Finding Purpose and Avoiding Burnout
Kicking Bird Photography (Pekuna Hong)
Purpose. The life aim that is always in front of you.
It is something we all want and search for. And when you find it, it is easy to go all in.
Two of the most common things we hear from nonprofit workers is:
Iʻm so happy to be doing work that is aligned with my purpose.
I am completely burned out.
We are incredibly lucky at Chef Hui. Founders Mark and Amanda Noguchi strive to help us fulfill #1 while preventing us from experiencing #2.
This doesnʻt mean we donʻt have a lot on our plates. What it means is that the environment in which we hustle in is consistently monitored and nurtured and we are encouraged to take care of ourselves.
One of the main reasons why we are not suffering from burnout is because we feel safe to communicate when we are feeling overwhelmed or having a tough day. More importantly, we know our concerns will be met with support. Simply knowing that, relieves stress and puts a long to-do list into perspective.
In a recent panel discussion during this yearʻs Hawaiʻi Business Magazineʻs Leadership Conference, we learned that burnout is characterized by cynicism, exhaustion and feeling less proud or confident in the work you are producing. It is when stress becomes distress. When even healthy stress increases so much that it reaches the point of overwhelm.
Indicators of burnout are both physical and psychological and can include:
Mental and physical exhaustion
Disturbed sleep
Feelings of guilt
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of empathy
When you have reached the point of burnout it is important to seek help. Whether you talk it out with a therapist, family, friend or a spiritual guide, social support is key to recovery.
For employers, caring for the wellness of your employees will result in a happier, more productive work environment and will be seen in your business’s bottom line. Your team is the most important resource you have and is your greatest investment.
Here are some of the suggestions the panel shared for employers:
Create a safe space for employees to share their feelings
Be open and vulnerable with your staff to establish trust
Conduct check-in meetings both with the team and one-on-one to find out how your employees are doing
Value your employees as people (they are not machines)
Regularly show your staff your appreciation and gratitude
Validate your employees' feelings and experiences
Make time for humor
That being said, you cannot put full responsibility for your well-being on your employer. You also need to take care of yourself, set healthy boundaries and be able to recognize and course-correct when you are out of balance.
Suggestions on how to take yourself in order to prevent burnout:
Exercise regularly
Get adequate sleep every night (experts recommend 8-9 hours)
Find self-care practices you enjoy doing
Be compassionate with yourself when you fall off your routine
Segregate your to-do list into 3 categories:
Right now
Eventually
Someday
Practice gratitude daily
Make time for the things you enjoy
Find tools to help you cope with daily stressors such as breathing techniques, journaling and going for a walk (these may change daily)
Focus on building healthy lifelong habits
Practice mindfulness
Learn how to sit with your feelings and change your perspective to one that is more positive
Focus on what you can actually control
Most importantly, remember that it is not selfish to take care of yourself. It is easy to get swept up in putting others first when you are in the nonprofit world. Or, putting the restaurant first when you are in the restaurant world (looking at you chefs). There will ALWAYS be more work to do, people to help, ways to improve, etc., etc.
But, no one will ever be able to fully benefit from your gifts, until you show up rested and whole.