13 Signs of Burnout and How To Help You Avoid It

In some ways it was a typical breakfast meeting. The
waitress was pleasant, the eggs were average, and the
restaurant was full of busy people. We shared a cup of
black, coffee-like substance, and the first few times
my client took a sip he managed to spill quite a bit
of it. His trembling hand was just one of the symptoms
of his burnout. That’s why we were meeting. He wanted
to know if I could help him.
I picked up a fork and explained that as long as I
used it for eating, the fork would last indefinitely.
However, if I began to use it to drive nails or dig
trenches, it would soon break. The key was to use it
for what it was designed to do.
The look in his eyes told me he got it, but I still
went on to say that people are like the fork. When
they do what they are not designed to do, they
eventually break.
Sure enough, his MAPP showed that he was designed to
work on projects where there was a definite goal. He
derived immense satisfaction from reaching goals. He
also needed to work by himself about half the time. He
was a scientist and enjoyed lab time, doing
calculations, and interpreting test results.
What his job required on a day-to-day basis was
another story. His primary task was to supervise a
dozen people and maintain operations. No goals. No
projects. No time alone. Consequently, his job was
sucking the life out of him.
Much credit for his recovery goes to his boss who was
willing to change the job content to fit the design of
a valuable employee.
So how do you know if you, a loved one, or someone who
reports to you is suffering from burnout? Here are the
early warning signs.
1. Chronic fatigue - exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of
being physically run down
2. Anger at those making demands
3. Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
5. A sense of being besieged
6. Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential
things
7. Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal
disturbances
8. Weight loss or gain
9. Sleeplessness and depression
10. Shortness of breath
11. Suspiciousness
12. Feelings of helplessness
13. Increased degree of risk taking
Fight burnout. Do what you were designed to do. If you
(or you know someone who does) fit this description
have him/her take the MAPP Assessment.
Take a close look at what is said about you in your
MAPP, and what you are naturally motivated toward with
regard to your work. Sometimes a simple change at work
can help you avoid many (if not all) of the early
warning signs of Burnout.