The Stoic Sprint: How Misunderstanding Stoicism Led Me to Burnout and Back

Once, at my previous company I found myself at the helm, equipped with ambition and unwavering drive. I rushed on, feeling that pausing, reflecting, or resting was not possible because there was too much to do. Stoicism, to me, represented emotional detachment, a calm indifference to the highs and lows of the business rollercoaster. Little did I know.  

My voyage took an unexpected turn when, despite my relentless efforts, I crashed. Not a slight slip, but a severe burnout that made me doubt everything. This unexpected chapter introduced me to Stoicism. It wasn’t about repressing emotions or working tirelessly; it was about understanding, regulating, and employing them as a guide for action.  

In the silence after the storm, I turned to ancient literature and current interpretations of Stoicism. True Stoicism, I discovered, is about being in peace with oneself. It’s about understanding what we have control over and letting go of the rest. It’s about concentrating on our own actions and attitudes rather than the turbulent sea of external events.  

Struggle is the best teacher. Burnout, although difficult, taught me the value of aligning my motivation with a better grasp of my objectives and talents. Stoicism, I understood, may help me maintain long-term motivation by minimizing burnout and keeping me focused on my long-term objectives. It was about sprinting toward something worthwhile, not away from fear or failure.  

Stoicism is a steward. It teaches us to harness our energy intelligently and to participate in our task passionately while being attentive. It is the balance of ambition and inner serenity, the dance of moving ahead while being anchored in the present. It helps us recognize our own worth, which leads to a better understanding of who else we need around us to thrive and to be better leaders.  

However, I still struggle with this at times and go back into old behaviors until something corrects my path – Either pain or mentor calling me out. Thank goodness for good mentors.