Burnout Again and Wondering Why?

About 30 years ago, a friend suggested a book to me — Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Tao Sports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life by Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch.* It was one of those books you read at just the right time in your life, and it sticks with you. There was one idea in particular that resonated and has stayed with me ever since: simplicity — in business, in life, and in everything we do.

Back then, I was caught up in trying to do it all, chasing every opportunity, and thinking success meant being busy 24/7. But that book reminded me that simplicity is the key to sustainability. And yet, here I am, still needing to remind myself of it. Burnout keeps creeping back in when I lose sight of simplicity.

So, how do we step back and simplify? It starts with asking ourselves the right questions — questions that help cut through the clutter and refocus on what truly matters.

Here are five essential questions that can help bring clarity and guide you toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

1. Do I Really Need to Do Everything?

Work deadlines, social life, side hustles, meal prepping, working out — you name it, I’ve tried to fit it all in. But the truth is, not everything needs to be done. Simplicity teaches us that doing fewer things, but doing them well, leads to better outcomes and less stress.

Reality check: If you focused on just what truly matters, would your world fall apart? Probably not. Maybe it’s time to reassess what actually needs to get done versus what you’re doing just because you think you should.

2. Am I Afraid of Falling Behind?

We’re constantly bombarded with the idea that if we’re not working hard enough, we’re missing out. But missing out on what, exactly? A never-ending grind? A to-do list that’s never empty? Or a life that actually feels fulfilling?

Reality check: What are you actually chasing, and does it align with what you really want? Maybe slowing down and focusing on what truly matters is the smartest move.

3. Why Do I Feel Guilty About Taking a Break?

Even after reading about simplicity, I’d still catch myself feeling guilty when I wasn’t “being productive.” But rest is part of the process. Simplicity isn’t just about doing less — it’s about valuing downtime as much as action.

Reality check: What if taking a break actually made you better at what you do? Instead of feeling guilty, embrace rest as a necessary part of staying in the game for the long haul.

4. Am I Chasing an Unrealistic Version of Myself?

You know, the one who wakes up at 5 AM, crushes work goals, hits the gym, and still has time for a thriving social life. But, uh, does that person even exist? And if they do… are they actually happy?

Reality check: Maybe it’s time to lower the bar. Not in a “give up on life” way, but in a be kinder to yourself kind of way. If you stopped trying to live up to this imaginary version of yourself, would you finally feel like you can breathe?

5. What Do I Actually Want?

This might be the biggest question of all. We get so caught up in the day-to-day grind that we forget to ask ourselves if we’re even heading in the right direction. Simplicity means cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly excites and fulfills you.

Reality check: If you stripped away all the distractions, what would really matter to you? Life’s too short to chase things that don’t align with your true goals.

So…Does It All Really Matter?

Here’s what I’ve learned after all these years: simplicity is the answer. Some things do matter — your health, your happiness, your relationships. But a lot of the things that stress us out? Not so much.

Instead of trying to do everything, focus on what actually makes you feel good, and let the rest go. Trust me, it’s worth it.