I started out this year by asking myself this one very simple question:
What am I committed to doing this year?
Now for me this question isn’t about the ‘doing’ bit, not the ‘to do’lists or juggling stuff, no, it is all about the commitment end of things. To me that means throwing myself heart and soul into whatever is on my viewmaster at that moment in time. It’s about how I live. It’s about being truthful with myself. It’s about overcoming that sneaky form of fear that undermines commitment. Mostly it’s about living enthusiastically, energetically and ‘spirit-fully’ (I don’t think that’s a real word, but it’s my word and I’m committing to it!)
As The Burnout Queens we get asked pretty regularly how we live so we don’t burnout and ‘make it look so easy’. Most people expect us to list-off the usual things: say No, set goals, make a plan, don’t take on too much, and live the ‘perfectly’ balanced life! (Wrong answer! SOUND THE LOUD BUZZER PLEASE!!! )
If you want to live your life without burnout you have to burnout proof your life.
(tweet this)
Now that has nothing to do with sorting the stuff in your life and everything to do with YOU. Ask yourself: Are you happy? Are you fulfilled? Are you pursuing your dreams? Do you believe in yourself? Do you live consciously? Do you live with confidence? Do you understand the who, how, and why of your heart and soul? If you can’t say ‘yes’ to these questions, well that’s where burnout gets its footing.
Here’s some things to consider:
First, there is no such thing as work/life balance! You have been fed a myth with royal proportions!
Next, stress is a good thing, embrace it and give it style…your style! (What’s your other option? It’s not going to go away!)
Finally, being Highly Sensitive with your oh so fab combo of characteristics you are primed to be brave, bold and bigger than you ever thought possible. You are definitely not a shrinking violet!
There’s plenty more, but now we’re really talking burnout proofing your life. Oh we know, it’s not a stylish, trendy, or cutesy phrase is it? (We tried to think of some other ‘popsy’ way of saying it, but nothing worked.)
Burnout proof your life. It’s practical, to the point, and it completely describes what you get in the box!
Well that’s good because burnout proofing your life can mean the difference between success and (we won’t even whisper that other nasty word!). Most importantly it is very very doable! And, wow, these days, it is necessary if you don’t want to end up exhausted and feeling like you are drowning under the sheer volume of obligations, responsibilities, choices, decisions, problems, worries, fears for the future, and even all the fun and entertaining stuff you try to cram in. (Oh come on admit it, sometimes you make social plans and then end up moaning that you don’t have time or are just too tired to be social and would rather curl up with a cuppa! ) .
Now just cause burnout proofing your life sounds so darn practical, or dare we say, even dull (Never! The Burnout Queens don’t do dull!) it doesn’t mean it is. In fact, think opposite; it’s creative, inspiring, fun, fulfilling and expanding.
When you burnout proof your life you get to live spirit-fully and enthusiastically.
You will make a commitment to yourself at such a deep level that things just start making sense. You don’t even have to try to ‘find balance’ (which is like trying to find the holy grail!) your life naturally develops a rhythm and an equilibrium. You don’t have to worry about ‘finding your meaning and purpose’ (we heard that audible sigh of relief) you will be living it in small ways, big ways, inside and out. Now that’s meaningful and soulful.
So, that’s what I’m committing to this year, living another burnout free year, and that means living in full colour and being willing to defy ordinary. Oh, and have a bunch of adventures along the way. Are you ready to come along?
YES? (OK, cue the choir!!!)
Here’s one great tip:
You know it’s coming don’t you…don’t you? (Could I have been more obvious?)
Write down your answer to this one ever so important question…you could change your life with your answer!
What are you committed to doing this year?
Until next time…Grab Life by the Crown!
