Avoid the #1 New Year Resolution Mistake...Before it's Too Late

[Edition #15] [2.5 min read]

Ahhh…It’s that time of the year when everyone presses the “reset” button on life

The year-old tradition of New Year Resolution (NYR) posts pops up all over social media.

It’s only the second week of 2024 and the pressure to “level up” has never been stronger.

To me, having an NYR is like a double-edged sword.

On one side there is a flicker of hope - the promise of a new positive beginning

On the other side, it brings the weight of expectations and societal pressure, often leading to the risk of burnout.

As the excitement of resolutions fades, the reality of the journey ahead sets in, and the pressure can become overwhelming leading many to give up.

Don’t just take my word for it, read more about it from a study done here

So….how do we fix this?

By avoiding burnout in the first place.

Let’s take a look at today’s trail map ↓

10 Symptoms Of Burnout

Before we look into the steps to avoid burnout, it is important to understand what causes us to burnout so easily.

Learn to identify the symptoms early on to fix it before it gets worse.

1. Always Tired: Tired all the time, even after resting

2. Can't Stay Focused: Hard time paying attention

3. Energy Drop: Less excited and energetic

4. Emotionally Drained: Overwhelmed emotionally

5. Not Into It: Tough to stay interested or motivated

6. Sleep Trouble: Struggling to fall asleep

7. Not Doing Great: Doing worse at tasks than usual

8. Unusual Appetite: Loss or gain of appetite

9. Avoiding friends/family: Socially drained

10. Getting Sick More

The Vaccine

Here are 8 steps to avoid burnout:

Step 1: Find Your Why & Keep It Real

Figure out what matters to you and be honest.

Then match your goals to what matters to you.

Example: I started doing weight training and yoga, aligning with my value of strength in mind and gentleness in heart.

Doing this helps you stay on track and gives you a good reason to get back on track if you slip.

Step 2: Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

Make your goals:

Specific: Be clear about what you want.
Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress.
Adaptive: Be flexible and adjust when needed.
Realistic: Keep it doable.
Time-Frame: Set a deadline.

Avoid jumping blindly; plan smart and take thoughtful risks

Step 3: Establish Boundaries

Know when to say “no” and protect your energy.

Step 4: Take Breaks

Make time to step away from work to recharge.

This is useful when we feel our energy levels start to dip

Either take off

or

• Go for a walk outside

• Yoga/stretching

• Tea break

• Dance

Step 5: Delegate Tasks

Ask for help to manage/prioritize your tasks - you don't have to do everything alone.

Step 6: Prioritize your Health

Get quality sleep for vital recovery.

Fuel yourself up with nutritious foods to energize.

Follow the 80/20 rule.

Step 7: Unplug Frequently

Restrict screen timer & detach from work outside of work hours to unwind.

Step 8: Automate Your New Habit

Schedule reminders to follow through & track your progress.

Climb Further

1. Read Psychology Today

2. Check out Forbes 2024 NYR Study

[Note: Not Sponsored]

Range Recap

Last year, I was severely burnt out.

Being a student, applying for jobs, and managing projects/teams all at once left me completely exhausted and overwhelmed.

The steps outlined above helped me overcome my cycles of burnout leading me to:

• Graduate with distinction

• Be a Senior Engineer at a Fortune 100 company right out of college

• Start working on other projects on the side

But enough about me, I want to hear about you! What have you done to overcome/avoid burnout?

Reply to this email and let me know!

Please share this edition to help others! ♻

Happy New Year!! 🎉 

Till next time, take care & stay well, my friend. 😊 

-Payal

P.S. Everybody is different. As always, please consult with your trusted professional before starting anything!