Burnout

Why does everyone want to become a working powerhouse, a productivity machine? We all know we are animals and need rest, sleep, recovery, joy, support, and time to process. If you are on 24/7 or working non-stop from 9-5 plus overtime, you are burning the candle at both ends.

The sad thing is just me writing this will not stop someone who is doing this to themselves. And if you know someone who is doing this, you can’t tell them to stop or slow down. It’s something they have to figure out on their own, often at the detriment of their physical and mental health. It’s scary watching our loved ones do this to themselves, but all we can do is be there for them when the shit hits the fan.

I used to work 9-5 and then hustle on the weekends while also working odd jobs and night shifts. I burnt out multiple times during those years. I got a lot done; I did a lot. If I could do it all again, I would focus on quality, not quantity. But that’s hindsight. And if someone had told me to slow down during that time in my life, I wouldn’t have listened.

But why are we so determined to do more, be better, accomplish more, and have more? I would say it’s our environment and our upbringing. I was told to work hard, and you will make it. I wish I had been taught to work smarter, to build businesses and assets over relying on service jobs. I wish I had worked less and played more.

I was one of those self-improvement people, reading all the books—I still do. I thought I needed a second job, I needed to make more money, I needed that item, that gear, those clothes. I wanted to be respected and known by others. My ego was young. I feel that many of us have to go through this stage in our life. I only wish I had done a little more for my soul and less for my ego.

Why does everyone want to become a working powerhouse, a productivity machine? That’s an easy answer: for the money, for the promise that you will make it, that you will be rich, that you will be respected, that you will be free.

Here’s the thing about the future it isn’t known. We can only look back at the past after the fact.

It’s crazy what we will do for a promise or a belief. Blind faith that we will be the exception. That “main character syndrome” we all had or have. It’s a phase of life, and it’s OK if you’re in it right now. Just know that once you pass through it, the other side is so much more peaceful—for you, your health, and your soul. Burn that candle, it will sign a light towards your peace’s even if you have to go through hell to reach it.