In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment, burnout has become a common theme among leaders, from corporate executives to small business owners. Today, we’re looking at burnout, how we define success, and its role in creating stress. As the world has changed dramatically in recent years, so too has the weight on the shoulders of those leading organizations. Rising costs, inflation, and constant striving for more can overwhelm anyone. But perhaps it’s time we redefine what success means and approach leadership differently.
Burnout and the Cost of Constant Striving
Many leaders, whether they’re CEOs of large corporations or entrepreneurs running small businesses, often feel the relentless need to achieve more. This drive for continual growth—meeting shareholder expectations, hitting projections, expanding profit margins—creates huge amounts of pressure. It’s no wonder that CEOs are leaving their positions in droves, exhausted from the constant evaluation and expectations placed on them.
However, striving without pausing to reflect on what truly matters leads to burnout. And the mental toll of burnout can make it hard to see the meaning in what you do. It’s often not the tasks themselves that are daunting but the burden of chasing outdated ideas of success.
Redefining Success: A New Approach
I want to share Viktor Frankl’s powerful message from Man’s Search for Meaning: “Don’t aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you’re going to miss it.” Instead of endlessly pursuing goals like profit margins or a specific number of customers, step back and refocus on the journey, not just the destination.
Success, like happiness, isn’t something we chase—it’s something that follows when we focus on a cause greater than ourselves. When we detach from obsessing over results and instead lean into the process, the growth and fulfillment we seek naturally follow. In short, the success we desire will come when we stop fixating on it and instead focus on the present.
Steps to Combat Burnout
If you’re a leader feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or questioning your purpose, here are four actionable steps to help you regain your balance and refocus your efforts:
1. Rest and Refocus
The first step to combating burnout is recognizing that sometimes, you’re just tired—physically and mentally. When you’re juggling too many things or trying to tackle everything at once, exhaustion sets in. Take time to rest. Disconnect from distractions, refocus your efforts, and give yourself permission to pause. Whether it’s a day spent reading a book, walking in nature, or even snuggling with your pets, rest can help clear your mind and reset your energy.
2. Reflect on Your Achievements and Lessons
We often focus on what we haven’t done, overlooking the progress we’ve made. Reflection is essential for growth. It’s not just about hitting big goals but also about recognizing the lessons in every step of the journey.
For example, in 2015, I spent an entire year building systems for my business. At first, I thought I’d wasted time. But upon reflection, I realized I’d laid the foundation for future growth. Sometimes, the most valuable progress is not immediately visible, but it sets the stage for long-term success.
As an executive or business owner, take time to reflect on your wins, lessons, and areas of growth. What can you delegate or adjust? What have you been consuming mentally—are you feeding your mind with positive, growth-driven content or getting bogged down by unnecessary distractions?
3. Redefine Success
Once you’ve rested and reflected, it’s time to redefine what success truly means for you. Success isn’t just about numbers or revenue; it’s about fulfillment. Ask yourself: What does success feel like? It’s not just about how much money you make, but how aligned you feel with your purpose.
What are you working towards beyond financial goals? What is the higher purpose that drives your business? When you redefine success in this way, you can set clearer, more meaningful objectives that resonate with your core values.
4. Rise Up as a Rejuvenated Leader
After resting, reflecting, and redefining success, it’s time to rise. Burnout leaves us stuck in the day-to-day grind, but when we prioritize rest and reflection, we can rise above it and lead with renewed energy. This is the leader the world—and your business—needs you to be.
When you rise up with a clear vision and purpose, you can build a strong, empowered team. You’ll think more creatively, tackle challenges with confidence, and make decisions that benefit not only your bottom line but also your employees, community, and customers.
Prevent Burnout and Rise as a Leader
To prevent burnout and rise as a leader, you have to focus on rest, reflection, redefining success, and rising up with clarity and purpose. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a coach, mentor, therapist, or trusted peer. You don’t have to do it alone.
The world doesn’t need more burnout. It needs leaders who are refreshed, energized, and ready to create positive change. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or reach out—I’d love to hear what was most impactful for you.
Resources Mentioned
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📝 Uncover Your Biggest Blindspots with the Entrepreneur Quiz
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