Burnout Is NOT a Badge of Honour

When did burning out become something to brag about?

Picture this: You’re sitting in a meeting, bleary-eyed and clutching your third cup of coffee as if it were a lifeline. Someone casually remarks, “I haven’t had a proper vacation in years,” and the room hums with admiration—as though this person has just climbed Everest barefoot. Sound familiar? Welcome to the Burnout Olympics, where exhaustion is celebrated, and a balanced life is a mythical unicorn.

I so do not agree.

Burnout is NOT a badge of honour.

It’s not a testament to your dedication, proof of all the hard work you have done, or a marker of success; rather, it’s a sign that something fundamental is out of balance. Success is about perseverance and thoughtful effort, not about driving yourself into the ground, and true success comes from thriving in all areas of life—health, relationships, finances etc.—not just from unchecked productivity or relentless ambition. It’s a flashing neon sign that says, “This is unsustainable.” So why do so many of us treat it as something everyone should aspire to?

Let me share Sarah’s story. She enrolled in my iNFINITE iMPACT mentoring program and decided she wanted to start the program by attending one of my Camino de Santiago walking retreats, as she was on the verge of complete burnout. Sarah is a software developer who used to proudly declare she could “sleep when she’s dead.” Her laptop would glow into the early hours as she tackled “just one more bug,” and she’d roll into morning meetings clutching her third coffee like a lifeline. Her colleagues praised her dedication, and she wore those dark circles under her eyes like designer-brand eye shadow.

The breaking point came during a crucial product launch. After three straight weeks of 16-hour days, she found herself staring at her screen, unable to remember the code she’d written just hours before. When she accidentally pushed buggy code to production—something she’d never done in her career—she finally had to admit that her superhuman act was just that: a (fairly amateurish at that) act.

The wake-up call led her to realise she needed to make some uncomfortable but necessary changes. We decided that when she got back, she would start by doing something that felt almost shameful at first: she set a hard stop at 6 PM. She installed apps that would literally lock her out of her work accounts after hours. The hardest part wasn’t the systems, though—it was changing the story she told herself about what made her valuable.

She soon noticed something unexpected: her best code, her most creative solutions, came during her now-rested morning hours. Her team started commenting not on her hours, but on the quality of her work. Six months later, she got the promotion she’d been chasing through all those late nights—not because she was working more, but because she was working smarter.

These days, she mentors new developers with a different message: “Your best code comes from your best self.” She still occasionally pulls a late night when truly needed, but she no longer sees exhaustion as a prerequisite for excellence.

So let’s unpack the toxic mindset that nearly pushed Sarah into full-blown burnout, explore why resilience is the smarter (and healthier) alternative, and in case you can’t escape to the south of France right now, I’ll introduce you to a roadmap that might just make all the difference.

The Glorification of Burnout

Burnout culture is a pervasive phenomenon in modern society where overwork, constant busyness, and relentless productivity are glorified and equated with success and dedication.

Somewhere along the way, we started equating busyness with success. If your calendar isn’t bursting at the seams, are you even trying?

Society’s glorification of busyness and overwork manifests in several ways:

  1. It’s a status symbol: People often pride themselves on their packed schedules and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Multi-tasking, you know.
  2. We believe that sacrifice is needed to be successful. There’s a cultural expectation these days that success requires sacrifice, reinforced by stories of people who overcame immense obstacles through tireless work. These stories often omit the toll on mental and physical health.
  3. The rise of the hustle culture: The “hustle culture” rewards and reinforces workaholic behaviour, glorifying long hours, sleep deprivation, and sacrificing personal life for professional goals.
  4. The current achievement-fueled society: Modern society has shifted towards an “achievement society” where individuals become “entrepreneurs of themselves,” constantly driven by internalized pressures to excel and produce.

The impact of burnout culture is supported by research and statistics:

  1. Prevalence: 76% of employees experience burnout on the job at least sometimes, with 28% reporting they are often or always burned out.
  2. Economic impact: Depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
  3. Mental health: A staggering 625 million people worldwide suffer from depression and anxiety.
  4. Productivity loss: The World Health Organisation estimates a jaw-dropping $1 trillion loss in productivity each year due to mental health issues.
  5. Work-life balance: 61% of remote and 53% of on-site workers find it increasingly difficult to “unplug” from work during off-hours.

As you see, the consequences of burnout culture are significant. It leads to decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, increased healthcare costs, and a range of physical and mental health issues. (de Oliveira C, Saka M, Bone L, Jacobs R. The Role of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity: A Critical Review of the Literature. Appl Health Econ Health Policy. 2023 Mar;21(2):167-193.)

Recognising and addressing burnout culture is crucial for creating healthier, more sustainable work environments and improving overall societal well-being.

Think about the language we use: “I’m swamped,” “I barely have time to breathe,” “Sleep is for the weak.” These phrases have become humblebrags, subtle ways to signal our dedication. And let’s not forget the workplace martyrdom: skipping lunch, sending emails at midnight, and being “always available” have become points of pride rather than red flags.

The problem? This mindset – toxic productivity – is a one-way ticket to burnout city. And unlike the high-speed trains here in Europe, there’s no scenic view or smooth ride—just a bumpy descent into exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency.

What Burnout Really Costs You

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a full-body and mind takeover. Here’s what’s really at stake:

  1. Your Health: Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your body, leading to issues like insomnia, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. You’re not just tired; you’re compromising your long-term physical and mental health.
  2. Your Relationships: When you’re perpetually frazzled, the people you care about often get the worst of you. Burnout leaves little room for meaningful connections.
  3. Your Performance: Ironically, the harder you push, the less effective you become. Burnout diminishes creativity, focus, and decision-making—the very qualities you need to succeed.
  4. Your Joy: Remember hobbies? Spontaneous laughter? The ability to relax without feeling guilty? Burnout has a way of stealing these joys, leaving you in a constant state of “doing” rather than “being.”

