Burnout is a big stumbling block to productivity. It is a bit like clinical depression where you are not sure it is coming, but when it hits, recovery is painful. In this episode, we look at some of the signs of burnout and even some warning signs. However, we do not stop there. We also look at ways to stay productive, push hard, and still avoid burnout. Burnout Comes in Many Forms There are many ways that burnout will appear. It may be a lack of getting up in the morning and a constant feeling of exhaustion. However, it often is much more subtle. The ability to focus may become difficult and productivity slumps rather than crashes. There may also be a trend towards doing work on the edges that is easy, but busywork rather than truly useful. For example, when you spend hours on getting a button on one screen to look right rather than address the functionality launched when it is clicked. Finding Balance The key to avoiding burnout is finding a routine that does not drain you at the end of the day, week, or month. Also, there needs to be a steady stream of progress that you can see in your work. Spinning your wheels can quickly lead to burnout. Productivity is not always a cure for burnout. Completing tasks that do not have a value (i.e. busywork) is a form of working harder rather than smarter. This approach leads to a drain on mental and physical resources as well as morale. Burnout is often close behind this. Thus, the key to avoiding burnout is to have achievable goals that are regularly met. The key is to create goals that require effort, but not so much that it leaves people exhausted. Consider how a marathon runner sets their pace. They will not do well if they sprint at full speed until exhausted, then recover, and then repeat. They succeed when they set a fast pace that they can maintain. Work With Your Nature We have talked about natural rhythm and internal clocks often to improve our lives. This situation is no different. When you have a work schedule that goes with your natural flow burnout will be less likely. This solution is a challenge though as each person is different. Trial and error seem to be the best way to find what works best for you.
