remember the first time I talked about I remember the first time I talked about I remember the first time I talked about burnout, burnout, burnout, I spoke to a large crowd in Atlanta I spoke to a large crowd in Atlanta I spoke to a large crowd in Atlanta and my note was, "You know what? If and my note was, "You know what? If and my note was, "You know what? If you're under 40, like just take some you're under 40, like just take some you're under 40, like just take some notes, squirrel this away because I notes, squirrel this away because I notes, squirrel this away because I thought burnout was a midlife issue. thought burnout was a midlife issue. thought burnout was a midlife issue. It's not." I had a long line of It's not." I had a long line of It's not." I had a long line of 23-year-olds, 25-year-olds, 27-year-olds 23-year-olds, 25-year-olds, 27-year-olds 23-year-olds, 25-year-olds, 27-year-olds talk to me after that initial talk on talk to me after that initial talk on talk to me after that initial talk on burnout and they said, "No, I'm burnout and they said, "No, I'm burnout and they said, "No, I'm struggling with this too." So, wherever struggling with this too." So, wherever struggling with this too." So, wherever you are in life, whether you're in a you are in life, whether you're in a you are in life, whether you're in a good season right now, whether you're good season right now, whether you're good season right now, whether you're hanging on by a thread or whether you're hanging on by a thread or whether you're hanging on by a thread or whether you're just kind of numb, just kind of numb, just kind of numb, I really hope these next couple of I really hope these next couple of I really hope these next couple of episodes are going to help you. And what episodes are going to help you. And what episodes are going to help you. And what I want to do is I want to give you, the I want to do is I want to give you, the I want to do is I want to give you, the listener, a copy of my new book At Your listener, a copy of my new book At Your listener, a copy of my new book At Your Best. I'm going to give away a free copy Best. I'm going to give away a free copy Best. I'm going to give away a free copy to 20 listeners. So, to 20 listeners. So, to 20 listeners. So, to enter the giveaway, visit my website to enter the giveaway, visit my website to enter the giveaway, visit my website careynieuwhof.com/giveaway

careynieuwhof.com/giveaway careynieuwhof.com/giveaway by June 7th or just click the link in by June 7th or just click the link in by June 7th or just click the link in the description of this episode. That the description of this episode. That the description of this episode. That will take you there. So, today I want to will take you there. So, today I want to will take you there. So, today I want to talk to you about something deeply, talk to you about something deeply, talk to you about something deeply, deeply personal. It's very personal to deeply personal. It's very personal to deeply personal. It's very personal to me and my life, but I also want to make me and my life, but I also want to make me and my life, but I also want to make it about you and specifically how you're it about you and specifically how you're it about you and specifically how you're doing because this month marks the 20th doing because this month marks the 20th doing because this month marks the 20th anniversary of me heading down the anniversary of me heading down the anniversary of me heading down the darkest road in leadership and life darkest road in leadership and life darkest road in leadership and life I have ever been down. I have ever been down. I have ever been down. And it was in May 2006 that I burned And it was in May 2006 that I burned And it was in May 2006 that I burned out. I swore all through my, you know, out. I swore all through my, you know, out. I swore all through my, you know, in the years leading up to it, I'm not in the years leading up to it, I'm not in the years leading up to it, I'm not going to burn out. I thought I was above going to burn out. I thought I was above going to burn out. I thought I was above it. And I thought it could never happen it. And I thought it could never happen it. And I thought it could never happen to somebody as driven as me. And then, to somebody as driven as me. And then, to somebody as driven as me. And then, as I'll share in a moment, it happened as I'll share in a moment, it happened as I'll share in a moment, it happened almost overnight. almost overnight. almost overnight. So, now I get to sit in a seat where So, now I get to sit in a seat where So, now I get to sit in a seat where it's part of my passion to help other it's part of my passion to help other it's part of my passion to help other leaders leaders leaders ideally avoid what I went through and to ideally avoid what I went through and to ideally avoid what I went through and to help you get through it and thrive help you get through it and thrive help you get through it and thrive afterwards. So, the good news is, just afterwards. So, the good news is, just afterwards. So, the good news is, just so you know, cuz it's it's going to get so you know, cuz it's it's going to get so you know, cuz it's it's going to get dark in the story. dark in the story. dark in the story. I'm healthier now than I've ever been. I'm healthier now than I've ever been. I'm healthier now than I've ever been. Not just by my account, but talk to my Not just by my account, but talk to my Not just by my account, but talk to my wife, talk to the people who have known wife, talk to the people who have known wife, talk to the people who have known me for 20, 30, 40 years.

me for 20, 30, 40 years. me for 20, 30, 40 years. I'm in the best shape of my life, both I'm in the best shape of my life, both I'm in the best shape of my life, both emotionally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, spiritually, physically, but it almost didn't happen. Another but it almost didn't happen. Another but it almost didn't happen. Another caveat, I'm not a psychologist, I'm not caveat, I'm not a psychologist, I'm not caveat, I'm not a psychologist, I'm not a trained counselor. Some of you, if a trained counselor. Some of you, if a trained counselor. Some of you, if you're identifying what I'm going to you're identifying what I'm going to you're identifying what I'm going to share in this episode, if you're share in this episode, if you're share in this episode, if you're identifying with it, you should talk to identifying with it, you should talk to identifying with it, you should talk to your doctor or go to therapy. your doctor or go to therapy. your doctor or go to therapy. But what I share, I share out of my But what I share, I share out of my But what I share, I share out of my personal experience and years of study personal experience and years of study personal experience and years of study and research. I've literally spent the and research. I've literally spent the and research. I've literally spent the last two decades last two decades last two decades deep diving this. So, think of this deep diving this. So, think of this deep diving this. So, think of this not as professional advice, but as not as professional advice, but as not as professional advice, but as advice from a friend who has been there, advice from a friend who has been there, advice from a friend who has been there, got out, and now for two decades has got out, and now for two decades has got out, and now for two decades has managed by the grace of God to stay out managed by the grace of God to stay out managed by the grace of God to stay out of burnout. So, with those decades in of burnout. So, with those decades in of burnout. So, with those decades in the rearview mirror, the rearview mirror, the rearview mirror, I've done a lot of reflection, a lot of I've done a lot of reflection, a lot of I've done a lot of reflection, a lot of spiritual growth, a lot of progress. I spiritual growth, a lot of progress. I spiritual growth, a lot of progress. I want to share with you in this episode want to share with you in this episode want to share with you in this episode five insights about burnout and how it five insights about burnout and how it five insights about burnout and how it happens. And then in the second part, happens. And then in the second part, happens. And then in the second part, which is going to release in a couple of which is going to release in a couple of which is going to release in a couple of days, I want to share seven strategies days, I want to share seven strategies days, I want to share seven strategies that can help you get out and stay out that can help you get out and stay out that can help you get out and stay out of burnout. And hopefully, if you of burnout. And hopefully, if you of burnout. And hopefully, if you haven't burned out yet, stay out of it haven't burned out yet, stay out of it haven't burned out yet, stay out of it altogether. Like, you don't have to go altogether. Like, you don't have to go altogether. Like, you don't have to go down this path. I know a lot of people down this path. I know a lot of people down this path. I know a lot of people do, but I would rather you not go down do, but I would rather you not go down do, but I would rather you not go down this path. And if this episode really this path. And if this episode really this path. And if this episode really hits home for you, the lessons and the hits home for you, the lessons and the hits home for you, the lessons and the strategies I talk about are things that strategies I talk about are things that strategies I talk about are things that I write about in my best-selling book at I write about in my best-selling book at I write about in my best-selling book at your best. I share more of my story of your best. I share more of my story of your best. I share more of my story of burning out, bouncing back, and I go burning out, bouncing back, and I go burning out, bouncing back, and I go into a much deeper dive in at your best into a much deeper dive in at your best into a much deeper dive in at your best about the practical strategies to get about the practical strategies to get about the practical strategies to get time, energy, and priorities working in time, energy, and priorities working in time, energy, and priorities working in your favor. That content has helped over

your favor. That content has helped over your favor. That content has helped over 100,000 leaders thrive both at home and 100,000 leaders thrive both at home and 100,000 leaders thrive both at home and at work. I think it can do the same for at work. I think it can do the same for at work. I think it can do the same for you. There's a link in the description you. There's a link in the description you. There's a link in the description of this episode to get it on Amazon or of this episode to get it on Amazon or of this episode to get it on Amazon or you can get it wherever you buy books. you can get it wherever you buy books. you can get it wherever you buy books. Remember, I'm doing a giveaway too. 20 Remember, I'm doing a giveaway too. 20 Remember, I'm doing a giveaway too. 20 of you are going to get it absolutely of you are going to get it absolutely of you are going to get it absolutely free. But right now, free. But right now, free. But right now, let's go back two decades. I was 41 let's go back two decades. I was 41 let's go back two decades. I was 41 years old, years old, years old, and to be completely candid, and to be completely candid, and to be completely candid, I was this close to being ministry I was this close to being ministry I was this close to being ministry roadkill. I had been in senior roadkill. I had been in senior roadkill. I had been in senior leadership leading a church for 11 leadership leading a church for 11 leadership leading a church for 11 years. I kind of started late in life years. I kind of started late in life years. I kind of started late in life because I went through three university because I went through three university because I went through three university degrees. I was going to be a lawyer, and degrees. I was going to be a lawyer, and degrees. I was going to be a lawyer, and then midway through law school, felt a then midway through law school, felt a then midway through law school, felt a call to ministry, finished up law, got call to ministry, finished up law, got call to ministry, finished up law, got called to the bar, resigned, went into called to the bar, resigned, went into called to the bar, resigned, went into seminary. seminary. seminary. Um so by the time I actually graduated Um so by the time I actually graduated Um so by the time I actually graduated seminary, I was 31, 30. But I started I seminary, I was 31, 30. But I started I seminary, I was 31, 30. But I started I started as a student pastor at three started as a student pastor at three started as a student pastor at three rural declining churches, about an hour rural declining churches, about an hour rural declining churches, about an hour north of Toronto. And then almost north of Toronto. And then almost north of Toronto. And then almost instantly, the year I started, 1995, we instantly, the year I started, 1995, we instantly, the year I started, 1995, we started to grow. And there was 11 years started to grow. And there was 11 years started to grow. And there was 11 years between 1995 and 2006 where we had I did between 1995 and 2006 where we had I did between 1995 and 2006 where we had I did the math on this, the math on this, the math on this, 30% plus annual compound growth 30% plus annual compound growth 30% plus annual compound growth every year.

