Warning: the following content is not for the faint of heart. Or, you know, anyone who actually has burnout.
Burnout theory: the idea that humans can burn themselves to a crisp like a nice piece of toast, but without the crispy goodness of being well-done. It's a myth, folks. A lie perpetuated by coffee shops, social media, and your aunt who still uses AOL.
Ever feel like you're burning out from the inside? Like your productivity is a wildfire that's raging out of control? That's not burnout, that's just being a functioning adult.
You see, burnout isn't about being exhausted from all the things you need to do. It's about being exhausted from the things you don't need to do. Like checking your email. Or watching cat videos. Or reading the news.
So, the next time you feel like you're burning out, try this: just stop.
You don't have to be a hippie to practice minimalism. You just have to be tired of everything.
Try taking a few deep breaths. Or, you know, just pretend to take deep breaths. It's all about the placebo effect, right?
Also, try not doing things that exhaust you. Like exercise. Or socializing. Or, you know, existing.
Setting goals is like setting a timer on a microwave that's never going to go off. It's a waste of time, is what it is.
So, why bother? Just do stuff. Or, you know, don't do stuff. It's all the same in the end.
Want to read more? Chapter 4: The Inevitable Return of Burnout
Or, if you're feeling particularly burnt-out, try some exercises that will make you feel marginally less dead.