Ever been burned out?
Have you ever felt so drained of energy that you didn’t even want to make the effort to breathe? I know I have. I find myself getting caught in a rut where all I seem to be doing is spinning my wheels. Trust me, that is exhausting.
If you ever find yourself in this same situation, and who doesn’t, I found this interesting analogy written by Larry Julian, author of God is My CEO that was very helpful:
“When you are burned out, we drain others. Conversely, when we have an overflowing spirit, we inspire and energize others. We simply cant take burnout lightly. Perhaps a simple analogy will help us move in the right direction. Sometimes, we, like a car, have trouble getting going.
Diagnostic Step: Check whether the following symptoms exist
- My battery needs charging. (I have difficulty getting started in the morning)
- My idle is set too high. (The pace of my life is too hectic)
- I left the lights on overnight. (I don’t stop thinking about work when I go to bed.)
- I’m riding rough and need a tune up. (I’m not as effective at work as I would like to be.)
Repair Step #1: Charge the battery
- God is the source of my prayer and strength. Pray, give thanks, and gain perspective. One simple exercise is to count your blessings (literally). When you’re feeling particularly stressed, take a moment and rattle off a list of the things you are thankful for. “
Repair Step #2: Set the idle at the right speed
- Live the pace that’s right for you, not the world’s pace. Make the important things important and simplify your life by cutting back unnecessary externals.
Repair Step #3: Turn off your lights each night
- Put closure on each day. Create time to rest daily and weekly and make sure a good night’s sleep seperates each day.
Repair Step #4: Get a tune up
- Create a daily rejuvenation plan for the mind, boyd, and soul. Make sure each day has a morning, afternoon, and evening break.
Repair Step #5: Take a ride in the country
- Sometimes all we need is a change of scenery. It could be that a small break or vacation will do the trick.
- Sometimes, we may need to change our environment.
- If you perform Steps 1 through 5, and you still find your energy drained, you may need to find another environment, one that will rejuvenate your soul.