every year. every year. Uh I I couldn't believe it. It was just Uh I I couldn't believe it. It was just Uh I I couldn't believe it. It was just like whatever we did seemed to turn to like whatever we did seemed to turn to like whatever we did seemed to turn to gold, and we just kept growing and gold, and we just kept growing and gold, and we just kept growing and growing, and we outgrew historic growing, and we outgrew historic growing, and we outgrew historic buildings, and then went to an buildings, and then went to an buildings, and then went to an elementary school, went from one service elementary school, went from one service elementary school, went from one service to two services to three services. Then to two services to three services. Then to two services to three services. Then we built a new building, went to we built a new building, went to we built a new building, went to multiple services there. multiple services there. multiple services there. And it was it was an unbelievable ride. And it was it was an unbelievable ride. And it was it was an unbelievable ride. Now, Now, Now, um um um I people kept telling me along the way, I people kept telling me along the way, I people kept telling me along the way, "Carey, you are running so hard right "Carey, you are running so hard right "Carey, you are running so hard right now. now. now. You're going to burn out." And I denied You're going to burn out." And I denied You're going to burn out." And I denied it. I I said to them, I'm not going to it. I I said to them, I'm not going to it. I I said to them, I'm not going to burn out. I People like me don't burn burn out. I People like me don't burn burn out. I People like me don't burn out. We just keep going and going. And I out. We just keep going and going. And I out. We just keep going and going. And I honestly, I thought I was completely honestly, I thought I was completely honestly, I thought I was completely invincible. I was exhausted, invincible. I was exhausted, invincible. I was exhausted, but I was invincible. But you know, you but I was invincible. But you know, you but I was invincible. But you know, you don't know what you don't know. And what don't know what you don't know. And what don't know what you don't know. And what happened was the most peculiar thing. Um happened was the most peculiar thing. Um happened was the most peculiar thing. Um Things are going really, really well at Things are going really, really well at Things are going really, really well at the church. I had some issues that I the church. I had some issues that I the church. I had some issues that I needed to work on. My wife was working needed to work on. My wife was working needed to work on. My wife was working on her own stuff. And on her own stuff. And on her own stuff. And I got rewarded for my dysfunction at I got rewarded for my dysfunction at I got rewarded for my dysfunction at work, work, work, but my marriage was hanging on by a but my marriage was hanging on by a but my marriage was hanging on by a thread. We were in conflict. We were thread. We were in conflict. We were thread. We were in conflict. We were arguing every day, you know, raising arguing every day, you know, raising arguing every day, you know, raising kids and trying to deal I had a terrible kids and trying to deal I had a terrible kids and trying to deal I had a terrible formula for growth, which was more formula for growth, which was more formula for growth, which was more people equals more hours.

people equals more hours. people equals more hours. And I was being rewarded for my And I was being rewarded for my And I was being rewarded for my dysfunction. And dysfunction. And dysfunction. And what happened was what happened was what happened was it was crazy because the cliff was so it was crazy because the cliff was so it was crazy because the cliff was so sharp for me. sharp for me. sharp for me. I uh I uh I uh in May of 2006, spoke at a conference in in May of 2006, spoke at a conference in in May of 2006, spoke at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta, Georgia. It was the biggest crowd I'd ever spoken It was the biggest crowd I'd ever spoken It was the biggest crowd I'd ever spoken to. I I was so excited to be invited to. I I was so excited to be invited to. I I was so excited to be invited into that circle, to be invited to that into that circle, to be invited to that into that circle, to be invited to that platform. I mean, our church was platform. I mean, our church was platform. I mean, our church was growing. It was about 800 at the time. I growing. It was about 800 at the time. I growing. It was about 800 at the time. I started with just a few dozen people, started with just a few dozen people, started with just a few dozen people, 800 11 years later. 800 11 years later. 800 11 years later. And that's big for a church in Canada. And that's big for a church in Canada. And that's big for a church in Canada. It was certainly the biggest church I'd It was certainly the biggest church I'd It was certainly the biggest church I'd ever been a part of. But then I get ever been a part of. But then I get ever been a part of. But then I get invited to speak at a mega church in invited to speak at a mega church in invited to speak at a mega church in Atlanta to 2,500 leaders from around the Atlanta to 2,500 leaders from around the Atlanta to 2,500 leaders from around the world. And to me, that felt like being world. And to me, that felt like being world. And to me, that felt like being invited to be starting quarterback in invited to be starting quarterback in invited to be starting quarterback in the Super Bowl. So, I worked on that the Super Bowl. So, I worked on that the Super Bowl. So, I worked on that talk for months. talk for months. talk for months. The church was generous enough to fly my The church was generous enough to fly my The church was generous enough to fly my family down. So, my wife and my two sons family down. So, my wife and my two sons family down. So, my wife and my two sons were there in the front row. And I got were there in the front row. And I got were there in the front row. And I got up there. I was very nervous. And I up there. I was very nervous. And I up there. I was very nervous. And I delivered this keynote address, 40 delivered this keynote address, 40 delivered this keynote address, 40 minutes. And by every account that day, minutes. And by every account that day, minutes. And by every account that day, they said that was a grand slam home run they said that was a grand slam home run they said that was a grand slam home run talk. And I got on the plane in Atlanta talk. And I got on the plane in Atlanta talk. And I got on the plane in Atlanta feeling like I was on top of the world.

feeling like I was on top of the world. feeling like I was on top of the world. Like, does it get any better than this? Like, does it get any better than this? Like, does it get any better than this? And when we landed in Toronto, And when we landed in Toronto, And when we landed in Toronto, uh it's like I fell off a cliff. uh it's like I fell off a cliff. uh it's like I fell off a cliff. Um I lost all of my energy pretty much Um I lost all of my energy pretty much Um I lost all of my energy pretty much overnight. I lost my passion. If I felt overnight. I lost my passion. If I felt overnight. I lost my passion. If I felt anything other than sadness and despair, anything other than sadness and despair, anything other than sadness and despair, I probably only felt numb. I I really I probably only felt numb. I I really I probably only felt numb. I I really couldn't I couldn't see the sunshine. I couldn't I couldn't see the sunshine. I couldn't I couldn't see the sunshine. I couldn't couldn't couldn't pick up on people's emotions. I just pick up on people's emotions. I just pick up on people's emotions. I just felt dead inside. felt dead inside. felt dead inside. And I am used to being a driven leader. And I am used to being a driven leader. And I am used to being a driven leader. I'm an Enneagram 8, and I thought, "I'm I'm an Enneagram 8, and I thought, "I'm I'm an Enneagram 8, and I thought, "I'm going to get over this. I'm going to going to get over this. I'm going to going to get over this. I'm going to sleep my way out of this." And so I sleep my way out of this." And so I sleep my way out of this." And so I tried to sleep my way out of this. tried to sleep my way out of this. tried to sleep my way out of this. It didn't work. So that was May, It didn't work. So that was May, It didn't work. So that was May, and I'd never been there before. I've and I'd never been there before. I've and I'd never been there before. I've been tired before, but I'd never been been tired before, but I'd never been been tired before, but I'd never been depleted before. I'd never been depleted before. I'd never been depleted before. I'd never been exhausted before. I'd never been exhausted before. I'd never been exhausted before. I'd never been completely unable to motivate myself. completely unable to motivate myself. completely unable to motivate myself. And that's what it felt like. And that's what it felt like. And that's what it felt like. And then I thought, "Okay, well, I got And then I thought, "Okay, well, I got And then I thought, "Okay, well, I got some time off coming in July. I'm going some time off coming in July. I'm going some time off coming in July. I'm going to turn it around in July." So July came to turn it around in July." So July came to turn it around in July." So July came around. I limped into July.

around. I limped into July. around. I limped into July. I took 3 weeks off, I took 3 weeks off, I took 3 weeks off, and I didn't do much. And to my shock, and I didn't do much. And to my shock, and I didn't do much. And to my shock, it didn't get better. It got worse. it didn't get better. It got worse. it didn't get better. It got worse. By August, I had suicidal ideation. By August, I had suicidal ideation. By August, I had suicidal ideation. It was so dark, and it was such a a dark It was so dark, and it was such a a dark It was so dark, and it was such a a dark night of the soul. I thought, night of the soul. I thought, night of the soul. I thought, "Maybe the only way through this is "Maybe the only way through this is "Maybe the only way through this is out." out." out." And it was a really difficult time. And it was a really difficult time. And it was a really difficult time. I was surrounded by good friends. My I was surrounded by good friends. My I was surrounded by good friends. My wife really rallied. Tony rallied for wife really rallied. Tony rallied for wife really rallied. Tony rallied for that. that. that. I went and talked to my elders, and I I went and talked to my elders, and I I went and talked to my elders, and I know I talk to leaders all the time now know I talk to leaders all the time now know I talk to leaders all the time now who say, "Well, I told my elders I was who say, "Well, I told my elders I was who say, "Well, I told my elders I was burning out, and they fired me." And I'm burning out, and they fired me." And I'm burning out, and they fired me." And I'm like, "Oh, no." like, "Oh, no." like, "Oh, no." I had the best group of elders. They I had the best group of elders. They I had the best group of elders. They rallied around me. They said, "What do rallied around me. They said, "What do rallied around me. They said, "What do you need? Do you want a sabbatical?" I you need? Do you want a sabbatical?" I you need? Do you want a sabbatical?" I said, "If I take a sabbatical, I'm not said, "If I take a sabbatical, I'm not said, "If I take a sabbatical, I'm not coming back. I know that." coming back. I know that." coming back. I know that." And so I got up in August, and I And so I got up in August, and I And so I got up in August, and I preached a series. It was a 5-week preached a series. It was a 5-week preached a series. It was a 5-week series. I still remember. series. I still remember. series. I still remember. And And And I did week one, and the elders were at I did week one, and the elders were at I did week one, and the elders were at the back, and the handful of people who the back, and the handful of people who the back, and the handful of people who knew what I was going through were at knew what I was going through were at knew what I was going through were at the back.

