Rethinking 'Work Hard, Play Hard'
Explore how to rethink the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality to prevent burnout and improve mental health. Learn practical steps to assess stress, challenge limiting beliefs, and build a balanced approach to leadership and well-being.
Stop burning out: rethink success now.
For many years, my generation believed in “work hard, play hard.” We thought that working as much as possible was the only way to achieve success. But this way of thinking has caused many of us to face burnout.
Burnout is very common today. Research shows that many people feel tired, stressed, and disconnected from their jobs. A survey by Deloitte in 2020 found that 77% of professionals have experienced burnout at their current job. The World Health Organization now even recognizes burnout as a real problem at work. It includes feelings of exhaustion, negativity about the job, and reduced performance.
I experienced burnout myself. I pushed myself too hard and ended up in a clinic. There, I learned an important lesson: burnout does not mean you are a failure. It does not mean you cannot handle stress. In fact, burnout often affects people who are ambitious, who aim for perfection, and who want to make everyone happy.
To prevent burnout, it is important to be aware of your state of mind and the level of stress you are experiencing. Here are some steps you can take:
Check in with yourself daily: Take a few moments each day to ask yourself how you are feeling. Are you tired, stressed, or anxious? Being aware of these feelings is the first step to managing them.
Monitor your stress levels: Notice when you feel overwhelmed or under too much pressure. Keep a journal to track when you feel most stressed and what triggers those feelings. This can help you understand your stress patterns and find ways to reduce them.
Examine your beliefs: Ask yourself what beliefs you have about work and success. Do you believe that you have to work all the time to be successful? Do you think that taking a break means you are lazy? Challenge these beliefs and consider if they are helping or hurting you.
Set healthy boundaries: Make sure you have clear boundaries between work and personal time. This can help prevent burnout and ensure you have time to relax and recharge.
Seek support: Talk to a therapist, coach, or trusted friend about your feelings and experiences. They can offer guidance and support to help you manage stress and avoid burnout.
After my experience with burnout, I did a lot of deep work to learn about my own beliefs. I wanted to find out who I am and what makes me happy. I learned to see the difference between what I did because of society’s rules or my family’s expectations and what I really wanted. Through therapy and coaching, I found a new, stable, and happy version of myself.
Now, I help other professionals rethink their beliefs about work and life. I teach them new, positive habits to be successful while keeping their mental health in balance. Leadership is not just about working hard; it is also about being resilient and taking care of yourself.
If you are ready to change your thinking and find a better balance, I am here to help. Let’s work together to build a healthier approach to success and well-being. Contact me to start your journey today.
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