Burnout

Six Warning Signs

In our own delusion, we believe that we can sustain driven effort without reprieve. This isn't to say that we shouldn't aim to improve our self-directed outcomes, it's to think that we won't pay the cost of burning the candle at both ends.

At age 32, I experienced burnout through overtraining. In its manifestation, I lost the vigor to pursue my deepest passions and was forced to surrender into seclusion. Once I realized how exhausted I truly was, it was too late: I should have seen the signs to led to my demise.

But with the unbridled enthusiasm of an excited young man, I relied on heavy strength training as therapy. Fueled by cortisol and adrenaline, I put myself through punishing workouts that submitted my negative self-image.

After accomplishing a triple bodyweight deadlift of 500lbs, my body failed me. I could no longer muster the energy to practice my passion. It was then that I realized I needed to rest.

Exhaustion

At the start of my burnout, I prioritized eight consistent of hours…