332. What To Do When You Are Burned Out

Are you burned out? Do you know the Are you burned out? Do you know the difference between burnout and stress? difference between burnout and stress? difference between burnout and stress? How do you escape burnout and how do you How do you escape burnout and how do you How do you escape burnout and how do you survive a situation that's burning you survive a situation that's burning you survive a situation that's burning you out? out? out? 2026 has been a year of burnout and 2026 has been a year of burnout and 2026 has been a year of burnout and recovery for me. recovery for me. recovery for me. From what I hear from people, I'm not From what I hear from people, I'm not From what I hear from people, I'm not the only one that's gone through this or the only one that's gone through this or the only one that's gone through this or is going through this. So, let's talk is going through this. So, let's talk is going through this. So, let's talk about how to survive and escape burnout about how to survive and escape burnout about how to survive and escape burnout in today's episode of Dev Questions. Software development is more than just Software development is more than just writing code. So, let's talk about the writing code. So, let's talk about the writing code. So, let's talk about the rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk about burnout and how to recover. about burnout and how to recover. about burnout and how to recover. As I said in the intro, I've gone As I said in the intro, I've gone As I said in the intro, I've gone through burning out and recovering through burning out and recovering through burning out and recovering recently. But, let's start with talking recently. But, let's start with talking recently. But, let's start with talking about what burnout actually is before I about what burnout actually is before I about what burnout actually is before I get into a bit more of my story. get into a bit more of my story. get into a bit more of my story. The World Health Organization has The World Health Organization has The World Health Organization has identified three key pillars of burnout. identified three key pillars of burnout. identified three key pillars of burnout. Exhaustion, cynicism or detachment, and Exhaustion, cynicism or detachment, and Exhaustion, cynicism or detachment, and feeling ineffective. Specifically, these feeling ineffective. Specifically, these feeling ineffective. Specifically, these three things relate to your job or three things relate to your job or three things relate to your job or workplace.

workplace. workplace. The problem with burnout isn't just that The problem with burnout isn't just that The problem with burnout isn't just that it's stress because stress can go away it's stress because stress can go away it's stress because stress can go away when the stressor is removed. It's a when the stressor is removed. It's a when the stressor is removed. It's a long-term issue that often creeps up on long-term issue that often creeps up on long-term issue that often creeps up on people and can drag you down for months people and can drag you down for months people and can drag you down for months or longer, even if you know it's or longer, even if you know it's or longer, even if you know it's happening. happening. happening. Often times, stress will lead into Often times, stress will lead into Often times, stress will lead into burnout, but they're not really the same burnout, but they're not really the same burnout, but they're not really the same thing. thing. thing. For me, it involved a very hard 2025 in For me, it involved a very hard 2025 in For me, it involved a very hard 2025 in my business coupled with some family my business coupled with some family my business coupled with some family health issues in early 2026 that further health issues in early 2026 that further health issues in early 2026 that further weighed me down. At the time, I felt weighed me down. At the time, I felt weighed me down. At the time, I felt like the weight of the world was on my like the weight of the world was on my like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and that shoulders and that shoulders and that I was the one that has to carry it all. I was the one that has to carry it all. I was the one that has to carry it all. Family and personal situations took a Family and personal situations took a Family and personal situations took a huge toll on my time and my energy while huge toll on my time and my energy while huge toll on my time and my energy while I was taking on additional I was taking on additional I was taking on additional responsibilities at work at the same responsibilities at work at the same responsibilities at work at the same time. time. time. Often, it felt like I was barely keeping Often, it felt like I was barely keeping Often, it felt like I was barely keeping my head above water, just treading in my head above water, just treading in my head above water, just treading in place. It felt like everything I did place. It felt like everything I did place. It felt like everything I did took enormous effort. Even relaxing took enormous effort. Even relaxing took enormous effort. Even relaxing wasn't very relaxing. I was exhausted. I wasn't very relaxing. I was exhausted. I wasn't very relaxing. I was exhausted. I felt like I was just going through the felt like I was just going through the felt like I was just going through the motions at my job, but I felt like I motions at my job, but I felt like I motions at my job, but I felt like I wasn't made able to make any positive wasn't made able to make any positive wasn't made able to make any positive progress.

progress. progress. It It was frustrating. And I could see It It was frustrating. And I could see It It was frustrating. And I could see it happening. I knew I was in it, and it it happening. I knew I was in it, and it it happening. I knew I was in it, and it felt like I there's nothing I could do. felt like I there's nothing I could do. felt like I there's nothing I could do. Being burnt out is terrible. You know Being burnt out is terrible. You know Being burnt out is terrible. You know you're burnt out, which only makes it you're burnt out, which only makes it you're burnt out, which only makes it worse. There aren't quick fixes. The worse. There aren't quick fixes. The worse. There aren't quick fixes. The weekend trip away, or even a full weekend trip away, or even a full weekend trip away, or even a full vacation, doesn't solve the problem, vacation, doesn't solve the problem, vacation, doesn't solve the problem, especially when you're coming right back especially when you're coming right back especially when you're coming right back into the situation that contributes to into the situation that contributes to into the situation that contributes to your burnout. So, for me, it took until your burnout. So, for me, it took until your burnout. So, for me, it took until near the end of the summer before I was near the end of the summer before I was near the end of the summer before I was able to work my way through the other able to work my way through the other able to work my way through the other side and escape the effects of burnout. side and escape the effects of burnout. side and escape the effects of burnout. That doesn't mean everything's perfect. That doesn't mean everything's perfect. That doesn't mean everything's perfect. Nor does it mean that I don't sometimes Nor does it mean that I don't sometimes Nor does it mean that I don't sometimes feel the lingering effects. I liken to feel the lingering effects. I liken to feel the lingering effects. I liken to having tweaked your knee. It takes some having tweaked your knee. It takes some having tweaked your knee. It takes some intense work to heal the wound, but even intense work to heal the wound, but even intense work to heal the wound, but even after you're better, you still need to after you're better, you still need to after you're better, you still need to be careful not to reinjure it. You still be careful not to reinjure it. You still be careful not to reinjure it. You still feel it some twinges once in a while. feel it some twinges once in a while. feel it some twinges once in a while. So, what's the process for escaping So, what's the process for escaping So, what's the process for escaping burnout? burnout? burnout? Well, number one, it starts with Well, number one, it starts with Well, number one, it starts with survival mode. survival mode. survival mode. Just survive. Figure out what your bare Just survive. Figure out what your bare Just survive. Figure out what your bare minimum is and do that. So, minimum is and do that. So, minimum is and do that. So, that might mean that you don't do extra that might mean that you don't do extra that might mean that you don't do extra at work if you don't absolutely have to.

