We’ve all felt it. That encroaching sense of being overwhelmed, burned out, and constantly stressed by the seemingly never-ending list of tasks we have to accomplish. It’s a feeling many of us are all too familiar with. Yet, when this happens, we often place the blame squarely on the multitude of tasks, the deadlines, and the overall busyness of our lives. But what if the true root of this pervasive problem isn’t what’s on our plates, but rather the beliefs that drive us to pile things onto them in the first place?

Understanding the True Root of Burnout

Most of us mistakenly believe that burnout stems from sheer workload – too many tasks, too many commitments, and simply too little time. However, these are merely symptoms of a deeper issue. What’s really at play here is our incessant need to prove ourselves. Whether it’s to showcase our capability, our likability, our intelligence, or any other quality, this underlying need to consistently outperform and present ourselves as superhuman prevents us from affording ourselves the grace, compassion, and acceptance we readily extend to others.

In short, our burnout isn’t just because of what we’re doing, but rather why we’re doing it. We fill our schedules with tasks to live up to external (and often internal) expectations, leaving no room for self-care, rest, and reflection.

Beliefs as the Foundation of Behavior

Our behaviors, whether they manifest as procrastination, missed deadlines, or a never-ending to-do list, are deeply rooted in our beliefs. These beliefs guide our actions, consciously or subconsciously. For example, if you believe you must always be the best, your behavior will reflect that by pushing yourself to the brink, setting unrealistic expectations, and overcommitting.

The journey to addressing burnout, therefore, begins with an introspective look at our beliefs. What narratives have we convinced ourselves of? What are we trying to prove and to whom? Answering these questions allows us to tackle burnout from the root, rather than merely addressing the symptoms.

The EDA Model: A Practical Tool for Creating Space

While introspection and self-awareness are critical first steps, tangible actions are necessary to reclaim our time and realign our priorities. This is where the EDA Model comes into play.

The EDA Model stands for Eliminate, Delegate, and Automate.

1. Eliminate: Scrutinize your current schedule. What tasks or commitments aren’t serving you or aligning with your core values and goals? Sometimes, the most empowering thing we can do is say “no” or let go of tasks that don’t serve our greater purpose.
2. Delegate: Understand that you don’t have to do everything. Identify tasks that can be handed over to others, whether in personal or professional spheres. Sharing responsibilities can free up significant amounts of time and mental energy.
3. Automate: In today’s digital age, many repetitive tasks can be automated. From bill payments to grocery shopping, explore tools and platforms that can handle routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on what truly matters.

By applying the EDA Model, you’ll not only clear space in your calendar but also in your mind. The result? A life lived with intention, aligned with your true values, and free from the shackles of burnout. If you would like to receive a resource to help you start to apply the EDA Model to your daily life, please click here. For even more insight on this, check out my latest podcast, by listening here.

Burnout is more than just a product of a packed schedule; it’s a manifestation of the beliefs we hold about ourselves. By addressing these beliefs and using tools like the EDA Model, we can navigate our way out of burnout, leading lives that are fulfilling, balanced, and aligned with our true selves. Remember, it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what truly matters.