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Avoid Burnout and Stay Motivated

Staying Motivated

Academics is a great profession ...

But not every day is a great day.
Bring a professor can be incredibly rewarding, but we can't expect every day to be perfect. The problem is when the unrewarding and frustrating days start to become more and more frequent.

Researchers and writers are like artists, and they say "An artist dies twice."  The first time is when they no longer feel creatively productive and appreciated.  Burnout can strike as hard at age 25 as it can at 45 or 65. It may not end your career, but it withers your effectiveness and enjoyment.

Here's some thoughts, advice, and action that others have found  either helped them 1) avoid burnout, 2) relight the flame, or 3) find what's missing and light a new fire.  You're not in this alone.

Some Thoughts that Might of Interest

Adapted From the Mayo Clinic 

Adopted from Mayo Clinic article - Job burnout: How to spot it and take action (11-21-18)
Adopted from Mayo Clinic article - Job burnout: How to spot it and take action (11-21-18)

Books Related to Burnout

"This Isn't the Life I Imagined" 

"Those of us hungry for belonging and impact may be better off building a better life rather than finding a better job."

  • Seek to demonstrate mastery of something outside of work. Not getting grants? Struggling to get published or promoted? Feeling professionally successful, but just bored? Do something that offers a sense of completion and accomplishment outside of work. Run a 5K race. Produce an amazing crop of basil. Help a 7-year-old get to grade level reading through a literacy program. There are plenty of ways we can remind ourselves that we have varied gifts and talents.

  • Work less, but work better. When things are not going well, it is tempting to work harder to overcome what seem to be intractable roadblocks. Going to a movie, taking a walk with friends, or making a complicated pan of lasagna can provide a mental reset that replenishes the creative energy we need to tackle vexing challenges.

  • Pay attention to the parts of work you love the most. What are you doing when time passes inexplicably quickly? Designing a presentation? Talking strategy? Reading new research? Helping students decide their best academic path? To the degree possible, do more of what you love and are good at doing.
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  • Get some sleep. So often, we feel a sense of despair because we are physically and psychologically exhausted. Attending to our need for rest can adjust our perspective and sense of optimism.

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