3 Microshifts to Move from Burnout to Bliss

Have you found yourself dragging through another day at work without any real motivation or excitement? Waking up dreading the day ahead and going through the motions just to get through it?

We've all been there - feeling burned out, uninspired and disconnected from our work. When burnout sets in, it can seem impossible to rediscover meaning, joy, and motivation at work again. But with the right strategies and mind shifts, you can:

• Reignite your passion and joy
• Wake up looking forward to your workday again
• Approach your work with enthusiasm instead of reluctance, and.
• Feel energized and engaged by the work you do and the positive impact it has

Burnout is a solvable problem, and strategies exist to help you pull yourself out of that depleted state.

Three critical questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you willing to make the changes necessary to find meaning and motivation at work again?
2. Are you ready to try new strategies that could help reignite your passion?
3. Would rediscovering joy and energy at work - even if only in small pockets at first - be worth the effort it takes?

If the answer is yes, then the following strategies can help...

Make Meaning a Priority

When burnout sets in, the meaning and purpose behind your work can fade into the background. But making meaning a top priority again can help reenergize you.

Take a step back and reflect on why your work matters. Remembering your “why,” and the positive impact you have on others can rekindle motivation. Consider how you can bring more meaning into your daily tasks, even the small ones. Ask, “What would make this matter more to me?”

Over time, jobs become just a list of things to check off. But when you actively seek meaning in your work again - for your clients, your team or the world - it can re-spark your energy and enthusiasm.

Embrace Short Breaks

While taking time off may seem impossible, research tells us that frequent breaks can make a big difference. Even a 5-10 minute break from your computer or phone can give your mind and body a much-needed rest.

Build micro-breaks into your day from the start. Set an alarm for every 50-60 minutes to simply step away, stretch your legs, and refresh your mind. Your productivity will actually increase since you'll return to work feeling revitalized.

And importantly, during your breaks, truly disconnect from work. Use the time for a quick walk, meditation or simply sitting in silence. Fully immerse yourself in that break to maximize its benefits. Do something that is, in some way, replenishing.

Prioritize Intrinsic Motivators

When burnout sets in, you likely rely more on external motivators to keep going, like money, status, promotions or praise from others. These don’t work when you’re burned out. It’s got to come from the inside. 

Reconnecting with intrinsic motivators can help reignite your passion. Think about what originally drew you to this work or career. Reflect on your skills, interests and values.

Focus on tasks that allow you to express your Sparketype®, use your strengths and interests, align with your values, even if they're not the main priorities. Honoring what intrinsically motivates you and lets you feel fully expressed and aligned can help overcome burnout and restore your energy and motivation at work.

If you're facing burnout, don't lose hope. With the right strategies and mindset shifts, you can pull yourself out of that depleted state and rediscover joy in your work. For even more practical advice on tackling burnout, listen to my full SPARKED conversation below or on your favorite podcast app.

#motivation #gettingthingsdone #bestadvice



Dive into the resources we've curated below and get started on the road to a more productive and inspired you this week:

The leadership benefits of a curious mind. If you've felt like you've lost your sense of curiosity over the years, the good news is, there's always a way to bring it back. Discover the incredible value of curiosity as a leadership trait in this article, and learn how embracing curiosity can unlock innovation, foster growth, and empower your team to reach new heights.

The value of kindness at work. In this captivating TED Talk, entrepreneur James Rhee showcases the transformative power of kindness in reshaping businesses and workplace culture. So start thinking about what it could take to lead with your heart, and take a few minutes out of your day today to draw from Rhee's experience and advice and be inspired to cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy in your workplace.

Instagram Threads: what you need to know and how to sign up. Curious about the latest app to join the growing army of social media platforms? A lot is swirling around about Instagram Threads being a potential player to watch, so discover the 411 about the new app in this guide post.

5 ways to manage a busy season when struggling with mental health. We've all experienced the challenge of showing up as our best selves at work when we're dealing with mental health struggles. So whether you're in a stressful spot right now or not, dive into this post that explores how to navigate demanding seasons at work while prioritizing your mental well-being and equip yourself with practical strategies to maintain balance, manage stress, and create a healthier work environment for yourself.

To learn your Sparketype, check out the free Sparketype® Assessment.

If you'd like to submit your own questions for consideration for a future episode of SPARKED, you can do it here now.

DO NOT MISS AN EPISODE! - Stay up to date on the powerful conversations and insights on the SPARKED Podcast, along with our curated resources and tips. Follow on your favorite podcast app.