Controlling Burn-out

From the Ellis Deck, the Four of Cups; from the Brownies Oracle, Control:

Applied Psychologist Paula D. Laack defines burn-out as: "the chronic state of being out of sync with one or more aspects of your life," with the result being "a loss of energy, enthusiasm, and confidence." Researchers have found six common elements:

1. Lack of control (due to a chaotic environment or having no input in decision-making)
2. Values conflict (between your core values vs. what is expected of you)
3. Insufficient reward (feeling taking for granted or under-compensated)
4. Work overload (too much, too complex, or too urgent)
5. Unfairness (favoritism and discussions that keep others out of the loop)
6. Breakdown of community (patronizing colleagues, no mechanism for conflict resolution, and non-existent feedback)

The Brownies bring up number one on the list: control. I've actually seen someone ride an ostrich, but he more or less hung on rather than directed it. My go-to for clarity in these circumstances is the Serenity Prayer:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.