Burnout: When Hustling is Hurting You
Picture this: it’s a Monday morning, you've got your iced coffee (extra shot, please), you're ready to crush the week, but somehow, something’s off.
There's that tightness in your chest and you can't remember the last time you truly felt refreshed.
Sound familiar?
If you're nodding, you are cruisin’ toward Burnout City.
Navigating the treacherous waters of professional burnout and chronic overwhelm isn't just a topic for me—it's my specialty. With a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges professionals face, I've honed my therapy and coaching skills. By combining therapeutic insight with actionable business strategies, I guide my clients away from the edge of exhaustion and towards a life of balance, confidence, and success.
So, What's Burnout Exactly?
For all y’all in the financial game, you know the grind is no joke. Burnout? It’s that sneaky thief that robs you of your passion, energy, and drive. It’s more than just feeling a bit tired. It’s the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from the constant pressures of the game.
Never-ending fatigue even after a 10-hour sleep.
Dread for another day at the office.
Lack of motivation even when you know the stakes.
How'd I Get Here?
Look, ain't nobody got time for a never-ending list, but a few things might have snuck up on you:
Always being “on”: The market doesn’t sleep, and sometimes, neither do you.
Mistakes? Fuck That! You need it perfect.
No boundaries and an uncontrollable calendar.
Saying “yes” or “sure” to everything, all the time.
Always chasing the next “high” of achievement (because the goalposts keep moving).
Constantly hustling because that’s what Bad Bitches do. Right? Right?! RIGHT??
Alright, I'm Burned Out. Now What?
Hey, I feel you. And as a licensed mental health therapist and expert business coach, I got you. At the end of this blog is an exercise called the “5-Minute Hustle Pause”. It is a great start to crushing burnout!
Here are some other ways to get outta this funk:
Acknowledge it: Ain’t no shame in admitting you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Seek guidance: Whether it's a therapist, a coach, or your go-to pal.
Set those boundaries: Respect your time. It’s fucking precious!.
Self-care ain’t selfish: And I ain’t just talking mani-pedis. Feed your soul, your body, and your mind.
Learn to say no: Not every opportunity is the right one. It's okay to let some go.
What If It's Chronic?
Like that Vancouver to Portland traffic, chronic overwhelm doesn’t clear up easy. If you're constantly feeling like you're stuck in a loop:
Re-evaluate priorities: Remember why you started in the first place.
Take regular breaks: Step away, recharge, even if it’s just a 15-minute daydream.
Ask for help: Delegate, outsource, do whatever you gotta do. Ain’t no hero badges for doing it all solo.
Why's This So Damn Important?
Besides the fact that you're a Bad-Bitch and deserve peace?
Being overwhelmed isn't just bad for your health, it's bad for business. It can affect your judgment, productivity, and relationships. And trust, in a game where the next big move matters, you wanna be at your best.
Just like you'd check in on your portfolio or business metrics, checking in on yourself is crucial.
Boost Self-Awareness: Understand your physical and emotional state.
Reduce Stress: Even just a few minutes of introspection can lower anxiety.
Enhance Focus: By setting an intention, you're giving yourself a roadmap for the day.
The 5-Minute Hustle Pause
Listen up, all my fierce financial mavens out there! Between navigating Wall Street and managing those entrepreneurial dreams, it's easy to lose sight of you – the woman behind all the hustle.
So, here's a quick and simple exercise to help you tune into yourself and make sure burnout ain't sneaking up on you.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Maybe it's your office with the door shut, or perhaps a cozy corner in your favorite café. Just make sure it's somewhere you feel relaxed.
Step 2: Deep Breathing
Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Inhale through your nose, feel your chest and belly rise, and then exhale through your mouth, pushing out all the air and any tension.
Step 3: Body Scan
Starting from the tip of your head down to your toes, do a quick mental scan of how each part of your body feels. Are there any tensions? Aches? Or maybe some parts feel particularly relaxed? Be curious. Just take note, without judgment.
Step 4: Emotional Check-In
Ask yourself: “How am I really feeling right now?” Remember, there's no wrong answer. Maybe you're feeling on top of the world, or perhaps you're a bit anxious about that client meeting later. Whatever it is, acknowledge it.
Step 5: Set an Intention
Before jumping back into the hustle, set an intention for the rest of the day. It could be something like, “I will prioritize my well-being,” or “I'll focus on one task at a time,” or even “I'll celebrate every win today, no matter how small.”
Consider making the Hustle Pause a daily ritual. After all, in the fast-paced world of finance and entrepreneurship, ensuring you're not just surviving but thriving is the ultimate power move.
Professional burnout and chronic overwhelm are nothing to mess with. But with a bit of that New York grit and a sprinkle of self-love, you got this! You're a fierce financial advisor. You've been rocking the entrepreneur game for a few years now. You've got the drive, the experience, and the power to be the bomb business owner you dream of.
Next time you feel the overwhelm creeping in, take a breath and put on some Cardi B.
Then remember: you’re a force to be fucking reckoned with.