“You can have the greatest job at the greatest golf course in the world, but if you’re burnt out and you’re not living a life, what’s the point?” – Paul MacCormack, Founder of Mindful Island Consulting
In our industry, expectations can be often unrealistic and unattainable. They create immense pressure, both externally and internally.
Colleagues, clients, and superiors often impose high expectations, while we also set unrealistic standards for ourselves. This can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of inadequacy, undermining our confidence and overall well-being. The constant pursuit of unattainable goals can drain our energy and motivation, leaving us feeling defeated and overwhelmed.
Throughout my career, I have navigated through focusing on career goals, business, and at times didn’t leave much gas for family and personal self-care. In the worst moment, ending up in the hospital with exhaustion, stress, dehydration, and kidney stones. More importantly, a true loss of my self-worth and connection with family.
Burnout shows its ugly head in many forms whether behavioral, cognitive, physical and emotional. I often dealt more with isolation, procrastination, difficulty making decisions and forgetfulness.
Start by setting achievable, incremental objectives that are challenging yet attainable. You can’t turn the knob up 100-degrees, you need to make slight adjustments each day.
Recognize and celebrate small victories along the way. Additionally, cultivate a positive mindset by acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments. Seek feedback and support from trusted colleagues or mentors who can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
Create daily habits that will allow you to stay focused and sharp. Here are five strategies I’ve incorporated into my daily activities to avoid burnout.
- Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide clarity and direction.
- Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from colleagues, mentors, or professional networks. Sharing experiences can provide fresh perspectives and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling to stay grounded and focused on the present moment.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Regularly reflecting on your achievements can boost morale and motivation. Share those wins with your support network.
Embracing realistic goals and self-acceptance not only enhances our performance but also contributes to our overall happiness and well-being.
Probably the most important piece I have learned, and still working on, is to say no. I have made a career by saying yes to too many things, creating a constant whirlwind of chaos, distraction and a never ending feeling of achievement.
It is easy to get sucked up into a vacuum of constant requests from members, peers, and family. Ultimately, you’ll never be able accomplish what’s necessary or fulfilling.
Start by setting priorities of all your commitments and categorizing them by importance. Establish clear boundaries and criteria for any new commitments, politely declining those that do not align with your priorities.
Recognizing symptoms early, addressing and managing burnout is a constant challenge for achievement oriented individuals.
If you’re in need of further insight and best practices, set up a FREE Talent Strategy Call with our team.
About the Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certifacte in Talent Acquisition fro Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 300 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.