at work if you don't absolutely have to. at work if you don't absolutely have to. That means that maybe you don't do side That means that maybe you don't do side That means that maybe you don't do side projects. You don't do, you know, extra projects. You don't do, you know, extra projects. You don't do, you know, extra things that would be good for your things that would be good for your things that would be good for your career like training and studying. It career like training and studying. It career like training and studying. It might even mean that you don't do fun might even mean that you don't do fun might even mean that you don't do fun projects. Sometimes, even fun can be a projects. Sometimes, even fun can be a projects. Sometimes, even fun can be a drain. So, when you're playing to do drain. So, when you're playing to do drain. So, when you're playing to do things and and taking time out to, you things and and taking time out to, you things and and taking time out to, you know, figure out how to do things, that know, figure out how to do things, that know, figure out how to do things, that might just be too much. might just be too much. might just be too much. Sometimes, you just need to Sometimes, you just need to Sometimes, you just need to figure out how to float, how to keep figure out how to float, how to keep figure out how to float, how to keep your head above water and do just enough your head above water and do just enough your head above water and do just enough to do that. And then maintain your basic to do that. And then maintain your basic to do that. And then maintain your basic health. So, that means keep eating, health. So, that means keep eating, health. So, that means keep eating, try and sleep, try and sleep, try and sleep, and move. and move. and move. Now, notice I didn't say in there you Now, notice I didn't say in there you Now, notice I didn't say in there you got to eat so many, you know, greens and got to eat so many, you know, greens and got to eat so many, you know, greens and you have to have so much you have to have so much you have to have so much protein. Nope, just just eat. protein. Nope, just just eat. protein. Nope, just just eat. Um when it comes to sleep, get as much Um when it comes to sleep, get as much Um when it comes to sleep, get as much as you can. And when it comes to as you can. And when it comes to as you can. And when it comes to movement, I'm not saying go out and run movement, I'm not saying go out and run movement, I'm not saying go out and run a marathon. I'm saying get up and walk a marathon. I'm saying get up and walk a marathon. I'm saying get up and walk around. Just do the basics.

around. Just do the basics. around. Just do the basics. Otherwise, what happens is you start to Otherwise, what happens is you start to Otherwise, what happens is you start to get beat down by not get beat down by not get beat down by not being good enough at just surviving. And being good enough at just surviving. And being good enough at just surviving. And then it makes it worse, okay? So, for then it makes it worse, okay? So, for then it makes it worse, okay? So, for me, it was just being okay with me, it was just being okay with me, it was just being okay with producing just two videos a week or even producing just two videos a week or even producing just two videos a week or even one. So, if you notice back through one. So, if you notice back through one. So, if you notice back through 2026, there's a couple times where I 2026, there's a couple times where I 2026, there's a couple times where I just missed a week. just missed a week. just missed a week. And there's a couple times where, you And there's a couple times where, you And there's a couple times where, you know what, I did a 10-minute training know what, I did a 10-minute training know what, I did a 10-minute training video, which is valuable and people want video, which is valuable and people want video, which is valuable and people want and it's not a bad, but for me, I wanted and it's not a bad, but for me, I wanted and it's not a bad, but for me, I wanted to do more. to do more. to do more. But that's, you know what, that's what I But that's, you know what, that's what I But that's, you know what, that's what I could do. And so, that's what I did. And could do. And so, that's what I did. And could do. And so, that's what I did. And I considered those wins. So, I start off I considered those wins. So, I start off I considered those wins. So, I start off with just survival mode. I am surviving, with just survival mode. I am surviving, with just survival mode. I am surviving, I'm doing the basics of what I need to, I'm doing the basics of what I need to, I'm doing the basics of what I need to, and the additional stuff, and the additional stuff, and the additional stuff, you know, I might not be able to do you know, I might not be able to do you know, I might not be able to do that. that. that. Now, number two, so it starts with Now, number two, so it starts with Now, number two, so it starts with survival mode number one. Number two is survival mode number one. Number two is survival mode number one. Number two is name a source. So, what is it that's name a source. So, what is it that's name a source. So, what is it that's burning you out? Maybe it's endless burning you out? Maybe it's endless burning you out? Maybe it's endless crunch. Maybe it's no no one noticing crunch. Maybe it's no no one noticing crunch. Maybe it's no no one noticing your work and you feel like you're just your work and you feel like you're just your work and you feel like you're just shipping work into the void and no one shipping work into the void and no one shipping work into the void and no one really cares.

really cares. really cares. Maybe you have no control. You have a Maybe you have no control. You have a Maybe you have no control. You have a micromanaging boss that's just micromanaging boss that's just micromanaging boss that's just telling you everything you can can't do telling you everything you can can't do telling you everything you can can't do and it feels like you're just and it feels like you're just and it feels like you're just an extension of them. an extension of them. an extension of them. You know, whatever it is, name that You know, whatever it is, name that You know, whatever it is, name that thing. Identify what it is that's thing. Identify what it is that's thing. Identify what it is that's burning you out. That doesn't mean you burning you out. That doesn't mean you burning you out. That doesn't mean you can fix it necessarily. It may mean that can fix it necessarily. It may mean that can fix it necessarily. It may mean that you have no control over it, but you you have no control over it, but you you have no control over it, but you start off by understanding start off by understanding start off by understanding what is it that's burning me out? what is it that's burning me out? what is it that's burning me out? And then focus on the things you cannot And then focus on the things you cannot And then focus on the things you cannot I'm sorry. Focusing on things you can't I'm sorry. Focusing on things you can't I'm sorry. Focusing on things you can't control can also burn you out. So, control can also burn you out. So, control can also burn you out. So, when you're focusing on things like I when you're focusing on things like I when you're focusing on things like I don't know, the news. Well, guess what? don't know, the news. Well, guess what? don't know, the news. Well, guess what? The world is in a horrible place. The The world is in a horrible place. The The world is in a horrible place. The world is rough. The US is rough. Like, world is rough. The US is rough. Like, world is rough. The US is rough. Like, your hometown is probably rough. Like, your hometown is probably rough. Like, your hometown is probably rough. Like, there's there's things all over that are there's there's things all over that are there's there's things all over that are happening that are outside your control. happening that are outside your control. happening that are outside your control. But, if you're not careful, those can But, if you're not careful, those can But, if you're not careful, those can weigh you down. Personally, I think that weigh you down. Personally, I think that weigh you down. Personally, I think that the the 24-hour news cycle hasn't helped the the 24-hour news cycle hasn't helped the the 24-hour news cycle hasn't helped us because it leads to a constant us because it leads to a constant us because it leads to a constant pressure in your life that when you pressure in your life that when you pressure in your life that when you couple that with other pressures in your couple that with other pressures in your couple that with other pressures in your life just further depress you. Okay?

