The pressure, responsibilities and pace placed on leaders can be immense. If leaders don’t care for themselves, burnout is inevitable. Sadly, many leaders struggle with reading the signs that they are approaching burn out. Despite all the advice, books and sessions calling leaders to care for themselves, many leaders struggle with slowing down. Many fail to listen continually to their bodies, their friends and their emotions.
I am not a medical doctor or counselor, but I have learned the rhythms in my own life and have sought counsel continually from leaders I respect. I have seen and also learned the hard way that pushing through seasons of exhaustion can backfire. Here are signs I look for and encourage other leaders to look for in their own lives.
Are You Approaching Burn Out? Check These 4 Signs
1. Frustration with people
If you feel you are continually mad or frustrated with people, you are quickly approaching burnout. You are in this for people. It is foolish to knock out tasks in perpetual frustration with the people you are ultimately here to serve.
2. Difficulty focusing
If you sense you are mentally having a difficult time focusing or are slowing mentally, you are likely exhausted. One day several years ago, while serving as an executive pastor, I was unable to focus on a simple report. I had been attempting to push through the exhaustion, and it was backfiring. I called Kaye (my wife), and she quickly set me up at a friend’s house out of town for several days of rest.