Self care is NOT the answer to beating burn out!

Despite what you’ve been led to believe – self care is NOT the answer to beating burn out!

Yes, it’s important… but a little more sleep, a hot bath and a walk on the beach at sunrise is not going to fix how you’re feeling.

Whether it’s a fuzzy head, a lack of motivation, excessive tiredness, an inability to concentrate or a cold you’re unable to shake – all of these could be signs that you’re on the brink of burnout.

With all we’ve been dealing with over the last 18 months, you’re definitely not alone if you think you might be. I’ve had MANY conversations with mid career women who are right there with you.

I bet you’ve said to yourself – “I’ll be ok if only I could have a holiday, or get a good night’s sleep, or once we get through this latest round of lockdowns and home schooling.”

But will you?

I’m a HUGE advocate of self care and have doubled down my own efforts over the last 18 months.

But it’s not enough.

Because it’s doesn’t get to the root of the problem.

It’s like trying to swat one mosquito at a time to rid yourself of an infestation of the pesky pests rather than draining the swamp where the mosquito’s live.

So, what’s the solution?

Well, we need to look more deeply.

We need to drain the swamp that’s leading you toward burn out.

Here’s where I’d suggest you look for the answer …

• Are you in the right role – or have you drifted too far from what lights you up, brings you joy and allows you to play to your strengths?
• Do your values align with the values of the organisation you work for or are their values fundamentally at odds with what you care most deeply about?
• Are your habits tripping you up? Let’s take a look at your boundaries, your tendency to strive for perfection, the way you drive yourself hard to deliver results, your commitment to your to do list. These habits may have all worked in your favour in the past but at this level of leadership are just as likely to get in your way.

So, if you’ve got a niggling feeling that burnout may be knocking at your door, I have 2 key things I want you to know.

1. Be kind to yourself. Nothing good comes from hiding or ignoring or beating yourself up about how you’re feeling. Showing yourself some kindness and compassion is the first step.

2. Drain that swamp. Let’s fix this at the root cause. It will be way quicker and more sustainable than focusing purely on a little self care.

Does this resonate? Let me know in the comments.

Jane

P.S. If you’re a mid career professional woman who is ready to beat burnout and invest time and energy in your professional development, here are some ways I can help you:

1. Join the Leading Ladies to connect with mid career professional women

It’s our FREE Facebook community where talented professional women, dedicated to growing into their full leadership potential, connect and share. Click here to join the group.

2. Join our Ignite Program to achieve more while working less.

I’m working with a small group of mid career professional women for the next 10 weeks to help them step up as leaders, have a bigger impact and get the recognition they deserve - without working harder. If you’re feeling stuck, under-appreciated or nearing burnout, send me a message and I'll get you all the details.

3. Work with me privately

If you’d like to work directly with me to help you to take the next step in your career... just send me a message ... tell me a little about where you’re at and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll arrange a time for us to connect.