life just further depress you. Okay? life just further depress you. Okay? Maybe it's for, you know, worrying about Maybe it's for, you know, worrying about Maybe it's for, you know, worrying about family. We can't necessarily change some family. We can't necessarily change some family. We can't necessarily change some things. Well, then worrying isn't things. Well, then worrying isn't things. Well, then worrying isn't helping. I'm not saying that you can helping. I'm not saying that you can helping. I'm not saying that you can just say, "Oh, then just stop worrying." just say, "Oh, then just stop worrying." just say, "Oh, then just stop worrying." That's not how that works. But, That's not how that works. But, That's not how that works. But, identifying the source means saying, identifying the source means saying, identifying the source means saying, "Hey, you know what? I'm spending an "Hey, you know what? I'm spending an "Hey, you know what? I'm spending an awful lot of time worrying about awful lot of time worrying about awful lot of time worrying about family." Or, "I'm spending an awful lot family." Or, "I'm spending an awful lot family." Or, "I'm spending an awful lot of time with no control at work." of time with no control at work." of time with no control at work." Now, for me, there's a number of Now, for me, there's a number of Now, for me, there's a number of factors. There wasn't just one, of factors. There wasn't just one, of factors. There wasn't just one, of course, there almost never is. But, it course, there almost never is. But, it course, there almost never is. But, it was a lack of control in some areas, it was a lack of control in some areas, it was a lack of control in some areas, it was worrying about outcomes I couldn't was worrying about outcomes I couldn't was worrying about outcomes I couldn't affect, and it was accepting the affect, and it was accepting the affect, and it was accepting the pressure to do more than I was capable pressure to do more than I was capable pressure to do more than I was capable of at my job during a time when my most of at my job during a time when my most of at my job during a time when my most of my focus was on family health issues. of my focus was on family health issues. of my focus was on family health issues. Those three things kind of piled Those three things kind of piled Those three things kind of piled together to really increase and together to really increase and together to really increase and accelerate the burnout. accelerate the burnout. accelerate the burnout. So, what do you do when you're you're in So, what do you do when you're you're in So, what do you do when you're you're in survival mode, you've identified the survival mode, you've identified the survival mode, you've identified the issue, but what do you do? Well, number issue, but what do you do? Well, number issue, but what do you do? Well, number three, start the slow climb out. And I three, start the slow climb out. And I three, start the slow climb out. And I want to emphasize that word slow.

want to emphasize that word slow. want to emphasize that word slow. Because this is not a snap your fingers Because this is not a snap your fingers Because this is not a snap your fingers and you fix it. Identify the problem and you fix it. Identify the problem and you fix it. Identify the problem somehow you can slay the problem. somehow you can slay the problem. somehow you can slay the problem. Almost never happens and quite frankly Almost never happens and quite frankly Almost never happens and quite frankly if it does you're probably not burned if it does you're probably not burned if it does you're probably not burned out, you're probably just stressed. out, you're probably just stressed. out, you're probably just stressed. Um so, Um so, Um so, start the slow climb out. Communicate start the slow climb out. Communicate start the slow climb out. Communicate where you are at and what you're going where you are at and what you're going where you are at and what you're going through. And this is to a spouse, to a through. And this is to a spouse, to a through. And this is to a spouse, to a boss, to a counselor. boss, to a counselor. boss, to a counselor. Figure out who to talk to so that you're Figure out who to talk to so that you're Figure out who to talk to so that you're not sharing the burden alone. You know, not sharing the burden alone. You know, not sharing the burden alone. You know, share that burden. Don't just shoulder share that burden. Don't just shoulder share that burden. Don't just shoulder it alone. it alone. it alone. Number two, Number two, Number two, or part two in this is is find wins and or part two in this is is find wins and or part two in this is is find wins and start very very very small. So, for me a start very very very small. So, for me a start very very very small. So, for me a win was having both videos done for the win was having both videos done for the win was having both videos done for the following week. That's a win. following week. That's a win. following week. That's a win. You know, having two or three videos in You know, having two or three videos in You know, having two or three videos in a row done, huge win. a row done, huge win. a row done, huge win. Just getting the basics done, but having Just getting the basics done, but having Just getting the basics done, but having that done so that even if I can't do that done so that even if I can't do that done so that even if I can't do anything this week, anything this week, anything this week, I have the videos done so I'm good.

I have the videos done so I'm good. I have the videos done so I'm good. That is huge. Find a way to get small That is huge. Find a way to get small That is huge. Find a way to get small wins. And then reor- reorder your wins. And then reor- reorder your wins. And then reor- reorder your priorities around success, not priorities around success, not priorities around success, not importance or size. importance or size. importance or size. What I mean by that is sometimes what What I mean by that is sometimes what What I mean by that is sometimes what happens is our to-do list is these happens is our to-do list is these happens is our to-do list is these massive things and then later to be massive things and then later to be massive things and then later to be little things, but we try to get the little things, but we try to get the little things, but we try to get the massive things done we feel that we massive things done we feel that we massive things done we feel that we never make any progress and we're stuck never make any progress and we're stuck never make any progress and we're stuck in the mud and we just can't move in the mud and we just can't move in the mud and we just can't move forward. forward. forward. And what we need to do is pull some of And what we need to do is pull some of And what we need to do is pull some of those smaller things in first and get those smaller things in first and get those smaller things in first and get some of those things done. Get those some of those things done. Get those some of those things done. Get those small wins and build up. small wins and build up. small wins and build up. So, So, So, uh Dave Ramsey has a the whole process uh Dave Ramsey has a the whole process uh Dave Ramsey has a the whole process around um you know, recovering from around um you know, recovering from around um you know, recovering from being debt etc. And the one thing that I being debt etc. And the one thing that I being debt etc. And the one thing that I really like from him is the debt really like from him is the debt really like from him is the debt snowball. And the reason why is not snowball. And the reason why is not snowball. And the reason why is not because it's logical, because it's not. because it's logical, because it's not. because it's logical, because it's not. The the The idea of the debt snowball The the The idea of the debt snowball The the The idea of the debt snowball is, let's say you have five credit card is, let's say you have five credit card is, let's say you have five credit card bills. And you know, 1,000, 2,000, bills. And you know, 1,000, 2,000, bills. And you know, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, five different 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, five different 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, five different credit card bills. Well, credit card bills. Well, credit card bills. Well, if the $5,000 bill has the highest if the $5,000 bill has the highest if the $5,000 bill has the highest interest rate and the 1,000 is the interest rate and the 1,000 is the interest rate and the 1,000 is the lowest interest rate, it feels like lowest interest rate, it feels like lowest interest rate, it feels like logical to try and tackle that 5,000 logical to try and tackle that 5,000 logical to try and tackle that 5,000 first and then move on.

first and then move on. first and then move on. But what his philosophy is is to tackle But what his philosophy is is to tackle But what his philosophy is is to tackle the small one first. And then take that the small one first. And then take that the small one first. And then take that money and move it to the next one. And money and move it to the next one. And money and move it to the next one. And the reason is not because it makes the reason is not because it makes the reason is not because it makes financial sense. It's because it makes financial sense. It's because it makes financial sense. It's because it makes mental sense. Because it gives you a mental sense. Because it gives you a mental sense. Because it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Because it sense of accomplishment. Because it sense of accomplishment. Because it gives you that sense of I'm making gives you that sense of I'm making gives you that sense of I'm making progress. And so it encourages you to progress. And so it encourages you to progress. And so it encourages you to keep going. Because it doesn't matter keep going. Because it doesn't matter keep going. Because it doesn't matter how much financial sense it makes to do how much financial sense it makes to do how much financial sense it makes to do a $5,000 one first if you're not going a $5,000 one first if you're not going a $5,000 one first if you're not going to finish it. to finish it. to finish it. If you're not going to have enough If you're not going to have enough If you're not going to have enough courage and enough uh courage and enough uh courage and enough uh drive to actually get it done. drive to actually get it done. drive to actually get it done. So by building up your successes, by by So by building up your successes, by by So by building up your successes, by by allowing you to see that yes, I can do allowing you to see that yes, I can do allowing you to see that yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. Yes, I can do this. You start to make progress towards this. You start to make progress towards this. You start to make progress towards those bigger ones. So in the same way in those bigger ones. So in the same way in those bigger ones. So in the same way in your life, reorganize your priorities your life, reorganize your priorities your life, reorganize your priorities not necessarily about importance or not necessarily about importance or not necessarily about importance or size, but based upon can I get small size, but based upon can I get small size, but based upon can I get small successes so maybe it's a little size uh successes so maybe it's a little size uh successes so maybe it's a little size uh small successes and then bigger bigger small successes and then bigger bigger small successes and then bigger bigger successes and keep going that way.

