The one thing that happens when you have a self-improvement burnout
I neglected the fact that my mind and body needed a break from self-improvement.
We are in the age where the industry of self-help, self-improvement and self-development is at its peak and continues to grow without an end in sight. We follow and like Instagram posts with quotes of hustling, pick up a book that focuses on productivity strategies, and read through Medium articles on best practises from others.
We could be surrounded by various knowledge on the self-improvement spectrum. We listen to podcasts and audiobooks on intentional living, download meditation apps and learnt to sit still and journal.
We are so bombarded with ideas and reinforcements and marketing and materials of self-improvement, that we begin to feel guilty when we lack any form of action.
And to soothe that guilt, we double up on our efforts to feel like we are making progress.
Ultimately, we would crash and burn.
The one thing that happens when you have a self-improvement burnout will ultimately be the weight to pull you further below your starting line.
Becoming self-critical
We begin to notice that we aren’t progressing at the rate we are aiming for. Whether it is keeping that daily journalling habit or that morning routine, there will be days where we would slip.
And we become our harshest critics just for that lapse in energy.
“You need to be more disciplined.”
“You’re not focused enough.”
Your mind is in a constant turmoil of soul-sucking thoughts. It’s no wonder that you’re burnt out and no longer energetic enough to even continue.
It is okay to take a break.
I am writing this after struggling with maintaining a daily habit of podcasts, audiobooks, reading, writing, exercising, journaling, creating, learning, only to be faced with a burnout that keeps me constantly self-critical.
If you’re going all out trying to improve everything at once, you will face a self-improvement burnout.
Your body and mind need time to adjust to the new standards you have placed on yourself. Take a habit one month at a time. Choose one thing you would like to focus on. Don’t compare yourself with others who have a wide repertoire of successful daily routines.
Even if you’re narrowing down your efforts for self-improvement, it is okay to take a break. Miss out on that one day of exercise. Binge on that Netflix show. Have a lazy day with your family and friends.
Remember to breathe, and your body will help you through the rest of the journey.
