Excitement is food and drink to many business owners and executives. Whether embracing new opportunities or diving into big challenges – the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of solving a problem – it washes over us, filling us with energy and exhilaration as we ride the wave of possibility. We like excitement.
But over time, that initial rush starts to fade or gets entangled with other areas of your life and what was once thrilling becomes overwhelming. Instead of feeling energized, you find yourself trying to recreate the excitement – only now you’re battling with burnout and fatigue.
Whether you’re a Celebrity or a CEO, the impact is the same: a scattered mind, difficulty focusing and the feeling that you’ve lost control.
At first, we justify what we’re doing:
- “I’m tired because I’m so passionate about my career.”
- “I’m a bit run down because I’m lucky to have so many opportunities.”
- ” I’m the only one who can solve this problem.”
But, all the time, quietly in the background, your body’s keeping a score.
At this point, a common suggestion might be that you pause and ask yourself:
- Am I pushing too hard?
- Is there an alternative way?
- Where am I heading?
It’s not easy to just slow down. After all, “There’s always something else to do and the company needs me.” But that pause could make all the difference?
W.H. Davies’ poem Leisure reminds me of this: “What is life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?”
It’s a gentle nudge to remember that our wellbeing thrives when we allow ourselves space to rest, reflect and make mindful choices.
Speaking from experience, there were times in my life when, with hindsight, I can see that a pause like this could have set me on a different path. But I couldn’t slow down, it was all too exciting. Until, one day, my body decided it was time for me to stop a while!
If you’re starting to feel the excitement draining away and you sense signs of burnout or overwhelm, it could be time to shift your thinking. Curiously, when you make the conscious choice to prioritize your health, wellbeing and peace of mind, everything else falls into place.
If you’d like support in navigating this, I’m here to help. Together, we can clear your mind of clutter, restore balance and create space for clarity and renewed excitement.
Feel free to contact me, start a conversation or share in the comments what first alerted you that something needed to change.
Here’s to your health, wellbeing and success.