Motivation

4 Ways to Reignite the Fire Within When You’re Feeling Burnt Out

Published

8 years ago

Mar 18, 2017

Time and time again, I hear people say the phrase “I’m burnt out”, whenever they feel drained. Getting tired and feeling drained happens when you’re working hard, and I understand this. However, you’re not burned out. You simply lack the motivation to keep fighting.

Think about it, when you’re really passionate about something, how can you feel burnt out if your passion is supposed to be what lights your fire? There have been countless days that went by when first starting my own business that I simply wanted to sleep in all day. I was physically and mentally tired from balancing collegiate studies and my own company. But, every single time I remembered why I was working so hard in the first place, that fire was relit under me.

Below are 4 ways to keep that fire under you lit and push you to achieve your goals:

1. Reread your goals

Rereading your goals can go a long way. While working hard and constantly pushing forward, you’re so focused on how hard the work is sometimes, that you forget to visualize the end results. You should have both short-term and long-term goals. Each goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. If it meets these requirements, when you do reread your goals, you will get a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency is what will help you get out of your “burn out.” It basically reignites the fire.

2. Go back to that dark place

Some individuals may disagree with me on this one. I understand the concept of having a positive outlook on life and never looking back. However, I also believe that one of the best ways to stay motivated includes thinking about the negative things as well. When I first started my business, my sole purpose was to provide the most value I can, because I knew that an increase in revenue would automatically follow by me helping people.

Whenever I would feel “burnt out”, I thought about how I felt when I had no source of income. Trust me, it’s not a good feeling. That was a very dark time for me. No matter what your motivation was to make a change, go back to that place and think about how it made you feel. Hopeless? Inferior? Good, always remember that.

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” – Carol Burnett

3. Think about the naysayers

I don’t know about you, but proving people wrong is a big source of motivation for me. Imagine if you quit at whatever stage of life you’re currently at. Now, think about the people who will say “I told you that wouldn’t work”, once they get news of you giving up. Not something you want to experience, now is it? My point exactly. The last thing you want is for the naysayers to get what they always wanted, which is your failure just to prove them right. Don’t even give them the satisfaction. If this doesn’t motivate you to keep pushing, I don’t know what will.

4. Think about everyone you’re letting down

Although most individuals have at least one person betting against them due to jealousy, envy, or some other reason, you all have someone rooting for you also. The last thing you want to do is let them down whether it’s your mom, dad, children, spouse, etc. If you stop now, you won’t be able to buy your mom that big house or support your family like you always promised. You will feel as if you let them down by not being able to do so.

Whoever these people may be, just think about them for a moment. How happy will they be when they get word that you tried your hardest and succeeded? And on the other hand, how disappointed will they be when they find out you got ‘burnt out’ and stopped pushing? I don’t know about you, but I would rather hear “I’m so proud of you”, than hear “Well, maybe that wasn’t meant for you.”

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to the surface.” – Alexander Graham Bell

As you can see, there is no such thing as burning out. Majority of individuals who experience burnout aren’t motivated. Whenever you feel this way, more than likely you just need a little extra motivation to relight that fire. There’s nothing wrong with that, we all need it. Do whatever you have to in order to get your head in the game again. Continue to spark the lion within by any means necessary.

What do you do when you start feeling burned out? Please leave your comments below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

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8 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Be More Decisive

Published

11 months ago

Jan 29, 2024

Joel Brown (Founder of Addicted2Success.com)

Tackling Procrastination and Indecisiveness

Hi, Joel Brown here. As the person behind Addicted to Success and Mind Strong, I’m often asked about tackling procrastination and making swift, effective decisions. It’s a common struggle in today’s world, where distractions are endless.

Procrastination often creeps in when we’re bombarded with social media notifications, breaking news, and the hustle of daily life. This leads to a fear-driven indecision, where we’re paralyzed by the thought of failure or judgment.

Here’s a video breakdown of how to stop procrastinating and be more decisive if you are more of a visual person:

Embracing Speed and Momentum to Stop Procrastination

One of the most impactful lessons in my journey is understanding the role of speed in overcoming procrastination. A mentor of mine, a highly successful individual, always emphasized:

“Success loves speed, and money loves momentum.”

This principle is crucial in combating procrastination. It’s about seizing opportunities quickly, not just for financial gain, but for the invaluable experiences and connections they bring.

Understanding Analysis Paralysis: A Key to Overcoming Procrastination

A major hurdle in decision-making is what’s commonly known as analysis paralysis, a significant form of procrastination. It happens when our decision-making process, governed by the prefrontal cortex, gets overwhelmed. To break free from this form of procrastination, try calming techniques like deep breathing. It’s surprising how such simple steps can clear a cluttered mind and help you move past procrastination.

The Long-Term Effects of Procrastination and Indecision

Procrastination isn’t just about putting off decisions; it can lead to a reduced sense of life satisfaction over time.

In a conversation I had with Tony Robbins, we discussed how the quality of our lives hinges on the quality of our decisions.

Therefore, overcoming procrastination and indecision is vital for a fulfilling life.

My Top Strategies for Beating Procrastination

Seek Guidance from the Experienced: To combat procrastination, connect with people who’ve achieved the goals you’re aiming for. Their experience can be a guiding light when you’re stuck in indecision.
Use Deadlines as Anti-Procrastination Tools: Setting deadlines is a powerful way to break the cycle of procrastination. They create a sense of urgency that pushes you into action.
Accept Imperfection to Move Past Procrastination: Understand that no one is perfect, and that includes you. Accepting this can alleviate the pressure that often leads to procrastination.

Identify Your Procrastination Type to Find Solutions

Procrastination manifests in various forms. I’ve developed a quiz (find it at mindstrongacademy.com/quiz) to help you identify your specific type of procrastination. Understanding your personal procrastination style is a crucial step in addressing it effectively.

Additional Tips on Making Quality Decisions and Beating Procrastination

When it comes to decision-making, it’s important to not get too bogged down in analyzing pros and cons. While analysis is important, excessive scrutiny can lead to procrastination. Trusting your intuition often plays a crucial role in breaking free from procrastination.

Handling Major Life Choices Without Procrastination

For significant decisions in life, whether in your career or personal relationships, procrastination can be particularly challenging.

To address this, break down these big decisions into smaller steps. Assess the potential outcomes realistically to understand that often, the fear of a negative outcome is more intimidating than the actual consequences.

Conclusion: Your Journey Away from Procrastination Begins Now

To wrap up, remember that overcoming procrastination and indecision is about understanding your own patterns, seeking wise counsel, setting deadlines, and embracing your imperfections. It’s time to start making those impactful decisions and enjoying the journey of life.

Whether it’s through the Mind Strong Academy or my procrastination quiz, I’m here to guide you on your path to decisive action.