successes and keep going that way. successes and keep going that way. Give yourself the the permission and the Give yourself the the permission and the Give yourself the the permission and the ability to start seeing success, to ability to start seeing success, to ability to start seeing success, to start seeing movement. Otherwise, what start seeing movement. Otherwise, what start seeing movement. Otherwise, what happens is that you die on your happens is that you die on your happens is that you die on your principles. You just get stuck in the principles. You just get stuck in the principles. You just get stuck in the mud. You just stay there because you're mud. You just stay there because you're mud. You just stay there because you're like, well, but this has to be done like, well, but this has to be done like, well, but this has to be done first. first. first. And it's not getting done. It's And it's not getting done. It's And it's not getting done. It's So So So work with your brain. work with your brain. work with your brain. Because your brain isn't about logic all Because your brain isn't about logic all Because your brain isn't about logic all the time. It's not just analytical. the time. It's not just analytical. the time. It's not just analytical. There is an emotional part to it as There is an emotional part to it as There is an emotional part to it as well. well. well. So, with this, start slowly working on So, with this, start slowly working on So, with this, start slowly working on your health. Pick one thing at a time to your health. Pick one thing at a time to your health. Pick one thing at a time to improve. improve. improve. I too often I see people say, you know, I too often I see people say, you know, I too often I see people say, you know, "Oh, I'm I'm overwhelmed." which when "Oh, I'm I'm overwhelmed." which when "Oh, I'm I'm overwhelmed." which when you're overwhelmed in survival mode, you you're overwhelmed in survival mode, you you're overwhelmed in survival mode, you don't make the best health choice, you don't make the best health choice, you don't make the best health choice, you don't make the best life choices. You don't make the best life choices. You don't make the best life choices. You sit on the couch and do nothing. sit on the couch and do nothing. sit on the couch and do nothing. Um you Um you Um you sit at a computer and play video games. sit at a computer and play video games. sit at a computer and play video games. You You You eat junk food because, you know what? eat junk food because, you know what? eat junk food because, you know what? It's easy and it's quick and you don't It's easy and it's quick and you don't It's easy and it's quick and you don't have the energy to do anything more. have the energy to do anything more. have the energy to do anything more. That can be okay for a time. That can be okay for a time. That can be okay for a time. But slowly work on your health. Slowly But slowly work on your health. Slowly But slowly work on your health. Slowly pick one thing at a time to improve.

pick one thing at a time to improve. pick one thing at a time to improve. Don't try to do everything at once. Don't try to do everything at once. Don't try to do everything at once. Otherwise, you'll almost certainly fail. Otherwise, you'll almost certainly fail. Otherwise, you'll almost certainly fail. Pick one thing at a time. Pick one thing at a time. Pick one thing at a time. So, So, So, in this process for me, I started with in this process for me, I started with in this process for me, I started with video content. So, my baseline was just video content. So, my baseline was just video content. So, my baseline was just two videos per week. That gave me a win two videos per week. That gave me a win two videos per week. That gave me a win every single week, twice. every single week, twice. every single week, twice. And then, And then, And then, I started working on the next thing. Add I started working on the next thing. Add I started working on the next thing. Add one more thing. Add do one more task. one more thing. Add do one more task. one more thing. Add do one more task. I tried to comment on as much as I tried to comment on as much as I tried to comment on as much as possible on my videos, but I also felt possible on my videos, but I also felt possible on my videos, but I also felt like some comments just took too much of like some comments just took too much of like some comments just took too much of my time. I just couldn't answer, so I my time. I just couldn't answer, so I my time. I just couldn't answer, so I didn't. And I didn't feel I tried to didn't. And I didn't feel I tried to didn't. And I didn't feel I tried to hard not to feel bad about that. I can't hard not to feel bad about that. I can't hard not to feel bad about that. I can't be everybody's solution to everything. be everybody's solution to everything. be everybody's solution to everything. And so, I did what I could and I got as And so, I did what I could and I got as And so, I did what I could and I got as much win as possible and at the same much win as possible and at the same much win as possible and at the same time, I tried hard not to take on any time, I tried hard not to take on any time, I tried hard not to take on any loss for not doing more. loss for not doing more. loss for not doing more. And when I started adding videos, I And when I started adding videos, I And when I started adding videos, I already had wins. I started to see that already had wins. I started to see that already had wins. I started to see that progress. I started to see that train progress. I started to see that train progress. I started to see that train moving up the hill. And so, I started moving up the hill. And so, I started moving up the hill. And so, I started adding additional videos. I started adding additional videos. I started adding additional videos. I started cooking meals that would taste good. So, cooking meals that would taste good. So, cooking meals that would taste good. So, I'm not just grabbing something from a I'm not just grabbing something from a I'm not just grabbing something from a store, grabbing something from a store, grabbing something from a store, grabbing something from a restaurant. I would start cooking meals restaurant. I would start cooking meals restaurant. I would start cooking meals that they'd taste good still, so it that they'd taste good still, so it that they'd taste good still, so it still was, you know, encouraging me but still was, you know, encouraging me but still was, you know, encouraging me but at the same time they're more healthy at the same time they're more healthy at the same time they're more healthy and it's it's better for me and it's and it's it's better for me and it's and it's it's better for me and it's starting to see progress there, too. I starting to see progress there, too. I starting to see progress there, too. I joined the gym, but I had no joined the gym, but I had no joined the gym, but I had no expectations of perfection. I had no expectations of perfection. I had no expectations of perfection. I had no schedule at all. So, I didn't go to the schedule at all. So, I didn't go to the schedule at all. So, I didn't go to the gym and say, "Well, I'm going to do, you gym and say, "Well, I'm going to do, you gym and say, "Well, I'm going to do, you know, arms and arms and shoulders day

