Running On Empty Pt. 2
To recap.
#1 - Stop. Let's use an adage here. Stop doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
#2 - Rest. Rest gives you perspective. It clears the mind and the heart.
#3 - Admit. Have a, "come to Jesus" moment with yourself and admit that you cannot keep going this way.
Now let's add
#4 - Get help! Running on empty isn't anything new. New moms know all about it. Multi-job households know about it. Parents with 2 or more kids know about it. Look around you and find someone who has, "been there and done that." Ask them what they do.
Is your problem more significant than a conversation?
Over 30 years ago I burned out. I took a psych evaluation test that would score you on what you should do next. You know the ones. If you score a 1 - 10 keep doing what you're doing. 11 - 20 you need to fine-tune some things, but all in all you're doing pretty good. My score was so bad that the test recommended that I stop what I was doing and immediately check myself into a psychiatric hospital. That's not good.
I didn't, but I did need to get some serious duty help. Don't be ashamed if you have to go to your doctor, pastor or a therapist/counselor. Professional help can go a long way.
#5 - Check your priorities. Chances are either your priorities are out of sorts, leading you to do more than you can, or they are out of order. Take time to pray for this one and allow the Holy Spirit to show you the right order.
#6 - Say no. One of the easiest things to do is stop doing something. Once you have your priorities in order, start saying no to the things that are not a priority.
#4 - Get help! Running on empty isn't anything new. New moms know all about it. Multi-job households know about it. Parents with 2 or more kids know about it. Look around you and find someone who has, "been there and done that." Ask them what they do.
Is your problem more significant than a conversation?
Over 30 years ago I burned out. I took a psych evaluation test that would score you on what you should do next. You know the ones. If you score a 1 - 10 keep doing what you're doing. 11 - 20 you need to fine-tune some things, but all in all you're doing pretty good. My score was so bad that the test recommended that I stop what I was doing and immediately check myself into a psychiatric hospital. That's not good.
I didn't, but I did need to get some serious duty help. Don't be ashamed if you have to go to your doctor, pastor or a therapist/counselor. Professional help can go a long way.
#5 - Check your priorities. Chances are either your priorities are out of sorts, leading you to do more than you can, or they are out of order. Take time to pray for this one and allow the Holy Spirit to show you the right order.
#6 - Say no. One of the easiest things to do is stop doing something. Once you have your priorities in order, start saying no to the things that are not a priority.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, fill me up with Your joy. AMEN
Comments