Is Your Enthusiasm For Work Flickering Out? Re-ignite the Flame!
by Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Number 8
Learn how to be authentic and share your thoughts with others
Some people are more open than others. For some it is difficult to be straight forward, especially if they are more private or guarded. I suggest taking classes to help you learn to be open and straight forward. This tip is a real burnout buster. People who are straight forward and not rude experience less stress. Just think about it. Instead of wasting hours during the night thinking of what you should have said to someone, just do it. Straight forward communication is a skill that is well worth learning. Look at the extra hours of sleep you will get if you don't have to worry about things. Sometimes we need to tell people what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. Straight talk works and people see immediate results after learning this technique. Ann, a workshop participant, told me how she used straight talk on her boss. The boss was very negative and this attitude was eroding the morale. Ann practiced her conversation and took the initiative and used straight talk. The boss thanked Ann because he didn't realize the impact of his negativity. Ann is respected now by her boss.
Number 9
Discover the necessity of positive humor at work and at home
Positive humor lightens the stress of impossible tasks. Numerous worksites have added humor and joy bulletin boards where employees can place cartoons or inspirational stories. Humor is not a luxury in our lives anymore, it has become a necessity! We included a segment on humor in our workshops since we have seen the incredible results. Make a list of 15 things you enjoy doing for fun, such as, sailing, travel, going to the theater, hosting a dinner party, or reading a novel. Once you make your list, ask yourself when was the last time you did any of these activities? Decide which ones are important to you and make plans to do at least one new activity this week. Schedule it in your daily planner. Honor the little child inside of you.
Remember how children can be creative and resourceful. You deserve fun and pleasure in your life. British novelist George Eliot wrote, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."
Number 10
Discover what values are important to you
The qualities you consider most significant will have a tremendous impact on your life. Which ones need immediate attention? Could it be personal solitude, creativity, family, social welfare, freedom, or independence? It is a necessity, not a luxury to find the value deficit in your life. Balance is the key to re-igniting your energy.
I recently discovered that I needed more personal solitude in my life. I research and plan for my speeches and workshops. I practice and market my programs. But I was ignoring the personal time I desperately needed to take I was out of balance. "All work and no play" was making Joyce a dull person. This went on for years as I climbed the mountain of success. I was fortunate to have a son who saw the smoke signals before I noticed them and warned me about them. What area of your life is out of balance? Now is the time to take the steps that will re-ignite your energy!
Re-ignite Your Energy!
These 10 tips are but first steps to help you rekindle your enthusiasm. If these don't work, then you may need to seek professional help. People are hospitalized because of burnout and we need to find the major causes. People have gone to their boss and asked for different responsibilities those that fit more with their values or interests. Others have found new jobs because a former position created too much stress for them.
Abraham Lincoln said, "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Remember the farmer? Well the "good news" is that we can gain control of our lives again. We can feel enthusiasm again. We can feel a sense of joy at work and home. Burnout is a time for us to look within ourselves and find what is missing in our lives. Burnout happens to people who live intensely. Also be aware of "rust out". You can see it on the faces of people who are just hanging on to a job or relationship. I would rather burn out several times as long as I know it is a signal to make some changes and rethink what I want out of life. Remember we need to recondition ourselves if burnout is lurking on our horizon. It did not come overnight. So with some discipline, introspection, and change, we can rekindle our vitality and move on to more exciting times. And one last thing make sure to enjoy the journey you deserve it!
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Definition of a Burnout
Story of a farmer
10 tips to keep the flame burning
Conclusion
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