the back. the back. And when I finished the first message, And when I finished the first message, And when I finished the first message, they came up to me they came up to me they came up to me and said, "Man, you're back. You're and said, "Man, you're back. You're and said, "Man, you're back. You're back." And I said, "Oh, no. I'm dead back." And I said, "Oh, no. I'm dead back." And I said, "Oh, no. I'm dead inside. I'm dead inside. I'm glad it inside. I'm dead inside. I'm glad it inside. I'm dead inside. I'm glad it worked for you. worked for you. worked for you. I'm still dead inside." And you know I'm still dead inside." And you know I'm still dead inside." And you know what the reality is for a lot of us as what the reality is for a lot of us as what the reality is for a lot of us as leaders? leaders? leaders? We We We we have so much muscle memory, we can we have so much muscle memory, we can we have so much muscle memory, we can fake it. And I wasn't faking it. Like I fake it. And I wasn't faking it. Like I fake it. And I wasn't faking it. Like I still believed, I still had a faith, but still believed, I still had a faith, but still believed, I still had a faith, but I couldn't feel anything and I felt I couldn't feel anything and I felt I couldn't feel anything and I felt numb, but my muscle memory numb, but my muscle memory numb, but my muscle memory carried me through August, even though I carried me through August, even though I carried me through August, even though I was struggling with suicidal ideation. was struggling with suicidal ideation. was struggling with suicidal ideation. And it was just it felt overwhelming. I And it was just it felt overwhelming. I And it was just it felt overwhelming. I was in counseling, we were working on was in counseling, we were working on was in counseling, we were working on stuff. Um stuff. Um stuff. Um man, it was tough. man, it was tough. man, it was tough. By September, so we're going on May, By September, so we're going on May, By September, so we're going on May, June, July, August, September, you know, June, July, August, September, you know, June, July, August, September, you know, 5 months into this, I felt the first 5 months into this, I felt the first 5 months into this, I felt the first flicker of light. Just a bit of passion flicker of light. Just a bit of passion flicker of light. Just a bit of passion come back. And by December, come back. And by December, come back. And by December, I was maybe 60% back and you can I was maybe 60% back and you can I was maybe 60% back and you can function function function on 60% on 60% on 60% but it wasn't the same. And but it wasn't the same. And but it wasn't the same. And if you've ever burned out and maybe if you've ever burned out and maybe if you've ever burned out and maybe you're there right or or burnout, you're there right or or burnout, you're there right or or burnout, you know, it's really easy to think I you know, it's really easy to think I you know, it's really easy to think I just want to get back to normal.

just want to get back to normal. just want to get back to normal. And I kind of realized by the end of the And I kind of realized by the end of the And I kind of realized by the end of the year, um normal is what broke me. I ran year, um normal is what broke me. I ran year, um normal is what broke me. I ran for 11 years and if you add my schooling for 11 years and if you add my schooling for 11 years and if you add my schooling into it, 20 years. into it, 20 years. into it, 20 years. Just on non-stop, foot on the gas pedal, Just on non-stop, foot on the gas pedal, Just on non-stop, foot on the gas pedal, no brakes, go, go, go, go, go. no brakes, go, go, go, go, go. no brakes, go, go, go, go, go. And And And it it it just doesn't work. It just it it it just doesn't work. It just it it it just doesn't work. It just doesn't work. So, I thought, I got to doesn't work. So, I thought, I got to doesn't work. So, I thought, I got to find a new find a new find a new normal. And it took me 3 to 5 years, normal. And it took me 3 to 5 years, normal. And it took me 3 to 5 years, more counseling, I read books, I I I did more counseling, I read books, I I I did more counseling, I read books, I I I did everything in my power everything in my power everything in my power to try to get healthy. to try to get healthy. to try to get healthy. And by 3 to 5 years, you know, if if if And by 3 to 5 years, you know, if if if And by 3 to 5 years, you know, if if if you've hurt a muscle, if you're a runner you've hurt a muscle, if you're a runner you've hurt a muscle, if you're a runner or an athlete or something, you hurt a or an athlete or something, you hurt a or an athlete or something, you hurt a muscle, muscle, muscle, you know when it hurts, but sometimes you know when it hurts, but sometimes you know when it hurts, but sometimes you wake up and you don't have pain and you wake up and you don't have pain and you wake up and you don't have pain and you don't notice it. It's just like 3 you don't notice it. It's just like 3 you don't notice it. It's just like 3 days later, you're like, "Oh, I think days later, you're like, "Oh, I think days later, you're like, "Oh, I think the pain's gone." Well, that took 3 to 5 the pain's gone." Well, that took 3 to 5 the pain's gone." Well, that took 3 to 5 years for me where I'm like, years for me where I'm like, years for me where I'm like, "I think I'm healthy again." But what I "I think I'm healthy again." But what I "I think I'm healthy again." But what I did, and we'll talk about this in did, and we'll talk about this in did, and we'll talk about this in episode two, next time, the second part, episode two, next time, the second part, episode two, next time, the second part, is I created a whole bunch of new rules is I created a whole bunch of new rules is I created a whole bunch of new rules for myself, uh uh a rule of life that for myself, uh uh a rule of life that for myself, uh uh a rule of life that really actually expanded my capacity, really actually expanded my capacity, really actually expanded my capacity, but um but um but um I had way more boundaries than my life I had way more boundaries than my life I had way more boundaries than my life in my 30s. Now, in my 30s. Now, in my 30s. Now, why do I want to talk about this? Number why do I want to talk about this? Number why do I want to talk about this? Number one, I'm not unique.

one, I'm not unique. one, I'm not unique. Uh I've talked to so many leaders. In Uh I've talked to so many leaders. In Uh I've talked to so many leaders. In fact, right now, fact, right now, fact, right now, 24% of pastors are still giving serious 24% of pastors are still giving serious 24% of pastors are still giving serious consideration to quitting ministry, consideration to quitting ministry, consideration to quitting ministry, to leaving. And why? Number one reason, to leaving. And why? Number one reason, to leaving. And why? Number one reason, the overwhelming stress of the job. And the overwhelming stress of the job. And the overwhelming stress of the job. And I get it. I've been there. I led a I get it. I've been there. I led a I get it. I've been there. I led a church for 20 years. church for 20 years. church for 20 years. Burnout has become a hinge point in my Burnout has become a hinge point in my Burnout has become a hinge point in my life. I kind of look at pre-burnout and life. I kind of look at pre-burnout and life. I kind of look at pre-burnout and post-burnout. And I I want you to get post-burnout. And I I want you to get post-burnout. And I I want you to get healthy. I really want you to healthy. healthy. I really want you to healthy. healthy. I really want you to healthy. In fact, my friends now, particularly In fact, my friends now, particularly In fact, my friends now, particularly around the 20-year mark, talk about old around the 20-year mark, talk about old around the 20-year mark, talk about old Carey and new Carey, right? The old Carey and new Carey, right? The old Carey and new Carey, right? The old Carey, the driven, tense, angry, anxious Carey, the driven, tense, angry, anxious Carey, the driven, tense, angry, anxious Carey, and now the new Carey who's a lot Carey, and now the new Carey who's a lot Carey, and now the new Carey who's a lot more chill, handling a lot more. I mean, more chill, handling a lot more. I mean, more chill, handling a lot more. I mean, we had 800 people. Uh leaders will we had 800 people. Uh leaders will we had 800 people. Uh leaders will access this content uh on my various access this content uh on my various access this content uh on my various channels 3 million times a month. I'm channels 3 million times a month. I'm channels 3 million times a month. I'm responsible for way more, but I actually responsible for way more, but I actually responsible for way more, but I actually have a life. And I woke up refreshed have a life. And I woke up refreshed have a life. And I woke up refreshed this morning. And I want that for you. I this morning. And I want that for you. I this morning. And I want that for you. I I want you to be fresh. I want you to I want you to be fresh. I want you to I want you to be fresh. I want you to wake up in the morning and be able to wake up in the morning and be able to wake up in the morning and be able to handle more. So, what I want to do is I handle more. So, what I want to do is I handle more. So, what I want to do is I want to look at some insights about how want to look at some insights about how want to look at some insights about how burnout happens, burnout happens, burnout happens, and then some of the characteristics of and then some of the characteristics of and then some of the characteristics of burnout in case you're going through it burnout in case you're going through it burnout in case you're going through it right now, you've been through it, or right now, you've been through it, or right now, you've been through it, or you might be heading into a season. So, you might be heading into a season. So, you might be heading into a season. So, first let's start with some signs of first let's start with some signs of first let's start with some signs of burnout. Remember, I'm not a trained burnout. Remember, I'm not a trained burnout. Remember, I'm not a trained psychologist, but this is just what has psychologist, but this is just what has psychologist, but this is just what has happened in my life. I've been able to happened in my life. I've been able to happened in my life. I've been able to train train train like over 100,000 leaders in this, and like over 100,000 leaders in this, and like over 100,000 leaders in this, and it just resonates. So, here's some some it just resonates. So, here's some some it just resonates. So, here's some some some signs. So, I want you to keep some signs. So, I want you to keep some signs. So, I want you to keep count, and all this will fit on your count, and all this will fit on your count, and all this will fit on your fingers, okay? So, just wherever you're fingers, okay? So, just wherever you're fingers, okay? So, just wherever you're listening, wherever you're watching, listening, wherever you're watching, listening, wherever you're watching, just kind of, you know, thumbs and just kind of, you know, thumbs and just kind of, you know, thumbs and fingers.

