You’ve heard it time and time again: overwork is bad for you. It hurts your productivity — and your health. So give yourself permission to dial it back, even just a little.
Start by noticing the story you’re telling yourself about work. For example, if you find yourself working on a weekend or responding to emails after hours, pause. Take a couple of minutes to reflect on and even write down why you’re doing this. What’s motivating you? Are you afraid of falling behind? Losing your job? Seeming uncommitted?
Then ask yourself: Are these fears rooted in reality, or is it time to change the narrative? Next, share your goal to dial it back with those you respect — a mentor, friend, or colleague who can not only hold you accountable, but also give you some helpful strategies that they use to stay balanced and avoid burnout.
Finally, go all-in on what matters. Take a careful look at your workload and recalibrate your schedule to spend less time on the tasks that drain you and more time on the responsibilities that are valuable and bring you the most joy.
Read the full article: “Burning Out? Give Yourself Permission to Dial It Back.” (HBR by Kate Northrup)
Sometimes, having a sounding board and being able to say things out loud (your concerns, ambitions, thoughts, feelings, doubts, …) can help you to put things back in perspective. At the same time, some practical tools can be offered to help you manage specific situations.
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