Dealing with Burnout: Embracing the Work-Rest Rhythm

It happens to the majority of salespeople at some point in their career. Most research suggests 70% of all salespeople deal with significant bouts of burnout.

I was complaining to my father-in-law a few years ago when I was experiencing a bout of “burnout”. I said, “Larry, I feel like I’m stuck in a “rut,” like I’m running in butter.” My father-in-law grew up as a hardworking farmer before being called to the ministry. He always has some quick-witted advice or observation right from the farm. He asked me if I knew the definition of a rut? He said, “a rut is nothing more than a grave with the ends kicked out.” Wow! What a metaphor describing how I was feeling. Think about a rut being like a grave with its ends kicked out. It suggests being trapped in a monotonous routine that can be just as stifling and limiting as being confined to a grave. Does a rut describe how you are feeling? Burnout is a common experience for many salespeople, characterized by fatigue, lack of motivation, and decreased productivity. It's essential to address burnout and find renewal to maintain a healthy and successful sales career.

The Bible offers guidance on overcoming burnout through a work-rest rhythm, reflecting God's design for our well-being. Genesis 2:2-3 tells us that God rested on the seventh day after completing His work of creation. By following this example, we honor God and prioritize our own rest. Rest is not just important, but essential - and it is a commandment from God. If you are experiencing burnout, examining whether you are getting enough rest is the first step. Incorporating the work-rest rhythm into your daily and weekly routine is crucial. Take planned breaks throughout the day. For example, make six calls, then take a short break to get a cup of coffee, drink water, or do a quick stretch, repeating this cycle throughout the day. By breaking down your workload into manageable chunks, and taking intentional refreshes, makes the daunting call list become more achievable.

Remember the saying, "life is hard by the yard, but by the inch, life is a cinch." Taking small, planned breaks can make a significant difference in combating burnout. Embrace the work-rest rhythm, honoring God's commandment and prioritizing your well-being. By incorporating rest into your day, you can find renewed energy, motivation, and ultimately overcome burnout. In the middle of intense ministry, Jesus had the apostles stop and “rest”.

Mark 6:31 (NASB) And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”

Articles written by Harvard Business Review titled, “The Busier You Are, the More You Need Quiet Time” 3/17/17 and “Making Time Off Predictable and Required” 10/2009 show the science on how work rest rhythm promotes increase productivity, wellbeing, and renewal!