know, arms and arms and shoulders day know, arms and arms and shoulders day this, you know, these three days a week this, you know, these three days a week this, you know, these three days a week and and leg days these other three days and and leg days these other three days and and leg days these other three days of the week and I'm going to have, you of the week and I'm going to have, you of the week and I'm going to have, you know, an hour and a half at the gym." know, an hour and a half at the gym." know, an hour and a half at the gym." That would have been a failure for me. That would have been a failure for me. That would have been a failure for me. So, what I did is I had no expectation. So, what I did is I had no expectation. So, what I did is I had no expectation. I started a small little routine and I started a small little routine and I started a small little routine and built up over time. So, and the thing built up over time. So, and the thing built up over time. So, and the thing is, by doing that, by not having is, by doing that, by not having is, by doing that, by not having expectations, some days were bad. Some expectations, some days were bad. Some expectations, some days were bad. Some days I barely dragged myself into the days I barely dragged myself into the days I barely dragged myself into the gym and then felt like I couldn't get gym and then felt like I couldn't get gym and then felt like I couldn't get anything done. But, it wasn't about anything done. But, it wasn't about anything done. But, it wasn't about perfection. It's about, you know what? I perfection. It's about, you know what? I perfection. It's about, you know what? I made it. And so, by allowing myself to made it. And so, by allowing myself to made it. And so, by allowing myself to have those small successes, I was able have those small successes, I was able have those small successes, I was able to build up over time. to build up over time. to build up over time. I started drinking more water because I I started drinking more water because I I started drinking more water because I wanted to. I was adding more thing. So, wanted to. I was adding more thing. So, wanted to. I was adding more thing. So, slowly over time, I started doing more slowly over time, I started doing more slowly over time, I started doing more and more things to work my way out. and more things to work my way out. and more things to work my way out. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Now, number four, find a big win. >> Now, number four, find a big win. >> Now, number four, find a big win. This Notice where the order is here. This Notice where the order is here. This Notice where the order is here. This is not at the climb out, the slow This is not at the climb out, the slow This is not at the climb out, the slow climb out. climb out. climb out. You start that. You get good at that You start that. You get good at that You start that. You get good at that process. You start climbing. It's only process. You start climbing. It's only process. You start climbing. It's only when you have been climbing for a little when you have been climbing for a little when you have been climbing for a little bit that you can even think about number bit that you can even think about number bit that you can even think about number four, which is find a big win. If you four, which is find a big win. If you four, which is find a big win. If you try and find a big win too early, try and find a big win too early, try and find a big win too early, you're going to have a big failure, in you're going to have a big failure, in you're going to have a big failure, in which case, you're going to get further which case, you're going to get further which case, you're going to get further into the burnout. So, into the burnout. So, into the burnout. So, find a big win when you're ready.

find a big win when you're ready. find a big win when you're ready. Identify the project or task that feels Identify the project or task that feels Identify the project or task that feels like a big weight. like a big weight. like a big weight. Find that thing. Find that thing. Find that thing. We probably all have this. It's it's the We probably all have this. It's it's the We probably all have this. It's it's the thing that once you actually get into thing that once you actually get into thing that once you actually get into it, probably won't be as hard as you it, probably won't be as hard as you it, probably won't be as hard as you think it is, but that that weight of think it is, but that that weight of think it is, but that that weight of it's looming over me, I have to get it it's looming over me, I have to get it it's looming over me, I have to get it done, I feel like I can't make any done, I feel like I can't make any done, I feel like I can't make any traction, etc. Just makes it hard, okay? traction, etc. Just makes it hard, okay? traction, etc. Just makes it hard, okay? So, identify that project that feels So, identify that project that feels So, identify that project that feels like a big weight, make slow, steady like a big weight, make slow, steady like a big weight, make slow, steady progress towards it while you're progress towards it while you're progress towards it while you're climbing out. climbing out. climbing out. And [snorts] when you finish the And [snorts] when you finish the And [snorts] when you finish the project, celebrate like crazy. project, celebrate like crazy. project, celebrate like crazy. Intentionally schedule time to do Intentionally schedule time to do Intentionally schedule time to do nothing after that big win. Okay? nothing after that big win. Okay? nothing after that big win. Okay? You want to make sure that what happens You want to make sure that what happens You want to make sure that what happens is that you get time to relax afterwards is that you get time to relax afterwards is that you get time to relax afterwards and breathe, rather than going, "Okay, and breathe, rather than going, "Okay, and breathe, rather than going, "Okay, I'm done that. Let's do the next biggest I'm done that. Let's do the next biggest I'm done that. Let's do the next biggest project on." project on." project on." What that'll do is burn you back out. What that'll do is burn you back out. What that'll do is burn you back out. Intentionally schedule time to relax and Intentionally schedule time to relax and Intentionally schedule time to relax and do nothing after the big win. So, for do nothing after the big win. So, for do nothing after the big win. So, for me, it was actually the Uno course. me, it was actually the Uno course. me, it was actually the Uno course. That course is I've been working on it That course is I've been working on it That course is I've been working on it for months. It mobile development is for months. It mobile development is for months. It mobile development is really difficult because all the moving really difficult because all the moving really difficult because all the moving parts, and it felt like every time I parts, and it felt like every time I parts, and it felt like every time I make progress, something else would slow make progress, something else would slow make progress, something else would slow me down.

me down. me down. There was pressure to get it right, and There was pressure to get it right, and There was pressure to get it right, and it made it felt like every other project it made it felt like every other project it made it felt like every other project and task made it harder. and task made it harder. and task made it harder. So, I made slow, steady progress in the So, I made slow, steady progress in the So, I made slow, steady progress in the course while still working on climbing course while still working on climbing course while still working on climbing out. I was able to complete the course out. I was able to complete the course out. I was able to complete the course and celebrate a big win. and celebrate a big win. and celebrate a big win. I was even able to complete it in time I was even able to complete it in time I was even able to complete it in time for a conference trip I trip I took with for a conference trip I trip I took with for a conference trip I trip I took with my wife, which I did nothing on. I was my wife, which I did nothing on. I was my wife, which I did nothing on. I was pretty much a bum. She was at the pretty much a bum. She was at the pretty much a bum. She was at the conference. I was there for 2 days. I conference. I was there for 2 days. I conference. I was there for 2 days. I went and took pictures in the woods. went and took pictures in the woods. went and took pictures in the woods. Like, I got to relax and just breathe. Like, I got to relax and just breathe. Like, I got to relax and just breathe. And then, recently I hit the beach and And then, recently I hit the beach and And then, recently I hit the beach and just spent time just spent time just spent time relaxing and enjoying life and listening relaxing and enjoying life and listening relaxing and enjoying life and listening to the waves and and walking in the sand to the waves and and walking in the sand to the waves and and walking in the sand and and doing things that just refill and and doing things that just refill and and doing things that just refill me. Okay? So, those are the things that me. Okay? So, those are the things that me. Okay? So, those are the things that I've done after that big win. I've done after that big win. I've done after that big win. Now, Now, Now, number five, identify if you need a number five, identify if you need a number five, identify if you need a permanent change. So, not every permanent change. So, not every permanent change. So, not every situation is fixable. Sometimes what you situation is fixable. Sometimes what you situation is fixable. Sometimes what you identify is that that thing that's identify is that that thing that's identify is that that thing that's burning you out, burning you out, burning you out, it's not preventable.

