Do you ever go to bed at night feeling guilty that you didn't get enough done in the day even though you checked everything off of your to-do list? Or, on the flip-side, do you feel guilty when you feel like you've had a productive day but you're not exhausted?
I've recently gone through a lifestyle change when it comes to burn-out. During my last two years of college, I was pushing myself to the max with finishing school in 3 years, starting an online coaching business, and being involved in club leadership. Although I was grinding in school and only getting less than 5 hours of sleep every night, I never felt like I was doing enough.
However, near the end of college and during quarantine, I realized that I could work hard and feel productive without feeling emotionally and mentally exhausted at the end of the day. At first, I felt guilty that I wasn't doing enough, but my friends and family always reminded me that I can still work hard and be productive, but that I also can rest and enjoy each day, too.
As I have been navigating a new mindset when it comes to working hard, I've realized that one of the main reasons people tend to burn-out is because they can't let go of something that is burdening them. Usually, if we are going through a difficult circumstance that involves emotional and mental stress, we want to find a way to regain control. I know this from personal experience. In the past, one way that I have tried to have more control in my life is by working so hard to pursue my goals and refusing to take time to rest. Although it is a wonderful feeling to work hard and reach your goals, seeking gratification from perfectionism is not a healthy way to handle emotional stress.
My main message is this: it is more important to seek productivity rather than perfectionism.
If you're striving for productivity, you can still enjoy life, have rest, and make memories with your loved ones. If you're striving for perfectionism, you will always fall short and will continue to feel guilty for not getting enough done in the day.
I want to challenge you, if you have burned yourself out (or maybe you're burning out right now), ask yourself what in your life is burdening you? What can you let go of? I wish I asked myself these questions sooner in life. If we let go of the emotional turmoil in our life, we can feel free to come to God and ask for His strength. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Song Mentioned: "Goodness of God" by Bethel Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo
"To Hell with the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent, and Overconnected World" by Jefferson Bethke
