Do you Self-Care or Self-Cope?
I remember feeling like I burnt out every 6 weeks early in my career! And because of that I have learnt the importance of understanding myself, and looking after myself so that I can best look after my team. #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #Training #WorkingGenius
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I’ve burnt out!
No, not right now. Early in my career, I often felt burned out every six weeks. It was a relentless cycle of hard work, little sleep, and neglecting self-care, leading to physical sickness, stress, and a sense of being overworked. Eventually, I realised that the problem wasn't my job; it was my lack of self-care.
John Maxwell and psychologist Dr. Les Parrott discuss self-care in their book "25 Ways To Win With People." They highlight the importance of being in a healthy place to effectively lead others. On the other hand, Jack Welch emphasises that good leaders prioritise the success of others. Some may see these ideas as conflicting, but I believe they complement each other. Taking care of ourselves enables us to lead selflessly and support others' success.
Now, let's differentiate between self-coping and self-care. Coping is a reactive response to emotional and physical challenges, like having a glass of wine to deal with job stress or binge-watching a favorite show for a break. While coping mechanisms are okay, they don't truly recharge us or ensure long-term well-being.
On the other hand, self-care is proactive and addresses our needs before they become overwhelming. It involves recognizing that difficult days happen and prioritizing our mental, spiritual, and physical health. Self-care entails actions like planning a morning run for physical fitness, ensuring adequate sleep, setting aside time for prayer and reflection, and practicing self-discipline in eating habits. The key distinction is that self-care is about taking active steps, not just reacting to stress.
Patrick Lencioni’s work proves that Working within our Genius plays a significant role in preventing burnout. When we operate in alignment with our natural strengths and passions, work becomes more fulfilling and less draining. It allows us to excel in tasks that energize us, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction. By understanding and leveraging our genius, we can create a work environment that nurtures our well-being and resilience, making us less susceptible to burnout.
A quick disclaimer: I'm not a psychologist, so if you're experiencing burnout, seeking professional help is crucial.
Today, I encourage you to make one sustainable change toward active self-care. Whether it's committing to regular exercise, improving sleep habits, practicing mindfulness, or setting boundaries at work, choose something that nurtures your well-being. My hope is that by prioritising self-care, you'll not only improve your own life but also create opportunities for growth and success for yourself and your team in the future.