it's not preventable. it's not preventable. So, maybe you work at a game company So, maybe you work at a game company So, maybe you work at a game company where they're like, "You know what? where they're like, "You know what? where they're like, "You know what? We're going into crunch mode and we're We're going into crunch mode and we're We're going into crunch mode and we're going to be working, you know, 7 days a going to be working, you know, 7 days a going to be working, you know, 7 days a week at 16 hours a day for week at 16 hours a day for week at 16 hours a day for life." Sometimes, you know, like maybe life." Sometimes, you know, like maybe life." Sometimes, you know, like maybe you can't prevent that. you can't prevent that. you can't prevent that. And you look at that and go, "Hmm, And you look at that and go, "Hmm, And you look at that and go, "Hmm, you know, maybe I can't have enough you know, maybe I can't have enough you know, maybe I can't have enough change in my life to accommodate this change in my life to accommodate this change in my life to accommodate this and not burn out." and not burn out." and not burn out." So, once you identify the source So, once you identify the source So, once you identify the source and you start climbing out and hopefully and you start climbing out and hopefully and you start climbing out and hopefully you found a big win, you found a big win, you found a big win, identify if you can prevent burnout in identify if you can prevent burnout in identify if you can prevent burnout in the future. Because if you can't, the future. Because if you can't, the future. Because if you can't, that's going to be a big deal. You need that's going to be a big deal. You need that's going to be a big deal. You need to make a change then. However, I would to make a change then. However, I would to make a change then. However, I would highly encourage you, highly encourage you, highly encourage you, try very hard not to make a big decision try very hard not to make a big decision try very hard not to make a big decision at your lowest point. At your lowest point, things look the At your lowest point, things look the worst. worst. worst. And if you climb out, and if you start And if you climb out, and if you start And if you climb out, and if you start to see wins, and if you start to to see wins, and if you start to to see wins, and if you start to see color come back into see color come back into see color come back into life, and if you start to see, you know, life, and if you start to see, you know, life, and if you start to see, you know, you can smile again, you can start to you can smile again, you can start to you can smile again, you can start to feel like you're back to where you your feel like you're back to where you your feel like you're back to where you your old self, old self, old self, that's when you can make a better that's when you can make a better that's when you can make a better decision.

decision. decision. So, try really hard not to make a big So, try really hard not to make a big So, try really hard not to make a big decision at your lowest point because decision at your lowest point because decision at your lowest point because you might make a decision that you might make a decision that you might make a decision that isn't one you would have made once you isn't one you would have made once you isn't one you would have made once you got out of burnout. got out of burnout. got out of burnout. Okay? And also, make sure you're not Okay? And also, make sure you're not Okay? And also, make sure you're not trying to just escape normal hard work. trying to just escape normal hard work. trying to just escape normal hard work. Work can be hard. And you know what? Work can be hard. And you know what? Work can be hard. And you know what? Hard work Hard work Hard work it happens. It's it's part of life. And it happens. It's it's part of life. And it happens. It's it's part of life. And sometimes, your boss is even going to sometimes, your boss is even going to sometimes, your boss is even going to ask you for overtime. ask you for overtime. ask you for overtime. It This is going to happen a lot of It This is going to happen a lot of It This is going to happen a lot of jobs, especially as a software jobs, especially as a software jobs, especially as a software developer. developer. developer. The number of software developers who The number of software developers who The number of software developers who only work 40 hours a week isn't nearly only work 40 hours a week isn't nearly only work 40 hours a week isn't nearly as large as people think it is. There's as large as people think it is. There's as large as people think it is. There's a lot of companies that ask for a lot of companies that ask for a lot of companies that ask for overtime. There's a lot of situations overtime. There's a lot of situations overtime. There's a lot of situations that come up where you have to sprint or that come up where you have to sprint or that come up where you have to sprint or your your your your your your company says you have to sprint um and company says you have to sprint um and company says you have to sprint um and you have to do extra work. And some of you have to do extra work. And some of you have to do extra work. And some of that may be normal. that may be normal. that may be normal. And you know what? Some of that may be And you know what? Some of that may be And you know what? Some of that may be something where you say, "Well, I can't something where you say, "Well, I can't something where you say, "Well, I can't do that."

do that." do that." Either [clears throat] it's not a career Either [clears throat] it's not a career Either [clears throat] it's not a career for you or maybe it's something that you for you or maybe it's something that you for you or maybe it's something that you need to figure out how to work through. need to figure out how to work through. need to figure out how to work through. Now, I'm not saying that abusive Now, I'm not saying that abusive Now, I'm not saying that abusive relationships are okay and I'm not relationships are okay and I'm not relationships are okay and I'm not saying you should stay in one. I'm not saying you should stay in one. I'm not saying you should stay in one. I'm not saying that your your company should saying that your your company should saying that your your company should abuse you and take advantage of you and abuse you and take advantage of you and abuse you and take advantage of you and and you know, hurt you. I'm not saying and you know, hurt you. I'm not saying and you know, hurt you. I'm not saying that, but you got to figure out where that, but you got to figure out where that, but you got to figure out where that line is. And that line may be that line is. And that line may be that line is. And that line may be different for you versus me or me versus different for you versus me or me versus different for you versus me or me versus somebody else. So, be careful there, somebody else. So, be careful there, somebody else. So, be careful there, too, but make sure that you're not too, but make sure that you're not too, but make sure that you're not trying to escape something that is trying to escape something that is trying to escape something that is is not uncommon and you're going to find is not uncommon and you're going to find is not uncommon and you're going to find the next place, too. the next place, too. the next place, too. Okay? Be careful that you you evaluate Okay? Be careful that you you evaluate Okay? Be careful that you you evaluate that and make sure that it's not that and make sure that it's not that and make sure that it's not something that just requires you to make something that just requires you to make something that just requires you to make changes. I've seen people who have changes. I've seen people who have changes. I've seen people who have burned out and who struggled because burned out and who struggled because burned out and who struggled because they didn't have boundaries and they they didn't have boundaries and they they didn't have boundaries and they allowed people to push them around. And allowed people to push them around. And allowed people to push them around. And maybe that's part of it, too, is you maybe that's part of it, too, is you maybe that's part of it, too, is you need to say, "Hey, you know what?

