Just like 2019 and the years before it, 2020 is off to a rapid start. If you set a new year resolution or goals at the start of the year, now is the time to gain momentum. It may seem strange that I would encourage this so early in the year, but I promise you there’s a purpose to it.
Burnout is real and if you’re not prepared for it beforehand, it will catch you at the very moment you should be picking up speed and pushing towards the finish line, not slowing down! But, it happens right? It happens to the best of us. We start of the year strong and then most individuals do 1 of 2 thing: Give up halfway through or get new the end and fad out because of burnout. But, listen, there is a way to combat burnout. The key is to prepare for it in advance! Get ready and stay ready. Here’s a few tips to help you do just that!
If you want to AVOID BURNOUT, you must prepare for it, even though our desire is to not experience it.
1. Shift Your Mindset – Make a conscious decision that you are going to take strategic action to avoid burnout. Instead of focusing solely on a few of your goals, set a goal for every area of your life and then AIM to have a HEALTH LIFE BALANCE. Approach with a flexible mindset; give yourself some wiggle room to make mistakes and learn from them along the way. If you don’t slay your goal the first time, try something different, keep going. Don’t be afraid of trial and error.
2. Set Goals that Are in Alignment With Your Ideal Lifestyle & Create a Plan of Action – Many people set goals, but then they end up doing a lot of busy work and after awhile, find that they haven’t gotten very far. Zoom Out: Identify what you want your life to look like 5 – 10 – 20 years from now. Then, zoom in: Set goals that are in alignment with your ideal lifestyle. Goals that will help you attain the lifestyle you desire to live. Then, zoom in again: Break down those goals into super specific action steps. Then, move on to step 3.
3. Create a Daily Routine – After you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to take strategic action, you’ll want to develop a strategic plan of action. I encourage you to utilize a daily planner that will allow you to break down your day by the hour. Get specific and identify everything that you intend to do each day of the week. I also advise using a habit tracker as well. Whether you use a printable habit tracker or you download an app on your phone; a habit tracker allows you to identify each goal or step you must take to achieve your goals, and record each day that you take action. You can always add to or take away from the list, but it’s a great way to hold yourself accountable, to see where you’re most consistent and which areas need a more effort.
4. Prioritize Self-Care & Relaxation – When you create your action plans and daily routine, I highly encourage incorporating self-care. If you can make time for self-care every day, do it. If that’s something you can’t afford, do it weekly or monthly. Take yourself on a date. Just you. This is not the same as You and your spouse, you and your bestie, you and your sibling or you and your children. No. This is just you, yourself and you! I know there’s a lot of individuals who often feel guilty about prioritizing themselves. If you’re one of those people, look at this way.. prioritizing self-care will not only benefit you, but it will benefit those you love as well, because YOU will BE A BETTER YOU; mentally, emotionally, spiritually.. A few ways to incorporate self-care into your schedule is to mediate, journal, go for a walk, watch a 30-minute episode of your favorite show, eat at your favorite restaraunt, get a massage, go to the movies by yourself… There are many things you can do. The point is to do something you enjoy BY YOURSELF.
Over the past few years, I have found myself setting goals and pursuing them with consistantcy and determination until September and October hits. Then, I’d begin to slow down and lose momentum. Slowly I’d start to fall off.. I’d stop showing up to work, church, the gym, or for myself (self-care) consistently! It was also around the last few months of the year when I’ve battled with depression and anxiety the most. And, one way that I’d always describe how I was feeling, was “burnt out.” I am determined not experience that this year. And, the tips I’ve shared with you above are the exact steps that I am taking in my own life to ensure I avoid feel the mid year or end of year burnout. I’ve made a conscious decision that I will be consistent this year. I’ve created a plan, meaning, I’ve set my daily routine and utilize tools to hold myself accountable; including taking myself on a date once a month.
If you any tips or ideas to help avoid burnout, share with us in the comments below! And, as always, happy manifesting in 2020!
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