As a Performance Psychologist and Business Mentor, I’ve worked with many high-achievers, from elite athletes to business owners – and one thing is clear: burnout isn’t about ability, it’s about balance. Ambition and high standards push us hard, but without rest and recharge, even the strongest run on empty. Burnout often hides behind the “busy season” until your body and mind demand a pause.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Constant fatigue, even after rest
- Feeling emotionally flat, irritable, or unmotivated
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Losing interest in work or hobbies you once loved
- Always “on” but never productive
Recognising these early is key to building a sustainable, satisfying version of success.
My Own Experience with Burnout
In 2019, I was running three businesses, pouring everything into work I loved, but wasn’t making the impact I wanted. Gradually, motivation drained and resentment crept in. I didn’t know why I felt like I did, but knew something needed to change. It wasn’t just a need for a short break. I ignored the signs until I had to step back completely for weeks. That taught me how crucial it is to spot burnout early and address it before it takes over.
My tips for how to prevent burnout
Burnout rarely appears suddenly, it creeps in quietly, often disguised as “just a busy time.” The earlier you notice the signs, the easier it is to adjust course. Prevention starts with awareness, boundaries, and designing a business that supports the life you want.
Here are five tips to stop burnout before it stops you:
- Check in with yourself regularly: Weekly reflection (even 10 minutes) helps spot subtle shifts in mood and energy.
- Build in real rest: Rest on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Not just the odd day or weekend here or there, but solid time away from screens and decisions. Protect it like any important meeting.
- Design your week with intention: Block focused work, rest, and movement – and stick to it.
- Reconnect with your “why”: Burnout thrives when you’re busy but misaligned. Revisit what success truly means to you.
- Ask for support: You don’t have to do it alone. Coaching, mentorship, and community can make all the difference.
If you want to grow your business with more flow and less hustle, my Hustle & Flow programme is for you. It’s a unique mix of business strategy and personal development—because your success shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing. We work on you and your business, so you thrive in both.
“I’ve worked with Sarah on Hustle & Flow for six months and it’s been amazing. She’s helped me grow my business and myself. People have noticed a real boost in my confidence – all thanks to Sarah. I can’t recommend her enough!”
Stay tuned for more insightful blogs coming soon, where I’ll be sharing my knowledge of how I help high achievers thrive in business, sport and through career transitions with mindset coaching, workshops & retreats.