need to say, "Hey, you know what? need to say, "Hey, you know what? This is my contract. My contract says I This is my contract. My contract says I This is my contract. My contract says I work 40 hours a week and you're asking work 40 hours a week and you're asking work 40 hours a week and you're asking for constant 60. I can do that once in a for constant 60. I can do that once in a for constant 60. I can do that once in a while. I can't do that every week." while. I can't do that every week." while. I can't do that every week." Um maybe you say, "You know what? I I Um maybe you say, "You know what? I I Um maybe you say, "You know what? I I can't be on call 24/7. That's just not" can't be on call 24/7. That's just not" can't be on call 24/7. That's just not" and then have a negotiation and talk and then have a negotiation and talk and then have a negotiation and talk about your contract and talk about what about your contract and talk about what about your contract and talk about what you can can't do and have a frank you can can't do and have a frank you can can't do and have a frank conversation about conversation about conversation about either I I can't be here or I have to either I I can't be here or I have to either I I can't be here or I have to have a change. have a change. have a change. So, sometimes it means So, sometimes it means So, sometimes it means figure out how to work better in your figure out how to work better in your figure out how to work better in your situation and maybe not be quite as situation and maybe not be quite as situation and maybe not be quite as passive about allowing yourself to be passive about allowing yourself to be passive about allowing yourself to be misused. misused. misused. So, So, So, the other part of this is avoid quitting the other part of this is avoid quitting the other part of this is avoid quitting without a plan and a runway. without a plan and a runway. without a plan and a runway. Too often I see people just jump off the Too often I see people just jump off the Too often I see people just jump off the cliff. cliff. cliff. And And And that can be scary because it can that can be scary because it can that can be scary because it can actually add to burnout. Because now you actually add to burnout. Because now you actually add to burnout. Because now you have no job and no plan, and you can see have no job and no plan, and you can see have no job and no plan, and you can see your bank account balance going to zero. your bank account balance going to zero. your bank account balance going to zero. And you're like, "Oh, no." And you're like, "Oh, no." And you're like, "Oh, no." If at all possible, If at all possible, If at all possible, try to have a plan and a runway. Now, try to have a plan and a runway. Now, try to have a plan and a runway. Now, again, sometimes you can't do that.

again, sometimes you can't do that. again, sometimes you can't do that. Sometimes you just have to escape. But Sometimes you just have to escape. But Sometimes you just have to escape. But if you can, if you can, if you can, avoid quitting without a plan or a avoid quitting without a plan or a avoid quitting without a plan or a runway. runway. runway. Now, for me, Now, for me, Now, for me, I was able to make some changes while I was able to make some changes while I was able to make some changes while learning how to better handle pressure, learning how to better handle pressure, learning how to better handle pressure, how to avoid situations that overly how to avoid situations that overly how to avoid situations that overly increase pressure, increase pressure, increase pressure, and how to ask for help. and how to ask for help. and how to ask for help. Most of my situation was outside of my Most of my situation was outside of my Most of my situation was outside of my control. control. control. It's going to happen again. So, I worked It's going to happen again. So, I worked It's going to happen again. So, I worked on better ways of surviving and thriving on better ways of surviving and thriving on better ways of surviving and thriving in those situations. in those situations. in those situations. But mostly, I learned to be okay with But mostly, I learned to be okay with But mostly, I learned to be okay with survival mode. survival mode. survival mode. So, So, So, I'm not I can't escape my situation I'm not I can't escape my situation I'm not I can't escape my situation necessarily because my situation necessarily because my situation necessarily because my situation half of it had to do with things outside half of it had to do with things outside half of it had to do with things outside of my control. Most of it had to do with of my control. Most of it had to do with of my control. Most of it had to do with things outside of my control. And things outside of my control. And things outside of my control. And that's part of life. And there are ways that's part of life. And there are ways that's part of life. And there are ways I could I could have done it better. And I could I could have done it better. And I could I could have done it better. And there are ways I could have set myself there are ways I could have set myself there are ways I could have set myself up for success so that I didn't burn up for success so that I didn't burn up for success so that I didn't burn out. And you know what? I've learned out. And you know what? I've learned out. And you know what? I've learned from that, and I've put some things in from that, and I've put some things in from that, and I've put some things in place to hopefully prevent that in the place to hopefully prevent that in the place to hopefully prevent that in the future, and to be better future, and to be better future, and to be better before then. So, I'm I'm better off before then. So, I'm I'm better off before then. So, I'm I'm better off until I get into a bad situation, and until I get into a bad situation, and until I get into a bad situation, and then I'm still have good protections in then I'm still have good protections in then I'm still have good protections in place, and I'm okay with being in place, and I'm okay with being in place, and I'm okay with being in survival mode.

survival mode. survival mode. Number six, Number six, Number six, protect your recovery. protect your recovery. protect your recovery. You're going to start to have more free You're going to start to have more free You're going to start to have more free time. When you start to recover, when time. When you start to recover, when time. When you start to recover, when you start to get out from underneath you start to get out from underneath you start to get out from underneath things, you've said no to, you know, fun things, you've said no to, you know, fun things, you've said no to, you know, fun events, you've said no to, you know, events, you've said no to, you know, events, you've said no to, you know, side projects, you said no to learning side projects, you said no to learning side projects, you said no to learning extra things, you know, to grow your extra things, you know, to grow your extra things, you know, to grow your career. career. career. Those things have left gaps, hopefully, Those things have left gaps, hopefully, Those things have left gaps, hopefully, in your schedule. And you're going to in your schedule. And you're going to in your schedule. And you're going to have more free time. And at some point have more free time. And at some point have more free time. And at some point you're going to feel like, man, you're going to feel like, man, you're going to feel like, man, I I'm feeling a bit better. I can start I I'm feeling a bit better. I can start I I'm feeling a bit better. I can start filling that back up. Be careful don't filling that back up. Be careful don't filling that back up. Be careful don't to to to that you don't just fill it back up. that you don't just fill it back up. that you don't just fill it back up. Allow yourself room to breathe. Allow yourself room to breathe. Allow yourself room to breathe. Now, that doesn't mean you never fill it Now, that doesn't mean you never fill it Now, that doesn't mean you never fill it up, but be careful that you don't just up, but be careful that you don't just up, but be careful that you don't just fill it up too quickly. fill it up too quickly. fill it up too quickly. Okay? Number two, write out what you've Okay? Number two, write out what you've Okay? Number two, write out what you've learned through your recovery process learned through your recovery process learned through your recovery process and work on not repeating any mistakes and work on not repeating any mistakes and work on not repeating any mistakes you've made. you've made. you've made. We all make mistakes, We all make mistakes, We all make mistakes, and sometimes admitting it is the first and sometimes admitting it is the first and sometimes admitting it is the first first step, but we all make mistakes. Be first step, but we all make mistakes. Be first step, but we all make mistakes. Be careful that you don't careful that you don't careful that you don't forget the lessons of the past and forget the lessons of the past and forget the lessons of the past and repeat them.