fingers. fingers. Uh let's go. So, number one sign, your Uh let's go. So, number one sign, your Uh let's go. So, number one sign, your passion is fading. passion is fading. passion is fading. Maybe you got into ministry really Maybe you got into ministry really Maybe you got into ministry really passionate. You look at it now, and it's passionate. You look at it now, and it's passionate. You look at it now, and it's like, "Yeah, I still like intellectually like, "Yeah, I still like intellectually like, "Yeah, I still like intellectually believe, but like my passion is fading." believe, but like my passion is fading." believe, but like my passion is fading." Sign number two, see how many of these Sign number two, see how many of these Sign number two, see how many of these you have. Your main emotion is numbness. you have. Your main emotion is numbness. you have. Your main emotion is numbness. You don't feel the highs, you don't feel You don't feel the highs, you don't feel You don't feel the highs, you don't feel the lows. Your daughter comes home, the lows. Your daughter comes home, the lows. Your daughter comes home, she's got a great report card. she's got a great report card. she's got a great report card. You're like, "Good." Somebody tells you You're like, "Good." Somebody tells you You're like, "Good." Somebody tells you they just got diagnosed with cancer. they just got diagnosed with cancer. they just got diagnosed with cancer. You're like, "Oh, that's too bad." But You're like, "Oh, that's too bad." But You're like, "Oh, that's too bad." But on the inside, on the inside, on the inside, nothing. It's kind of numb. nothing. It's kind of numb. nothing. It's kind of numb. That was me 20 years ago this month. That was me 20 years ago this month. That was me 20 years ago this month. Number three, little things make you Number three, little things make you Number three, little things make you disproportionately angry. So, you don't disproportionately angry. So, you don't disproportionately angry. So, you don't feel the emotions, but when they come, feel the emotions, but when they come, feel the emotions, but when they come, they're wrong. Somebody didn't take out they're wrong. Somebody didn't take out they're wrong. Somebody didn't take out the trash, you have a nuclear meltdown. the trash, you have a nuclear meltdown. the trash, you have a nuclear meltdown. You say, "That's a small thing." But it You say, "That's a small thing." But it You say, "That's a small thing." But it was a big thing to you. So, you're was a big thing to you. So, you're was a big thing to you. So, you're you know, little things make you you know, little things make you you know, little things make you disproportionately angry. disproportionately angry. disproportionately angry. Fourth sign, people drain you. Fourth sign, people drain you. Fourth sign, people drain you. You're in ministry. You have You're in ministry. You have You're in ministry. You have there are draining people. But like when there are draining people. But like when there are draining people. But like when everybody drains you, when you don't everybody drains you, when you don't everybody drains you, when you don't want to go out anymore, when you're want to go out anymore, when you're want to go out anymore, when you're getting all isolated and now getting all isolated and now getting all isolated and now that's a sign you might be burning out.

that's a sign you might be burning out. that's a sign you might be burning out. Next sign, you're becoming cynical. Next sign, you're becoming cynical. Next sign, you're becoming cynical. I'm an optimist at heart, but by the I'm an optimist at heart, but by the I'm an optimist at heart, but by the time I hit burnout, I was just cynical time I hit burnout, I was just cynical time I hit burnout, I was just cynical about everything. And cynicism is about everything. And cynicism is about everything. And cynicism is pre-believing bad outcomes. That's pre-believing bad outcomes. That's pre-believing bad outcomes. That's basically what it is. So, you're basically what it is. So, you're basically what it is. So, you're becoming cynical. becoming cynical. becoming cynical. Number six, your productivity is Number six, your productivity is Number six, your productivity is dropping. I'm a hard worker, but I would dropping. I'm a hard worker, but I would dropping. I'm a hard worker, but I would just stare at a screen and get almost just stare at a screen and get almost just stare at a screen and get almost nothing done all day. I remember it took nothing done all day. I remember it took nothing done all day. I remember it took me like an hour and a half to write a me like an hour and a half to write a me like an hour and a half to write a small email when I was burning out. small email when I was burning out. small email when I was burning out. Next sign, you're self-medicating. Next sign, you're self-medicating. Next sign, you're self-medicating. You're self-medicating. What do I mean You're self-medicating. What do I mean You're self-medicating. What do I mean by that? Well, maybe you're not drinking by that? Well, maybe you're not drinking by that? Well, maybe you're not drinking too much, maybe you are. Maybe you're too much, maybe you are. Maybe you're too much, maybe you are. Maybe you're using drugs not exactly as prescribed, using drugs not exactly as prescribed, using drugs not exactly as prescribed, or maybe you're over-exercising, or or maybe you're over-exercising, or or maybe you're over-exercising, or over-indulging in food. But basically, over-indulging in food. But basically, over-indulging in food. But basically, you're doing dysfunctional behaviors to you're doing dysfunctional behaviors to you're doing dysfunctional behaviors to numb the pain. numb the pain. numb the pain. That could be it. That could be it. That could be it. Number eight, you don't laugh anymore. Number eight, you don't laugh anymore. Number eight, you don't laugh anymore. You just don't laugh anymore. You're You just don't laugh anymore. You're You just don't laugh anymore. You're watching a comedy and it's like, "Nah, watching a comedy and it's like, "Nah, watching a comedy and it's like, "Nah, not funny." Someone tells you a joke or not funny." Someone tells you a joke or not funny." Someone tells you a joke or a fun story, you're not laughing. And a fun story, you're not laughing. And a fun story, you're not laughing. And then finally, number nine, sleep and then finally, number nine, sleep and then finally, number nine, sleep and time off no longer refuel you. This is a time off no longer refuel you. This is a time off no longer refuel you. This is a big one. Sleep and time off should be big one. Sleep and time off should be big one. Sleep and time off should be cause and effect. Even if you're not cause and effect. Even if you're not cause and effect. Even if you're not burned out, you get tired.

burned out, you get tired. burned out, you get tired. But when sleep and time off no longer But when sleep and time off no longer But when sleep and time off no longer refuel you, when you end up worse or the refuel you, when you end up worse or the refuel you, when you end up worse or the same after two or three days or a week same after two or three days or a week same after two or three days or a week away, that's a big sign. This episode is away, that's a big sign. This episode is away, that's a big sign. This episode is brought to you by Global Christian brought to you by Global Christian brought to you by Global Christian Relief. For a lot of us, the persecuted Relief. For a lot of us, the persecuted Relief. For a lot of us, the persecuted church can feel distant, right? church can feel distant, right? church can feel distant, right? Something happening somewhere else. But Something happening somewhere else. But Something happening somewhere else. But the global church is not just an idea. the global church is not just an idea. the global church is not just an idea. It's not a concept. It's a family. And It's not a concept. It's a family. And It's not a concept. It's a family. And you know as well as I do, when one part you know as well as I do, when one part you know as well as I do, when one part of the body suffers, of the body suffers, of the body suffers, we don't get to stay spectators. We're we don't get to stay spectators. We're we don't get to stay spectators. We're called to action. So, I want to tell you called to action. So, I want to tell you called to action. So, I want to tell you about a nonprofit you should know about, about a nonprofit you should know about, about a nonprofit you should know about, Global Christian Relief. This Global Christian Relief. This Global Christian Relief. This organization is led by Brian Orm. organization is led by Brian Orm. organization is led by Brian Orm. Brian's been a friend for a long time, Brian's been a friend for a long time, Brian's been a friend for a long time, and I'm thankful for the way he leads and I'm thankful for the way he leads and I'm thankful for the way he leads GCR to help persecuted brothers and GCR to help persecuted brothers and GCR to help persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ know they're not sisters in Christ know they're not sisters in Christ know they're not alone. GCR supports the global church alone. GCR supports the global church alone. GCR supports the global church family in places where following Jesus family in places where following Jesus family in places where following Jesus carries a real cost. Places like carries a real cost. Places like carries a real cost. Places like Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, India, Iran, and many more. GCR brings scripture and many more. GCR brings scripture and many more. GCR brings scripture where it's restricted, provides where it's restricted, provides where it's restricted, provides emergency relief when crisis hits, and emergency relief when crisis hits, and emergency relief when crisis hits, and long-term supports the church so that it long-term supports the church so that it long-term supports the church so that it can remain strong and grow. When you can remain strong and grow. When you can remain strong and grow. When you support Global Christian Relief, you're support Global Christian Relief, you're support Global Christian Relief, you're not just supporting a cause, you're not just supporting a cause, you're not just supporting a cause, you're standing with your family. GCR is doing standing with your family. GCR is doing standing with your family. GCR is doing some really impactful work, and I invite some really impactful work, and I invite some really impactful work, and I invite you to check them out at gcrelief.org.

