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!

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