Burnout Defined

Burnout is one of the misunderstood buzz words of today.

Parent burnout.

Teacher burnout.

Child burnout.

Contrary to popular believe, burnout doesn't just come from working too much.

It comes from doing too much work that doesn't move your life forward.

If someone works 90 hours a week, but it's for the purpose of getting completely out of debt in a year, that person won't burn out. There's a purpose to the work. And most importantly, an end date.

When a teacher works around the clock to start a new school, that teacher also won't burn out. Because it's for a larger purpose. One that will make a meaningful impact. And, as with all entrepreneurial endeavors, once "escape velocity" is reached, that person can ease up a bit.

It goes without saying that children will work for hours at something they're actually interested in. Kids don't experience burnout when they're enjoying their activities.

It's when parents are working around the clock with no end in sight and no higher purpose that true burnout sets in.

Or when the underpaid, overworked teacher has to experience the same 60-hour work week year after year with nothing to show for it.

Or, saddest of all, when children collapse under a mountain of assignments and extracurricular activities in the name of education. For what purpose, few kids know. "Undeclared" is not a major worth investing in, but that's what many end up resorting to.

Find purpose in your work. Figure out what kind of work moves the needle forward in your life and stick with that one. Drop everything else.

The one who takes these steps is the one who says goodbye to burnout.

And hello to possibilities.