you to check them out at gcrelief.org. you to check them out at gcrelief.org. That's gcrelief.org. That's gcrelief.org. That's gcrelief.org. This episode is brought to you by Next This episode is brought to you by Next This episode is brought to you by Next Step for Church, and I've got John Step for Church, and I've got John Step for Church, and I've got John Plaice, Chief Innovation Officer, with Plaice, Chief Innovation Officer, with Plaice, Chief Innovation Officer, with me. John, I was a pastor for 20 years, me. John, I was a pastor for 20 years, me. John, I was a pastor for 20 years, and when you sit in the lead pastor and when you sit in the lead pastor and when you sit in the lead pastor seat, it can be really hard to know seat, it can be really hard to know seat, it can be really hard to know what's actually going on in people's what's actually going on in people's what's actually going on in people's lives. So, you know, are they growing? lives. So, you know, are they growing? lives. So, you know, are they growing? Are they fighting battles? Are they fighting battles? Are they fighting battles? What in your view should a pastor do to What in your view should a pastor do to What in your view should a pastor do to find that out? find that out? find that out? >> Well, Carey, I pastored as well before >> Well, Carey, I pastored as well before >> Well, Carey, I pastored as well before coming to American Bible Society, and I coming to American Bible Society, and I coming to American Bible Society, and I know that struggle is real. But pastors know that struggle is real. But pastors know that struggle is real. But pastors shouldn't have to wonder what's going shouldn't have to wonder what's going shouldn't have to wonder what's going on, and that's why we created the Next on, and that's why we created the Next on, and that's why we created the Next Step for Church assessment. It just Step for Church assessment. It just Step for Church assessment. It just shows pastors exactly where their church shows pastors exactly where their church shows pastors exactly where their church is growing, where it's not, and what is growing, where it's not, and what is growing, where it's not, and what they can do next. Oh, so it's like an they can do next. Oh, so it's like an they can do next. Oh, so it's like an assessment? Yeah, we've made it super assessment? Yeah, we've made it super assessment? Yeah, we've made it super easy. You can set it up online, 2 weeks easy. You can set it up online, 2 weeks easy. You can set it up online, 2 weeks for people to respond, and your results for people to respond, and your results for people to respond, and your results are just instant, and it's all at no are just instant, and it's all at no are just instant, and it's all at no cost to them. cost to them. cost to them. Well, that sounds like a helpful Well, that sounds like a helpful Well, that sounds like a helpful solution. So, how do people get access solution. So, how do people get access solution. So, how do people get access to that? to that? to that? We've got a live Q&A coming up where We've got a live Q&A coming up where We've got a live Q&A coming up where pastors can ask questions and find out pastors can ask questions and find out pastors can ask questions and find out more about how it works. You can sign up more about how it works. You can sign up more about how it works. You can sign up at nextstepforchurch.org.

Okay, listeners, so that's Okay, listeners, so that's nextstepforchurch.org. nextstepforchurch.org. nextstepforchurch.org. So, So, So, what did you score? If you got one to what did you score? If you got one to what did you score? If you got one to three signs, hey, welcome to life on three signs, hey, welcome to life on three signs, hey, welcome to life on this side of heaven, okay? Where like this side of heaven, okay? Where like this side of heaven, okay? Where like it's not perfect. It's pretty normal. it's not perfect. It's pretty normal. it's not perfect. It's pretty normal. It's a bit of a stressful world right It's a bit of a stressful world right It's a bit of a stressful world right now, so one to three, I wouldn't worry now, so one to three, I wouldn't worry now, so one to three, I wouldn't worry about it. I would work on it, but you're about it. I would work on it, but you're about it. I would work on it, but you're probably not burned out. probably not burned out. probably not burned out. Seven to nine, you've got full-on Seven to nine, you've got full-on Seven to nine, you've got full-on burnout. That's where you're like, okay, burnout. That's where you're like, okay, burnout. That's where you're like, okay, I am burned out. You probably need to go I am burned out. You probably need to go I am burned out. You probably need to go talk to your doctor, your therapist, talk to your doctor, your therapist, talk to your doctor, your therapist, tell a friend. tell a friend. tell a friend. And four to six, that's sort of the the And four to six, that's sort of the the And four to six, that's sort of the the mid zone, and I call that, and again, mid zone, and I call that, and again, mid zone, and I call that, and again, I'm not a counselor, but I call it I'm not a counselor, but I call it I'm not a counselor, but I call it mid-grade burnout, and I think a lot of mid-grade burnout, and I think a lot of mid-grade burnout, and I think a lot of people are there. As I've talked to people are there. As I've talked to people are there. As I've talked to thousands of leaders, here's here's what thousands of leaders, here's here's what thousands of leaders, here's here's what mid-grade burnout looks like. The mid-grade burnout looks like. The mid-grade burnout looks like. The functions of life continue, but the joy functions of life continue, but the joy functions of life continue, but the joy of life is gone. So, you're able to of life is gone. So, you're able to of life is gone. So, you're able to function, you go to your kids' games, function, you go to your kids' games, function, you go to your kids' games, you go to the school plays, you you go you go to the school plays, you you go you go to the school plays, you you go to work every day, maybe you preach on to work every day, maybe you preach on to work every day, maybe you preach on the weekend. The functions continue, but the weekend. The functions continue, but the weekend. The functions continue, but there's nothing inside. The joy of life there's nothing inside. The joy of life there's nothing inside. The joy of life is gone. That's mid-grade burnout.

is gone. That's mid-grade burnout. is gone. That's mid-grade burnout. So, where are you on the spectrum? One So, where are you on the spectrum? One So, where are you on the spectrum? One to 3? That, welcome to life in this to 3? That, welcome to life in this to 3? That, welcome to life in this world. 7 to 9? You're probably burned world. 7 to 9? You're probably burned world. 7 to 9? You're probably burned out. 4 to 6? out. 4 to 6? out. 4 to 6? Mid-grade. You got to watch that. So, if Mid-grade. You got to watch that. So, if Mid-grade. You got to watch that. So, if you're mid-grade burnout or full-on you're mid-grade burnout or full-on you're mid-grade burnout or full-on burnout, I want to encourage you. Seek burnout, I want to encourage you. Seek burnout, I want to encourage you. Seek immediate professional help. Medical immediate professional help. Medical immediate professional help. Medical doctor, trained Christian counselor, doctor, trained Christian counselor, doctor, trained Christian counselor, tell a friend. tell a friend. tell a friend. My next post will be on the practices of My next post will be on the practices of My next post will be on the practices of recovery, but you need to take action. recovery, but you need to take action. recovery, but you need to take action. And maybe you stop right now And maybe you stop right now And maybe you stop right now and you make a phone call. and you make a phone call. and you make a phone call. You text a friend. You tell them, "Can You text a friend. You tell them, "Can You text a friend. You tell them, "Can we talk?" You You ask your doctor for an we talk?" You You ask your doctor for an we talk?" You You ask your doctor for an appointment. Maybe that's the best thing appointment. Maybe that's the best thing appointment. Maybe that's the best thing that can come out of this. that can come out of this. that can come out of this. Well, what are the lessons? What did I Well, what are the lessons? What did I Well, what are the lessons? What did I learn in the midst of my burnout? Well, learn in the midst of my burnout? Well, learn in the midst of my burnout? Well, the first thing is dysfunction actually the first thing is dysfunction actually the first thing is dysfunction actually gets rewarded in the church. So, things gets rewarded in the church. So, things gets rewarded in the church. So, things were not good on the inside for me and were not good on the inside for me and were not good on the inside for me and not good at home, but I could perform. not good at home, but I could perform. not good at home, but I could perform. And I'm a performer. Workaholism And I'm a performer. Workaholism And I'm a performer. Workaholism actually buried my pain. And workaholism actually buried my pain. And workaholism actually buried my pain. And workaholism is the most rewarded addiction is the most rewarded addiction is the most rewarded addiction in America.

in America. in America. If If you drink alcohol, like too much, If If you drink alcohol, like too much, If If you drink alcohol, like too much, you show up at work drunk, you get you show up at work drunk, you get you show up at work drunk, you get fired. If you work too much, you're a fired. If you work too much, you're a fired. If you work too much, you're a workaholic, you get a raise and a workaholic, you get a raise and a workaholic, you get a raise and a promotion. And every time I worked a promotion. And every time I worked a promotion. And every time I worked a little bit harder, the church grew. And little bit harder, the church grew. And little bit harder, the church grew. And I'm like, well, I'm like, well, I'm like, well, that was genuinely confusing. Because that was genuinely confusing. Because that was genuinely confusing. Because why would God bless me in ministry for why would God bless me in ministry for why would God bless me in ministry for my dysfunction? Why does my dysfunction? Why does my dysfunction? Why does Why does my overworking continue to be Why does my overworking continue to be Why does my overworking continue to be blessed, but at home blessed, but at home blessed, but at home I'm I'm I'm not winning. And And you I'm I'm I'm not winning. And And you I'm I'm I'm not winning. And And you know, when I looked at myself back now know, when I looked at myself back now know, when I looked at myself back now in my 30s, cuz I was 41 when I burned in my 30s, cuz I was 41 when I burned in my 30s, cuz I was 41 when I burned out 20 years ago, out 20 years ago, out 20 years ago, I listened to the Rise and Fall of Mars I listened to the Rise and Fall of Mars I listened to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast. Those were really Hill podcast. Those were really Hill podcast. Those were really difficult episodes to get through. I had difficult episodes to get through. I had difficult episodes to get through. I had to to to I know a lot of you have listened to it. I know a lot of you have listened to it. I know a lot of you have listened to it. I had to keep taking looking back on I had to keep taking looking back on I had to keep taking looking back on myself in my 30s, myself in my 30s, myself in my 30s, all the seeds that were flagged in the all the seeds that were flagged in the all the seeds that were flagged in the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill for Rise and Fall of Mars Hill for Rise and Fall of Mars Hill for dysfunction, all those seeds dysfunction, all those seeds dysfunction, all those seeds were inside me.

