The Cure for Burnout

In all honesty, I don't think there is any such thing as “burnout.” No one ever really burns out. They merely lose their curiosity and drive to improve themselves. And that is the core problem that I address today.
People work single-mindedly to enter university, pass difficult tests, and achieve career goals. These acts in themselves are not bad. The problem is that in exchange for all this effort, people sometimes lose their ability to see the full breadth of the world. This saps their drive and curiosity. Here’s how to get that back:
Set goals. Participating in a marathon without a goal is excruciating. When you achieve a goal, set an even bigger one. Challenge yourself to constantly improve.
Form rivalries. The world is large. No matter where you go in it, you will always be able to find someone better than you. When you become tired of putting so much effort into something, just remember that somewhere there is someone putting in even more effort. And do not forget that greater joy lies on the other side of greater effort.
Study. Far too often, when people enter the workplace, they think their era of studying and learning is over. The reason why people need to study even after entering the workforce is so their curiosity does not wither away.
When you can rediscover your drive and curiosity, you’ll find your case of burnout has been cured. And when you improve yourself, perhaps you’ll find that you never really “burned out” at all. You just needed to regain your forward momentum.
(Photo: Jan Willem van Wessel, Flickr)

Featured on: