6 Tips for Avoiding Burnout

• June 12, 2023
• By Holy Yoga

6 Tips for Avoiding Burnout

While we are barely beginning this venture and are filled with energy and enthusiasm, it’s important to address burnout. Allender writes that weariness isn’t about stress and fatigue so much as it is about our “core struggle to hope despite the circumstances and our limitations.” At the heart of burnout are expectations: of ourselves and ministry. Most of the time, we simply need a reminder that we are running a race and it demands all we can give, and sometimes more. However, in certain situations, change is necessary. Henri Nouwen discerned his current life teaching in prestigious institutions was no longer feeding his soul, resulting in spiritual disconnect. He made the dramatic switch to serving the mentally ill, which took him out of the limelight and into the heart of Christ. Most leaders don’t realize they are heading toward emotional, physical or spiritual collapse until it happens. In that quitting is never an option, we must learn to develop an enduring spirit through the following (adapted from Hybels, Courageous Leadership):

1. Learn to say “NO”. Make your calling sure and stay focused. In other words, fulfill your ministry and learn not to do things
2. Depend on the Holy Spirit for clarity re: your calling. He is the potter; you are the clay.
3. Develop the courage to change. Examine yourself and examine your life. Then change whatever you can change that will lighten your load and help you prevail in your calling (paraphrase of 1 Tim. 4:16).
4. Accept things you can’t change. There are “thorns” in all of our lives. Talk to God with authenticity. Claim His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). Take one day with God at a time.
5. Define your posse. Find people who will bear your burdens, and whose burdens you are willing to bear. Even Jesus relied on His “people” (Galatians 6:2; MAtthew 26:38)
6. Adapt an eternal perspective. Decide now to be steadfast, immovable, courageous and trusting. Keep serving, proclaiming, discipling, shepherding and hugging the midline. REGARDLESS. Don’t wait till the storm hits (1 Corinthians 15:8).

This blog post is an excerpt from our Leadership Training, Ignite: The Holy Yoga Way, starting soon!