You're feeling burnt out at work. How can you reignite your passion?

My most important insight in my business psychology studies is that, in addition to the well-known burnout, there is also "interested self-endangerment". There are similarities in the symptoms. However, a key difference is that in the case of "interested self-endangerment", we largely inflict the damage on ourselves. This behavior can be recognized by frequent overtime in order to achieve goals, breaks at work in order to continue working or to isolate ourselves from colleagues. The opportunity here is that if we recognize the "interested self-endangerment", we can find a way out of it more quickly than is possible with burnout.

Se estou me sentindo esgotado no trabalho, uma maneira de reacender minha paixão pode ser buscando atividades que me proporcionem satisfação e realização dentro do ambiente profissional. Isso pode incluir assumir novos desafios, buscar projetos que me interessem mais, ou até mesmo propor mudanças na forma como trabalho para tornar minhas tarefas mais estimulantes. Além disso, é importante reservar tempo para cuidar de mim mesmo, praticando atividades de lazer fora do ambiente de trabalho, mantendo um equilíbrio saudável entre trabalho e vida pessoal. Por fim, buscar apoio de colegas, mentores ou recursos de apoio da empresa também pode ajudar a lidar com o esgotamento e reacender a paixão pelo trabalho.

Machen Sie sich die Ursachen Ihrer Belastung bewusst, in dem Sie reflektieren: Was ist für mich eine Belastung? Wie spüre ich, dass mich etwas belastet? Wie reagiere ist in belastenden Situationen? Es ist wichtig die Auslöser mit Ihren Gedanken, Gefühlen und Ihrem Verhalten in Verbindung zu bringen.

There is also the option of being accompanied by a professional coach. Together we can analyze the situation and find out what is good for the person and what they need less of. Based on this, a work plan can be developed that is tailored to the person's current stress level. Communication is the be-all and end-all. Coaching can also be used to work out how the person affected by burnout would like to inform those around them and what wishes they have for how they interact with each other. In addition, acceptance can be increased in order to learn how to deal with loss of performance and resolve internal conflicts. The coach acts as a trustworthy discussion partner who can empathize with the burnout sufferer and thus set the "right" pace.

The person with burnout is the expert on their own situation. Those around them often cannot understand why a person suddenly behaves differently, withdraws so much and experiences excessive demands. It is therefore important to stay close to yourself, do what is good for you at the moment and develop strategies for the harmful challenges. Superiors and colleagues certainly have positive intentions when they give tips to people who are burnt out. However, in very few cases do they know what it feels like to feel powerless due to burnout. Therefore, listen to yourself rather than others. Do more of what is good for you and try to accept your own pace. Try to take (small) steps - every step is already progress.

Surround yourself with sources of inspiration and creativity, whether through reading books, attending conferences or workshops, networking with colleagues, or exploring new hobbies and interests outside of work. Exposure to new ideas and perspectives can stimulate your creativity and passion. Cultivate supportive relationships with colleagues, mentors, or like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement, advice, and perspective. Sharing experiences and insights with others can help you feel less isolated and rejuvenate your enthusiasm for your work. Stay curious and open to learning new skills, exploring new opportunities, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to grow and develop professionally and personally.

To reignite passion when feeling burned out, take time to reflect on what initially excited you about your work. Seek new challenges or projects that spark interest. Connect with inspiring colleagues or mentors for fresh perspectives. Prioritize self-care to replenish energy, and set boundaries to maintain work-life balance, reigniting your passion. We all feel the same sometimes and thats ok.

Refrain from making rash decisions as you proceed through these steps to alleviate your burnout. Limit large purchases. Do not "rage quit" or "quiet quit" your job. Sometimes, it is best to compartmentalize your work from your personal life. It sounds like Apple TV+'s "Severance" show, but let me explain. Your job or career does not define who YOU are. It's what you do to make money, affording you the opportunities to do what you want. Once you can see the dividing line between your work and personal selves, it is easier to determine if you need to change. Always start within yourself and eliminate the noise created when the two halves of yourself conflict.

I would make a distinction between being burnt out and greyed out. This is not to play with words but to recognise how serious 'burn out' is. I have worked with a number of coachees taking steps back into the working world after burn out. They have had significant/extended periods of absence and had reached a really tough state in terms of exhaustion/mental health that made working life impossible. What we all could do so much better is to recognize early when we start to get greyed out, when everyday tasks take longer/we lose that spark for things we used to enjoy and we generally feel more sluggish. Seeing those early warning signs and having the self-compassion to quickly act, slow down, set boundaries, share - that feels vital.

Achten Sie auf ausreichende Regeneration. Sowohl im privaten wie im beruflichen Umfeld. Während der Arbeit ist es wichtig, dass Sie regelmäßig Mikropausen einlegen. Um durchzuatmen, um etwas zu trinken, um nicht von einer Aufgabe zu nächsten zu hetzen. Mikropausen nehmen wenig Zeit in Anspruch und geben schnell neue Energie. Nutzen wir diese Form der Regeneration nicht, kann es leicht passieren, dass wir an die Energiereserven rangehen. Doch die sind irgendwann auch aufgebraucht.