I would speculate that much of our ongoing burn-out has to do with the things we haven’t quit. Ways that we show up in the workplace, and other parts of our lives, that leave us hardwired to experience it. In short, the common denominator is us. And no matter what the job position is, whether our work is in the office or remote, or how positive our work environment is, we can still find ourselves right back in the thick of burn out. Until we decide to hand in our resignation for the things we do that contribute to it.

“I used to work 7 days a week, but now I’m so unfocused and unmotivated.”

I sat up in my chair, my spine like a metal rod. The words came out of my client’s mouth, but I can’t say that I hadn’t thought something similar.

For decades, burnout has been considered a condition of the work environment, but in the past few years the idea of burnout has permeated both our workplaces and personal lives. And while you can Google countless lists of more things to add to your to-do list to combat burnout, this month’s conversations are more focused on small things that you can sprinkle into your daily life to nourish yourself.

You used to love your work. You remember a time where the hours flew by and you were energized by focusing on the task at hand. You didn’t mind working through lunch or staying late into the evening. You’re good at what you do and it feels good for others to see the good work that you do and compliment you on it. You were high-producing, meeting the most challenging goals and deadlines. And you were not only proud of the work that you did, but felt like you were connected to your coworkers.

This year, we’ve tentatively moved into what feels more “normal” and yet given everything we’ve been through in the past two years, what really is normal anyway? One thing that is sure to remain constant, pandemic or not, are the feelings that come up as a result of the holidays

The push harder-get things done-grit your teeth and get through it way has taken a toll. And that toll has been inflated through the past two years. There’s only so much more that your body will take of this way of handling the hard things in life.