Burnout

“When given too much, it is even hard to do little.”

An overwhelmed mind is good for nearly nothing.

Free time is hard to come by so when I get it, I try to make the absolute most of it. I try to be as productive as possible and attempt to utilize every second of free time I have to create something. 

The problem I have run into lately: there is no schedule for tasks I perform.

I have a list of tasks I wish to complete each day, but when faced with extra time, I become overwhelmed. I realize that I have extra time to pour into each task but I don’t know which task to choose or which steps to take. 

Without a clear process, you cannot make progress.

Therein lies the importance of creating an agenda for each day. I made the mistake of going into the day thinking I knew exactly what I was going to do each hour. Instead, I was able to stay occupied and productive for about 4 hours before my mind began to wander and become overwhelmed. 

Burnout.

I had so much time left in the day where I accomplished nothing because I had thoroughly overwhelmed myself with the plethora of tasks I wished to perform.

Being someone who has run into burnout a multitude of times, I have figured out 3 steps I have to take to avoid burnout:

1. HAVE A PURPOSE

It is easier to do stuff when there is a reason to do it. Identify a clear purpose behind each thing you wish to accomplish. This is the WHY. If you can’t think of a reason, ditch the task. It’s that simple. This will allow you to focus more on the stuff that does matter.

2. HAVE A PLAN

Once you have a list of tasks you wish to complete, form a plan of HOW you are going to do them. This includes setting a designated amount of time aside for each item and planning which you will complete first. Obviously the highest priority should be completed first. This plan should be formed using your knowledge of how long each thing should take, but should also allot time for unexpected events.

3. SCHEDULE BREAKS

This is the main issue I have during my “productive” days. I forget to enjoy the day itself. I feel like I have so much to get done that I shouldn’t schedule any time to just chill. But I have realized that by taking a quick break to do something relaxing gets me back on the right course when it is time to work again. Make time for rest, and enjoy the day for what it is.

4. WHEN YOU’RE DONE, YOU’RE DONE (Bonus) 

Once you have completed all of the taks you planned to do, be done. I always tell myself “if I do this I’ll be ahead for tomorrow too!” All this does is lead to below average work. Figure out how much you can effectively do in a day and make that your goal. Productivity is like lifting weights. You have to push yourself, but pushing too much will only produce bad reps or injury (in this case burnout). Get done what you want to get done, and be done. Reward yourself too. This will encourage you to stay productive day after day.

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That is my 3 (technically 4) step method for avoiding burnout.

If you struggle staying productive when given time, follow these steps and you will accomplish exactly what you want to (if not more).

The key during all of this is to stay focused. Remove distractions out of your work space completely. Staying deeply at work during the time allotted for each task will produce maximum output. The breaks are the best time to reward yourself with so-called distractions (leisure activities such as TV or phone). Schedule them in so you stay focused when you are supposed to be working.

I hope this helps you get more done.

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Thank you for reading!

My goal is to help others better themselves through personal stories and experiences.

This is The Exploration.