were inside me. were inside me. Um Um Um and I am grateful. I now look back on my and I am grateful. I now look back on my and I am grateful. I now look back on my burnout burnout burnout as a merciful intervention. That summer as a merciful intervention. That summer as a merciful intervention. That summer when I was so dysfunctional, when I was so dysfunctional, when I was so dysfunctional, I made three vows. I made three vows. I made three vows. One, don't have an affair cuz I felt so One, don't have an affair cuz I felt so One, don't have an affair cuz I felt so numb. You know, you just want to feel numb. You know, you just want to feel numb. You know, you just want to feel something, but I'm like, nope, don't something, but I'm like, nope, don't something, but I'm like, nope, don't have an affair. Number two, don't quit have an affair. Number two, don't quit have an affair. Number two, don't quit your job cuz you'll probably regret it. your job cuz you'll probably regret it. your job cuz you'll probably regret it. Get healthy, never quit on a bad day, Get healthy, never quit on a bad day, Get healthy, never quit on a bad day, quit on a good day. Well, I was not quit on a good day. Well, I was not quit on a good day. Well, I was not having any good days. Don't quit your having any good days. Don't quit your having any good days. Don't quit your job, and three, job, and three, job, and three, don't buy a sports car. So, I didn't don't buy a sports car. So, I didn't don't buy a sports car. So, I didn't have an affair. I didn't quit my job. have an affair. I didn't quit my job. have an affair. I didn't quit my job. It'd be nice to have a sports car at It'd be nice to have a sports car at It'd be nice to have a sports car at some point, but I didn't do any of the some point, but I didn't do any of the some point, but I didn't do any of the three, three, three, and I am so grateful I didn't do and I am so grateful I didn't do and I am so grateful I didn't do anything stupid. anything stupid. anything stupid. And then because I was so And then because I was so And then because I was so ground into the dust, I realized I had ground into the dust, I realized I had ground into the dust, I realized I had to reconstruct a new life, and I now to reconstruct a new life, and I now to reconstruct a new life, and I now look back. I wasn't grateful for my look back. I wasn't grateful for my look back. I wasn't grateful for my burnout at all for years. burnout at all for years. burnout at all for years. But I eventually have become very But I eventually have become very But I eventually have become very grateful for it because I'm like, Lord, grateful for it because I'm like, Lord, grateful for it because I'm like, Lord, thank you for that merciful thank you for that merciful thank you for that merciful intervention. I did not declare a finish intervention. I did not declare a finish intervention. I did not declare a finish line, so my body did.

line, so my body did. line, so my body did. So, what am I learning? Well, your So, what am I learning? Well, your So, what am I learning? Well, your dysfunction can get rewarded in the dysfunction can get rewarded in the dysfunction can get rewarded in the church, and I'll have a lot more to say church, and I'll have a lot more to say church, and I'll have a lot more to say about that in future years. I want to do about that in future years. I want to do about that in future years. I want to do a deep dive on that. But shallow a deep dive on that. But shallow a deep dive on that. But shallow theology, my shallow theology in my 30s theology, my shallow theology in my 30s theology, my shallow theology in my 30s made me think that because I was winning made me think that because I was winning made me think that because I was winning at church, I was winning, but in fact, I at church, I was winning, but in fact, I at church, I was winning, but in fact, I was losing. I was losing at home. I was was losing. I was losing at home. I was was losing. I was losing at home. I was losing in life. I was losing losing in life. I was losing losing in life. I was losing relationally. And now this is what I relationally. And now this is what I relationally. And now this is what I believe. If you're winning at work, but believe. If you're winning at work, but believe. If you're winning at work, but losing at home, losing at home, losing at home, you're losing. you're losing. you're losing. All right. Second thing, second insight All right. Second thing, second insight All right. Second thing, second insight from that time, that season of my life. from that time, that season of my life. from that time, that season of my life. Denial is an accelerator. Denial is an accelerator. Denial is an accelerator. I was the poster child for this in my I was the poster child for this in my I was the poster child for this in my 30s. I would tell myself, it's just a 30s. I would tell myself, it's just a 30s. I would tell myself, it's just a busy season, it's just a busy season. busy season, it's just a busy season. busy season, it's just a busy season. You know what? Seasons have beginnings You know what? Seasons have beginnings You know what? Seasons have beginnings and seasons have endings. If your and seasons have endings. If your and seasons have endings. If your season, your busy season has no ending, season, your busy season has no ending, season, your busy season has no ending, it is not a season, it's your life. it is not a season, it's your life. it is not a season, it's your life. And I had to realize that. And every day And I had to realize that. And every day And I had to realize that. And every day you remain in denial, every day people you remain in denial, every day people you remain in denial, every day people are tapping you on the shoulder and they are tapping you on the shoulder and they are tapping you on the shoulder and they were tapping me on the shoulder going, were tapping me on the shoulder going, were tapping me on the shoulder going, "Carey, you're going to burn out. You're "Carey, you're going to burn out. You're "Carey, you're going to burn out. You're going to burn out." I'm like, "No, not going to burn out." I'm like, "No, not going to burn out." I'm like, "No, not me." me." me." Every day you remain in denial, and Every day you remain in denial, and Every day you remain in denial, and maybe that's your reaction to this maybe that's your reaction to this maybe that's your reaction to this podcast so far. Here's Here's what's podcast so far. Here's Here's what's podcast so far. Here's Here's what's happening. Every day you remain in happening. Every day you remain in happening. Every day you remain in denial, you make burnout more likely, denial, you make burnout more likely, denial, you make burnout more likely, not less likely.

not less likely. not less likely. And rather than care for yourself and And rather than care for yourself and And rather than care for yourself and deal with your issues, you push on. And deal with your issues, you push on. And deal with your issues, you push on. And when you push on, you get closer to the when you push on, you get closer to the when you push on, you get closer to the edge than ever. So, denial's an edge than ever. So, denial's an edge than ever. So, denial's an accelerator. Number three, third accelerator. Number three, third accelerator. Number three, third insight. insight. insight. It's easier to find relief from the pace It's easier to find relief from the pace It's easier to find relief from the pace than from the weight of leadership. So, than from the weight of leadership. So, than from the weight of leadership. So, there's two I don't know what to call there's two I don't know what to call there's two I don't know what to call them, commodities that every leader them, commodities that every leader them, commodities that every leader deals with. Pace, how fast are you deals with. Pace, how fast are you deals with. Pace, how fast are you moving? And weight. moving? And weight. moving? And weight. This feels heavy. And if you're in the This feels heavy. And if you're in the This feels heavy. And if you're in the senior leader's seat, you know the senior leader's seat, you know the senior leader's seat, you know the weight of the company. You know the weight of the company. You know the weight of the company. You know the weight of the church. You know the weight of the church. You know the weight of the church. You know the weight of the organization. weight of the organization. weight of the organization. Here's what I'm going to say. There's no Here's what I'm going to say. There's no Here's what I'm going to say. There's no escape from the weight escape from the weight escape from the weight of senior leadership. Yeah, you can have of senior leadership. Yeah, you can have of senior leadership. Yeah, you can have better boundaries. Yeah, you can bring better boundaries. Yeah, you can bring better boundaries. Yeah, you can bring it to Jesus. But I mean, you have it to Jesus. But I mean, you have it to Jesus. But I mean, you have responsibility, and you need to take responsibility, and you need to take responsibility, and you need to take that seriously. So, there might not be that seriously. So, there might not be that seriously. So, there might not be an escape from the weight of ministry, an escape from the weight of ministry, an escape from the weight of ministry, but there is an escape from the pace. but there is an escape from the pace. but there is an escape from the pace. The pace is within your control. The The pace is within your control. The The pace is within your control. The weight is something you have to manage. weight is something you have to manage. weight is something you have to manage. And what I found is it's really And what I found is it's really And what I found is it's really important for me to slow down my pace at important for me to slow down my pace at important for me to slow down my pace at work because the problem with ministry work because the problem with ministry work because the problem with ministry is it's never done, right? Like, when is it's never done, right? Like, when is it's never done, right? Like, when are you done reaching the world? Never.

are you done reaching the world? Never. are you done reaching the world? Never. When are you done adequately caring for When are you done adequately caring for When are you done adequately caring for people? Never. So, what I learned to do people? Never. So, what I learned to do people? Never. So, what I learned to do on the other side of burnout, cuz I had on the other side of burnout, cuz I had on the other side of burnout, cuz I had no hobbies and no activities all through no hobbies and no activities all through no hobbies and no activities all through my 30s leading up to my burnout, my 30s leading up to my burnout, my 30s leading up to my burnout, I started to fill my life with other I started to fill my life with other I started to fill my life with other things. Really deep friendships because things. Really deep friendships because things. Really deep friendships because friends are such a big deal, and most friends are such a big deal, and most friends are such a big deal, and most people don't have them anymore. people don't have them anymore. people don't have them anymore. So, I would have friends over. I started So, I would have friends over. I started So, I would have friends over. I started to go for bike rides. I took up to go for bike rides. I took up to go for bike rides. I took up exercise. My wife and I would go for exercise. My wife and I would go for exercise. My wife and I would go for hikes. I would decide I am going to hikes. I would decide I am going to hikes. I would decide I am going to watch a great movie. It's not a waste of watch a great movie. It's not a waste of watch a great movie. It's not a waste of time. Reading books, travel. Um I'm a time. Reading books, travel. Um I'm a time. Reading books, travel. Um I'm a boater. We live near a lake. We got more boater. We live near a lake. We got more boater. We live near a lake. We got more seriously into boating. seriously into boating. seriously into boating. Um my wife and I have learned to find Um my wife and I have learned to find Um my wife and I have learned to find some new adventures. You know what I've some new adventures. You know what I've some new adventures. You know what I've learned with all of that? Because if learned with all of that? Because if learned with all of that? Because if you're just sitting around saying I'm you're just sitting around saying I'm you're just sitting around saying I'm going to take a day off and you're just going to take a day off and you're just going to take a day off and you're just sitting on the sofa, you're just going to stare into the you're just going to stare into the abyss and think about work. And that's abyss and think about work. And that's abyss and think about work. And that's what I did all through my 30s leading up what I did all through my 30s leading up what I did all through my 30s leading up to burnout. So once on the other side of to burnout. So once on the other side of to burnout. So once on the other side of burnout, I'm like, I got to fill my life burnout, I'm like, I got to fill my life burnout, I'm like, I got to fill my life with something I'm looking forward to.

