Mindset, Purpose, Misalignment and Burnout - When motion replaces meaning, burnout begins
- SANDRINE GELIN G&L SHIFT
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Busyness, Misalignment, and the Modern Burnout Crisis
In today’s “always-on”, individual success is often measured not by meaning, but by busyness—the kind of restless activity that looks productive on the surface. Across many industries and geographies, professionals are conditioned to optimize, perform, and self-regulate, keeping the engine running regardless of where it might be headed.
Yet beneath this tireless productivity, a quiet misalignment often grows. The drive to meet expectations—career advancement, status, or the approval of others—can slowly disconnect our daily actions from any internal source of fulfillment. Over time, purpose falls out of sync with effort, and the meaning behind our work fades away. This is fertile ground for burnout: a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion rooted not just in overwork, but in a gap between what we do and what we actually believe in.
Philosophers like Byung-Chul Han and Heidegger have described this as a modern tragedy—action becomes unmoored from intention, leaving work that is hollow and exhausting. Psychologist Mark Travers calls this “misalignment burnout": the emotional fatigue that arises when we’re driven by external rewards (money, status, other people’s expectations) rather than our inner values.
Recognizing the Signs
Burnout rarely arrives all at once. It builds slowly, marked by warning signs: exhaustion that lingers after rest, dwindling motivation, cynicism, or feeling that your work no longer matters. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone: recent studies show that a majority of employees worldwide experience burnout symptoms at least occasionally, and the prevalence is still rising.
Practical Steps for Recovery
How can you start to recover? Here’s a step-by-step approach rooted in current research and clinical guidance:
✅ Recognize and accept the symptoms: don’t ignore or minimize how you feel; acknowledge the emotional, physical, or mental exhaustion before it becomes overwhelming.
✅ Take immediate breaks from stressors: give yourself permission to pause : delegate, set boundaries, or take time off to reset. Even short breaks can disrupt the cycle of stress and allow your mind to recover.
✅ Prioritize self-care: Focus on the basics- quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular movement, and restorative activities. Treat self-care not as essential maintenance.
✅ Gain clarity and realign with your values: reflect on the sources of misalignment in your work or life. What tasks or roles no longer fit your vision of the world/values/beliefs? Adjust your goals, responsibilities, or environment—small changes can make a big difference.
✅ Set clear boundaries: protect your time and energy intentionally. Say “no” more often, limit after-hours communication.
✅ Reach out for support: connect with mental health professionals, trusted friends, or mentors. Support systems are vital for processing stress and regaining perspective.
The Path Forward
Recovery from burnout begins with honesty about where misalignment has crept in. When effort is once again guided by intention, there’s a renewed sense of direction - and with it, the possibility of sustainable well-being and professional satisfaction.
Email: sandrine.gelin@glshift.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sandrinelamrani
Make an appointment: https://www.glshift.com/book-online
Web Site: www.glshift.com
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