“It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
– J. Krishnamurti.
As the year begins, many of us are heading back to work feeling uninspired, overwhelmed, and, if we’re honest, already a little burnt out. Maybe you started January with lofty intentions: “This is the year I’m going to prioritise myself, find balance, and finally get ahead.” Yet here you are, barely weeks in, feeling like you’re already falling behind. Sound familiar?
The first instinct might be to blame yourself: I need to try harder. I should be more motivated. Why can’t I get it together?
But what if the problem isn’t you?
Gabor Maté, in his book The Myth of Normal, challenges us to rethink what we’ve accepted as “normal” in our society. Chronic stress, overwork, disconnection from ourselves and others—these aren’t signs of personal failure. Instead, they are the inevitable result of a culture that rewards busyness, productivity, and perfection at the expense of health, joy, and connection.
It’s not surprising that many of us cope with this disconnect by reaching for distractions. Whether it’s endless Netflix binges, doom scrolling, a few extra glasses of wine, or compulsively ticking off to-do lists, these behaviours often serve to numb a deeper discomfort: the feeling that something is missing.
Before the relentless demands of the year truly take hold, it’s worth pausing to ask yourself an important question: Do I want to repeat this cycle in 2025?
The good news is that breaking free from boredom and burnout doesn’t require a total life overhaul. Instead, it starts with small, intentional shifts that help you reconnect with yourself and create a life aligned with your values and well-being.
Step 1: Recognise That Burnout Is Not Your Fault
The first and most critical step is to stop blaming yourself. Burnout is not a personal failing—it’s a symptom of a system that prioritises productivity over humanity. This is where Maté’s work is so powerful. He points out that we’ve normalised behaviours and lifestyles that are inherently unsustainable. When you feel depleted, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough; it’s because the system was never designed for you to thrive.
When I work with my coaching and therapy client struggling with this, instead of asking, “How come you find it so hard to cope?”, I ask, “What’s wrong with the system you’re trying to fit into?”. This reframing helps shift from self-blame to self-compassion, which is the foundation for real and lasting change.
Step 2: Reconnect With Yourself
In a culture that rewards constant doing, we’ve lost the art of simply being. Reconnecting with yourself means slowing down enough to tune into the messages your body and emotions are sending instead of constantly overriding the wisdom of your body.
Your body is incredibly wise. Maybe it’s telling you to rest through persistent fatigue. Or perhaps it’s nudging you towards change through a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction. The trouble is, most of us are too busy to notice—or too afraid to listen.
Mindful practices such as breathwork, meditation, or simply taking a walk without your phone can create space for this inner dialogue. What do you truly need? What brings you joy? These answers might not come immediately, but creating moments of stillness allows them to emerge.
Step 3: Set Boundaries That Honour Your Well-Being
One of the biggest traps high-achievers fall into is saying “yes” to everything—work projects, social events, family obligations—until there’s no room left for themselves. If you want this year to feel different, you’ll need to set boundaries and make choices that protect your energy and time.
Start by identifying your non-negotiables. For me, one not-negotiable is diary management – getting ahead before people hijack my diary. I always leave a ten-minute gap between meetings, block space to work on projects and time for breaks or exercise. This is a small tweak but it has a big pay-off and ensures I have small moments to grab water, meditate briefly and generally not end up scattered and exhausted.
This step often brings up fear or guilt, especially for those of us conditioned to prioritise others’ needs over our own. But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Setting boundaries is not selfish—it’s essential for showing up as your best self in all areas of life. You cannot create meaning and change in your life if you are exhausted, unfit and have no balance.
Step 4: Seek Meaningful Connection
Loneliness and isolation are silent contributors to anxiety and burnout. While we might be surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family, it’s the quality—not the quantity—of our connections that matters.
Meaningful connection comes from being seen, heard, and valued for who you truly are. This kind of connection requires vulnerability, which can feel risky if you’ve been let down in the past. But it’s also profoundly healing.
Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, joining a community group, or simply being more present with loved ones, nurturing authentic relationships can provide the support and perspective you need to navigate life’s challenges and add colour and joy to your life.
Step 5: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Finally, remember that you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Working with a coach or therapist can help you identify and break the patterns that keep you stuck.
As a coach and therapist, I’ve worked with thousands of professionals—particularly those in high-pressure corporate environments—who feel trapped in cycles of overwork, perfectionism, and self-neglect. Together, we explore ways to redefine success so that it includes—not excludes—your well-being. It’s about creating a career and life that feels fulfilling and empowering, not just “busy” and other-serving.
When you have the right support, you’ll find it easier to make aligned choices that prioritise your health, energy, and happiness.
What Will You Choose in 2025?
If you’re tired of feeling like every year is just a repeat of the last—burnout, distraction, and living for the weekend—now is the time to make a change. This doesn’t mean adopting a punishing routine of 5 a.m. workouts (unless that supports you in which case, I am cheering you on from my bed!), and unrealistic resolutions. It means committing to small, consistent actions that nurture your well-being and bring you closer to the life you want.
You deserve more than survival. You deserve clarity, connection, and purpose. So, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What kind of year do I want to create?
To explore how coaching or therapy can help you step into 2025 with confidence and clarity, visit my website or reach out for a free consultation. Together, we can create a plan that supports your success and well-being—not one at the expense of the other.
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