So, why are we still romanticising this?

The Resilience Reframe

Let’s flip the script. What if, instead of striving to be the busiest person in the room, you aimed to be the most resilient? Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress altogether; it’s about managing it effectively and bouncing back stronger.

Here’s why resilience is the ultimate power move:

  • Clarity and Creativity: A resilient mind can see solutions where others see problems. You’re not bogged down by overwhelm, so your brain has space to innovate.
  • Sustainability: Resilience ensures you’re in it for the long haul. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving.
  • Balance and Boundaries: Resilience gives you the confidence to say no when necessary, protect your energy, and prioritize what truly matters.
  • Fulfilment: When you’re resilient, you have the bandwidth to appreciate life’s little joys—like a leisurely walk, a good book, or an uninterrupted conversation – all the things that give your life meaning.

The Roadmap to Resilience

My Roadmap to Resilience: From Burnout to Breakthrough hybrid online course is one of the pillars of my iNFINITE iMPACT Mentoring Program. It’s not a quick fix or a magic pill (spoiler: those don’t exist). It’s a guide to reclaiming your life from the clutches of burnout and building a foundation for sustainable physical and mental well-being. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Spotting the Warning Signs

We’ll start by identifying the red flags of burnout—the subtle ones you’ve been brushing off and the glaring ones you can’t ignore. Awareness is the first step to significant and lasting change.

2. Mastering Coping Mechanisms

From mindfulness practices to stress-reduction techniques, you’ll learn practical tools to manage life’s pressures without letting them consume you.

3. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Do you struggle to say no? You’re not alone. We’ll dive into strategies for setting boundaries that protect your energy and foster respect.

4. Prioritising Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Together, we’ll create a self-care plan that fits your lifestyle and feels beneficial, not indulgent.

5. Restoring Balance

Life transitions can throw us off-kilter and send us spiralling into burnout. Whether you’re navigating a career change, an empty nest, or a major loss, this course will help you find your footing and move forward with confidence.

A Personal Note

I created this course because I’ve been there. I’ve worn the burnout badge, pushed through the exhaustion, and ignored the warning signs until I just couldn’t anymore. But here’s the thing: hitting rock bottom taught me what resilience truly looks like. It’s not about pushing harder; it’s about pausing, reassessing, and building back stronger.

That’s why I’m passionate about helping others avoid the mistakes I made. You don’t have to wear burnout as a badge of honour. You can choose the much more valuable resilience badge instead.

Imagine a life where you wake up feeling vibrantly alive, fully energised and purposeful. Where you can tackle challenges without feeling like you’re drowning. Where balance isn’t just a buzzword but a lived reality.

Ready to Rewrite Your Story? Learn more about the Roadmap to Resilience course here.


5 frequently asked questions about how burnout impacts productivity:

Q: What exactly is burnout and how does it differ from regular work stress?

A: Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of job stress. Unlike regular work stress which tends to be temporary and tied to specific projects or deadlines, burnout is characterised by chronic feelings of depletion, cynicism about work, and reduced professional efficacy. You might handle regular stress by taking a weekend off, but burnout requires more significant intervention and lifestyle changes.

Q: Does powering through burnout actually decrease productivity, even if I’m working more hours?

A: Yes, significantly. Research shows that working while burned out can reduce cognitive function by up to 50%. Tasks that normally take 30 minutes might stretch to an hour or more. You’re also more likely to make mistakes that require time to fix later. While you might be physically present for more hours, your actual output and quality of work typically decline sharply. Think of it like trying to run a marathon on an injured leg – you’ll move slower and risk causing more damage.

Q: What are the early warning signs that burnout is starting to affect my productivity?

A: Watch for increased time needed to complete routine tasks, difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time, and making uncharacteristic mistakes. Other signs include feeling resistant to starting your workday, taking longer to make decisions you used to make quickly, and feeling like you’re working harder but accomplishing less. Physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, or frequent minor illnesses can also signal that burnout is impacting your performance.

Q: How long does it take to recover from burnout and regain normal productivity levels?

A: Recovery time varies significantly depending on severity and intervention, but most people need 3-6 months to fully recover when taking active steps to address burnout. The recovery process isn’t linear – you might see some quick improvements in energy and focus within a few weeks of making changes, but rebuilding sustainable work patterns and full productivity usually takes longer. Without proper intervention, burnout can persist indefinitely.

Q: What are the most effective strategies for rebuilding productivity after burnout?

A: Recovery requires a multi-faceted approach. Start by establishing clear work boundaries and rest periods – this means actually disconnecting from work during off hours. Prioritise sleep and physical health through exercise and nutrition. Rebuild your workday around your natural energy cycles, scheduling important tasks during your peak hours. Most importantly, address the root causes of your burnout, whether that’s workload, lack of control, or misaligned values. Some find working with a mentor or coach helpful in developing sustainable work habits and managing stress effectively.

Final Thoughts

Burnout may be glorified in our culture, but it doesn’t have to be the plotline of your story. Let’s break the cycle and build a life that’s not just productive, but truly purposeful, meaningful and fulfilling.

“I am an experienced medical doctor (MBChB, MRCGP, NLP master pract cert, Transformational Life Coach dip, Counselling cert, Med Hyp Dip and EAGALA cert) with a special interest in stress management. I may have an impressive number of letters after my name, and I may have more than three decades of professional experience, but what qualifies me to excel at what I do is my intuitive understanding of my clients’ difficulties and my extensive personal experience of managing major life changes using strategies I developed over many years” Dr M Montagu – iNFINITE iMPACT

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