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Key points
- While burnout is well-known in the professional world, a less recognized phenomenon is "rust-out."
- Rust-out stems from neglecting self-awareness, ignoring inner needs, lacking boundaries, and resisting change.
- Repetitive burnout cycles set poor boundaries, impacting well-being and organizational culture.
- Prioritize self-care, embrace inner change, learn and adapt, and model healthy boundaries for success
In the fast-paced business world, where professional success often seems synonymous with relentless dedication and pushing oneself to the limit, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads. What is success, what does it take to get it, and what is "worth it"?
Amidst this relentless pursuit of success and the burnout it often entails, it's essential to consider another hidden challenge that lurks in the shadows: "rust-out."
The term "burnout" has long been associated with the exhaustion that comes from giving our all without respite. Now, there's a new concept emerging on the horizon, one that occurs over an extended period and often goes unnoticed until it's too late: rust-out.
A silent companion of burnout, rust-out creeps up slowly and manifests as a result of neglecting to truly know ourselves, ignoring our inner voices, failing to set boundaries, and resisting necessary changes in our lives. As a business psychologist, I've encountered numerous individuals who, like my client, a remarkable new c-suite executive, have fallen victim to the insidious grasp of rust-out.
This executive was the embodiment of dedication and hard work. She poured her heart and soul into her role, leaving no stone unturned to achieve her goals. Yet, her relentless pursuit of success came at a steep cost—the loss of herself. She was a classic case of someone who, time and again, would burn out in one job and jump ship to another, all in the hope that the next role would be different. Little did she know that the change needed to come from within.
Here are the multiple problems she faced, which are not uncommon in the world of leadership:
1. Lingering Burnout
My client's underlying issue seems to stem from a lack of healing, which, in turn, hindered her ability to engage in self-inquiry effectively. To move forward, it's essential to reflect on one's past and gain insights for the future.
Despite her remarkable achievements, my client never fully comprehended the lingering effects of her previous burnouts. She carried deep emotional, mental, and physical scars without grasping her own contribution to these episodes of burnout. These lingering scars cast a shadow on her ability to engage fully, eroding her self-trust and preventing her from recognizing her own needs. These emotional scars, akin to rust eating away at her core, continued to create a sharp edge around her.
2. Repetitious Cycle
One of the most frustrating aspects of her situation was the repetitive cycle she found herself trapped in. Exhausted, she failed to harvest the lessons from her previous experiences. She never took the time to ponder what her recurring burnouts meant about her, how she might be contributing to the patterns, and what changes she should implement. Instead, she continued with her old behaviors, perpetuating the cycle. As a senior executive, her actions set a concerning example of poor boundaries for her team.
3. Role Modeling Bad Boundaries
At the highest echelons of her organization, she was inadvertently serving as a role model for poor boundaries. She was a living testament to the belief that pushing oneself to the brink without introspection or self-care was a path to success. This not only impacted her own well-being but also had a trickle-down effect on her team and the organizational culture.
So, what can we learn from this story, and how can leaders avoid the pitfalls of both burnout and rust-out?
1. Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable
Leaders must recognize the critical importance of self-care. It's not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining sustainable success. Self-care isn't just about bubble baths and spa days; it's about listening to your body and mind, setting boundaries, and allowing yourself to rest and rejuvenate.
Understand your own sustainability or care formula: We are all different and need different things. Some people require stillness to be able to reflect. Some need self-awareness to build a pattern that is right for them. And, it will take discipline to consistently execute.
2. Embrace Change From Within
Leadership is much more than just external achievements; it's also about inner growth and self-awareness. Instead of seeking external changes to solve internal issues, leaders must embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. This introspection is the key to breaking the cycle of rust-out.
3. Continual Learning and Adaptation
Just as we are all different, who we are and what we need change over time. Leaders must be willing to learn from their experiences and adapt their behaviors accordingly. Each burnout should be viewed as an opportunity for growth, a chance to understand oneself better and make positive changes. Don't repeat the same mistakes. Evolve.
4. Role Modeling Healthy Boundaries
As leaders, we set the tone for our teams and organizations. If we exhibit poor boundaries, our teams are likely to follow suit. By modeling healthy work-life balance, self-care, and boundaries, we create a culture that promotes well-being and sustainable success.
In conclusion, the story of the C-suite executive struggling with burnout and rust-out serves as a cautionary tale for leaders at all levels. It highlights the need to shift our perspective on leadership from an external race to an internal journey. By prioritizing self-care, embracing change from within, continually learning, and role-modeling healthy boundaries, leaders can navigate the treacherous waters of burnout and rust-out, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before. Remember, true leadership begins with self-leadership.
