Don’t Be Stupid – Burnout is Predictable and Avoidable
Being an entrepreneur, an executive, an athlete, or a parent is tough. You don’t arbitrarily get days off to recover. If you maintain an unhealthy routine, you will burnout.
So don’t be stupid about about your schedule. Don’t assume you are different than the 99% of people who burned out before you. It’s not humanly possible to go 12 months a year non-stop at full capacity.
It’s much better to get into a sustainable rhythm that supports a lifestyle you can maintain over the long run than to burn out.
Take breaks. Sleep-in at least once a week. Go on regular (planned) vacations. Renew yourself with a yearly wellness and/or personal discovery retreat. Incorporate yoga and meditation into your routine.
Listen to your body, then take appropriate action before it’s too late.
Yes, you may lose some ground in the short run. Yes, you may see your competition temporarily make more gains than you in the short run. Yes, you may even lose out on an opportunity or two in the short run. Who cares.
Don’t follow the crowd, don’t keep up with the Joneses, and ignore the trolls. The short run rarely matters.