“What am I doing too little of” is the right question — I’d just add a second axis underneath it. The drain isn’t only the activity, it’s the identity the activity demands. Performing a self that isn’t yours is exhausting even when the work itself is light, and no amount of rest fixes it, because you return to the same role. Alignment isn’t just doing energising things. It’s getting to be yourself while you do them.🫶🏻
I think a lot of us assume burnout comes from doing too much, but sometimes it comes from spending too much time being someone we’re not. You can have a relatively light workload and still feel drained if every day requires you to suppress parts of yourself.
The idea of alignment resonates with me. Energy isn’t just about what we do, it’s also about whether we can show up as ourselves while doing it.
Thanks for sharing this perspective. It adds an important layer to the conversation.
“What am I doing too little of” is the right question — I’d just add a second axis underneath it. The drain isn’t only the activity, it’s the identity the activity demands. Performing a self that isn’t yours is exhausting even when the work itself is light, and no amount of rest fixes it, because you return to the same role. Alignment isn’t just doing energising things. It’s getting to be yourself while you do them.🫶🏻
That’s a great addition.
I think a lot of us assume burnout comes from doing too much, but sometimes it comes from spending too much time being someone we’re not. You can have a relatively light workload and still feel drained if every day requires you to suppress parts of yourself.
The idea of alignment resonates with me. Energy isn’t just about what we do, it’s also about whether we can show up as ourselves while doing it.
Thanks for sharing this perspective. It adds an important layer to the conversation.