Where to Now?

Are you doing what you really want to in your life? Or is that not a choice? After all, we all have to put food on the table along with a little vino or distilled, mountain water! I've always thought that burning out had to do with doing something for which we no longer have (or never had) a passion.

In spite of the fact that work-life quality and balance continues to be the #1 issue on most Employee Satisfaction Surveys, organizations still expect their hot-shot employees to work excessive hours, travel whenever necessary, and pay the price for the big bucks. The problem is that these expectations equally apply to regular employees as the criteria for success.

I'm told that people who live their passion don't appear to get tired, exhausted, or low on energy. They appear to be cheerful and excited about life that spills over into their personal life. An interview with one of them might go like this: "Why are you so excited about the work you do?" "I don't work. I do what I like and comes natural to me. I know this answer doesn't make sense to most people, but when passion drives you, energy and creativity are natural feedback systems. Furthermore, passion is spiritually sourced, and in the spiritual realm, there are no whys!"

So burning out appears to be a process of working at that which is without passion and the energy which is expended is simply lost with no replenishing feedback. A good friend of mine loves to work with the transformation of people. To have them see the potential they have. And is passionate about lovingly pushing them into an expanded sense of themselves. He will not tolerate victimization. He is tolerant, understanding, and patient as his groups struggle through their loss of dependencies and self-imposed, righteous excuses.

Then, after all is said and done, he embraces wherever each of them might be. He leaves with a clear sense of having helped them take responsibility for the condition of their lives, what they are willing to do to change (or transform their lives), and accepts whatever decision they might make as best for each of them at that point in their lives. He obviously lives consistent with the definition of love: the unconditional acceptance of someone exactly as he or she is, without underlying, unstated expectations.

So, what's the message of this blog? Until you clarify what's important to you in terms of work-life quality and balance that is specific, definable, and measurable, then burnout is inevitable. Furthermore, until you know what quality and balance is for you, your organization is helpless to provide the support you truly need. The most common illusion that exists is that "more free, personal time will create quality and balance!" I'll have more to say about the previous statement in a subsequent blog.

Chapter Four of Rodney is avaible as a free audio download!