August 24, 2023

Last year the American Psychological Association released an article about the epidemic of “burnout” being experienced in the U.S. The article titled, “Burnout and Stress are Everywhere”, had some concerning statistics.

“…According to APA’s 2021 Work and Well-being Survey of 1,501 U.S. adult workers, 79% of employees had experienced work-related stress in the month before the survey. Nearly 3 in 5 employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, including lack of interest, motivation, or energy (26%) and lack of effort at work (19%). Meanwhile, 36% reported cognitive weariness, 32% reported emotional exhaustion, and an astounding 44% reported physical fatigue—a 38% increase since 2019.”

Maybe you can identify. Over the last few years, I’ve had different people come up to me and say, “Pastor I just don’t know what’s wrong with me…I don’t have the drive or the passion that I used to.” Others will say, “Pastor I can’t find that motivation and fire that I used to have for my business and my goals. Can you help?”

"When you look at many people who are successful, you will find they aren’t the people who are motivated, but have consistency in their motivation."
— Arsène Wenger

While there are many factors that can lead to lack of motivation and burnout, I want to look at this problem a little differently. Instead of finding some new thing that will light your fire, let’s look for the things that can be putting that fire out.

My dear friend, Bobb Biehl says that each of us are highly motivated naturally, but life has 5 “demotivators” that will take the wind out of our sails if we allow them to. Legendary Leaders recognize these “demotivators,” eliminate them, and begin to find the fun and the fire in their work again.

Let’s look at some of these “demotivators” Bobb talks about and closely examine our life to see if they are sabotaging our drive:

1. If you are not operating in your top 3 strength areas today, you will experience major “demotivation.” - What are your three greatest strengths, talents, or abilities? What do people compliment you on? What subjects did you get good grades on? If you are forced to operate in your weaknesses all the time, you will dread going to work, you will have a lack of creativity, and you will be sure to experience burnout. “Hide not your talents, they for use were made, What's a sundial in the shade?” ― Benjamin Franklin.
2. If you have 1 - 3 decisions you know you need to make, but have continued to put off, you will experience major “demotivation.” Much of the stress we experience comes from indecision. Look closely at your work environment, your home life, and relationships. See if there are any hidden, unmade decisions, that could be short circuiting your drive.
3. 3. If you have too large of a “TO DO List,” you will experience major “demotivation.” Being overwhelmed and focused on too many things is a recipe for burnout. If you could only do 3 measurable things in the next month, what would be the number 1 priority?

Begin to remove these 3 “demotivators” and watch your natural motivation return! Next week we will look at the final 2.

Book Recommendation:
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

God is for You,
Pastor David Blunt