with something I'm looking forward to. with something I'm looking forward to. So, you've got to find some hobbies. I So, you've got to find some hobbies. I So, you've got to find some hobbies. I got into smoking meat, bought a big got into smoking meat, bought a big got into smoking meat, bought a big green egg, that kind of thing. And when green egg, that kind of thing. And when green egg, that kind of thing. And when you have a hobby, you have a hobby, you have a hobby, you'll find that those are the things you'll find that those are the things you'll find that those are the things that really lift the weight because that really lift the weight because that really lift the weight because quite literally, if you have an intense quite literally, if you have an intense quite literally, if you have an intense hobby, your mind is otherwise occupied. hobby, your mind is otherwise occupied. hobby, your mind is otherwise occupied. You cannot think about work. Weight is You cannot think about work. Weight is You cannot think about work. Weight is harder to control than pace, but you got harder to control than pace, but you got harder to control than pace, but you got to figure out a way to do it. So what to figure out a way to do it. So what to figure out a way to do it. So what are you doing in your downtime? Sitting are you doing in your downtime? Sitting are you doing in your downtime? Sitting around in the backyard or on the couch around in the backyard or on the couch around in the backyard or on the couch trying not to think about work? That's a trying not to think about work? That's a trying not to think about work? That's a bad strategy. You got to fill it with bad strategy. You got to fill it with bad strategy. You got to fill it with something good. I've got friends, Craig something good. I've got friends, Craig something good. I've got friends, Craig Rochelle's been on this podcast, talks Rochelle's been on this podcast, talks Rochelle's been on this podcast, talks about he took up jujitsu and flying, about he took up jujitsu and flying, about he took up jujitsu and flying, learned to fly aircraft. So you can do learned to fly aircraft. So you can do learned to fly aircraft. So you can do that. I mean, whatever it is. There's no that. I mean, whatever it is. There's no that. I mean, whatever it is. There's no wrong answer. Something that actually wrong answer. Something that actually wrong answer. Something that actually makes your life outside of work more makes your life outside of work more makes your life outside of work more rewarding. rewarding. rewarding. Fourth insight, grieve your losses. A Fourth insight, grieve your losses. A Fourth insight, grieve your losses. A mentor in ministry once told me that mentor in ministry once told me that mentor in ministry once told me that ministry is a series of ungrieved ministry is a series of ungrieved ministry is a series of ungrieved losses. losses. losses. And he's right. So I want you to think And he's right. So I want you to think And he's right. So I want you to think for just a moment about how much for just a moment about how much for just a moment about how much loss is involved in leadership. Somebody loss is involved in leadership. Somebody loss is involved in leadership. Somebody leaves your church or a staff member leaves your church or a staff member leaves your church or a staff member quits or a decision goes your way or you quits or a decision goes your way or you quits or a decision goes your way or you lose a friend. I mean, lots of lose a friend. I mean, lots of lose a friend. I mean, lots of friendships dissolve in leadership.

friendships dissolve in leadership. friendships dissolve in leadership. A lot of leaders pretend it doesn't hurt A lot of leaders pretend it doesn't hurt A lot of leaders pretend it doesn't hurt when in reality it does. It's like, "Ah, when in reality it does. It's like, "Ah, when in reality it does. It's like, "Ah, that's fine, you know, it's fine. It's that's fine, you know, it's fine. It's that's fine, you know, it's fine. It's not a big deal. It's not a big deal." not a big deal. It's not a big deal." not a big deal. It's not a big deal." Worse than that, Worse than that, Worse than that, we don't know what to do with these we don't know what to do with these we don't know what to do with these losses. You know what I did? I just went losses. You know what I did? I just went losses. You know what I did? I just went back to work. It's like, oh, they left? back to work. It's like, oh, they left? back to work. It's like, oh, they left? Okay, all right, didn't need them Okay, all right, didn't need them Okay, all right, didn't need them anyway, back to work. anyway, back to work. anyway, back to work. Not healthy. Not healthy. Not healthy. And for years I would read the And for years I would read the And for years I would read the scripture. I've been reading the scripture. I've been reading the scripture. I've been reading the scripture through cover to cover for scripture through cover to cover for scripture through cover to cover for decades. decades. decades. But for years when I read through the But for years when I read through the But for years when I read through the Old Testament and I saw how people Old Testament and I saw how people Old Testament and I saw how people grieved, I thought to myself, what is grieved, I thought to myself, what is grieved, I thought to myself, what is wrong with these people? wrong with these people? wrong with these people? Why do they take 40 days to grieve the Why do they take 40 days to grieve the Why do they take 40 days to grieve the death of Moses? Like, can't you just get death of Moses? Like, can't you just get death of Moses? Like, can't you just get back to work? And little did I realize back to work? And little did I realize back to work? And little did I realize that taking the time to grieve your that taking the time to grieve your that taking the time to grieve your losses is one of the healthiest things losses is one of the healthiest things losses is one of the healthiest things you can do. you can do. you can do. So, what happened to me because I So, what happened to me because I So, what happened to me because I bottled it all up is I spent an bottled it all up is I spent an bottled it all up is I spent an inordinate amount of time in August of inordinate amount of time in August of inordinate amount of time in August of 2026 2026 2026 crying. Crying and sleeping. It's like crying. Crying and sleeping. It's like crying. Crying and sleeping. It's like all the losses I ignored for decades all the losses I ignored for decades all the losses I ignored for decades couldn't stay inside anymore. couldn't stay inside anymore. couldn't stay inside anymore. And so I just sobbed and sobbed and And so I just sobbed and sobbed and And so I just sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. sobbed. sobbed. And once they left, once I had kind of And once they left, once I had kind of And once they left, once I had kind of dealt with the backlog of ungrieved dealt with the backlog of ungrieved dealt with the backlog of ungrieved losses in life and leadership, losses in life and leadership, losses in life and leadership, I found closure, even healing I would I found closure, even healing I would I found closure, even healing I would say. And now moving forward, I pay a lot say. And now moving forward, I pay a lot say. And now moving forward, I pay a lot more attention to the feelings of loss.

more attention to the feelings of loss. more attention to the feelings of loss. You know, if a friend slides you or You know, if a friend slides you or You know, if a friend slides you or somebody stands you up or somebody says somebody stands you up or somebody says somebody stands you up or somebody says no or somebody leaves, no or somebody leaves, no or somebody leaves, I stop, I stop, I stop, I feel it, I pray about it, I process I feel it, I pray about it, I process I feel it, I pray about it, I process it, I release it. And sometimes if it it, I release it. And sometimes if it it, I release it. And sometimes if it really hurts, I will shed a tear. really hurts, I will shed a tear. really hurts, I will shed a tear. And then I move on. I don't let the And then I move on. I don't let the And then I move on. I don't let the losses accumulate. It's so much losses accumulate. It's so much losses accumulate. It's so much healthier. And then number five, if God healthier. And then number five, if God healthier. And then number five, if God wants to go deep, it's because he wants wants to go deep, it's because he wants wants to go deep, it's because he wants to take you far. The number one question to take you far. The number one question to take you far. The number one question I had in the middle of my burnout in I had in the middle of my burnout in I had in the middle of my burnout in 2006, the summer, was, is this ever 2006, the summer, was, is this ever 2006, the summer, was, is this ever going to end? going to end? going to end? Is this like, am I this is my life? I'm Is this like, am I this is my life? I'm Is this like, am I this is my life? I'm just stuck in this abyss? just stuck in this abyss? just stuck in this abyss? Like I said, it took me months to start Like I said, it took me months to start Like I said, it took me months to start functioning semi-normally again. Within functioning semi-normally again. Within functioning semi-normally again. Within a year I was about maybe 80%, but it was a year I was about maybe 80%, but it was a year I was about maybe 80%, but it was that full three to five years. I don't that full three to five years. I don't that full three to five years. I don't have an exact timing to be at the new have an exact timing to be at the new have an exact timing to be at the new normal, 100%. normal, 100%. normal, 100%. And I didn't want to go back to the old And I didn't want to go back to the old And I didn't want to go back to the old normal, as I mentioned, because normal normal, as I mentioned, because normal normal, as I mentioned, because normal got me burned out. The way I had lived got me burned out. The way I had lived got me burned out. The way I had lived my life for the first 40 years was my life for the first 40 years was my life for the first 40 years was dysfunctional. dysfunctional. dysfunctional. And I mean, God used it. But And I mean, God used it. But And I mean, God used it. But but it wasn't healthy. It wasn't but it wasn't healthy. It wasn't but it wasn't healthy. It wasn't sustainable. And the old normal would sustainable. And the old normal would sustainable. And the old normal would have landed me back in the ditch again have landed me back in the ditch again have landed me back in the ditch again in 6 months or 6 years or whatever. So, in 6 months or 6 years or whatever. So, in 6 months or 6 years or whatever. So, I realized that God was doing some soul I realized that God was doing some soul I realized that God was doing some soul surgery in me that went very deep. And I surgery in me that went very deep. And I surgery in me that went very deep. And I believe he wanted to get to the root of believe he wanted to get to the root of believe he wanted to get to the root of some heart issues that would have held some heart issues that would have held some heart issues that would have held me back from doing what he wanted to me back from doing what he wanted to me back from doing what he wanted to accomplish with my life in the future.

