The Energy Equation: Maximizing Output While Minimizing Burnout

As we turn the corner into a new season, I've got a question for you: Are you working through illness, sacrificing sleep, people-pleasing, or struggling to set boundaries? If you're nodding your head, trust me, you're not alone.

This month, I've been coaching some high-achieving leaders, and I've noticed some common themes. Stop me if any of these sound familiar:

… "I value balance, but I'm not sure how to achieve it while managing family and leading a high-performing team."

… "I don't listen to my body, and I end up getting sick."

… "I can't delegate yet because we're in the middle of a transformation, and there's no one to delegate to."

… "I want to take some big leaps in my career, but I don't know where I'm going to find the time to work on myself."

… “I get distracted easily and find myself multitasking on my phone all the time”

Ring any bells? If so, you might be caught up in what experts are calling "The Burnout Society." But don't worry, I've got your back! I've put together 5 simple steps to help you recharge for the new season.

1. Redefine Personal Success

Let's be real – are you stuck in a cycle where your personal worth comes from your achievements? It's time to hit pause and recognize your inherent value. Here's a tool I love: Gallup CliftonStrengths® assessment.

I've been using it for over 12 years (in my former corporate career and as a consultant). It's a game-changer! The assessment helps you understand your unique talents and can boost your energy, productivity, and confidence. Once you know what makes you tick, we can work on developing your personal mission statement and aligning your core values and goals.

2. Flip the Script on Productivity and Prioritization

Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It's an oldie but a goodie. The idea is that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Mind-blowing, right? Take a moment to evaluate your work. Which tasks give you the biggest bang for your buck? Spend time on most important tasks, not time management. 

Use tools like The Strengths Journal™ to tap into your unique CliftonStrengths® every day (hello, energy boost!) and prioritize your top 3 tasks with a plan to assign your unique strengths to give you a boost to get the activities completed. 

I used to procrastinate and then get frustrated because I was thinking I had more time. Now what I do is give myself blocks in the day to get a project done. Once I started using this system, my mindset changed and nothing seemed insurmountable. Remember, it's about working smarter, not harder.

3. Treat Your Body Like a Pro Athlete

I recently had an amazing chat on my podcast with Dr. Ruth Gotian, fresh from the Paris Olympics. She's observed Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, NBA champions, and Olympians up close. 

Want to know their secret? Rest and recovery. Yes, you read that right. These high achievers understand that rest days are crucial. So, if it's good enough for Olympians, it's good enough for us office warriors, right? Check out her interview here.

4. Set Boundaries (Yes, It's Okay to Say No!)

Here's a mind-bender for you: When you say yes to someone else, you might be saying no to yourself. As a recovering people-pleaser (yep, that's me!), I've learned that setting boundaries is crucial. Did you know that according to a 2022 YouGov poll, 49% of U.S. adults identify as people-pleasers? That's a lot of us saying yes when we really want to say no!

Start small. Pick one or two boundaries that will have the biggest impact on your life and career. For me, it was blocking out daily time with my husband and weekly time to work on my personal development. Once you're clear on your boundaries, let everyone know. Trust me, it's liberating!

5. Practice Active Presence

One of my clients recently confessed he struggles to stay present in meetings and at home with his family,  often finding himself distracted by his phone or mentally preparing his next comment instead of truly listening. Sound familiar? Here's a simple yet powerful technique to try: Next time you're in a meeting, or with your family, start by putting your phone on "Focus" mode or "Do Not Disturb." This small act can make a world of difference in reducing distractions.

Then, focus intently on each speaker, one at a time. By committing to their presence and actively listening to what they're saying, you'll find yourself naturally more engaged with the speaker’s content. This focused attention not only helps you stay in the moment but also creates a more conversational atmosphere. Plus, when you give someone your full attention, they're likely to notice – and appreciate it.

This practice of active presence, combined with minimizing digital distractions, can transform your meetings and personal relationships from time-sucks into productive, engaging conversations. Give it a shot and see how it changes your experience!

***

So, there you have it, folks! Five steps to help you break free from burnout  and start living your best life. Remember, it's not about doing more – it's about doing what matters most.