repeat them. repeat them. So, if you don't learn from history, So, if you don't learn from history, So, if you don't learn from history, you're going to repeat it. So, try you're going to repeat it. So, try you're going to repeat it. So, try really hard to write it out. really hard to write it out. really hard to write it out. That way when you have in your brain you That way when you have in your brain you That way when you have in your brain you go, yeah, I know what what happened. go, yeah, I know what what happened. go, yeah, I know what what happened. Write it out, because you'll find out Write it out, because you'll find out Write it out, because you'll find out that you're like, but what what did that you're like, but what what did that you're like, but what what did happen? happen? happen? Writing it out will help you solidify Writing it out will help you solidify Writing it out will help you solidify and crystallize what you actually and crystallize what you actually and crystallize what you actually learned, what actually happened, and learned, what actually happened, and learned, what actually happened, and what your steps are to avoid that. what your steps are to avoid that. what your steps are to avoid that. Also, identify potential situations Also, identify potential situations Also, identify potential situations earlier and work to head them off. earlier and work to head them off. earlier and work to head them off. When you see yourself coming into a When you see yourself coming into a When you see yourself coming into a situation that is going to lead to situation that is going to lead to situation that is going to lead to burnout, work on doing things to head burnout, work on doing things to head burnout, work on doing things to head that off. that off. that off. If your boss comes to you and says, If your boss comes to you and says, If your boss comes to you and says, "We're going to crunch the next month to "We're going to crunch the next month to "We're going to crunch the next month to get this application out by the get this application out by the get this application out by the deadline." Well, that's heading into deadline." Well, that's heading into deadline." Well, that's heading into burnout if you're not careful. Now, burnout if you're not careful. Now, burnout if you're not careful. Now, fortunately, a month fortunately, a month fortunately, a month you usually can get through a month and you usually can get through a month and you usually can get through a month and survive and then come out the other side survive and then come out the other side survive and then come out the other side and and kind of it's stress then and you and and kind of it's stress then and you and and kind of it's stress then and you can kind of recover from stress by can kind of recover from stress by can kind of recover from stress by taking a vacation or taking a few days taking a vacation or taking a few days taking a vacation or taking a few days off work, whatever. Um but maybe you off work, whatever. Um but maybe you off work, whatever. Um but maybe you can't or maybe you see that a month is can't or maybe you see that a month is can't or maybe you see that a month is actually going to be three months or actually going to be three months or actually going to be three months or whatever. Well, whatever. Well, whatever. Well, work to set yourself up for success in work to set yourself up for success in work to set yourself up for success in that. Maybe cut back at other things in that. Maybe cut back at other things in that. Maybe cut back at other things in your life to try and give yourselves a your life to try and give yourselves a your life to try and give yourselves a continued margin.

continued margin. continued margin. And yes, that hurts. The fact that your And yes, that hurts. The fact that your And yes, that hurts. The fact that your your work life is cutting into your your work life is cutting into your your work life is cutting into your personal life. And personal life. And personal life. And you know what? you know what? you know what? You need to protect yourself. So, be You need to protect yourself. So, be You need to protect yourself. So, be careful how you balance that, but figure careful how you balance that, but figure careful how you balance that, but figure out a balance there to keep continue to out a balance there to keep continue to out a balance there to keep continue to give yourself margin, to continue to give yourself margin, to continue to give yourself margin, to continue to give yourself relief from that that give yourself relief from that that give yourself relief from that that weight. weight. weight. So, So, So, also, also, also, be okay with not being fully recovered be okay with not being fully recovered be okay with not being fully recovered at all. at all. at all. Okay? So, maybe you're not fully Okay? So, maybe you're not fully Okay? So, maybe you're not fully recovered after burnout. Maybe it's recovered after burnout. Maybe it's recovered after burnout. Maybe it's going to take a long time. going to take a long time. going to take a long time. It may take months to fully recover. It It may take months to fully recover. It It may take months to fully recover. It may still have lingering effects. And may still have lingering effects. And may still have lingering effects. And that can be okay. that can be okay. that can be okay. So, be okay with it, you know, not So, be okay with it, you know, not So, be okay with it, you know, not recovering all at once, not just have recovering all at once, not just have recovering all at once, not just have this line of saying where all of a this line of saying where all of a this line of saying where all of a sudden, you know, life is great again. sudden, you know, life is great again. sudden, you know, life is great again. So, for me, I have worked on reducing my So, for me, I have worked on reducing my So, for me, I have worked on reducing my workload. I have worked on taking workload. I have worked on taking workload. I have worked on taking intentional time to relax. There are intentional time to relax. There are intentional time to relax. There are some days I sit down at my computer, some days I sit down at my computer, some days I sit down at my computer, look at it, and go, "Nope." Get back up look at it, and go, "Nope." Get back up look at it, and go, "Nope." Get back up and walk out in nature. Because I'm and walk out in nature. Because I'm and walk out in nature. Because I'm like, "You know what? I just I'm having like, "You know what? I just I'm having like, "You know what? I just I'm having a hard time today." And that can be a hard time today." And that can be a hard time today." And that can be okay, especially when your job allows okay, especially when your job allows okay, especially when your job allows it. Now, some jobs don't allow that.

it. Now, some jobs don't allow that. it. Now, some jobs don't allow that. I've got a very very flexible job. Some I've got a very very flexible job. Some I've got a very very flexible job. Some jobs aren't that flexible. So, you know jobs aren't that flexible. So, you know jobs aren't that flexible. So, you know what? You take the time at lunch instead what? You take the time at lunch instead what? You take the time at lunch instead of eating your desk, of eating your desk, of eating your desk, go sit in the park to eat. You know, go sit in the park to eat. You know, go sit in the park to eat. You know, take time to take time to take time to relax, take time to relax, take time to relax, take time to identify again these issues and see if identify again these issues and see if identify again these issues and see if you can do to reduce that workload. you can do to reduce that workload. you can do to reduce that workload. And then I've taken I've worked on And then I've taken I've worked on And then I've taken I've worked on celebrating my wins. Too often I've I've celebrating my wins. Too often I've I've celebrating my wins. Too often I've I've done things where done things where done things where I complete it and just move on to the I complete it and just move on to the I complete it and just move on to the next thing. And I don't take time to go, next thing. And I don't take time to go, next thing. And I don't take time to go, "That was awesome. I got that. I did "That was awesome. I got that. I did "That was awesome. I got that. I did that. I'm going to, you know, that. I'm going to, you know, that. I'm going to, you know, go and have a cheeseburger um and just go and have a cheeseburger um and just go and have a cheeseburger um and just relax and enjoy this. relax and enjoy this. relax and enjoy this. Um Um Um so I've also worked on intentionally so I've also worked on intentionally so I've also worked on intentionally choosing to let things drop. choosing to let things drop. choosing to let things drop. I can't do everything. So let some let I can't do everything. So let some let I can't do everything. So let some let things drop because things drop because things drop because you're only human. You only have so much you're only human. You only have so much you're only human. You only have so much time in a day. You only have so much time in a day. You only have so much time in a day. You only have so much energy and ability. And sometimes you energy and ability. And sometimes you energy and ability. And sometimes you need to say, "You know what? I can't do need to say, "You know what? I can't do need to say, "You know what? I can't do this."

this." this." So So So burnout is really hard. It drags you burnout is really hard. It drags you burnout is really hard. It drags you down. It makes you feel terrible. And it down. It makes you feel terrible. And it down. It makes you feel terrible. And it tries to keep you locked in place. tries to keep you locked in place. tries to keep you locked in place. But there is an escape. It takes work. But there is an escape. It takes work. But there is an escape. It takes work. It takes time. And it can take help. But It takes time. And it can take help. But It takes time. And it can take help. But you can escape burnout. I hope this you can escape burnout. I hope this you can escape burnout. I hope this helps. I'm rooting for you. Thanks for helps. I'm rooting for you. Thanks for helps. I'm rooting for you. Thanks for watching. Thanks for listening. And as watching. Thanks for listening. And as watching. Thanks for listening. And as always, I am Tim Court.