accomplish with my life in the future. accomplish with my life in the future. So, I took those 3 to 5 years. God, what So, I took those 3 to 5 years. God, what So, I took those 3 to 5 years. God, what else do you want to do? What else do you else do you want to do? What else do you else do you want to do? What else do you want to do? And I mean, it's exhausting. want to do? And I mean, it's exhausting. want to do? And I mean, it's exhausting. But you eventually get to the new normal But you eventually get to the new normal But you eventually get to the new normal and you're like, "Oh, and you're like, "Oh, and you're like, "Oh, I feel so much healthier." So, when I feel so much healthier." So, when I feel so much healthier." So, when somebody talks to me about burnout these somebody talks to me about burnout these somebody talks to me about burnout these days days days and they say, "How long is this going to and they say, "How long is this going to and they say, "How long is this going to last?" My answer is, "Don't rush it. And last?" My answer is, "Don't rush it. And last?" My answer is, "Don't rush it. And don't delay it. Let it take as long as don't delay it. Let it take as long as don't delay it. Let it take as long as it takes." it takes." it takes." Why? I mean, do your homework. Don't Why? I mean, do your homework. Don't Why? I mean, do your homework. Don't drag it out. But like, if this is going drag it out. But like, if this is going drag it out. But like, if this is going to take a year for you to really get to take a year for you to really get to take a year for you to really get well, well, well, take it. take it. take it. And here's what I believe now. There's a And here's what I believe now. There's a And here's what I believe now. There's a promise underneath the pain. If God is promise underneath the pain. If God is promise underneath the pain. If God is doing surgery, it's because he wants to doing surgery, it's because he wants to doing surgery, it's because he wants to bring healing. It's also a sign of his bring healing. It's also a sign of his bring healing. It's also a sign of his love. And here's how I think about it in love. And here's how I think about it in love. And here's how I think about it in my mind. If God wants to go deep, my mind. If God wants to go deep, my mind. If God wants to go deep, it's because he wants to take you far. it's because he wants to take you far. it's because he wants to take you far. And if he rebuilds that foundation, I And if he rebuilds that foundation, I And if he rebuilds that foundation, I mean, if he hadn't rebuilt the mean, if he hadn't rebuilt the mean, if he hadn't rebuilt the foundation of my life, doing what I do foundation of my life, doing what I do foundation of my life, doing what I do now, serving all these leaders, now, serving all these leaders, now, serving all these leaders, I probably would have been ministry I probably would have been ministry I probably would have been ministry roadkill. I would have done something roadkill. I would have done something roadkill. I would have done something stupid because my heart wasn't working stupid because my heart wasn't working stupid because my heart wasn't working properly. I was numb.

properly. I was numb. properly. I was numb. I might have had an affair. I might have I might have had an affair. I might have I might have had an affair. I might have hurt just way too many people. I I might hurt just way too many people. I I might hurt just way too many people. I I might have done something I spend the rest of have done something I spend the rest of have done something I spend the rest of my life regretting. my life regretting. my life regretting. And so, because God went so deep over And so, because God went so deep over And so, because God went so deep over those years, I'm not saying I'm perfect. those years, I'm not saying I'm perfect. those years, I'm not saying I'm perfect. Of course, I'm not perfect. But my Of course, I'm not perfect. But my Of course, I'm not perfect. But my goodness, he did some soul surgery. goodness, he did some soul surgery. goodness, he did some soul surgery. That I'm so grateful for. And I That I'm so grateful for. And I That I'm so grateful for. And I continued to do the work. I'm doing continued to do the work. I'm doing continued to do the work. I'm doing another spiritual retreat actually next another spiritual retreat actually next another spiritual retreat actually next month. Where I'm going to go away for 4 month. Where I'm going to go away for 4 month. Where I'm going to go away for 4 days for intense counseling to go deep. days for intense counseling to go deep. days for intense counseling to go deep. Because I believe God has things ahead Because I believe God has things ahead Because I believe God has things ahead for me, for you, for the people I love. for me, for you, for the people I love. for me, for you, for the people I love. For the next few decades. If God wants For the next few decades. If God wants For the next few decades. If God wants to go deep, it's because he wants to to go deep, it's because he wants to to go deep, it's because he wants to take you far. So, let's recap what we've take you far. So, let's recap what we've take you far. So, let's recap what we've covered. Number one, dysfunction gets covered. Number one, dysfunction gets covered. Number one, dysfunction gets rewarded in the church. Number two, rewarded in the church. Number two, rewarded in the church. Number two, denial is an accelerator. Number three, denial is an accelerator. Number three, denial is an accelerator. Number three, it's easier to find relief from the pace it's easier to find relief from the pace it's easier to find relief from the pace than the weight. than the weight. than the weight. Number four, grieve your losses. And Number four, grieve your losses. And Number four, grieve your losses. And number five, if God wants to go deep, number five, if God wants to go deep, number five, if God wants to go deep, it's because he wants to take you far. it's because he wants to take you far. it's because he wants to take you far. So, that's as far as we're going to go So, that's as far as we're going to go So, that's as far as we're going to go today. If this hits close to home. My today. If this hits close to home. My today. If this hits close to home. My book at your best can help. Be sure to book at your best can help. Be sure to book at your best can help. Be sure to check it out. Pick up a copy and enter check it out. Pick up a copy and enter check it out. Pick up a copy and enter the contest. Go to Carey the contest. Go to Carey the contest. Go to Carey Nieuwhof.com/giveaway.

Nieuwhof.com/giveaway. Nieuwhof.com/giveaway. We'd love to get a free copy. We're We'd love to get a free copy. We're We'd love to get a free copy. We're going to do that for 20 listeners. So, going to do that for 20 listeners. So, going to do that for 20 listeners. So, make sure you check that out. Click the make sure you check that out. Click the make sure you check that out. Click the link. In your bio. So, next episode I'm link. In your bio. So, next episode I'm link. In your bio. So, next episode I'm back and we're going to focus. back and we're going to focus. back and we're going to focus. On how to burnout proof your life. Now, On how to burnout proof your life. Now, On how to burnout proof your life. Now, I can't guarantee that. But in 2 days I can't guarantee that. But in 2 days I can't guarantee that. But in 2 days we're going to release that episode. But we're going to release that episode. But we're going to release that episode. But I'm going to go deep into how you I'm going to go deep into how you I'm going to go deep into how you recover. You know, for those of you who recover. You know, for those of you who recover. You know, for those of you who have never burned out. have never burned out. have never burned out. I hope you never do. How do you stay out I hope you never do. How do you stay out I hope you never do. How do you stay out of burnout? How do you get healthier of burnout? How do you get healthier of burnout? How do you get healthier rhythms than I had in my 20s and 30s? So rhythms than I had in my 20s and 30s? So rhythms than I had in my 20s and 30s? So that you don't hit what I hit and so that you don't hit what I hit and so that you don't hit what I hit and so many other leaders hit. I'm going to many other leaders hit. I'm going to many other leaders hit. I'm going to show you what I've learned from my show you what I've learned from my show you what I've learned from my research and my experience. If you hit research and my experience. If you hit research and my experience. If you hit follow or subscribe wherever you're follow or subscribe wherever you're follow or subscribe wherever you're watching, wherever you're listening, watching, wherever you're listening, watching, wherever you're listening, you're not going to miss it. So. you're not going to miss it. So. you're not going to miss it. So. Here's what I believe. You can get Here's what I believe. You can get Here's what I believe. You can get healthy. And don't go back to the old healthy. And don't go back to the old healthy. And don't go back to the old normal. Find a new normal. And I want to normal. Find a new normal. And I want to normal. Find a new normal. And I want to show you how to recover from burnout. So show you how to recover from burnout. So show you how to recover from burnout. So you don't end up back there again. And you don't end up back there again. And you don't end up back there again. And that's what we'll cover next time. One that's what we'll cover next time. One that's what we'll cover next time. One more time, book giveaway. If what I'm more time, book giveaway. If what I'm more time, book giveaway. If what I'm sharing with you is hitting home with sharing with you is hitting home with sharing with you is hitting home with you. I'm giving away 20 copies of at you. I'm giving away 20 copies of at you. I'm giving away 20 copies of at your best. To enter just go to Carey your best. To enter just go to Carey your best. To enter just go to Carey Nieuwhof.com/giveaway.

Nieuwhof.com/giveaway. Nieuwhof.com/giveaway. We'd love to have you there. And I We'd love to have you there. And I We'd love to have you there. And I really hope our time together today has really hope our time together today has really hope our time together today has helped you identify and break a growth helped you identify and break a growth helped you identify and break a growth barrier. Maybe this one is very personal barrier. Maybe this one is very personal barrier. Maybe this one is very personal that you're facing because I believe in that you're facing because I believe in that you're facing because I believe in the long term God wants to use you the long term God wants to use you the long term God wants to use you powerfully. And whatever happens in powerfully. And whatever happens in powerfully. And whatever happens in ministry, ministry, ministry, don't you want to be a faithful if don't you want to be a faithful if don't you want to be a faithful if you're married spouse, if you're parent you're married spouse, if you're parent you're married spouse, if you're parent a faithful parent like a healthy parent, a faithful parent like a healthy parent, a faithful parent like a healthy parent, don't you want to be just a great don't you want to be just a great don't you want to be just a great friend? Don't you want to be used by friend? Don't you want to be used by friend? Don't you want to be used by God? God? God? Yeah. That's what I want for you, too. Yeah. That's what I want for you, too. Yeah. That's what I want for you, too. So, we'll pick it up next time. Thanks So, we'll pick it up next time. Thanks So, we'll pick it up next time. Thanks so much for listening. Let me know what so much for listening. Let me know what so much for listening. Let me know what you think in the comments.