Escaping the Frozen Tundra of Cynicism
Burnout at work has become so common that we can’t often see it. The real problem is not paying attention. Because without really identifying – and then addressing – burnout, the effects of continued stress, exhaustion and cyncism can take a devastating toll on the body, mind, and soul.
So you’re here. And no, it’s not the ideal place to be. But the good news? You haven’t gotten so off-course in the Desert of Burnout that it will take a mythic quest to find your way back!
Cynicism is actually one of the ways we try to protect our vulnerable souls - our source of idealism and hope. When we’ve been burned too many times we create shields that will block out the harmful slings and arrows of hypocrisy, greed, betrayal, avarice, gossip, backstabbing, and all the other nastiness that can happen in corporate America.
The real danger of cynicism is that it is like a choke hold on your enthusiasm, the breath of your passion and inspiration. Cynicism is like a blight that starts to eat its way from work into all the other branches of your life until nothing can blossom anymore.
Here is a very quick and easy ritual you can take to try to open the wellspring of passion that can connect your action to your ideals.
Take a small card and write down in one word or phrase a guiding principle or belief you still hang on to. It might be something like “kindness matters” or “excellence is its own reward” or “every event holds a lesson” or “honesty is best” or even “this too shall pass.” Whatever is something you actually believe in.
Turn the card over and write down three things you could do today that would be in line with that ideal: like sending a quick text message with a kind thought to an ailing friend; or reminding yourself of one thing you’ve done that you’re really proud of; or jotting down something that seemed really bad in the moment but has faded in significance over time.
Just by consciously connecting an act to an ideal you have rekindled some of your idealism and the energy that goes with it!
If you want to find out more about how to identify the signs of burnout in yourself, and possibly even what you want to do about it, take our full assessment!
Go on. Click the link. In our harbor of hope, your burnout recovery awaits…