I’m Not Burnt Out, And I’m Keeping It That Way
Today is Monday. Tomorrow, my wife and I are going on an awesome vacation. We’re going to road trip through Arizona and hit spots like Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and the Antelope Canyons. I am beyond excited! Rachel and I didn’t think that we would be taking a proper vacation this soon into starting the gym, but with the help of an incredible staff (aka the Dream Team), we are taking a step back from our baby and heading out for some R and R.
This made me think of something I wrote back in February, but I never actually published it. For the sake of authenticity, I’m not going to edit it in any way. Just a copy and paste from my google document full of blog drafts that I haven’t published yet. Enjoy!
Yesterday was a cool day for me. I got up, and instead of going to work, I went to the golf course instead! I got to hang out with my little brother (yes he’s bigger than me… I get it), AND I got to beat him at golf. I actually shot a 75, which had me feeling really, really good! Leaving the course, it had me in a new mindset as well. I was relaxed, refreshed, and ready to get back to the gym. In fact, I got home, changed, played with the pups, and went straight back to work so I could do some member outreach. It’s funny how doing something that you really enjoy will get you all hyped up to get back to work!
During the round, I posted a photo on Facebook with the caption “Fighting the burnout of running CrossFit Yellow Rose every day by playing some golf with the little brother, Will Hibbs!” Later that evening when I was coaching, someone asked me “Hey… you’re feeling burnt out? Everything ok?”
Dang! No, I’m not burnt out at all. But I’m also trying to make sure I don’t get there! It’s funny how the words we choose might not necessarily mean exactly what’s going on in our heads or in our lives. I made that caption for the following reason:
Burnout is a very, very real thing. The consequences of not recognizing and combatting said burnout can crush your dreams. I’ve seen gym owners and coaches try and deny burnout (myself included), but the burnout will always win.
Scary stuff.
I LOVE THIS JOB so much. It’s what I’m hardwired to do, and if I wasn’t doing this, I would claw my way to try and get back to doing this. In the past, I’ve been incredibly burnt out running gyms. I turn into a bad and forgetful husband, a lackluster coach, and a horrible human. I get disgusted with my lack of productivity, my lack of creativity, and my lack of thoughtfulness.
One of my biggest goals for 2017: Don’t get burnt out. Ever. In order to not get burnt out (ya ‘gotta fight that sucker!), I need to find out what keeps me going and keeps me fresh.
Here’s a list of those things:
- Date nights with my wife
- Spending time with family
- Golfing (especially when I play well)
- Going to different gyms
- Reconnecting with friends
- Vacations/trips
- Going to concerts
- Taking a week off of working out
- Going for a run without music
- Playing my trumpet (nerd alert)
So, I try to do something on this list as often as I can. It’s a simple and easy reminder for me that I have a lot of things in life that can keep me fresh, and I shouldn’t forget that!
I think it’s important that we all try and fight the burn out. A lot of people call this “work / life balance.” And while, yes, I do have the best job in the world, I can’t be the best at it if I’m feeling burnt out.
So now comes a challenge to you: create a small list of things you like to do that re-charge or re-energize you. The list should have some things you could do everyday, and some things that aren’t done as often. Look at this list weekly! If you are ever feeling like you’re creeping towards that burn out, check something off the list.
Fight the burn out so you can be the best version of you!
Note: I REALLY wanted to edit that last line… but I said I wasn’t going to edit it at all, so I’ll just keep that super cheesy line in there.
In all seriousness, don’t let yourself get burnt out. Take some time for YOU.
-Clark Hibbs
13 down, 18 to go.
#YouCanDoThis
