Understanding Burnout: So Much More Than Tired!

Understanding Burnout: So Much More Than Tired!

Burnout. A term thrown around in conversations about stress and overwork, but all too often misunderstood—even by experienced coaches. Many assume that Burnout is simply a matter of being tired, overwhelmed, or needing a break. But Burnout is far more complex than that.

It’s a systemic issue deeply rooted in how we live, work, and interact with the world.

As coaches, our role is to understand burnout in all its complexity—not just for our clients, but for ourselves too. And that means going beyond surface-level solutions like reducing workload or recommending a holiday. Because, let’s face it: without addressing the root causes, those strategies are just sticking plasters on a much deeper wound.

What Burnout Really Is

Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion; it’s the result of prolonged stress, unmet needs, a loss of your sense of self, and a lack of boundaries (or as I prefer to say, your non-negotiables).

In my work, I’ve encapsulated this in what I call the Burnout Equation:

Toxicity - Sense of Self = Burnout

When toxicity—whether it’s from a workplace, relationship, or societal pressures—meets a depleted sense of self, Burnout thrives. It’s not about weakness or failing; it’s about the systems we’re operating in. We live in a world that glorifies hustle, ignores personal limits, and often punishes self-care.

And while Burnout manifests differently for everyone—whether it’s physical exhaustion, emotional detachment, or an overwhelming sense of inefficacy—the common thread is that it runs deep. To truly help our clients, we need to dig beneath the symptoms to the underlying causes.

What Many Coaches Get Wrong

Too many coaches address Burnout as though it’s a scheduling problem: “Work less.” “Sleep more.” “Take some time off.” These are well-meaning suggestions, but they don’t solve the problem.

Why? Because Burnout isn’t about the number of hours worked; it’s about the emotional and mental load carried over time. A week on the beach won’t erase the harm caused by years of unmet needs, unspoken boundaries, or systemic toxicity.

As coaches, our job is to do more than offer temporary relief. It’s to empower our clients to build sustainable lives that protect their wellbeing and nurture their sense of self.

A Systemic Solution for a Systemic Problem

Addressing Burnout requires a holistic (whole person) approach.

It’s about understanding the systems at play and equipping our clients with the tools to navigate them. It’s about helping them reclaim their sense of self, establish boundaries (non-negotiables), and create environments where they can thrive—not just survive.

This is the work we do in the Burnout Academy. It’s not about quick fixes or generic advice; it’s about providing coaches like you with the knowledge and skills to truly transform the way you support your clients.

Join the Burnout Academy

Burnout is a systemic issue, but with the right tools, we can create lasting change. As coaches, you’re in a unique position to lead this transformation—not just for your clients, but for the systems they exist within.

If you’re ready to take your understanding of burnout to the next level and learn how to tackle it at its core, join me in the Burnout Academy. Together, we’ll equip you with the insights, strategies, and confidence to make a real difference.

Because burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s time we treated it with the depth and care it deserves so that we can finally banish Burnout for good.

Kelly