The Burnout Lie: Why Overachieving Is Holding You Back as a Leader By Kanchan Rai

Burnout. The silent epidemic no one wants to admit. It’s a badge of honor in disguise—one that too many leaders wear with pride. Overachieving, pushing harder, and sacrificing personal wellbeing for the sake of "success" have long been glorified as traits of exceptional leadership. But here’s the truth: this relentless pursuit isn’t just unsustainable—it’s holding you back as a leader.

The Burnout Myth We All Believe

Society teaches us that overachievement equals success. The 12-hour days, skipping meals for back-to-back meetings, and working late into the night are celebrated as signs of commitment. But at what cost?

In my work as a leadership and emotional wellbeing coach, I’ve seen the burnout myth destroy not just careers but also relationships, creativity, and emotional health. Leaders mistakenly believe that overachievement makes them indispensable, but what it often creates is inefficiency, emotional detachment, and a lack of authenticity.

Why Burnout Is Bad for Leadership

1. Emotional Disconnect: Burnout drains your ability to empathize and connect with your team. Emotional intelligence—the cornerstone of authentic leadership—erodes under chronic stress.
2. Poor Decision-Making: When you’re exhausted, you’re reactive instead of strategic. Overachievement often prioritizes doing more, not doing what matters.
3. Stifled Innovation: Creativity thrives on mental space, not constant busyness. If you’re always “on,” you leave no room for new ideas to emerge.
4. Negative Ripple Effects: Your burnout doesn’t just affect you. It cascades to your team, setting a toxic example that overwork is the norm.

The Hidden Power of Doing Less

True leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what’s meaningful. Authentic leaders recognize that their power comes from balance, reflection, and emotional presence.

Here’s how you can flip the burnout narrative:

1. Redefine Success: Success isn’t measured by hours worked but by the impact you create. Set boundaries and prioritize what aligns with your values.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Share your struggles with your team. Authenticity fosters trust and connection.
3. Practice Self-Care Like It’s a Leadership Skill: Your emotional wellbeing is a strategic asset. Invest in it as you would in professional development.
4. Delegate and Empower: Great leaders build great teams. Trust your people to take on responsibilities rather than micromanaging everything.

Ask Yourself This Question

Are you leading to impress, or are you leading to inspire? The former often comes from a place of overachievement, while the latter comes from authenticity.

A New Leadership Paradigm

It’s time to unlearn the burnout lie. As leaders, our greatest gift is our ability to inspire, connect, and create impact—not through exhaustion but through clarity and presence. When we lead from a place of emotional wellbeing, we don’t just build better organizations; we create a better future for ourselves and those we lead.

Let’s start a conversation: Have you ever fallen into the overachievement trap? What steps have you taken to reclaim your balance? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.

To End With Question for Yourself:

• "What’s one habit you’ve adopted to avoid burnout?"